Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience. George Douglas 05 - (Getting to know Cathy) The rest of the day was uneventful. David's client was satisfied with his work and was willing to let him continue with the defence. Aisha felt happy with her new position, although she wasn't let into the company secret - the real owners had said that since the business side was so small only George was required at meetings, unlike Robert's section which was so large it was almost two sections itself. George had separate meetings with both David and John and found they were happy with the new set-up. They both liked Aisha and felt they could work with her. George found that Helen had written up a report on the changes in the section, along with a request for advertising the vacant position. George also found a transcript of his meeting with Frank including a subscript reporting Frank's contacting another partnership for employment. Before George left that evening the red phone rang, he answered it - Veronica's voice spoke. "Good evening George. I understand you're going to Robert's barbecue on Sunday?" she asked. George said that he was and that he was taking Sandra as well as Cathy with him. "Good, Sandra needs to meet Robert; I want him to assess her potential." This puzzled George slightly. "Her potential for what exactly?" he asked. Veronica laughed. "Why to work for the partnership of course!" George shook his head. "I don't think that's a good idea!" he told Veronica. "But George, since she's going to marry you it makes sense that she should work for our partnership doesn't it?" She tried to reason with him but George was ready for that. "Not really for two reasons. Firstly. She would have to know that you were with us - and I don't think you want that just yet, and secondly I've already promoted Aisha Halque as my second in command. Sandra is well established with her current partnership. I don't think it's fair to her to take a lower position here, do you?" Veronica was silent for a few minutes as she took this in. Then she finally said: "You're right of course, George; I suppose I was just trying to interfere in her life again. I should learn to keep my nose out of it!" She sounded dejected. "No Veronica, not at all. Look why don't you come to Robert's barbecue as well. If you meet up with Sandra you might just get back together?" he said "I don't think so George, I'm afraid we're both stubborn in our ways! Very well then we'll advertise the position and see who applies. Have fun at the barbecue George, goodbye." Veronica hung up the phone leaving George looking at the handset thoughtfully. ----------------- When George arrived home that night he found that Cathy had set the table ready for dinner, but noticed that she had only set two places. He looked at her. "Aren't you forgetting someone?" He asked her she shook her head. "No Dad," she said, "I've already eaten, but I thought you and mum would want to be alone for tonight." He smiled remembering the first time he brought Sandra back home, "I suppose you'll be listening at the door again?" he asked his daughter who blushed and then said, "Of course not! I've got homework to do." She explained, "The quicker I get it done then I won't have to think about it all weekend, so I can go shopping with Mum and not feel guilty!" She was smiling as she said this. "Well how long before everything's ready?" George asked her, he was getting slightly hungry. "In a few minutes! Mum phoned about half-an-hour ago to say that Chris had just been picked up and that she was just packing a few things." Cathy told him, "I told her she didn't need to pack anything just to turn up!" George looked at her she was smiling sweetly, but the image he was seeing was a naked Sandra just entering the room. He shook his head to dispel the vision. "I don't think that would be a good idea, do you?" He asked his daughter also smiling. "That's what mum said, but she was laughing when she said it." Cathy said her voice bubbling over with her laughter, "I've made the bed up in the spare bedroom, but I don't know if mum's going to be using it." She added coyly. "That was very nice of you," George said, "I'm sure she'll appreciate it." He would have said more but then the sound of a car pulling up outside the house dragged Cathy to the window. She turned to look at George. "Mum's here now dad." George noticed how his heart had started to beat faster when Cathy ran from the room to open the front door. --------------------------------- Sandra smiled at the girl who opened the door. Cathy stood there smiling and then said. "Welcome Mrs. Henderson, to our humble abode." And she made a perfect curtsy as she said that. "Oh Cathy there's no need for that." Sandra told the young girl laughing away, "All you have to do is to kiss my feet!" she added. "Certainly madam!" Cathy replied and started to sink to her knees. "Hold it right there young lady." Sandra said stopping Cathy in mid bow. "You don't have to do that at all!", Cathy looked at her with her eyes wide, "But mother that's what you told me to do, and as a dutiful daughter I should always obey my mother. Shouldn't I?" she said that with such an innocent expression that Sandra couldn't help it. She gathered up the girl and hugged her closely. "Oh Cathy I can't wait for you to be my daughter, but what would your mother think of me?" Sandra asked the girl who looked back at her with unblinking eyes, "But Mummy Sandra I'm sure that my mummy doesn't mind! I think that if she really didn't like you she would have done something by now!" The tone in Cathy's voice told Sandra that she honestly believed that herself, and who was she to dash a young girl's thoughts and dreams? "Cathy I do hope you're right, I'd hate to do anything to come between your mother and you." Sandra told the girl in her arms who, if anything, hugged her tighter. "You'd never do that! But I think Daddy is waiting for you. And I've got homework to do." She pulled herself reluctantly from Sandra and quickly took the small suitcase that Sandra had put down on the ground, "Daddy's in the Dining room, and I'll put this upstairs for you." Cathy said as she carried the case indoors. Sandra made her way to the now familiar room and found George waiting for her. She smiled at him, approached and kissed him warmly. Cathy quickly left the bedroom where she had left Sandra's case and returned downstairs. She looked into the dining room from behind the door and