28-TV FICTION CLASSICS

BORN TO BE

was adamant that we not try to contact him. I didn't agree, but I went along with his decision. I had been hurt by Ted too many times over the past months to put up much of a fight for him.

Bob brought some papers home for me to sign. I was so depressed, I didn't look at them or ask what they were. I trusted Bob, so I signed where he indicated. After that, I never saw them again.

Christmas eve arrived with nothing to celebrate. Mary hadn't called and I guess Ted still thought I was a pervert. The tree was filled with presents, but we didn't feel like opening them and went to bed early.

The lights were off when I felt Bob next to me. I was about to protest, when he said, "Don't worry, Karen dear. Everything will work out. Merry Christmas!" He leaned over me and gave me a soft kiss.

My protest melted on his lips. I nearly swooned when his hands softly caressed my breasts and his lips touched my lips. It was the most sensuous, heartfelt kiss and caress I'd ever had. All my cares melted away and all I wanted was be close to Bob. When he started to break the kiss, I wrapped my arms around his neck and brought him back.

We didn't take it beyond kissing and soft caresses. We cuddled and I felt so safe. Everything would be all right as long as his warm body was next to mine. The last thing I whispered before falling asleep was, "Merry Christmas, Bob darling."

The next morning, we shared a late morning breakfast, talking over steaming cups of coffee. The telephone rang and Bob answered it, "Hello Ted, what can I do for you?" I came to instant attention.

"Humm, I'll have to think about it. I'll come over in a couple hours and we'll talk," Bob stated, then hung up. "Ted has changed his mind. He wants to come back," Bob smiled.

"What! B...but he thinks we're perverts," I gasped. "I know!" Bob smiled, "But he realizes that being with us is better than being alone."

"He will have to become Barbie again, won't he?" I stammered.

"Of course! Only more than before! He has to not only look the part, but act and feel it too," Bob stated.

"He is willing to do that?"

"Apparently so. I'll find out when I see him," Bob smiled like the Cheshire cat. I was sure he knew something he

A DAUGHTER

wasn't sharing.

SANDY THOMAS ADVERTISING -29

Two hours later, Bob pulled into the garage with Ted. I was all aflutter. Would there be another shouting match? Why was Ted returning? Surely he would be happier as a man again.

Ted followed Bob up the walkway. He looked tired, and his blond hair hung sullenly about his shoulders in ragged strands. His clothes were slovenly, and he appeared small and vulnerable. Bob led him into the living room where I was waiting. "Karen, our daughter has something to say," Bob announced.

"I. . .I'm sorry for all those awful things I said," Ted whispered, looking down at the carpet.

"What did you say?" Bob asked pointedly.

"I. . .I'm sorry for my words of a few days ago," Ted answered, confused by Bob's question.

"Than address her in the proper manner!"

Ted turned beet red, but said, "I'm sorry for being mean to you, M...mother." This couldn't be my headstrong son. He sounded like a chastised puppy or a little girl.

"And?" Bob urged him on.

"Please accept me back into your family as...as your d. ..daughter," Ted stammered.

"And?" Bob prodded.

"I promise to be the best daughter I can," Ted whispered softly.

"Continue," Bob urged him on.

"I promise to always treat you and Daddy with respect as my parents," Ted cried, tears flowing down his cheeks. I couldn't fathom how Bob got him to say these things.

"AND," Bob said.

Ted responded to Bob. "Okay, I understand that you and Daddy will display affection for each other, and as my parents, you have that right."

I exhaled. Could this meek person really be my son? What happened to the pervert stuff?

"Give your mother a kiss and go to your room. Don't come out until you've made yourself presentable as our obedient daughter. There won't be any more of this rebellion stuff, will there?" Bob demanded.

Bowing his head, Ted whispered, "N. . .no. . .Daddy." He gave me a chaste kiss on the cheek and whispered, "I hope I become as pretty as you, Mother."

I spoke for the first time, as he was leaving the room, "Don't forget to shave your legs, dear." I blushed as soon as

I said it. Where did that come from?