I slept only lightly in the night, waking often as a storm rushed in somewhere around two-thirty, the lighting flashes showing Audrey beside me, snoring peacefully. I finally got up around five, actually rising ahead of Audrey for once. I put on a robe, cinched it tight, and went to make coffee.

Alone in the dim light, I sipped the steaming, dark fluids and opened my laptop. The events of the night before were still rolling around in my brain. I knew that, whatever happened that day, this wasn't going to get easier for several reasons. Simone was distraught and not likely to wish to leave my house any time soon, regardless of what Protective Services tell us. Her parents were enraged, fueled with the fervor only fundamentalist brainwashing can deliver. I suspected the city and state were going to try their damnedest to put Simone back into her parent's home, under their rules, and I felt a little sick to think that she might just be hours away from being forced back into that hateful place. Sure, they were her parents, but that didn't excuse the abuse they'd already laid on the girl.

I sent an email to an attorney friend of mine. He handled the legal side of things when I'd made my fortune selling my last company, and since domestic issues were not his expertise, I asked for some advice, and, if he thought it useful, a referral to a lawyer I could talk to. I learned early in life that, if you could afford it, bringing an attorney into a situation early often saved a great deal of headaches later on. Better I get some advice that day, or the next, than wait for things with Simone to get worse, for me and the girls to get deeper into the situation, only to find we'd missed our chances to act decisively and in ways which chanced better outcomes.

Email sent, I heard motion behind me, turning to see Audrey striding up quietly. She wrapped arms around my shoulders and whispered, "Anyone but us awake?"

"So far, no. Not heard a peep."

"Good," Audrey replied, rounding my body and kissing me. She tasted of mint, her hair smelling of a florally conditioner. I let myself sink into her a moment, then she grabbed coffee and sat beside me. "Whatcha doin'?"

"Reaching out to a lawyer friend." I explained my thinking and told Audrey about a time in my twenties when I'd been in a car accident which was no fault of my own. I'd not consulted a lawyer, not particularly injured, just minor scratches, opting to let my insurance handle things with the at-fault driver's agents. I learned later that I got seriously screwed in the end. Even with no major injuries, I still had several hundred dollars in expenses and suffered from a bit of a back issue for several years, both of which should have been compensated from the at-fault driver's coverage plan. "So now, I try to get an attorney involved early in things, even if just to get some advice."

"Sounds reasonable," Audrey replied. "Do you really think this is going end up with Simone going home today?"

"I don't know. The abuse left marks, so I can't imagine they will take that anything but seriously, but... My understanding is that parents get the benefit of the doubt around here. Maybe things have changed, but, who knows?"

Audrey thought quietly a moment. "How old is Simone, anyway?"

I shrugged, "Umm... I don't actually know. She's a freshman, like Victoria. Why?"

My girlfriend shrugged, "Pretty sure at seventeen you can emancipate or something pretty easily."

"I don't think she's seventeen... though, I really don't know."

"If she could, and she wanted to... would you help her? Would you let her live here?"

I thought about it and found that I probably would do so, if only because of Vic's attachment to her girlfriend. I had enough money to support another teen, and, though it would make for some serious challenges regarding me and Audrey, I couldn't imagine turning Simone down if such a request was made of me. "I suppose, yes, on both counts."

Audrey smiled and kissed my lips, "You're so kind, you know. One of many reasons I love you so much, Darren..."

"Wouldn't be easy, if it comes to that, you and I..."

"You and I will figure it out," she replied. "I'm not going anywhere. If I have to climb in and out of your window, I'll do it!"

I heard a footstep just one second before my oldest daughter's sleepy voice asked, "You'll do what?"

Audrey giggled, lowering her voice and smiling at Gwen, my daughter clad in a loose pajama set, black hair messed and knotty, "Sneak around to see Darren. If Simone is going to be staying here long."

"Think that'll happen?" Gwen asked, pouring herself some orange juice.

I shrugged, "We'll know more today. I don't really know."

"You're okay with Simone living here... with Vic?"

"If the alternative is going back to the abuse? Absolutely. We'll figure out things if we have to."

Gwen stared at me a moment, then offered a quick grin, "I suppose that's okay. Keeps Vic out of my hair, that's for sure..."

