Chapter 33

Sarah Grows - Sarah overcomes more of her past learns to let go and have fun.

"You seem to be doing very good, Kathy," Sarah said to her daughter.

"Thanks, Mom, I've been practicing a lot. Eddie and Jen have been teaching Brad and me more and more about operating the boat. I can even dock it as long as there isn't a strong cross wind," Kathy said.

The group had been underway for two hours and was just about to leave the ICW and head out into open water. The winds were light and the weather station predicted waves under two feet.

Everyone was excited to be heading for the Keys, especially Jack and Sarah Waters.

"This is the first vacation we've had in years," Sarah told Ellen and Harry.

"Why haven't you and Jack gone on vacations?" Harry asked.

The four adults had left the bridge and gone into the salon once Kathy steered the boat into the ocean. They were sitting at the galley table drinking cold beer and talking about the things to come.

"We always seemed to have something that was more important than vacations," Jack said. "First it was the kids, then the business and then"

"Then it was me," Sarah said. "I wasn't interested in anything, let alone vacationing."

Jack reached across the table, patted his wife's hand and said, "All of that is behind us now, Honey. We aren't going back there anymore."

"Okay, Jack," Sarah said.

"Ellen, do you think it's smart to let the kids stay on the boat while we're down there?" Sarah asked.

"Why not, they'll be safe in the marina," Ellen said. "Our hotel room is only a block away."

"That's not what I'm talking about," Sarah said.

"You're still concerned about the kids having sex, aren't you?" Ellen said.

"Yes, I am. I know that you told me that if they are going to do it, there is little we can do to stop it, but don't you think that we are inviting it by letting them stay on the boat?" Sarah said.

"Sarah," Jack said, "you, of all people, should know that if someone doesn't want to have sex they won't. I think you are worrying about nothing."

Sarah shook her head and said, "I just think we're setting the stage for them, you know, almost saying go ahead and do it."

"I think we're giving them choices," Ellen said. "We all agree, if teens, all teens not just ours, want to have sex, they're going to. I want my kids to learn about their sexuality in an environment that doesn't make sex seem dirty. If you keep telling the kids they shouldn't do something, they're going to want to know why."

"I don't see how throwing them into a situation like this is giving them choices, Ellen," Sarah said.

"It's not just letting them stay on the boat, it's the way we treat the subject too. Like I said, if you keep telling them it's wrong, or they shouldn't, they're going to want to find out why. The kids will end up doing whatever it is they're going to do, but they'll feel guilty about it. We would force them to lie and be sneaky about what they do," Ellen said.

"I'd want them to be sneaky about it if they're doing it. I don't want to see them," Sarah said.

"I don't want to see it either, but I think that private is a better word." Ellen chuckled.

"So, what you're telling me is, if you found out Jen was having sex, it wouldn't bother you. You're saying that it's okay," Ellen said.

"It wouldn't bother me, as long as it was something my kids wanted to do. If Eddie or Jenny wants to have sex, it's okay with me. If one of them does it when they don't want to, it's not," Ellen said.

"I can understand if Brad was active, but Kathy! I don't think I can deal with that," Sarah said.

Harry saw his wife's reaction to Sarah's last statement and said, "Oh boy! Here we go."

"Why is it different for Brad and Kathy? It takes two, you know," Ellen said. "It should be the same for boys and girls!"

"It is different though, girls are the ones that end up with a bad reputation," Sarah said. "If a guy does it, he's revered, if girl has sex, she's a slut. I don't want my daughter to be known as a slut. I know how it feels to be known as the easy girl and wouldn't wish it on anyone."

Ellen took a deep breath, reached across the table and took Sarah's hand.

"I don't want that for Jen either, Sarah. None of us wants our kids to have a bad reputation, boys or girls. I don't want my son known as a stud anymore than I want Jenny to be known as easy. I'm sure you don't want that for Brad and Kathy either.

"Just because a girl or a guy has sex doesn't give them the label, it's when they do it with a bunch of different partners and brag about it. Girls are called sluts because they use sex to get what they want, not because it's WHAT they want.

