Tell No More Lies: The Day I Met Myself

By Braggie Anne Mabry

Candy was still up to her old tricks. After about a year without any contact with Jack, she still has love in her heart for him, and the passion was getting stronger. Candy gave birth to Tom's third child, but the desire for Jack was still there. During the year Candy and Jack were apart, she started back-dating Tom, since she had three of his children. Jack tried so hard to stay away from Candy and focus on his marriage to Pam, but that didn't seem to be working. Candy tried to contact Jack one day, but his number was changed, and he decided to call her and hang up. But little did he know, the call went through, and that's the day it all happened.

Jack told Candy about the birthday party that Pam was having for the children on Saturday, not expecting her to come. She walked in with gifts singing happy birthday until she was noticed and told to leave. She had something else in mind. She stabbed Jack, sending him to ICU, but the stabbing still didn't end their sexual relationship. Candy gave birth to the fourth baby with Tom, thinking that would help her get over Jack. After all the back and forth with Candy and going to counseling Jack finally realized that he loved Pam and wanted his marriage to work out. Pam later gave birth to twin girls, and the six children and Pam were finally Jack's only focus.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9781640962415

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

About the Author

cover.jpg

Tell No More Lies

The Day I Met Myself

Braggie Anne Mabry

Copyright © 2018 Braggie Anne Mabry

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2018

ISBN 978-1-64096-240-8 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64096-241-5 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Acknowledgments

Thank you, God, for being the head of my life and for giving me the strength to continue to follow my dreams.

Thank you, Steven O'Brien Mabry, Sr., for just begin there and understanding that the journey of being an author is not easy. Your love helps me to continue to follow my dreams. I love you with all my heart, and I thank God for the love we share.

To my children and grandchildren, I just want to say thanks for being a part of my dreams. Your love helps me to push a little harder.

To my mom and dad, who are no longer here, thanks for making me the woman I am today. There are no words to say to thank y'all enough for being my parents.

Chapter 1

Pam tried to keep her marriage to Jack on track. It was very hard to do, because of all the lies he told, and there was no trust between the two of them. The babies were almost three years old, and in about a week Pam would be getting ready for a birthday party for the four of them. Jack is still not taking me seriously about him sleeping with Candy. I will continue to stay married to him until I can't take any more of his lying, cheating butt.

Jack, did you remind your parents about the children's birthday party I will have for them in about a week?

Yes, I did, Pam. I will be booking their flights early so I can get their tickets at a discount price.

Are your parents still coming, Jack?

I think they are, why you ask?

Because I don't want to get tickets for them if they won't come, so you better find out for sure, she said.

We have not heard from Candy in over a year, Pam thought to herself. She had a baby girl. I hope the baby is keeping her busy enough to forget about Jack. I hope Candy doesn't think that just because I am still with Jack I trust him, or her. Well, if that's what she thinks she has another thing coming. I know he is still sleeping around with that tramp.

Pam's phone rang. Hello? she yelled.

Why are you yelling? Betty asked.

Oh, hey, Mom. I thought you were someone else.

No, it's just your mom.

I booked you and Dad a flight to come here for the grandchildren's party.

When is it?

Saturday, January sixth. Did you forget that they will be three?

No. My, how time flies. Three already! They have really grown up.

I am planning a big event.

Why, girl? The children are still babies.

Because, Mom, they will really enjoy themselves. I am going to spend my money, it will not be left here for Jack to spend on a trick, or that tramp he is still sleeping with.

Baby, don't talk like that. I thought you were getting better.

I am, Mom, but I am so tired of Jack cheating and telling lies.

Jack snatched the phone from Pam. Mrs. Betty, your daughter is not telling the truth.

Jack, baby, what is going on?

Nothing, Mom, Pam will not get over it.

Get over what, Jack?

Remember when I used to cheat on her last year?

Yes, I do.

I am not the same person anymore, Mom.

Well, son, when a man hurts a woman the way you hurt Pam, sometimes it takes awhile for them to get over it, and some women never recover. Until she does, you are just going to have to make the best of it.

Mom, what must I do?

I don't have an answer for you on that one. You are going to have to figure it out on your own. Take care, Jack. And put Pam back on the phone.