I chuckled, "Nice try, Gwendolyn. I know you and your sister have been better friends over the last year than ever, Pete and all aside. I think you kinda like her."

"Do not," Gwen said, still grinning.

Audrey asked, "Anyone want breakfast? Sounds like it's going to be a very long day, and I've got to get in some running today... interested, Darren?"

"Running?" I groaned, then remembered the promise I'd made to get in better shape. "How about we just agree that I'll chase you and try to catch you and then fail. I'll try, but I'll fail."

"Deal," Audrey, "now, what have I got to work with for breakfast..."

- - -

Audrey and I set out early after a light meal of poached eggs and English muffins. Gwen agreed to be up and available should the police or CPS arrive before we returned. I made sure she kept the doors locked, too, just in case. Simone and Vic were still in my youngest daughter's room and hadn't stirred.

We decided to do our run in my neighborhood, catching the early morning rays as they began to warm the chilly dawn. For the first half-mile or so, I didn't so much run as jog, and I knew Audrey was slowing herself to let me keep pace. I insisted she run as needed, and she pushed ahead as we did circles around a few blocks. It wasn't long before the teen had lapped me and then did so easily a second time when I had to stop and catch my breath near my house.

I saw a car pull into my driveway so I headed that direction. Audrey told me she would head to Joyce and Herman's house next door and wait for me there. Audrey moving past me at pace, she continued for another lap without me as I went to see who had arrived a few minutes before nine.

I recognized the woman opening the driver's side door as Samantha Riley, the CPS agent I'd talked with, briefly, the night before. "Hello, Ms. Riley," I offered.

She turned, a bit surprised. I probably looked rather flushed and sweaty. She nodded, "Mr. Oxley. I didn't take you for a jogger..."

I laughed, "Please, call me Darren, and... I didn't either, but... sometimes I just have to get out..."

She nodded. A second woman, a decade older than Samantha and darker-skinned, got out of the car. Samantha introduced me, "Darren, this is Carey Marcus, she works with me at CPS. Can we talk just a moment before we talk to Simone?"

I agreed, saying, "Sure, my porch?"

I pulled chairs around and waited until the women had been seated, then I settled into my own.

Carey began by asking, "Is Simone still here?"

"Yes. Was sleeping when I went out to jog."

"What we need to do this morning is talk to her a while and get a better sense of what's going on. Can we do that here in your home?"

"Of course," I replied, "take all the time you need."

"We appreciate that."

"Can you give me a sense of how things might go?" I asked.

Samantha answered me, "So much depends on what we learn from Simone, how her parents are handling things today and moving forwards. As you can expect, our priority is to keep children with their parents. But we're also protective when we need to be. It's right there in the agency's name. We'll have to assess Simone's situation. Another team is going to talk with the parents this morning, so we'll compare notes later today. Usually, this can involve several days of discussions."

"And what then? What are the usual endings you see in these sorts of things?"

"Well, most often, we find a compromise which sees the children return home within the week. Less often, we work to rehome the child with a family member or trusted guardian. Rarely, we will assist the child in obtaining emancipation, though that is quite rare."

Carey nodded in agreement as Samantha explained, the older woman adding, "We certainly don't encourage emancipation at Simone's age unless it is the only good result for her. Sixteen is quite young to try to make your way in the world."

I pursed my lips, "Simone's sixteen? I didn't know that... I thought maybe a year or two younger..."

"According to her parents, sixteen. She'll be seventeen this summer."

I thought on that a moment, "Wonder... wonder if she failed a grade or two..."

Samantha said quietly, "Or was held back... I understand she was homeschooled at least a few years."

"Oh. I didn't know..."

Carey asked, "What exactly is your relationship with Simone, Darren?"

"She's my youngest daughter's best friend."

The woman continued, her tone gentle but firm, "Anything more than that?"

"Well... they are girlfriends... I'm sure you know that, though, since that's why her parents started beating her..."

"I heard that from the officers who took Simone's account," Samantha jumped in, "but her parents did not mention a girlfriend, only that, what were the words..."

Carey pulled out reading glasses from her breast pocket, flipped open a notebook and read, "Satan holds her mind, Simone is not a dyke, our daughter is possessed by great evil..."