"Boys are looked on as studs, or whatever they're called these days, because they go out with the easy girls. I would like to believe that's the exception rather than the rule. If kids have sex because they want to and are selective about their partners, they won't be labeled."

"I don't know, I guess I'm just old fashion," Sarah said.

"Look, Sarah, they're your children and you have to do what you feel is right. If the idea of the kids staying on the boat doesn't sit well with you, Harry and I will stay with Jen and Eddie and you guys can have the room. I don't want you to do something that you're not comfortable with," Ellen said.

Sarah turned to Jack and said, "What do you think, Jack?"

"I think the old Sarah is showing up here. I happen to agree with Ellen about this and don't see any harm in letting the kids be kids. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying we should take the kids aside and tell them to screw their brains out, but I don't think we should tell them sex is wrong either," Jack said.

Sarah seemed a little surprised by her husband. "So you think I'm being too protective, Jack?"

"Sarah, you have made monumental strides lately. You seem to be much happier, and have started to live. I don't know if you're being over protective or you're trying to apply your experiences to the kids. You need to stop looking at what you did and start looking at why you did it," Jack said calmly.

"Don't you guys think there is some middle ground; something in between too laissez-faire and too strict?" Sarah asked.

"Absolutely!" Ellen said. "I think being understanding is between telling them they can and can't. I think if we try to understand the kids, their curiosity and their feelings, we can be accepting."

"Let me ask you a question, Ellen. What would you say if Jen told you she wasn't virgin anymore, if she told you she was having sex?" Sarah said.

"First I would ask her if it was something she wanted to do and be sure she wasn't forced into it. If she did it because she wanted to, I'd ask her if she had any questions or if she wanted to talk about it," Ellen replied.

"I could never do that! If Kathy ever told me she was having sex, I'd be devastated!" Sarah said.

"What would upset you, Sarah? The fact she was having sex or the fact she told you? Would you tell her she shouldn't do it, that it's wrong or that sex is nasty? Do you want her to feel like she's a whore every time she makes love or fools around?" Ellen asked.

Jack looked at Sarah, waiting to see what his wife's response would be; the past weeks, ever since that day in the stateroom, he and Sarah had been enjoying great sex and lovemaking. She was willing and eager to do things, things he had wanted to do with her for years. Before Sarah could answer Ellen, Jack spoke up.

"Do you want our daughter to live like you did for years, Sarah?" Jack asked. "Do you want Kathy, or Brad, to hate us because we tell them that sex is bad? Sex isn't bad; it's good. It's something that two people that love one another can share."

"You guys are making me think I'm way off base and worrying about something I don't really have any control over," Sarah sighed. "Maybe you're right, Jack, maybe it is the old Sarah rearing her ugly head."

"Speaking of head," Ellen chuckled. "We should think about going to bed soon. I don't want to be wiped out when we get to the Keys in the morning."

"Ellen! Have you no shame?" Sarah said.

"None; not when it comes to sucking cock, Sarah. I think Harry likes it almost as much as I do," Ellen said.

"Almost," Harry chuckled.

"You two are a trip," Jack said. "I have a feeling this is going to be quite a week."

"Are you two going to behave like that when we're in the room with you?" Sarah asked.

"Probably, if you're there," Ellen said.

"We'll be there," Sarah said. "You guys have convinced me that I'm being silly about all this. For all we know, the kids could be up on the bridge fooling around. Now about the idea of you two going at it while Jack and I are in the same room; I don't know if I'm ready for that."

"Well, I guess you can go out and wait until we're finished, do it yourselves or cover your eyes," Ellen said.

"Don't forget putting your fingers in your ears," Harry said. "Ellen can get a little loud."

"So can you, Harry," Ellen said.

Kathy and Jenny came into the cabin and walked over to where their parents were sitting.

"We're going to try to get some sleep," Jen said. "Eddie and Brad are going to take the first shift and Kathy and I will relieve them later."