Okay. Pam, Mom wants to speak to you.

Pam took the phone. Mom, I was just calling to tell you and Dad about your flight. I will talk with you later.

Okay, baby, take care.

Pam had not been back to her office since the birth of the babies. She worked from home, doing design. Paying daycare was costing her a fortune. Jack thinks I am at home trying to check up on him, but I am done trying to find out what he is doing with that tramp. I have been sleeping in the guest room since the birth of the babies. We live like roommates.

Pam, I will be right back, Jack said.

What are you telling me for? You know I don't care where you go.

He went out the door without another word to her. She watched as he pulled out of the driveway. He passed by Candy's house. What's the matter with him? she thought. I wonder what that's all about. He didn't stop by his tramp's house.

The doorbell rang. I wonder who that is? She looked out the peephole but did not see anyone. She walked away from the door; the bell rang again.

Who is this? she shouted and snatched the door open. Candy, she said, what do you want?

Can I please come in?

No, you may not. How can I help you?

I need to talk with you.

Whatever you have to tell me, you can tell me right here. She stood there without saying a word. I am waiting.

I am sorry for any trouble I may have caused your marriage.

Oh, really, is that what you thought? Let me get this straight with you, my marriage was not in any trouble then or now.

It's not?

No, is that what you thought?

Yes.

Why?

Because what wife in her right mind doesn't care about her husband cheating? Mrs. Pam Smith, Do you love Jack?

Yes, I do, very much.

Why do you accept him cheating on you?

Listen, my babies are up from their naps. We have to pick this conversation back up some other day.

Can I come in to see the babies?

No, another time.

Why can't I come in now?

Because I said no. She slammed the door.

Candy walked off the porch saying to herself, I will get Jack from her if it's the last thing I do. I have to come up with a plan. Think, girl, use your head.

Candy called her sister, Tammy, who had her children for the weekend.

Hello, Tammy said.

Hey, sis, what are my babies doing?

Diamond is asleep, and the twins are sitting here playing with some building blocks.

Oh, okay. I'm just checking. I'll call you back tomorrow.

Bye, girl, she said. Your children are just fine.

Before Candy could hang up her phone was ringing. Who is this? she thought. I didn't even get a chance to hang up on Tammy.

Hello?

Hey, Candy.

Who is this?

Oh, you've forgotten about me, all right.

No, who are you?

Your children's dad.

Oh, hello, what do you want almost a year later? The baby that belongs to you was born a year ago, and you weren't anywhere to be found.

Would you shut up and listen sometimes?

Listen to what? How can you explain yourself after being gone for three hundred sixty-five days?

You act like that is a long time.

It is a long time when you are looking for someone.

I told you I had a life in California.

You have a family here too.

No, I really don't, he said. My family is in LA.

You mean a woman and some more children?

Yes, if that's what you want to call them.

She was silent, and then she asked him, What is your problem?

I don't have a problem. When I wanted you back, you were making love to a married man, so I packed up and moved back to LA. I love my woman.

So you had her when you came here for the DNA testing?

Yes, and you knew that. Stop lying.

No, I did not know such a thing. She lives with you?

Yes, and our two sons.

You lying dog.

No matter what names you call me, it won't change the facts.

Oh, no, she started to scream, her eyes filled with tears.

Listen to me, would you please?

No. You were supposed to be here in New York with your children.

I have children in California.

Why did you come here for a week, if you already had a family? Does she know that you came here and what you came here for?

No.

Well, she is getting ready to know, she said, and slammed down the phone. I need to find out where my children's grandparents live. Candy called 411. Hello, can you give me the number for a Mrs. Linda Taylor?

Yes, hold on, ma'am, the number is area code 902-635-7183.

Would you by any chance have her address?

Yes. The address is 3658 South Lee Street.

Okay, thank you so much.

You're welcome, the operator said.

Candy wasn't sure if she should call, but it was for her children; their grandparents should know about them. She dialed the number.

Hello, the woman said.

She was silent.

Hello, who is this?

Hello, Mrs. Linda Taylor. My name is Candy Thomas.

Can I help you, ma'am?

Yes, I don't know if your son told you about me.

Which son?

Tom.

No, he didn't. What was I supposed to know?