watched her father and Sandra kissing each other. She then looked up into the air as if looking for something. "I'm sorry mummy, but I do like Sandra and Nan says you won't be angry at me for doing this!" she said as a silent prayer. She felt a warmth that seemed to engulf her, this quickly dissipated. "Thank you Mummy, I do still love you and Michael. But I think that Sandra and Chris need some love as well!" She smiled at the air and then went into the room. Cathy smiled at her new mother and her father as she entered the dining room. Sandra looked at her. "So you're not having dinner with us I hear." Sandra said to the young girl. "No mummy, I've already eaten. And I think it's better for you and Daddy to be together today `cause I've got you tomorrow," the laughing Cathy told her. "And what do you plan for tomorrow?" asked Sandra, although she already knew and had made arrangements. "Oh, just the normal things that a mother and daughter should do. Spending daddy's money!" the girl said going up to Sandra and hugging her, Cathy raised her eyes to look at Sandra, "You don't mind do you?" she asked. "Of course I don't mind. I've never had the chance to take my daughter out shopping before. I'm not sure if I can remember how I'm supposed to do it." Cathy laughed at Sandra's words. "That's okay mummy. We can learn together." Cathy said brightly. "At my expense I suppose?" George said sounding gruff. "Of course Daddy, who else is going to pay for me?" Cathy asked innocently, causing everyone to laugh. Cathy showed Sandra where all the food was and then said her goodnight, although the evening was still young. She went to her bedroom and got out her schoolbooks and started her homework, but for some reason she couldn't really concentrate on the work. Eventually she finished off all the assignments she had and was satisfied that they were done correctly. She undressed and got ready for bed - the time being quite late, she heard movement in her father's bedroom and smiled to herself, she hoped that Sandra had found the suitcase. Cathy had ensured that it was safe in there. --------------- The dinner was better than Sandra could have thought of especially when it was cooked by such a young girl. "She's very good at this isn't she?" George was saying to her. Sandra nodded "I'm going to be a disappointment to you I know." At his look she indicated the meal, "I'll never be as good as this!" "Well I'm sure she'll give you lessons." George said, laughing at the look on Sandra's face, "She's eager to please you, you know." "I don't want to pressure her. I'm scared of frightening her away from me." Sandra's face was moist with tears. George got up from his seat and went to her side, holding her close to him. "I don't think you'd ever do that! She's really fond of you." George wiped her tears with his napkin. "But why, I mean I'm just pushing into her life. Taking over your affections from Rachael and Michael! I'm an interloper." She started to cry again. "But you're not, are you." George insisted, "Cathy knew about you before I did, she was the one who invited you into our lives. You didn't push your way in. I love you as much as I loved Rachael and Michael, and as much as I love Cathy. I haven't changed my feelings, I've expanded them to include you and Christopher," he told her, holding her tight, listening to her sobs as his words penetrated her pain. She pulled back slightly and looked at him, "You really mean that?" she asked him. He nodded "I do! There's nothing to say that we only have so much love to use is there?" Sandra shook her head. "There you are then, now are you going to stop crying and enjoy the meal our daughter has made for us?" He emphasised the OUR part of his statement which made Sandra smile at him, her tears stopping as she realised that he was serious. Once he was satisfied that Sandra was all right George went back to his plate and continued eating, savouring the meal and the sight before his eyes. Sandra smiled at him and also started to eat her meal, thinking that Cathy was going to be busy teaching her how to cook this well. Once the meal was finished they both went to the kitchen to start the washing up, George had never bothered to buy a dishwasher machine, as he couldn't see the point. Luckily for them both Cathy had already started to soak the pot and pans, all they needed was to be rinsed over and then wiped dry. Their plates and crockery were cleaned, dried and put away in short order. George escorted Sandra to the living room. As she passed a mirror she saw her face and the way her make-up had been affected by her tears. "Oh George. I look a mess! I'm just going to fix my face." And she went up to the bedroom, she'd found out where the spare room was during an earlier excursion to George's. But when she got to the bedroom she found her suitcase was missing. At first she thought that Cathy was playing a trick with her, but then decided that the young girl wouldn't do that to her. Then, acting on a hunch, she looked in the master bedroom. There on a side table was the suitcase, opened. And on the bed she found her night-dress with the arm of George's pyjamas top underneath it as if embracing it. She quickly repaired the damage to her make-up and returned to George who was standing in the living room waiting for her. He saw the smile on her face and started to put 2 and 2 together. "What's she done this time?" George asked. Sandra shook her head. "It seems that the spare bedroom is not good enough for me! I'm supposed to share a room with someone." At George's raised eyebrow she laughed, "You don't mind sharing with me do you?" "Not at all, but I must have a word with Cathy about being subtle about things!" George said laughing with Sandra --------------------------------- The rest of the evening went so fast that they found themselves yawning at the same time. George had already extended the invitation to the barbecue, which Sandra had accepted. They made their way up to George's bedroom. George looked at the bed with the clothes intertwined and laughed. Sandra looked at them and frowned, this time both arms of George's pyjamas were around the waist of the night-dress - She didn't think that Cathy could have gone to the bedroom without either of them hearing her, but she didn't make a comment. "Looks like someone has made up their mind about us then." George quipped and Sandra nodded with his joke. ------------------------------------ Sandra then said, "Since our clothes