"Do you want me to pull out the settee for you girls?" Harry asked.

"Yes please," Jen said. "I'll get the sheets and stuff out."

Harry converted the settee into a bed while Jen pulled the bedding out of storage. Kathy helped her make the bed and then the girls went to change.

Ellen looked at Sarah and grinned.

"Okay, okay, I get your drift. I guess I was expecting something different," Sarah said.

Kathy and Jen came back into the salon, wearing long tee shirts, and climbed into the bed. Jen jumped up, turned off the salon lights and told the adults good night.

Jack and Sarah followed Ellen and Harry to the staterooms, told them good night and went into the small stateroom. Harry and Ellen went into the master, undressed and got into bed.

Before turning off the lights, Ellen sat up, pulled the covers back and looked at the bed. When she started to laugh, Harry asked what was so funny.

"The sheets, they're on wrong. They're inside out."

Harry laughed and said, "At least they washed them."

Ellen reached between Harry's legs, wrapped her fingers around his penis and fondled him. Before he was fully erect, she leaned down, kissed the helmet shaped head and took him into her mouth. Harry fell onto his back and rubbed the back of his wife's head as she wet his cock and began sliding it in and out of her mouth. He moved his hand down her back to her bottom and pulled her towards him.

Moving so she was straddling his head, Ellen looked back, smiled and said, "We won't have to wash the sheets, I don't plan on making a mess."

Harry chuckled, gripped her hips and pulled her down to his mouth as she took his member between her lips.

-----

"Jack, have you ever had sex when there was someone else in the same room?" Sarah asked as she stripped down to her underwear. "You know I have, but it was so long ago and when I was, well, different."

"No, I haven't, Sarah, but the thought is a little intriguing," Jack said as he unfastened her bra and released her breasts. "What was it like for you when you gave guys head in front of other people?"

Sarah pushed Jack's boxers down his legs and helped him step out of them. She put her arms around his waist, rose up and kissed him gently. Before pulling the covers back and getting into bed, Sarah removed her panties.

"To be perfectly honest, I found it exciting, Jack. You're really the only one I've had sex with when there weren't other people around, but"

"What?"

"I was so different then, Jack. I was doing it for all the wrong reasons."

"Having sex, or doing it with other people around?"

"Both."

"How about now? How do you feel about it?"

Sarah thought about her husband's question for a minute. She remembered the times she was with several guys at the same time and how it made her feel to be touched and observed.

"I don't know how I feel about it Jack. Like I said, it was different back then. The idea of a bunch of guys doing those things to me makes me sick, but the idea of making love to you when someone else is there doesn't. I don't know if I could do it."

Jack began rubbing Sarah's breasts and tweaking her nipples. She reached for his penis and rubbed it with the palm of her hand. Jack kissed his wife and moaned as she began to stroke him.

"What are you going to do if Ellen and Harry start making love while we're in the room?"

"I don't know, I guess we'll just have to see what happens. If I'm uncomfortable, will you go for a walk with me or something?"

"Of course I will, Sarah, I don't want you to feel uncomfortable."

"I love you, Jack. I never thought I'd ever be able to say those words. I never thought I was capable of love, but now I know I am. You have put up with so much and still stood by me."

"I love you too, Honey."

"Jack, I want you to make love to me, but I don't want to mess up the sheets."

"No problem, just get on top. When were finished, you can leak on me, or maybe I'll just clean you up with my mouth."

"You'd do that?"

"Sure, you don't have any trouble sucking me after we make love, why should I have any problem doing it to you?"

Sarah smiled, rolled on top of Jack and lowered herself on his erect cock.

-----

"Jen, you know you have made my brother the happiest guy in the world, don't you?" Kathy said as she lay next to Jenny, in the dark.

"How?"

"When you called and told Brad you loved him, he went crazy! That boy jumped around, giggled like a girl and sang your name over and over."

Jenny rolled onto her side, facing Kathy and said, "That's so sweet! You know Eddie feels the same way about you, don't you. My brother is head over heels in love with you."