She hesitated for a minute.

I'm listening, Mrs. Taylor said.

I don't know where to begin.

Anywhere will do.

You have some grandsons, twins. They are four.

What did you say?

She repeated herself.

Are you serious?

Yes, ma'am, I am.

Tom hasn't told me anything like that.

Well, that's not all of it.

There's more?

Yes, it gets better than that.

Can I handle it?

Yes, you can. We also have a daughter. She is one and her name is Diamond.

Oh my. What are the twins' names?

Donald and Darren. Are you there, Mrs. Taylor?

Yes, I am here. How could he keep such a secret from me and his dad?

I don't have a clue. When Tom moved away from California a couple of years ago, we came here.

You were with him?

Yes, you did not know?

No.

The reason he moved back to California was because I put him out.

And why did you do that?

I got tired of him fighting me and trying to take my money.

That boy, he was raised to work. Where do you work at?

Nowhere. I'm rich.

Oh, is that so?

Yes, my grandparents died and left me a couple million dollars.

How did they die?

In a bad car accident.

Why did you keep this from me?

I wanted to speak to you several times, but Tom told me that you knew about the children, so I just left it alone and changed the subject. Please don't tell him I called you, okay?

I won't. Pack a bag for you and the children and come out here for a week or two.

Okay, I will let you know when I get ready to catch my flight.

Okay, that will be fine. I will be there when your plane lands.

Tom's mother was sitting at the kitchen table when he came through the door. Hey, Mom.

Hello, baby, what's going on with you?

Nothing, I just came over to check up on you and Dad. Where is Dad at?

He went to the market to pick up a few groceries.

Okay. Do you want me to stay here until he comes back?

No, that won't be necessary, but, if you want to see your dad that is something different.

That's okay, I'll see him another day. He kissed his mother and went out the door. Before he could close the door his dad was pulling up. Mom, Dad's out here.

Okay, baby.

Hello, Dad.

Hey, son, how are you doing?

I'm good. How's things going with you?

I have no complaints.

Okay, see you later. I have to run.

Be careful, Mr. Taylor yelled. Tom had already pulled away.

Linda was sitting at the kitchen table with her head down. Hey, baby, what's the matter?

I received a phone call while you were away.

About what, baby?

Our son.

Which one?

Tom.

He seemed okay when I just saw him.

Not that kind of call, Lester.

Then what kind of call?

Have you ever heard Tom talk about a girl named Candy?

Yes, years ago, what about her?

When Tom moved to New York, he took Candy went him.

He did what?

Moved to New York with a woman.

Where was she at when we went there to visit?

She was here visiting her mom.

It looked like a woman lived there. I just didn't say anything, Lester said. Who bought that nice house?

She did.

How? And where does she work?

The girl is rich.

What you mean, rich?

There is only one way to explain rich.

You mean money.

Yes, Lester, she has a couple of millions.

Where did she get it from?

Her grandparents left it to her when they died in a car accident.

Oh my.

That's not the juicy part.

There's more?

Much more. We have three grandchildren.

Oh, what is wrong with that boy not telling us something like that?

The boys are twins.

Twins, you mean, as in, two?

Linda laughed and said, Yes, as in two.

How old are the boys?

Four, and the baby girl is one. The twins are named Darren and Donald, and the baby girl is named Diamond.

The three Ds.

I did not see it like that, Linda said. Candy will be here in a couple of days, and she does not want Tom to know that she is coming.

Okay, her secret is safe with me. Are you sure the babies are Tom's?

Yes, when he went to New York a year ago he told us that he was going for his job, but that was not true. He went there to take a DNA test to see if the children were his.

Are all the children Tom's?

Yes. Linda had tears forming in her eyes.

Oh, don't cry, baby, it's going to be all right, Lester said.

Chapter 2

Jack returned home. Pam was in shock that he returned without going to see the tramp. Hey, baby, he said.

She did not speak. Then she burst out and said, Your little tramp came by here today.

He was silent.

She must have watched you leave, because just as you pulled off she was ringing the doorbell.

He was still silent.

Do you hear me?

Yes, I hear you.

She wanted to come in and see the babies.

Did you let her?