seem to like each other so much let leave them to their own devices" George agreed with her suggestion and then reached out to her, "Let me help you." He said as he started to undo the buttons on her blouse. Sandra found herself giggling like a young girl but then her hands started to move as if by their own volition to his shirt buttons. They quickly divested each other of their clothes and fell naked onto the bed, touching and caressing each other. Sandra looked at George and smiled. She was going to do something that she'd never tried before. Her hand cupped his balls, gently holding them. Then her head lowered to his erect cock. George felt her breath on his skin. and then the warmth of her mouth was surrounding his cock, her tongue was licking the underside of the stalk. "Oh! Good god Sandra. Where did you learn to do that?" George asked her. "Ooed bled abit." She tried to say and then pulled her head back, "I read about it in a book once and never had the nerve to try it before." and then she resumed her ministrations. George just laid back and let Sandra get on with her mouth, after a few moments she could feel his ballsack tightening and then her mouth was inundated with Georges' emissions which she valiantly swallowed. She raised her head up and smiled at George, "That was different. Bit salty but different!" she told him. He pulled her up until she was lying next to him. "Thank you for that, I didn't think I'd be able to hold myself in for you." he said, "But I'll need a few minutes to rest before I'm able to perform for you." he said smiling and rubbing his hands over the top of her body, concentrating on her breasts. "You know Sandra, I keep thinking that there's something I should be doing first." "If you mean foreplay don't bother! I'm already too excited!" Sandra replied. George shook his head, "No, it's not that, well I mean its part of that. Oh I know what's wrong! I haven't put a condom on!" Sandra burst out laughing, "Why do you need one? I'm already pregnant and it's not as if we've got anything nasty. So what's the problem?" she asked him. George smiled at her and moved his body so that he was over her. "Nothing at all darling." And he started to kiss her lips while moving his head down to her neck. In the meantime his hands were caressing her breasts, feeling them harden beneath his touch. As his head moved even lower he heard Sandra breath hiss as his mouth fastened onto her breast like a child suckling for milk. To Sandra the sensation, although not new, was different. She knew it wasn't due to her condition - her body wasn't yet that far along for any changes. But it was as if all her sensations were heightened and George knew where exactly to press, pull or suck to bring out her feelings. George looked at Sandra's face seeing the ecstasy as he moved his hands down her body, he found that she was already dripping. He smiled up at her face with her unseeing eyes, and then he moved his hands away as he positioned himself. "Nooo George, don't leave me like this!" She moaned and arched her back trying to regain his hands. Then she gasped as he entered her waiting pussy. Without the insulation of the condom her pussy walls felt exquisite. "Oh god that's wonderful." Sandra called out in her pleasure as she felt him penetrate her fully. eShe reached up and tried to pull him deeper inside her while he tried to gently work on her. "Harder dammit! Harder." She panted into his face but he just smiled and eased off slightly. He could feel her climax rising and as soon as she approached it he slowed down letting her cool down before he started to build her up. Watching her body react to the stimulation; allowing her to drop back before mounting an all out assault that took her over the top. "Oohh God George. Oh God, Oh God, Oh Godddd!" She exclaimed as the most intense feeling washed over her as she felt George cum inside her for the first time since they had been together. The feeling were too much for her as she fainted away with the pleasure. George waited a few minutes before withdrawing from Sandra, he could see her breathing and so he wasn't too concerned. It had been many years since he had last tried that. Rachael had taught him how to intensify the feelings in a partner and he was glad to find out that he hadn't lost the knack. He pulled the covers up and settled beside Sandra and fell asleep. Later that night Sandra woke up suddenly. She felt that she was being watched by somebody, she looked at the bedside table and saw a picture of Rachael. The light seemed to focus on the picture making it seem almost real. In Sandra's half sleepy state she could have sworn that the picture moved, the head seemed to nod in happy encouragement. Sandra settled down to return to sleep. ------------------------ Cathy was awake early that next day. She was so excited thinking about the day ahead. She quickly got up went to the bathroom and washed; she almost ran back to her bedroom and got dressed. She went downstairs to the kitchen and started to boil the kettle. Her dad preferred coffee in the morning, but she wasn't sure what Sandra would like. She decided to make coffee for her as well. While waiting for the kettle she made up a tray to take with her, making sure that there was sugar as well as sweeteners as she wasn't sure what Sandra took. `I've really got to find out' she thought to herself. When the kettle had boiled she poured out the water into the cups and added milk, the hot cups she now placed on the tray and then carried the load up to her father's bedroom. She knocked on the door, waiting for either her father or `mother' to answer; there was a scrabbling noise before "Yes Cathy?" could be heard from her father. She opened the door and walked in, her nose smelling a strange scent in the air, but she had decided not to say anything when she went into the room - she didn't want to embarrass her father by saying the wrong thing. "Good morning cabbage." George greeted his daughter, it had been some time since she brought him coffee in bed, but then it was the first time that Sandra had stayed overnight. He nudged Sandra who was still sleeping, she responded sleepily. "Not again please George, I need some sleep!" This caused Cathy to giggle. Sandra opened her eyes to look at the girl, "It's too early, come back in an hour," she told the girl. "Oh no it isn't! And you're taking me shopping in an hour's time." Cathy's voice broke through Sandra's sleepy head and she raised herself