"I hope so, Jen. It would suck to be in love with a boy that didn't love you. I think Eddie is the greatest!" Kathy said and then lowered her voice to a whisper and added, "I think you are too, Jen. You're the best friend a person could ever ask for."

"It's a little strange, isn't it, Kathy? I mean you and me, loving the same guys like we do. I want to make sure we never let jealousy change that. I know it's hard for me to think about you and Brad doing things together, but I also know it must be hard for you too."

"Yeah, it is sometimes. I love Eddie and Brad, but there is something about Eddie that's different. I have feelings for him I didn't know I could have, feelings that I didn't even know existed."

"You mean like having trouble breathing when you see him, or feeling all silly inside?"

Kathy giggled and said, "So I'm not the only one, huh?"

"No, not at all. When I realized how I really felt about Brad, it was like so cool. My stomach felt like it was full of butterflies and my hands got all sweaty. I couldn't wait to tell him, that's why I called. I just couldn't wait until I saw him."

"Maybe we should go up and show those two how much we love them," Kathy said.

Jenny reached over and put her hand on Kathy's side and rubbed her lightly. Kathy's body stiffened for a moment, but quickly relaxed. Jenny continued to move her hand up and down, her thumb bumping the bottom of Kathy's breast when she moved it up.

Both of the girls stopped talking. Their faces were only inches apart and they could feel each other's warm breath bathing their cheeks. Jenny moved her hand over Kathy's boob, ran her thumb over her nipple and Kathy gasped.

"Oh, Jen, what are you doing?"

"I'm rubbing your tits; do you want me to stop?"

Kathy pushed her chest into Jenny's hand and sighed, "No."

Jenny pushed Kathy onto her back, slid her hand under her tee shirt and up to her breasts. Leaning closer, she put her lips to Kathy's and kissed her tenderly. Kathy responded by parting her lips and swiping her tongue across Jenny's lips. The two girls tangled their legs and arms as they continued to kiss one another.

"You know," Kathy panted as she pulled Jenny's shirt over her head. "I didn't think we'd ever do this. I've wanted to, but thought you weren't interested."

Jenny took Kathy's shirt off, rubbed her breasts with both hands and said, "I'm more than interested. I was just waiting for the right moment."

"I guess this is it then."

Jenny slid one hand down Kathy's stomach and put it into her panties. Kathy opened her legs and Jenny's finger found her clit. They came back together, kissed and touched until they both reached their climax.

Kathy rolled onto her back and gasped for breath.

"Damn, Jen! I don't know if I want to sleep with Eddie or you this week. That was so nice."

"I think before the week ends, we'll all get a chance to sleep with everyone, Kathy. We should get some rest now; the guys will need to be spelled soon."

"Okay, but I wish we could stay naked, I like feeling your body against mine."

"We'll have our chance, but not when our parents are so close by."

Kathy and Jenny got dressed and stretched out next to each other. Kathy put her hand on Jenny's butt, rubbed her a few times and let rest there. Soon the girls were sound asleep.

Brad went into the salon, woke the girls and told them it was time to switch.

"You two may want to get something warm to wear, it's kind of chilly out there," Brad said.

"Kathy, I have a warm up suit in the small stateroom. Could you please grab it for me?" Jenny said.

When Kathy came back, with Jenny's warm up suit and sweatpants and a sweatshirt for herself, she was giggling.

"What's so funny?" Brad asked.

"Our parents," Kathy said. "They're sleeping naked."

"So, they're allowed," Jenny said as she pulled her tee shirt off and tossed it aside.

Brad hugged Jenny and said, "Maybe we should let Kathy go up with Eddie and you and I'll stay here."

Jenny giggled, kissed Brad and pulled away. She pulled on the pants of the nylon warm up suit, picked up the jacket and slipped it on, zipping it to her neck.

"Later lover, you need to get some sleep," Jenny said.

"I'm not going to be able to sleep, I'm too excited about the trip," Brad said.