No, she said. She came down here to apologize for causing trouble in my marriage. I plainly explained to her that my marriage is not facing any trouble and it never had been. Then she wanted to know why I stay with you knowing that you cheated on me. I shut her up telling her that my children were up from their naps and I had to go.

He was puzzled, wondering why she would come to talk to Pam. She knew that was the way to get him to call her; not this time. Because I promised Pam no more lies.

I booked our parents' flight for Thursday.

Okay, when is the party? he asked.

Saturday.

At what time?

Three.

He went to his study to finish up some work, trying very hard not to text Candy. I have not spoken to her in about a year. I need to keep it that way if I want to keep my marriage.

The house was in an uproar; all four of the children were running through the house like it was a playground. Pam, stop the children, would you please? he shouted. They were screaming so loud; she acted like she did not even hear them. He stormed out of the study. Pam, where are you?

She was standing in the kitchen waiting for him to enter. Did you hear me calling your name?

Yes, I did.

Why did you not answer me?

She just stood there looking at him. Can you shut the children up?

No, I cannot.

How do you expect me to get some work done?

Well, you, the man with all the answers for all of our problems, you figure this one out.

He was already upset, wanting to hear what Candy had to say about coming over to their house. He was not going to call her; he was trying to be true to his wife. I know you are trying your best to live right. Can you tell me why that tramp came down here?

No, I don't know why she does the things she does.

My parents' flight will get in at seven, and yours will arrival at eight. I hate that I couldn't get them on the same flight. I tried to, but I couldn't. Are you going, or do you want me to go?

I will go get them, he said. You can stay here with all your spoiled children.

She laughed and said, They have your DNA in them too.

He walked to his car, looking down Candy's way, hoping to see her. Maybe I will ride past her house—no, he thought to himself. Go the other way.

Candy was actually standing looking out the window when she saw him pulling out of the driveway and going the other way. She picked up her phone and dialed his number. A recording came on to say that the number had been changed to a private number. She slammed the phone down and said, That's all right, you can't hide from me forever.

On the way to the airport, he dialed her number and hung up. Little did he know, the call went through. Hello, she said. There was no answer; the caller hung up. She star-six-nine'd the number back. Hello.

Hello, who is this?

Jack, is this you? I got him.

What were you doing calling my phone?

I did not call you, you called me, she screamed. You know I did not call you, because you know you changed your phone number.

Well, how are we talking, then?

You called me and hung up, and I star-six-nine'd the number that called me, and it was you. What do you want, Jack? she asked.

Nothing, he said.

Why are you calling me, then?

I was on my way to the airport to pick up our parents.

Why, are they coming to town?

Pam is giving the children a birthday party on Saturday.

Oh really.

Yes really.

Her thinking cap came on. Hmm, this is my chance to show up uninvited.

Well, I have to go. I'm at the airport and I see our parents.

Okay, see you later. She hung up, so glad he had told her about the party.

Chapter 3

Hey, Mom and Dad, over here. His parents' eyes followed the sound of his voice. Right here, Mom. When she turned around, he was standing there. He embraced his mom and shook his dad's hand.

Good to see you, son, Paul said.

How have you guys been? he asked.

We have no complaints.

Do you know what time Pam's parents' flight will land? his mom asked.

He looked at his watch and said, Yes, in the next twenty minutes.

Let's go over there to the deli so I can grab a sandwich and something to drink, Nancy said.

Do you want something? Paul asked him.

No, Dad, I'm not hungry.

Paul looked out the window and said, I see the plane.

How do you know it's their plane? Nancy said.

I know, replied Paul.

Jack and his parents went to the baggage claim to wait for Pam's parents. Bill and Betty rushed off the plane so they wouldn't keep them waiting; they had already waited long enough. Nancy noticed Bill and Betty coming around the corner. Hey, over here, Jack said.

Nancy and Betty hugged, and Paul and Bill shook hands. Betty hugged Paul, and Bill hugged Nancy. Jack shook Bill's hand, and he hugged Betty.

I hope we do not have to wait a long time before our luggage comes down.

I don't think you have to, because we did not have to wait long, Paul said.

Hey, Dad, Jack said. I'm going to get the car and pull it around, so you guys don't have to walk far.