up - forgetting that she wasn't wearing her night-dress. "I won't be ready in an hour. I need to wake up first!" then she noticed Cathy giggling at her. She looked down at her body and decided that since George had already seen her like that it was no hardship to let Cathy see her either. "If you're going to enter a bedroom you're going to expect to see something!" Sandra said to the girl but she was smiling as she said it. "I'm sorry mummy. I hope you didn't mind my leaving your suitcase in here last night?" Cathy said still looking at Sandra. "I didn't mind at all my darling daughter; I just hope that you'll put up with me." Cathy put the tray down on the bedside table and went up to Sandra. "Oh mummy, I don't want you to ever leave us." Cathy said as she hugged Sandra. Sandra looked at George who shrugged his shoulders. "It looks like you're staying with us then." He told her. Sandra just smiled at him. After a while Cathy drew away from Sandra, she looked slightly worried. "I'm sorry mummy I'm being such a fool. I don't know why." She said. Sandra shook her head. "You're not being foolish, you're showing just how you feel. Now if you'll pass me a cup of coffee I'll just drink that and then I'll get ready." Happily Cathy took the cup from the tray and passed it over to Sandra. Cathy noticed that Sandra seemed to stare at the table as if looking for something then her eyes moved to the dressing table where a photograph of Rachael was displayed. "Young lady, if you want us to get up and dressed I suggest you leave this bedroom." George told his daughter. When she didn't move he resorted to dirty tricks. "If you don't then I'm afraid your shopping trip is off." "Meany!" she said poking her tongue out at George, but when he lunged towards her she ran out of the room, carefully closing the door. George looked at Sandra who was sipping her coffee, "Good morning my love and how are you?" He asked her. "Tired, you old goat!" She said but the smile on her face belied the words, "I hope you don't expect every night to be like that?" "Oh no, not every night, I mean in a few months you won't want my attentions will you?" he said moving his hands over her stomach, she put her coffee down on the tray and then held his hands in position. "That's not true! I'll always love having your attentions but will you want to look after me when I'm bloated like a whale?" she said softly, George moved behind her and nuzzled her neck. "I'll always be here for you. But if we don't make a move Cathy's going to be in here again to motivate us." George gently said. Sandra agreed with him and retrieved her cup from the table she quickly drank down the remaining coffee and returned the cup to the tray. She looked quickly to see where the photograph was but it seemed to be missing. She picked up her nightdress and threw it on as she went to the bathroom. George lay back in the bed and contemplated his new life. Sandra seemed to fit in naturally with Cathy, and she certainly seemed to fill a hole that was in his. He looked at the picture of Rachael on the dressing table. He realised that what he told Sandra was true - he loved her as much as he loved Rachael and Michael - he wasn't looking to replace his lost half but Cathy had found her for him anyway. The sound of the bathroom door opening interrupted his melancholy musings; he forced a smile onto his face and quickly got up, donned his pyjama bottoms and exchanged places with Sandra. Sandra went through her suitcase picking out the clothes that she was going to wear, she was slightly apprehensive about shopping with Cathy. But then she used to enjoy shopping with her mother, if only . . . No it was pointless dreaming, the bridges had been burnt and she didn't even know how to contact her - or even if she was still alive. When George came out shaved and washed he found that Sandra was already dressed. He quickly dressed in casual clothes - he wasn't going with them as he had work to do in the garden, and the pair of them went into the kitchen where Cathy was working hard on the breakfast. --------------------------------- Over the breakfast Cathy and Sandra discussed where they were going to shop and what they were going to buy. George reminded them that they were invited to the barbecue the next day and that Cathy might want a dress instead of jeans that she normally wore. "But Dad, Jeans go with anything." Cathy said. George shook his head. "They don't go with senior partners!" He told Cathy, "I want to present my young daughter not a tom-boy." "Don't worry Cathy; I'm sure we'll find something." Sandra told the disappointed girl. "Oh yes that did remind me. I don't want you to pester Sandra for money." George told his daughter, at her indignant look he laughed, "I meant to give you this yesterday but I forgot." He handed her a purse, when she opened it she found over £100 and a credit card in her name. She jumped up and hugged him. "The card is linked to my account but you have a limit on it so don't go too mad," he said when he got his breath back. "Thank you Daddy, Thank you, thank you!" Cathy exclaimed and she took the card out to examine it. "Don't forget to sign on the back or else they won't take it," he told her, handing her a pen. Cathy quickly took it and scrawled her name on the card; she showed it to Sandra. "I won't need to waste your money mummy, Daddy's given me this to use!" She was so excited - her own credit card to use. She was still bubbling over when they left the house to drive to the train station. Sandra had promised Cathy that she take her to London for the shopping trip, they already had a list of stores that they were going to go to, most in Oxford Street, a few in Regent Street and of course they had to try Harrods in Knightsbridge. ------------------------------------------ When they arrived at Victoria Station Cathy was wide eyed, this was the first time she'd been to London without her father and it was slightly frightening. Sandra grabbed hold of her hand and they walked to the outside where taxis were waiting for fares. "Where to ladies?" The cabby asked. Sandra looked at Cathy and smiled she turned back to the driver and then said. "Oxford Street, Selfridges please." The cabby nodded his head towards the rear of the cab. "Hop in and we'll be on the way." He said pressing buttons on his display unit, 2 adults no luggage. Cathy was going to shout that she was still a child but Sandra stopped her. She didn't mind paying more for her `daughter' The taxi pulled up outside the store and Sandra paid the cabby before she and Cathy ran across the pavement to the revolving doors. Cathy looked at the shop floor with the perfumery departments and just stopped she looked at Sandra wide-eyed. "Where are we going first?" She asked. Sandra just smiled and pulled her to the escalators and the two went up to the second floor. Sandra knew exactly where she was heading as she'd already made the arrangements beforehand. They arrived at a desk labelled `Personal shopping'. The woman behind the desk looked up. "Good morning how may I help you?" she asked. A badge on her blouse said her name was `Amanda' "Good morning Amanda, I'm Sandra Henderson." At her name Amanda started to type in onto her computer keyboard. "Ah yes Mrs. Henderson, and this must be your daughter Cathy?", enquired Amanda, Cathy nodded her head. "Yes I am!" she said smiling and holding onto Sandra's arm. Amanda smiled at her thinking how nice to see a polite child instead of the loud-mouthed brats that they normally dealt with. "Great! Now Sally will be with you in a minute, I understand you're after clothes for your daughter. We'll need to know how much you want to spend in total and how you're going to pay." Sandra was about to produce her card when Cathy beat her to it. "Here mummy let me pay." And then she looked uncertain, she turned to Sandra and then said, "How much?", Sandra laughed. "I don't think we'll be exceeding your card's limit, but shall we say £800?" she turned to Amanda who noticed the look on Cathy's face "Mummy!" Hissed Cathy, "I don't think that I can afford that!" the girl was worried, Sandra just patted her hand. "Don't worry darling, your father knows that you need proper clothes, now just enjoy yourself." Just then another woman, she was still a teenager, entered the area and was introduced as Sally. "Good morning Mrs. Henderson and this is Cathy?" Sally asked when both nodded she continued, "Good, shall we go to the café and have a brief talk before we get started. I just need to know what you're after and then I can make suggestions from there." They went to the Lab Café, which was on the same floor, and Sally brought over a tray of coffee for Sandra and a Coke for both Cathy and herself. "I'm not really supposed to have this, but you won't tell will you?" she confided to the two who assured them of their silence. "Now, from what you told us, your daughter needs a full wardrobe, I'll need sizes of course, and also your bra size. . ." There was a sudden silence as Cathy blushed and looked at Sandra shaking her head slightly. "Is there a problem?" Sally looked around to ensure that there was nobody nearby, "It's all us girls together you know." Cathy swallowed slightly before answering, "It's just that Dad never liked to talk about my body and Nan always felt that I was too young, and I've never, I mean I haven't" Sally nodded in understanding. "So we're be getting you your first bra," She looked at the girl as if measuring her, "I think a nice frilly one for occasions and several plain ones for school, do you have a favourite colour?" "Pale Blue, or Pink but why. . ." Cathy said in a low voice. "It's always better to have your favourite colour as a pretty bra, even if your boyfriend can't see it, you do have a boyfriend don't you?" Sally said enquiringly "No I don't yet!" Cathy said in a small voice as if ashamed. "Don't worry a pretty girl like you will soon have them flocking round you!" Sally said smiling at her, then she looked at Sandra, "If you don't mind my asking why haven't you . . ." She broke off her question, "I'm sorry I shouldn't ask that." Sandra took her hand to reassure her, "It's alright Sally, Cathy will be my step-daughter when I marry her father." "Ah I see, I think? When's the wedding? Just wondering if we should be thinking of bridesmaids dress for Cathy?" Sally asked, but both Sandra and Cathy shook their heads. "Not just yet." Sandra said. The next couple of hours went by in a blur. As Cathy was taken through department after department all to provide her with the nicest clothes that she'd ever worn let alone seen before, her favourite was a pretty party dress which she knew she had to wear to the barbecue the next day. Cathy looked at all the clothing that Sally had sorted out for her and she couldn't believe it. Sandra was watching her face as the total was worked out. "Oh mum I don't think I can spend that much." She whispered to Sandra "Don't worry about it, if your father complains then I'll make it up. Now which clothes do we take and which can be delivered?" Sandra said looking at Cathy. "Well I'd want the party dress and the jeans and the blouses and the. . ." Cathy started "Whoa there! If you carry on we're going to be overloaded, lets just take the party dress and some underwear and let the rest be delivered." Sandra said reasonably. "Okay mummy," Cathy said her eyes lingering over the rest of the clothes, Sandra hugged her. "You wouldn't be able to wear them all at the same time would you?" She asked and Cathy smiled "Maybe not, but it would be nice to have tried." She said wistfully Sandra smiled and hugged her. "Come on daughter! There's more shops needing pillaging!" they laughing took several bags of clothes and left the rest for Sally, who they both gratefully thanked, and some assistants to pack away and send on. Once leaving Selfridges they turned left and walked pass the Bond Street tube station and then Sandra found herself being dragged across the road into HMV - where the loud music was a magnet to Cathy who turned to look at Sandra, Sandra recognised the look in her eyes. "Okay then but not for long, we've got more stuff to buy." Sandra told the pleading girl who then dragged her upstairs to the CD section. Sandra shook her head at the noise but managed to keep her sanity as Cathy picked up several albums and then paid for them with her card. Once outside and able to hear properly again, Sandra asked Cathy how much she'd spent. Guiltily the girl replied, "Nearly £100, but I only got 8 CD's and a couple of those were doubles." Sandra shook her head slowly, Cathy had almost panicked when spending money on clothes, but CD's were a different thing altogether, she could remember a time when she was like that, she smiled at the young girl and took her hand and the two continued on their shopping quest. -------------------------------- George was dozing in his chair in front of the television, he'd had a busy