Jenny laughed and said, "Go up and wait for us, we'll be right there."

Brad left and Kathy put on her sweat pants and shirt. The girls straightened the bed and got ready to go up to the bridge.

"I know how we can help the guys relax," Kathy giggled.

"How?"

"We could give them blowjobs, that might help them sleep."

Jenny giggled and said, "Which one do you want?"

"Eddie."

"Cool, I was hoping you'd say that, let's go."

Jenny and Kathy went to the flying bridge, moved in front of Eddie and Brad and hugged them. As if on cue, the girls dropped to their knees and began undoing the boy's shorts.

"What are you up to?" Eddie said.

"I just want to help you relax, is it okay?" Kathy said as she looked up at him.

Eddie smiled and then groaned as Kathy took him into her mouth. Less than a foot away, Jenny moved her mouth on Brad's penis. The two girls caught one another's eye and smiled around the shafts in their mouths.

It didn't take long for Brad to cum and Jenny swallowed his semen. She kept his softening member in her mouth and stroked it with her tongue while Kathy finished off Eddie.

Kathy and Jenny tucked the boys' penises back into their shorts, stood up and giggled.

"Get some sleep, we'll see you two in a few hours," Jenny said.

The two couples shared a quick kiss and the boys went to the salon.

"Those two are nuts," Brad said as he kicked off his shoes and stretched out on the converted settee.

"They sure are, that's why I love them so much," Eddie replied.

"Eddie, thanks for asking us to come along on this trip. We're all going to have a blast this week."

"Actually, it was my parents' idea to ask you guys. My Aunt Sally and cousin Frank usually come to Florida for Thanksgiving, but they couldn't make it this year. I'm really glad they stayed home, I would rather fish with you and Kathy."

"Don't you like them?"

"I like them a lot. I just like fishing better."

The two boys were finally able to fall asleep, after talking for another half an hour.

"Look at that sunrise," Kathy said. "It's beautiful."

"It sure is; I wish the guys were here to see it with us. Wait until you see the sunsets down here, they're even more beautiful. They make me all horny."

"That doesn't take much, Jen. You're always horny."

"Like you're not?"

"Well, I guess I am," Kathy giggled. "How much longer before we're there?"

Jenny checked the chart plotter and said, "About an hour at this speed. We should be there by seven."

"I hope there's someplace to get breakfast, I'm hungry," Kathy said.

"Good morning, girls," Sarah said, startling Kathy and Jenny.

"Morning, Mom, you scared us," Kathy said.

"I'm sorry, I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep so I thought I'd come up here and keep you two company," Sarah said. "Oh my, that sunrise is just gorgeous!"

"It's like this every morning, Mrs. Waters," Jenny said. "The sunsets are even nicer. We like to go down to the beach and watch the sunsets in the evenings."

Sarah sat down next to her daughter and looked out over the blue water. The sun was just above the horizon, casting an orange glow that looked like a highway to the large round ball. She watched Kathy sit at the helm, checking the instruments and the chart plotter.

"What does that do?" Sarah asked pointing to the plotter.

"That's the chart plotter, Mom. It shows us where we are and where we're going. That little triangle is the boat. You can see the shoreline here," Kathy said as she pointed at the screen.

"Where are we going?" Sarah asked.

"Right here," Kathy said pointing at the top of the screen. "These numbers tell me how fast we're going, in what direction we're going and how long before we get there. These numbers are the latitude and longitude."

"You really enjoy all of this, don't you, Kathy?" Sarah asked her daughter.

"Yes, Mom, I love it, all of it. Fishing and boating are fun and having friends, like Jen here, and Eddie, make it even better. I've been having the time of my life," Kathy said, grinning.

"You are really smitten with Eddie, aren't you, Kathy?" Sarah asked. "I think you really care for Brad, too, Jen."

"Mom, I really like Eddie, he's so nice," Kathy said.

"I love Brad, Mrs. Waters," Jenny said. "He's the greatest guy I know."