"Yikes..." I shook my head.

"Staying here, then," Carey resumed, removing her glasses and pocketing them, "this complicates things all around, yes?"

I shrugged, "Not for me, no. I'm happy to give her refuge, as long as she needs it."

"But your daughter is... how old?"

"Fifteen."

"And... her girlfriend staying here. I'm sure I don't have to warn you about what teenagers with both urges and opportunity will do..."

I shrugged again, then admitted, "I have always told my daughters that sex was their decision, whenever they were ready for it. And, do I really have to explain that, given how teens will find a way to do what they want to do, I'd much rather they do it under my roof and not out somewhere they might be seen, or caught, or risking worse?"

I saw Carey taking notes and I worried that I was being judged, so I added, "My daughters and I, we have a very honest relationship. They are free to ask questions, and I grant them freedom to live as they wish, still under my rules, you know, curfews, homework, that sort of thing. I'd like to think I've helped them become mature young women who are not afraid to ask questions or seek friendships they desire. I'd much rather they learn about such things in a safe place than being in the backseat of a car, or breaking into some abandoned building to do what they are clearly going to do anyway."

Carey continued her notes, and Samantha didn't comment on my thoughts when she replied, "We tried to find relatives able to take in Simone, but so far, we've turned up nothing. As you can imagine, for many reasons, we'd prefer to do that as we figure things out. The team talking to Simone's parents will do more to turn up an acceptable household." When she saw the protests in my expression, Samantha added, "We're not saying your assistance isn't greatly appreciated and, potentially, necessary moving forwards. We just have... preferences... based on our experiences and the results we've noted in the past. Usually, a relative is the best bridge back into a reasonable household for parents and child. To be fair, Darren, you're a bit of a stranger to everyone involved, right? How well do you know Simone if you didn't know she was sixteen?"

I nodded, "Fair points... I'm just saying... I'll provide whatever I can to help her, and not just because Simone is my daughter's girlfriend. She needs help, I'm well off, and I can offer her a safe, non-judgemental place to sleep and do what she needs to do moving forward. That's all I'm saying."

"We appreciate that," Carey said, finally pocketing her pen. "Think you could rouse Simone for us?"

"Certainly. Please, it's getting hot out," I said, "come inside and cool down while I get her."

- - -

I sent the CPS agents to the living room and offered them drinks, which were declined, then I went to Vic's bedroom and knocked, "Vic? Simone? Anyone up?"

I knocked again, hearing Vic's sleepy tones, "What?"

"Some folks from CPS are here to talk to Simone. Need her up, please."

"I'll be there... in a minute..." I heard the dark-skinned teen say. "Can I use the toilet first?"

"Of course, of course. I'll let them know."

- - -

The conversation with Simone and the two women went on for almost two hours, one or the other agent stepping out a few times to talk on the phone outside. I was in the kitchen, but they all kept voices rather low so I heard little of their discussion.

At one point, Samantha asked me to come out to the front porch alone, so I joined her there, sitting on the edge of the chair as she explained, "So, we're learning some things right now, and, I have to be honest, I can't really give you the details. You're not officially Simone's guardian, not a relative, so... these details I cannot share."

I nodded, not really expecting anything else.

Samantha continued, "That said... and after talking with our team, the ones sitting down this morning with Simone's parents, I don't think Simone is going back to that household today, and probably not this week. My supervisor is already moving forward with securing a temporary guardian. Given that we don't have anyone we strongly support to take in Simone, I'm willing to propose that you are the person for that role. First, though, I need to know a lot more about you, your daughters, and your life. There's a lot of trust going on here. It helps that Simone seems to think the world of you for taking her in, but she's not in a place to really make such decisions."

For the next half-hour, I told the woman about all the highlights in my life, my dead wife, raising my daughters, making my fortune and retiring, my attempt to return to school. I left out every detail of Audrey, but otherwise, I tried to give the woman a good sense of who I was and what I offered Simone if she stayed there. "I'm willing to take on legal costs, medical care, all that. If she's living in my house, I won't let her want for the necessities or for any help she needs."

"Girlfriend?" Samantha asked, ignoring my last words.