day in the garden, pulling up weeds and mowing the grass. H was slightly worried about what he had told Sandra regarding his love for her and Chris, he knew he was right in what he said, but he still thought that he was sacrificing his love for Rachael and Michael. As always when he had a quandary over his conscience he would dream about talking it over with Rachael and now was no different. In his dream he was still sitting in the chair, but now Rachael was watching him from the settee, a warm smile on her face. It was strange but she was never unhappy with whatever it was he talked about. "I don't know what to say." He began, "I know that I still love and miss you both, but Cathy needs a woman's guidance, and she was the one to bring us together." He didn't say Sandra's name as they both knew who it was he was talking about. "George we knew that we'd never be together forever, and I'm sure I don't expect you to remain alone with Cathy, you need someone to take care of you. Cathy can't be expected to remain at home all her life to look after you can she?" the smile on Rachael's face broadened, "Besides when the twins are born you're going to have your hands full!" George laughed at that `Twins!' where on earth did that come from? But he stayed with the conversation. "But I feel that I am betraying your trust, I mean you've barely gone from me and here I am proposing to a person I've only known for a couple of months!" he was almost daring his subconscious to agree with him. "George that's nonsense and you know it!" Rachael said with a laugh, "Sandra is a good woman who has a son. They both need your support now and even more in a months time when . . ." She shook her head, "I'm sorry I'm not supposed to tell you. But you will also be proud of our daughter very soon!" He tried to ask her what she meant but only met silence, and then she got up from the settee and approached him. "It's time to let go of me George, you now have another support in Sandra with whom you're going to have a long and happy life. But I'll be around when you need me, goodbye George I love you." And she seemed to fade away as she got nearer to him. George reached out and then woke up, he felt refreshed and strangely happy - as if a weight had been removed from his mind. As he prepared the oven - to Cathy's instructions - he remembered what his dream had said about Sandra's children `Twins! I wonder if I'm going mad?' he chuckled to himself. ----------------------------- When Cathy and Sandra returned home the car the boot was full of carrier bags. George was almost swamped as he helped them with the goods. "I hope you've left me some money to spend," he jokingly moaned as Cathy and Sandra both flopped down into comfortable chairs. Cathy shook her head. "I'm sorry daddy, but I think mummy went slightly mad, she took me to all the shops in London and we had to buy something from each one." She didn't meet his eyes when she added, "And the rest will be delivered next week!" George looked at Sandra who smiled and nodded her head "I'm afraid so George, but don't worry. You're only going to need a second mortgage!" she added with a smile. George sighed, "Well I suppose you don't need your weekly pocket money then, I'll just keep hold of it until you've paid me back for all this!" He said to Cathy indicating the bags still lying on the floor. Cathy dragged herself up from the chair and exaggeratedly weaved her way to him, before sitting on his lap. "Thank you daddy, I knew you'd work something out," and then she whispered to him, "Mummy got me some bras, she thought I'd need them." This caused George to blush - he always got embarrassed when Cathy spoke about underwear. Then Cathy looked at George, "You did remember to turn on the oven Dad?" she asked him. George looked blank for a moment and then struck his forehead with the palm of his hand. "Oh Dad - really!" She got up and ran off to the kitchen. Sandra looked at George who smiled. "Oh yes! The oven I did turn it on." he told her just as Cathy returned and stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips and shaking her head, George looked innocently at her and then he laughed at her holding out his hands. "Sorry cabbage, but I did remember the oven after all." He said as she walked to him. She didn't know whether to hug him or hit him, but she decided to hug him instead. "I don't know why I believe you at times." She told him as she kissed him, "Thank you daddy, but I'm sooo tired." Sandra agreed with her, although the shopping trip was exciting it also tired her out, she didn't know what she was going to do after dinner, if she could actually eat all the dinner or fall asleep instead. Cathy looked at Sandra and saw her eyes drooping, "Come on mummy you can help me with the food." She grabbed hold of Sandra's hands and dragged her into the kitchen. Sandra was bedazzled with the way that Cathy took herself so seriously in the kitchen, overseeing all the action as a head chef in a top London restaurant. "Daddy did turn on the oven so the food is cooking properly, but we need something special for dessert." She rummaged in the fridge and brought out a trifle without custard and cream topping. She looked triumphantly at Sandra. "I prepared this yesterday, I hoped the jelly would have set by now." She touched the top of the jelly and watched it wobble with its normal elasticity. Cathy then brought out a tin of custard powder and milk and then a milk saucepan and quickly made up a thick mixture she looked at Sandra and explained. "Normally daddy likes runny custard but for a trifle you have to have a heavy, thick custard - more of a blancmange than anything. But you also need. . ." She drove back into the fridge and produced some whipping cream. "To beat this up into a nice thick consistency." She started to pour the cream into a jug and handing it to Sandra along with a whisk. Sandra looked at the implement slightly puzzled before looking back at Cathy, "How do you turn it on?" She said with a smirk on her face watching Cathy as she looked up and was about to say `there's no switch on a hand whisk." Before the girl realised that she was being kidded again. "You know mummy, you're going to get on so well with daddy!" Cathy finally said as Sandra started to move the whisk quickly. ----------------- The dinner was quickly eaten and the trifle was partially demolished and the three of them retired to bed, Cathy to her own room and Sandra still sharing with George, although