Sarah smiled and said, "I have a feeling Kathy more than likes your brother, Jenny."

Kathy giggled and nodded her head, "I sure do, Mom."

"You two haven't done anything you didn't want to, have you?" Sarah asked and then wished she hadn't.

"No, Mom, I haven't done anythinganything I didn't want to," Kathy said, blushing.

"Maybe I should go down and see if anyone else is up," Jenny said.

"No, Jenny, you don't have to go anywhere," Sarah said.

"I just thought you and Kathy wanted to be alone, you know, to talk," Jenny said.

Sarah chuckled and said, "There isn't anything I have to say that you shouldn't hear. I think everything is just fine. I just want to make sure you two are okay."

"We're fine, Mom," Kathy said. "Just fine. I am anyway; I'm so happy I want to jump up and down sometimes."

"I am too, sometimes just seeing Brad make me all tingly, if you know what I mean," Jenny said.

Sarah was caught off guard by Jenny's candor, but recovered quickly. She thought about the feelings she was having lately when she was close to her husband and knew Jenny was just being honest. Sarah also realized that the relationship Jenny had with her mom was what she wanted with Kathy. Sarah wanted her daughter to be able to be open and honest, to tell her how she felt and ask her questions without the fear of being chastised for being young.

Realizing that only a few short weeks ago Jenny's comment would have garnered a nasty reply from her, Sarah was gratefully she had changed and done it quickly. She was also grateful that she had discovered the joy of intimacy she shared with her husband and the joy of making love with him. For years she had buried her feelings, afraid of loving and now she was finally free.

Sarah remembered what Ellen had said about starting to live, about today being the first day of the rest of her life and decided she needed to apply that philosophy to the way she was going to treat her children. Sarah knew, that at sixteen, she could do little to mold her children, that had already been done, but she could be understanding and available, something she never was in the past.

As she tried to think of what to say in response to Jenny's remark, Ellen saved Sarah.

"Good morning," Ellen said as she topped the steps to the flying bridge. "How is everyone doing today?"

"Great, Ellen," Sarah said. "We were just talking about boys, our boys."

"Oh, am I interrupting?" Ellen asked.

"Not at all, the girls were just telling me how they felt about Eddie and Brad. They told me they haven't done anything they didn't WANT to do," Sarah said with a grin.

"I see, well, that's good to hear," Ellen said, a bit confused by Sarah's demeanor. "We wouldn't want our kids doing something they didn't want to do, now would we."

Sarah smiled and shook her head no.

"What about the things they DO want to do, how do we feel about that?" Ellen said.

"If it's something they want to do and no one gets hurt, it's okay with me," Sarah said, surprising herself with her own words.

"Good, what do you think about fixing some breakfast for these girls? Jack is making coffee and Harry's in the shower. Why don't we go down and fix something to eat?" Ellen said.

Ellen and Sarah went down and left Kathy and Jenny standing with their mouths open.

"Did I just hear what I think I heard?" Kathy said.

"What do you think you heard, Kathy?" Jenny asked.

"I think my mom just said it was okay to have sex!"

"Ask her?"

"What do you mean? You think I should ask my mom if it's okay if I have sex with Eddie?"

"Well, I wouldn't recommend you asking her if you can fuck your brother, but if you're not sure what she said, ask."

"Could you do that, you know, ask your mom if it's okay for you to have sex?"

"I can ask my mom anything, Kathy."

"I don't think I could ask my mom, not about that. You don't know how my mom is about that kind of stuff."

"Is or was, Kathy? Your mom seems to be really cool to me. I know you told me about how strict she was, but lately, it seems she is letting you do the things you want to."

"Yeah, I guess she's been a little different lately."

"If what you told me was true, she's a lot different, Kathy. She's letting you wear cool clothes now and go out and everything. Maybe she's changed, maybe she's trying to be more like"

"Like your mom?"

"Yeah, like my mom."