"Hmm?"

"You don't mention what your romantic life has been like since your wife passed."

"Oh..." I paused, flushing out the cover story I'd practiced along those lines, "I saw a couple of women over the years, nothing terribly serious. Most recent was... a few months ago, but... I'm not seeing anyone now."

The woman's eyes paused on mine just long enough for me to see a look which suggested the question was not merely professional. "Okay," was all Samantha said in reply.

Her phone buzzed and she walked off to get some privacy. I glanced quickly back towards Audrey's home and saw the teen sitting on her front steps, cell held up to her ear. I smiled at her quickly, wasn't sure she saw me, then went back inside and waited for the long day to play out.

- - -

And it was a very long, drawn out day. Samantha and Carey left around lunch, gone for a couple of hours, returning to gather me and Simone together to discuss the state of things. Carey explained, "Right now, we're having to play things by ear, okay? Simone, you wish to stay with Mr. Oxley?"

The girl nodded, "Yes!"

"And Darren, you remain comfortable with Simone staying with you while we figure out the next steps?"

"Absolutely."

"Here's where we are. Again, we cannot share too many details with Mr. Oxley at this point, but the general consensus between our teams is that Simone's best situation today, tomorrow, probably all week, is to remain here while we continue to discuss things with the parents. By tonight, we should have a temporary guardianship in place, Darren, and that way, we can tell you more about the details as well as allowing you to handle any emergency medical care and that sort of thing, should it be needed. An officer team will be around shortly to take Simone back to her house so that she can get school supplies, clothes, that sort of thing. Your parents," the woman said to Simone, "have agreed to stay out of the home during your visit. Is there anything else you can think of that you need to do in order to settle in here for a week?"

Simone shook her head, looking weary but not as beaten down as the night before, literally and figuratively, though the scratch on her face had darkened noticeably, scabbed over, but otherwise seemingly in the process of healing.

"We'll wait with you until the officers arrive. Thank you, Darren," Carey said, "if you don't mind, I'd like to discuss a few things with Simone privately..."

"Of course," I replied.

"Join me out on your porch?" Samantha offered.

I nodded, grabbing my phone and texting a very brief explanation to Audrey before sitting out front. "So," I said when my message was finished, "you see this sort of thing often?"

"Children in tough places? Far too regularly," the woman replied.

"What about the religion thing?"

"Too often," Samantha groaned. "I'm not judging because of religiosity, Darren, but sometimes it's a real tool for people to be jerks to their kids..."

"I'm not religious, myself."

"Oh?"

I shook my head, "Personally, I think it's all nonsense. Not saying people can't believe what they wish, but I just don't see anything beyond smoke and mirrors. It's great for funneling money into a few hands, sometimes good for offering a social community for people, and far too often an anvil to hammer well-meaning believers into followers of dangerous and damaging ideas."

Samantha didn't reply, still watching me. She leaned forward then, and looked off towards the street, "Listen... this is rather not something I should do, I know, but... when this situation with Simone settles out, would you care to have a drink with me sometime... if you drink, of course..."

"I..." I paused. Samantha was beautiful, young, and clearly intelligent. But I had zero desire for her, romantically or physically. Audrey was my life, my love, the only woman I wanted or needed. "I really appreciate that, Samantha," I finally let out, "but... I don't think I can..."

"No? My mistake..."

"It's fine, really, I do appreciate the offer, but... right now... I've got my girls, and possibly Simone. I've learned that... relationships, like my last one, just don't work out so well right now for me. My girls keep me busy and... I just don't find the emotional space to do more..." It was mostly a lie, but one I'd practiced many times since Audrey and I began to see each other.

"Not saying we need to date, Darren," Samantha said evenly, "I only offered a drink."

"I know, I know," I replied, "I just want to be honest. I'm flattered, really, but... I have to say no..."

"Fair enough," she said, leaning back.

The awkward silence was broken when a patrol car eased up along the curb and parked, a tall black officer stepping out of the passenger side.

"Officer Cantero, over here," Samantha called, standing up, "ready for Miss Simone?"

"We are."

"I'll fetch her," the woman said, brushing past me and putting our conversation immediately into the past.