they were so tired that nothing happened that night except for sleep. George did chuckle that night at the thought of twins. The next day they had a lie in, still feeling lethargic after the previous day and so it wasn't until after 10 a.m. that Cathy arose and quickly dressed before checking on her father's bedroom. The room was in darkness and quiet breathing could be heard from the bed. Cathy went downstairs to the kitchen and started to prepare breakfast - or really Brunch. Bacon, Eggs mushrooms and sausages. All quickly prepared - sunny side down eggs, Cathy never believed they were cooked properly otherwise and George had learnt to accept this. The food was shared out onto three plates, and cups of coffee added to the mix, which was all placed onto a tray and Cathy made her way back to her father's bedroom. She knocked on the door, this time remembering what had happened the previous day Sandra managed to be wearing her nightdress, and George his pyjama bottoms, when Cathy entered the room. "Good morning Mummy, Daddy." She greeted them both, placing the tray onto the bedside table and then opening the curtains allowing the daylight to flood into the room. Sandra looked at the tray in Cathy's hands and the food contained on it, "I'm sorry George but I've said it before, I'll never be as good as you are Cathy." She quickly helped the girl with the plates and cutlery. Soon the Brunch was finished and George started to get another feeling. "Uhm Cathy, would you mind taking the plates back downstairs, we'll be with you in a few minutes." He said to her, Cathy's eyes twinkled. "A few minutes dad, shouldn't you last longer than that?" she asked cheekily getting up but was too slow for her father who managed to swat her backside. "For your information young lady I want to get dressed and I'm sure that Sandra does as well." He looked to Sandra who shook her head and licked her lips; he looked at her again and cocked his head before turning back to Cathy. "Okay then we'll be down in half an hour okay?" "Okay daddy, have fun!" his daughter said as she left the room. "And close the door!" George shouted out to her departing back. ---------------------------- When Sandra and George finally arrived in the kitchen they found Cathy reading the newspaper. The kitchen was spotless once more. Sandra just looked around in amazement. "Cathy I don't believe it!" She exclaimed, "I was expecting to have to help you with the washing up, or at least with cleaning the units." Cathy laughed as she looked up, "Why mummy? Daddy never thought of helping me." She said looking at George. "I did once, but when I broke a glass she threw me out of the kitchen." George told Sandra and then added, "I'm glad I thought of that it kept me out of the kitchen since." Sandra laughed at Cathy's face and then she sobered. "Don't tell Chris that. I've always had a problem with him helping me, if he knows that trick I'd be without cups in a week." "Don't worry darling, I'll keep it quiet. You don't think I want everyone to know my secrets." George told her nuzzling her neck. "DADDY! Didn't you have enough of that upstairs?" Cathy said indignantly George just looked at his daughter, "No!" was his only answer and he kissed Sandra again. Cathy just sighed and returned her attention to the paper, while Sandra and George just laughed at her. -------------- The hour of the barbecue approached and George noticed that Cathy wasn't yet ready. She was wearing faded jeans and a tee-shirt, she notice George's look. "Don't worry daddy. I've got my dress upstairs." And then she looked away, Sandra noticed her look and went up to her. "What's wrong?" She whispered Cathy bit her lip and looked to see if George was listening. "I don't think I can wear that dress, it's not me." She said quietly. "But you look beautiful in it! What's wrong with it?" "It's a nice dress, but I'm not right for it, it needs a pretty girl to wear it!" Cathy sobbed. This surprised Sandra; Cathy had never seemed insecure before. She turned to George and mouthed `leave us for a moment'. Which he did without a word. "Now Cathy what's wrong with the dress?" Sandra said to her, but Cathy just shook her head, Sandra took her arms and pulled her up. "Okay then we're going to find out then." She said taking Cathy out of the room, pass a puzzled George and up to Cathy's room. She found the dress on Cathy's bed, she turned to Cathy and then said "Okay daughter put the dress on!" Cathy turned to look at her, "But mummy, you're in the room!" She said Sandra just raised an eyebrow. "What's that got to do with it, you weren't like this yesterday!" Sandra said to her. "But Sally was with us then, I didn't want to show you up." Sandra held onto Cathy hugging her. "Cathy you will never show me up, I trust you too much. Now please daughter put on the dress." Cathy nodded her head and pulled the tee-shirt off showing that she wasn't wearing a bra. Sandra looked at the clothes put out and noticed that there wasn't a bra there either. Looking around she found where Cathy had neatly placed all the bras and picked up the lacy one, which she handed to Cathy. "Do I mummy, I don't really need one at the moment!" she said to which Sandra nodded. "Darling please put it on; it will make a difference in the long run believe me!" Cathy sighed, in a tone that Sandra was becoming to recognise as `alright I'll do it but don't blame me if it's wrong!' She helped the girl with the bra, first putting it on backwards to do up the clasp and then turning the whole lot round to position the cups over her forming breasts before slipping her arms through the straps. Before she could protest Sandra had picked up the dress and was lowering it over Cathy's arms letting it drop over the girls' body. While Cathy removed her jeans Sandra picked up a brush and started on Cathy's hair. When she finished she covered the girl's eyes and moved her in front of a mirror. "Now what's wrong with the dress?" Sandra asked the girl as she removed her hand. Cathy at first didn't want to look in the mirror but when Sandra insisted she raised her eyes. "MUM! That's not me, it can't be!" Cathy was astounded, and then she told Sandra that some boys at the school had teased her because she looked more like a boy in a skirt than a girl some months ago and she'd been too ashamed to do anything about it except get more self-conscious about her appearance. Sandra hugged the girl. "That was nasty of them and stupid of you! You're still