Kathy shrugged her shoulders and stared out over the water, keeping her eye on the instruments. Jenny sat next to her and grinned, she knew exactly what her mom said. She knew that her mom was okay with her having sex.

Eddie and Brad came up to the bridge carrying sausage and egg sandwiches and glasses of juice.

"Mom said you guys should go down and get some food," Eddie said. "Brad and I will take over for you."

Kathy kissed Eddie and said, "Thanks, sweetie, I'm starved."

Jenny put her arm around Brad's waist, kissed his cheek and giggled, "I think I'll stay up here, I'm horny."

"You are so bad, Jenny," Kathy said. "Let's go eat, Brad can take care of your problem later and Eddie can take care of mine."

The four teens laughed and the girls went down to eat. Jack and Harry were sitting in the cockpit eating their breakfast and said "Good morning," when the girls walked by.

Kathy and Jenny greeted their fathers and went into the cabin.

"I can't believe how warm it's getting out there," Kathy said. "I think it's going to be hot today."

"It usually is down here, Kathy," Ellen said. "You girls have time to change before you eat if you hurry."

Kathy and Jenny went to the stateroom and returned wearing shorts and bikini tops. They sat at the table and Ellen handed them plates with their sandwiches while Sarah poured juice for them.

"Eddie and Brad should be pulling into the marina pretty soon," Kathy said. "The plotter indicated we had about thirty minutes to go when we came down."

"Well you two better finish your breakfast so you can help the boys dock the boat," Sarah said.

"Mom," Kathy said, "were you telling me what I think you were telling me? You know when we were on the flying bridge.'

Sarah smiled and said, "What do you think I was telling you, Kathy?"

"Well, um, ah" Kathy stammered.

Ellen had to turn around so Kathy wouldn't see the smirk on her face. Jenny tried hard not to giggle and bit her lower lip. Kathy didn't know her mom and Ellen had had a talk about what was discussed on the bridge and the women were having a little fun at her expense.

"What is it you want to know, Kathy?" Sarah said calmly.

Kathy glanced around. She could feel the heat growing in her cheeks and realized she had stuck her foot in her mouth and she was going to have to ask her question.

Taking a deep breath, Kathy looked away and said, "It sounded like you said it was okay if I had sex, Mom."

Sarah and Ellen lost it and began to laugh. Jenny was also laughing as Kathy turned bright red. She was blushing so bad her face and neck were the same color.

Sarah stopped laughing and looked at her embarrassed daughter.

"What I was trying to tell you, and you have to understand how hard this for me, is sex isn't dirty or wrong. Doing anything you don't want to do to try to please someone or to try to get even with someone is wrong. I have been very stupid for years and I'm putting a stop to it.

"Mr. and Mrs. Shockley have a wonderful relationship with Jenny and Eddie and I want the same thing with you and your brother. I want you two to be able to ask me anything and not fear my answer. I want us to be able to talk, to talk about anything at all, including sex," Sarah said, her eyes filling with tears.

Kathy turned to Jenny and said, "Is that really true? I know you say you can ask your mom about anything, but can you really?"

"I asked her about blow jobs," Jenny giggled. "I asked my mom if she liked doing it and if my dad liked getting it."

Sarah laughed and said, "What did you tell her, Ellen."

"Yes," Ellen said, "to both."

The four of them started to laugh so hard and loud, Jack and Harry came in to see what was going on.

"What the hell is so funny?" Jack asked.

Kathy looked at her dad, smiled and said, "Blow jobs, Dad. We're talking about blow jobs."

"Oh!" Jack said, shocked at his daughter.

"By the way, Dad, do you like them?" Kathy asked.

Jack took a deep breath, looked at his wife and when she smiled, so did he.

"Yes, I do," Jack said. "Now more than ever."

"Why, Dad?" Kathy asked.

"Ask your mom, I think she should be the one to tell you," Jack said and then he left before his daughter saw the tears in his eyes, tears of joy.

"Mom?" Kathy said feeling confused.