- - -

Audrey came over only after the police had dropped off Simone with a couple of bags of clothes, toiletries, and other items she needed from her house. The CPS agents left earlier, letting us know they would likely be coming by a few times over the upcoming week to talk to Simone. I got a call just after the officers left from Samantha. She was dropping back by with some papers for me to sign so that I could take temporary legal guardianship of Simone. Once done, the woman thanked me and left for the night.

She'd shared details she couldn't earlier that day. Simone's parents were unsettled and angry, and the CPS teams believed there were clear threats of harm should the girl go home. Though her parents hadn't said they would beat her, they implied punishment and religious rituals were needed to cleanse their daughter, and they were furious that anyone was keeping that from happening. Samantha warned me that the couple seemed likely to show up at my house at some point, though they had been told not to do so by both CPS and the police.

I had asked about Simone's safety at school, and Samantha advised me to pick up and drop of the girls myself, that the School Resource Officers would be instructed to disallow Simone's parents from having contact with her on school grounds, though they had the right meet with school officials at any time. I admitted I was worried, based on what she'd told me earlier, that Simone's parents might kidnap her from class. Samantha assured me they were taking precautions, though she didn't explain any further.

Once Samantha left, I explained things as best I could to Audrey as she sat out with me on the pool deck, Simone and Vic in my daughter's room. Gwen was swimming laps. "So... we'll need to be cautious, as usual," I told Audrey. "Simone's here for a few days, at least."

"We can do that," Audrey promised, "plus... Joyce and Herman are flying out in the morning for San Diego. They'll be gone two weeks, so... we can get some privacy over there..."

"That will help, for sure."

"I need to go do some homework... can we go to the bedroom a moment?"

I glanced back in the house, didn't see Simone or Vic, and nodded, Audrey following me quickly into my room. As soon as the door was closed, we embraced and I filled with energy as we kissed. "Quickie?" Audrey suggested.

"Always..."

She smiled and pulled down to her thighs the loose sweats she'd worn that evening, gathering saliva and then wiping it along her lovely slit.

I was half-hard, my pants pushed down to my knees. As I stroked myself, I fondled Audrey's bottom, then spread more saliva against her pussy, fingering the teen a moment before taking hold of her hip and guiding myself into her body.

Audrey and I rutted steadily, only the sounds of our breathing audible between muffled grunts and moans. Audrey's vagina was tight and hot as I moved in and out of her. I could feel her playing with her clit as we mated and I matched her rhythm, my lover soon burying her head against a pillow and moaning into it as she orgasmed.

I wasn't far behind, Audrey's sweet, slippery cunt drawing out my release. It rushed in and I thrust deep into her vagina, holding there as I pulsed out sticky ropes of semen, filling the teen's pussy over intense seconds. I was sweating, drops running down my face. I finished emptying myself in Audrey, slowly sliding in and out to savor her lovely hole just a moment longer.

She rose and turned, wrapping me in a hug and joining her lips to mine, my cum slowly leaking down her thighs below. "I love you," I told her, "call me tomorrow when you get a chance..."

"I've got practice, and a game on Tuesday... you gonna come to that?"

"I will try, yes. Depends on what's going on with Simone, of course. Vic's next game is Wednesday... I suppose Simone can play again... That won't go over well if her parents are there..."

Audrey nodded quietly.

"Will deal with that when it happens. She's staying here... she's playing ball if she wants to."

Audrey watched me a moment, "Do you really think we'll be able to hide... us?"

I was honest when I replied, "Not for long, I'm afraid..."

"Yeah... I'll still be real careful, Darren."

"Me, too... we... we just need to make until November..."

"Why November?" she asked.

"You turn seventeen, the age of consent in Texas. We can legally have sex then..."

"Really?"

"Really. Technically, it's not illegal for us to date, only to have sex. Once you're seventeen, though," I wiped the damp hairs from her forehead and kissed her lips, "everything is legal."

"But still a challenge."

"Still a challenge," I agreed. "Not saying that... socially... it will be much different." Not wanting to force away the lingering pleasure from cumming in Audrey any faster, I said, "Let's worry about that when we get there, for now, though... we have to be very careful, and... figure out how to handle things around Simone. She may be here a few days, or..."