growing up, in a few more months the same boys will be trying to date you, you'll see!" She told her. Cathy hugged her back. "Thanks mummy, I feel better now. And if I see those boys again I just ignore what they say, and punch them!" she said to Sandra, "I might even hold them down as you do it!" Sandra told her, the two giggled and returned to George who was standing at the bottom of the stair. "Wow! Cathy you look beautiful, where have you been hiding?" George said. Cathy looked at him and then to Sandra. "Mummy is dad pulling my leg?" Sandra shook her head and so Cathy turned back to her father. "I've always been here, but hiding I suppose," she told him. He smiled at her and took her hand. He then reached for Sandra's hand and the three of them went out of the house together. ------------------------------ The trip to Robert's house was quick and uneventful. George pulled up in the driveway and was directed to a parking space by a man in what appeared to be a security guard uniform who knew who George was as he acknowledged him by name. "Mr. Douglas? And you are Cathy Douglas and Mrs. Sandra Henderson?" he said ticking their names off on a list in his hands, "Mr. Smythe is in the building sir, ladies." And he directed them into the house. In the door they were met by Robert, who then introduced them to his wife Karen. As Karen took Sandra and Cathy into the house Robert looked at the few security men walking around and shook his head. "You know George, I don't like them being here but Veronica did overrule me. I suppose I'm lucky they've allowed me to have this blasted barbecue!" His face showed his displeasure, "Well enough of my bellyaching you'd better come along and meet everybody. You've met Luke and Oona, but now I'll introduce you to their families." Robert took George out into the garden area where Sandra and Karen were already talking to others. George saw Oona with a blond-headed man. "Now George this is David, David - George." The two shook hands. David spoke up and, contrary to George's ideas spoke in a north-country accent. "So you're the new one are you? Oona's been speaking about you all weekend." He looked around and pointed to a small group of children watching the fire in the barbecue. "Our two are over there; Fiona and James are their names." George could make out two fair-haired children about eight and nine talking to a dark haired boy. "Who's the boy?" He asked "Oh he's Simon McKendrick, Luke's son." David looked around and pointed to Luke McKendrick who was with a woman. "There's Luke and his wife Claire. I don't know who they're talking to." This time it was George's turn, "That's Sandra Henderson, my fiancée, and my daughter is also here somewhere." George looked around to see where Cathy had gone when everybody's attention was taken up with a loud explosion and smoke at the bottom of the garden. Immediately most of the security guards converged on the area with a couple staying with Robert. There was a flurry of shouting between the guards before they finally re-emerged from the cloud holding a smoke grenade. "Well then, it was just a prank by some kids I suppose." Robert was saying to the two guards with him. "No sir," Came the reply, "This is army ordnance, I don't think kids would be able to get their hands on this." The security man was looking around nervously, "I think it would be better to get inside." "Nonsense! I'm holding a barbecue and that is what is going to happen!" Robert was adamant about that, "EVERYBODY LETS EAT NOW!" He shouted out to all and the chef started to pass the food around. "Robert! Have you seen Sharon?" Karen was saying to Robert, she looked worried. "You do know how loud noises can upset her." Sharon was their twelve-year-old daughter. "Not recently dear, I thought she was with George's daughter." He started to look around, "Come to think of it where is she?" ----------------- Cathy looked around at the people. Either they were younger children or adults; she knew that she was going to be bored here. "They never think of doing anything fun!" a voice came from the stairs, a girl about the same age as Cathy was sitting there. "At least Alison managed to get away to her boyfriend's place. I had to stay here!" "Well we could keep each other company, my name's Cathy" She told the girl holding out her hand. "I'm Sharon; I've never seen you here before?" The question was there so Cathy answered. "My dad's just be promoted, this is my first barbecue, are they any fun?" She asked Sharon shook her head. "Not really, the adults just get together talking and the kids look around and make a mess. I just try to stay out of the way." She looked gloomy as she said that, Cathy sat down beside her and placed her arm over Sharon's shoulder. "Okay then, let's keep out of the way together!" This made Sharon laugh. Pretty soon the two girls were chatting away as if they'd know each other for years, Sharon showed Cathy over the house and then they went out into the front garden. The guards outside took no notice of them as they sat on the grass near the front door. Then there was a loud bang from the other side of the house and the guards started to run into the building leaving the two girls alone. A van drove slowly up the driveway; the two girls were shaking over the noise and didn't take any notice of either the car or the barrel of the gun that pointed at them. "Which one's the girl?" a low voice said. "Take them both, we'll sort it out later" came the reply. There was a muffled report and Sharon moved as a dart hit her leg. Another muffled shot and Cathy was hit. The doors of the car were opened and two men got out, the two girls were bundled into the back and the car driven off, it paused beside the gateway for a third man to enter. "What the hell? Why two of them, it wasn't the plan?" The man said pointing to the girls. "Can it Frank! We don't know which one is the girl so we're taking them both. You're in too deep to complain now!" And the car drove off. ------------------- A quick search of the house was fruitless - both Cathy and Sharon were missing; the security team were now busy trying to find clues. "We've got to phone the police!" George was saying, but Robert was holding a note that was with the grenade. `Your daughter is safe, but that now depends on you. Do not go to the police, we will contact you later!' George looked at Robert and then said, "But what about Cathy?" --------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------