"Kathy, I'll be glad to answer your question, just not right now. I need to sit down with you and Brad, but some other time, okay?" Sarah said.

"Okay, Mom, I don't think I can handle much more right now anyway. You have to understand, this is all a little shocking and sudden. Don't get me wrong, Mom, it's wonderful, I just need some time to digest it all," Kathy said.

"I can certainly understand, Kathy. I also need to let all of this sink in. You may not realize it right now, but this is as new to me as it is to you," Sarah said.

They heard Eddie's voice come over the ship to shore radio in the salon, calling for the harbormaster and knew they were in the marina. Kathy and Jenny quickly finished their breakfast and headed out to help their brothers dock the boat.

"My God, Ellen, I feel like I just climaxed!" Sarah said.

Ellen chuckled and said, "You did, mentally anyway. You just reached the summit of communications with your daughter. You can talk to her about anything now and, more importantly, she can talk to you."

"I've never felt like this before. I just told my daughter that it was okay to have sex and I feel good about it."

"You didn't really tell her it was okay, you told her it wasn't dirty or something to be ashamed of. You told her it was okay to have feelings and to act on those feelings as long as she was okay with them. How much different would your life have been if your parents were as understanding as you're becoming?"

"I can't even fathom it, Ellen. I'm having a hard time even believing it's me talking and thinking like I am. I can't imagine how Jack is dealing with it; I'm not the same person anymore."

"I think you're the person that your husband fell in love with. I think Jack always knew that you were in there somewhere."

"How could he put up with me so long? I was such a bitch."

"He loves you, Sarah, he always has. He was willing to sacrifice his own feelings for you because you are the only thing that makes him complete, you and the kids. You have a great man and should do whatever you can to keep him."

Sarah began to cry and said, "How can I ever make it up to him, Ellen? How can I give back what he's given our family and me? I feel like such a total failure!"

"You're not a failure, Sarah; you're just a little late getting started. I don't think Jack feels you're a failure either, if he did, he'd be gone."

"He almost was; he was going to leave me."

"Maybe, but now you'll never know, will you?"

"I hope not. He really loves me, doesn't he?"

"As much as any man could ever love a woman, Sarah."

"I wish I really knew what love is, Ellen. I think I love Jack, I feel different than I ever have in my life. I've been so cold for so long that I just don't know. I want to love him, I tell him I do, but"

"How do you feel when you're with him now?"

Sarah thought for a moment and replied, "Safe."

"What would you change if you could change anything; anything except the past?"

"I don't think I would change anything, Ellen."

"I think you love him. I think if you tell him often enough, you'll understand. It's hard to be IN love by yourself. You may be able to love someone that doesn't love you, but I don't think you can be in love. Just go with the flow, Sarah, after all, you can always go back to the way things were."

"Not in a million years! I don't even want to think about the way things used to be."

"Good, now let's have a wonderful vacation. Remember, the Keys are like Las Vegas."

"How so?"

"What ever happens in the Keys stays in the Keys!"

Sarah laughed and then said seriously, "Ellen, thanks for being my friend, I've never had one before."

Ellen smiled and gave Sarah a hug. The two women went outside and watched as their children secured the boat to the pier and shut things down. Brad connected the shore power while Kathy took a hose out of a locker and connected it to a spigot, uncoiling it as she walked back to the boat.

Once the boat was settled, the teens gathered in the cockpit with their parents.

"We need to clean the boat," Brad said. "What are you guys going to do?"

"I think we should check into the hotel," Harry said. "After that it doesn't matter to me."

"Can we all go to the beach?" Jenny asked.

Ellen glanced at her daughter, smiled and said, "Sure we can. We just have to make sure we have plenty of sunscreen. You kids know how hot the sun can be down here and we don't want to get burnt."

"Do you need help with the suitcases, Dad," Eddie asked.

"No thanks son, we can get them," Harry said. "You guys take care of the boat; we'll be back in about an hour."

Harry and Jack brought the bags out of the cabin and set them on the pier. Each of the adults grabbed one and they walked away.

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