"Or longer," Audrey finished for me. "We'll figure it out... So long as we get to see each other and... have more time than we have right now for fun..."

"I promise, we will."

- - -

I gathered the girls after Audrey was gone. Simone still looked weary and depressed, and Vic was at her side on the couch, holding the teen's hand. "So... Simone, it looks like you're staying with us a while, so I thought we should all talk a bit about rules and such. Sound good?"

The dark-skinned girl nodded.

"You'll help out around the house with chores, and I'll ensure you have some spending money for things you need. We usually eat evening meals together, sometimes breakfasts. You take care of homework before... other activities. If you aren't sure if something is allowed, ask me. Gwen and Vic know things well, and they are great, usually, about staying on my good side."

Gwen chuckled lightly and Victoria grinned. "Usually," Vic agreed.

"Vic will show you the laundry and such. You're free to think of this as your home, while you're here. Don't worry about a thing, okay? Help clean up, don't make too many messes, and we'll all get along just fine."

"So," Simone said slowly, "do you pray together?"

It was Sunday, and I knew that the girl had to feel rather off-balance given how integral prayer and scripture readings were in her family, and it went double on Sundays. "Err," I shrugged, "we're not really religious around here. You're welcome to do as you wish, of course."

"Oh... so," Simone turned to Vic, "you don't pray?"

My daughter looked at me quickly, then shook her head, "Nah... haven't you noticed?"

"I guess not..."

The girl said nothing more, so I prompted her, "Simone, anything you'd like to ask us?"

She thought a moment, then said, "I don't have any, um... um..." Simone's dark skin went a little rosy-brown.

"What?" Victoria asked.

"You know, um," Simone leaned over and whispered in Vic's ear.

Vic grinned, "Tampons. Don't worry... I've got some, though... Dad? Can you buy me some? I'm out of credit..."

I raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Big spender lately?"

She shrugged, "I just, uh, ordered a new outfit, like, yesterday... so... I'm out."

Usually, my daughters just bought those sorts of things out of the allowances I gave them. I'd factored those sorts of costs into how much I gave them, helping to teach them how to balance needs and wants, as well as how to plan ahead, find bargains, that sort of thing. I didn't mind buying necessities, though, nor was I embarrassed to pick up tampons, pads, or any other feminine supplies either girl needed. "I'll run out to the store in the morning. You gotta let me know which ones, though. It's all Greek to me in that part of the aisle."

Vic laughed, "I'll send you a pic of the label, and... Simone will, too, whatever she's using."

"Anything else, Simone? Needs, or questions?"

The girl looked deeply embarrassed by our conversation. "I can't believe you talk about this stuff..."

"Is it not allowed in your house?" I asked.

"No, never. Only, um, in private, with my mom. I can't tell my dad anything like this..."

"Well, Simone, while you're here... If you ask a question, I'll answer honestly, about anything. I won't pry, but... if there's something I can help you understand, you have only to ask. No matter what it is, I won't judge or be angry or ashamed, none of that. And I'm sure Gwen and Vic, and," I added quickly, "their friend, Audrey, when she's over, will all do the same."

"Okay... I'll remember that..."

"Anything more? Anyone?"

None speaking up, I kissed my daughters and gave them hugs, then offered Simone a quick embrace. She squeezed me harder than I expected, apparently wanting some reassurance from me, and I kissed her cheek like I had my daughters. "Goodnight, Simone."

"Goodnight."

- - -

I dropped off the girls at school the next morning, looking carefully to see if Simone's parents were in sight. I waited until after all three were inside the building before pulling away from the curb.

I shopped and got some groceries, as well as the personal items Simone and Vic had requested. I threw in a bottle of lube for Audrey and me since I was running low. Not that we needed it often with Audrey's pussy usually wet enough, either on its own or after I'd licked her there. But for anal, it was certainly very handy should Audrey want me in her ass again.

Before leaving the parking lot, I called the girls' school and checked in with the administrative assistant. She let me know there had been no incidents with Simone or her parents, and the woman promised to call me should that change. I thanked her then headed home, dropping off the groceries before driving over to the park.

My attorney friend called me with a referral for a family law specialist. I called the number and left my information with the receptionist who answered my call. She told me the attorney, Melissa Rogers, would call me back when she could. It wasn't five minutes before Melissa called and we sat up an appointment for the next morning.

All that out of the way, once more, I forced myself to run and jog and walk until I was nearly exhausted, returning home sweaty and in need of a shower.

- - -

Cleaned up, I spent a bit of time on my proposal for Dean Collins, adding a bit of content I'd found over the previous days, consolidating redundant thoughts, drawing tighter my concluding statements, and adding a few printed images to illustrate a couple of points. I set it aside, happier with the newest draft and planning to look at it again in a couple of days before sending it to the Dean.

I checked my watch. I had just enough time put together a stew in the crock pot and then picked up the girls from school. Each was in a rather good mood, all things considered. "You remember my game tomorrow, right, Dad?" Vic asked me on the way home.

"Of course. I've got it all saved in my calendar."

"Just checkin'."

"Do you need anything, Simone? Do you have whatever gear you need with you?"

"Umm... I'm not allowed," she said meekly.

I chewed my lip a minute, "Simone, it's up to you. You're staying with me, I'm your guardian for now, and I'm perfectly fine with you playing if you want."

"But Mom and Dad will be angry..."

"Probably. I'm not sure that really changes much, though, as things are right now... But it's your decision, okay? You've got time to think it over."

"Okay..."

- - -

I went over to see Audrey after the four of us ate. She had a late practice and was exhausted and in need of a shower. I hugged and kissed her and inhaled her distinctly-feminine, musky scents awhile on her couch before she admitted she was really tired. I decided to head back to my home to sleep. It wasn't an easy decision, but I couldn't be a burden on Audrey's time, even if we both really wanted to stay together every night we could. The reality, as I recognized, would find us making love at some point in the night, maybe twice, and Audrey would be tired and behind schedule on the multiple things she had to do to maintain her classwork and her athletics.

In any good relationship, those are hard moments. Not horrible ones, but hard regardless. I crawled into my bed, knowing Audrey would do the same in hers. I thought about her kisses and touches and intoxicating scents and longed for her.

It wasn't the sort of longing which was driven by lust or arousal. Oh, sure, Audrey turned me on just drifting through my thoughts. But what I experienced was more of a desire to simply live in her presence. To breath her air. To know her warmth. To pick her brain and laugh and think with her. I hated sleeping alone because I knew how wonderful it was to curl myself around Audrey, to hear her breathing peacefully, to whisper sweet thoughts in her ear, and then to wake the next morning and discover, one more time, it wasn't all just a dream.

It made me restless and I had a difficult time falling asleep. I crawled off the mattress, put on a robe, and headed to the kitchen, grabbing my laptop along the way. I poured a glass of milk and sat down with a banana, opening the computer and checking in on some sports news.

I heard one of the doors down the hall open and I was surprised to see Simone come into the kitchen. She wore the same clothes she'd had on all day. I watched her quietly as she slowly walked in. "Everything okay, Simone?" I asked when she stopped near where I was sitting.

"Um, Mr. Oxley?"

"Please... call me Darren," I replied.

"Okay... Um... I need to confess..."

I narrowed my eyes, "What?"

She shrugged and shuffled and looked ashamed. "I'm supposed to tell my Mom everything I do wrong each day, um... and I haven't done it in a couple of days..."

"I... I don't need you to tell me those things, Simone... unless someone is hurt or in trouble..."

"Well... I just... I feel real guilty... about things... until I tell..."

I put a little bit of the picture together. "That's why you told your parents about you and Vic... it was killing you not to..."

Simone nodded.

I felt so sorry for the girl I nearly cried. I can understand demanding answers from a child when something's gone wrong or where a stupid decision was made, but everything? I absolutely didn't want to know everything my daughters did. I don't think any parent could cope with the truth in full.

I stood and put my arms gently around Simone's shoulders, hugging her carefully, then prompted her to take a glass of milk with me, offering her food which she turned down quietly. "While you're here, Simone... You don't need to confess everything. I mean, if there's something on your mind, something bad going on, some mistake you made, that you think I should know, tell me, okay? But... I suspect you tell your mother when you do things which are really none of her business..."

Simone shrugged, "I dunno... I just know I have to tell her everything or the Devil might get in me... Guess that sorta happened..."

"Bullshit," I exclaimed without thinking. Simone's eyes widened and she looked away quickly. "Sorry, I, uh... I curse sometimes... I'll try to filter that out... What I mean is, there's no Devil in you, Simone. None. Your love for Vic... that's only good, not evil. I'm so sorry you've been taught otherwise... No, just the opposite is true, Simone. You believe in God, I know, so I hope you'll see that your parents are simply wrong. It's not the Devil in you, it's the love God gave you. Why else would it you feel love for her?"

"I guess... I don't really think the Devil is in me... Not really..."

"That's good."

"But, like, I... I feel real guilty, like... I should tell you what I let Vic do with me earlier..."

I raised my hand, letting out a quick chuckle, "No... no, you don't need to do any such thing. I don't want to know. That's between the two of you, always, you definitely don't need to tell me."

"But... If I don't tell you... who can I tell?"

I was in a bit of a bind, one I didn't really know how to handle. Simone was growing rather agitated the longer we talked, like the building pressure from her attempted confession was boiling and trying to blow past my objections. The girl's conditioning, her brainwashing, was so complete that she felt the need to turn herself in for innocent things. Innocent to me, at least, clearly not to her parents. I bet she even confessed whenever she touched herself inappropriately. I silently grumbled, cleared my throat a little loudly, then said, "Tell you what..." I took a long breath. "Get off your chest what you must so you can get some sleep tonight... then we'll work on this tomorrow evening, okay? I really don't want to hear everything, Simone... but if you seem to be hurting, keeping it in..."

She nodded, eyes meeting mine and full of shame. "Yesterday, I looked at a girl and had sinful thoughts, um... and I did it a second time later... um... I always told my mom it was a boy, which I guess is less of a sin, but still sinning... um... I didn't hold the door for a boy even though he was right behind me at school. Um... I didn't greet Mr. Simmons when he passed me in the hall. Oh, and I saw a picture of a girl in her underwear in a magazine. I closed it immediately and called to Jesus to forgive me."

Ugh, I thought. This poor girl.

Simone swallowed hard, then continued, "Last night, um, and tonight, I let Vic touch me in my dirty place, and I touched hers too."

I cringed.

"I know I'm not suppose to... but... I couldn't help it..."

I was trying to find a happy place somewhere deeper in my head.

"And... tonight, she, um, put her mouth down there... I didn't stop her..."

I was actively trying to block the words. I really didn't want to hear about my daughter being intimate with her girlfriend.

"But I didn't do it to her, I stopped myself."

After she grew quiet, I finally looked back at her and, though I still saw shame in her expression, there was clear relief there, as well. "Anything else?"

Simone cast down her eyes, "I don't think so..."

"Alright then, think you can sleep now?"

She nodded.

"Then get off to bed. School in a few hours. Get some sleep."

"Okay."

I watched her go, and shook my head. Poor girl. I definitely had to find a confession surrogate, someone other than me, until Simone was helped away from that habit. I couldn't listen to more confessions which featured my daughter and fingers, mouths, and dirty places.

My stomach a little queasy, I found my way to bed, and let my mind return to Audrey so that I could ignore the problems of Simone for a little while longer and dream about when I would next see my lover.

Darren, Male, 54

	- Narrator, retired, father of Gwen and Victoria (Vic)

	- 5'11, beige skin, 195lbs, cropped greying brown hair

Audrey, Female, 16

	- High school senior, daughter of Duncan and Theresa

	- 5'9, pale skin, 140lbs, light-green eyes, straight auburn hair over her shoulders

Gwen, Female, 16

	- High school sophomore, daughter of Darren, sister of Victoria

	- 5'6, beige skin, 135lbs, shoulder-length wavy black hair

Victoria (Vic), Female, 15

	- High school freshman, daughter of Darren, sister of Gwen, girlfriend of Simone

	- 5'4, beige skin, 120lbs, wavy neck-length light-brown hair

Simone, Female, 16

	- High school freshman, girlfriend of Vic

	- 5'6, dark-brown skin, 140lbs, curly neck-length black hair