He was on his way to the car when his phone rang. I wonder who this might be? He sent the call straight to voicemail. I knew it was Candy. If it had been Pam, she would've kept on calling until I answered. When he pulled up to the door, their parents were walking out. He hopped out to help with all their luggage.

It's good to see you all, he said again.

We all are glad to see you guys, his mom said.

The drive home was very quiet. Jack knew they were tired because of the layover in Atlanta. The airport in Atlanta was always very busy, and the flight was about two and a half hours to New York. The flight from California to Atlanta seemed so long because of the time change, especially with a layover somewhere. Jack and their parents made it to the house. They were getting out of the car when a car drove past the house, flying. The car stopped. It was Candy. She got out of the car. Paul looked over at Jack.

Hey, I'm Candy, she said.

Betty said, Who cares. We know you're the tramp who's been trying to destroy my daughter's marriage.

Pam was outside on the porch shouting, Tramp, I am not going to keep on telling you to stay away from my husband again. She jumped off the porch trying to charge at her.

Betty grabbed her by the arm saying, No, don't, she's not worth it, you have your children to think about.

Get away from here, tramp, she was screaming. See, Mom, I told you she is crazy. Jack is my husband, and she better stay away from him, if she doesn't want to get hurt.

Candy got back into her car and backed all the way down to her house. Paul and Jack stayed outside to talk, while everybody else went into the house. The look Paul had on his face was not a good look. Dad, I promise you I am not still sleeping with that crazy woman.

Okay, he said.

I told my wife no more lies, and I meant what I said, Dad. She keeps coming around, and she won't stop, he said.

She will, give her some more time, replied Paul.

I love my wife. I'm trying to fix my marriage, not destroy it anymore.

Candy kept star-six-nineing his phone. He kept sending her phone calls to voicemail, and she said to herself, I will get you, baby, no matter what you say.

He called her and said, Hey, I don't know what your problem is, but showing up at my house is not going to change anything. Do you see what you did in front of our parents?

Yes, and I don't care about what you're talking about.

If you don't stop this stupid game of yours, you are going to be sorry. I mean it, girl.

Yeah, yeah, whatever, she replied. He hung up.

She called right back again; he kept sending her calls straight to voicemail. She was preparing to go down to their house and crash the party the next day. She had her and the children's bags already packed, so after it was over she could go on to the airport and catch her flight. Tammy still had the children, thank God for that. She was planning out the attack on him, step by step.

It was Friday evening, and Pam was so tired from all the errands she had run that day, getting ready for the party the next day. Wow, she said, I finally get a chance to relax before all of the running around and chaos starts tomorrow, chasing after a bunch of three-year-olds. Mom, she yelled, are you guys ready to eat?

Sure, here we come.

She took a few minutes to sit down at the table set for dinner. The table looks beautiful, they all said. We get to eat on this fine china? asked Jack.

Yes.

If she is going to bring out the fine china, Mom, you and Dad should come visit more often.

They all laughed. Jack's phone kept vibrating; he did not look at it because he knew it was crazy Candy. He just hoped no one heard it vibrating. She had called his phone about six times back to back.

He thinks I'm playing with him. Well, tomorrow he will see that I am not playing.

She was still packing up their clothes, getting ready for the big event the next day.

Jack stood in the kitchen, helping Pam put away the food and clean up the dishes. Hey, baby, he said.

What? she replied. Don't get started, she shouted.

Would you please keep your voice down?

No, I will not, she said.

Our parents are in the next room watching TV and playing with the children. They can hear you.

I don't care. Maybe you should stop talking to me, then, if you are worried about them hearing me.

Can we at least talk about our marriage? he asked her.

No, there is nothing else left to say.

Yes, there is. I want you to come back into our bedroom.

No way.

Why not?

You already know the answer to that question.

I have told you over and over that I am not seeing Candy. I don't know why you will not believe me.

Because you have told me too many times that you were not seeing her, and it turned out to be another one of your lies.

Pam got ready to go up to bed. She stopped by the family room to say goodnight to her parents. Jack, will you help me get the children ready for bed?

Sure.

The children were so full of energy, going to sleep wasn't anywhere on their little minds.

Come on, you guys, it's time-out for trying to play. Mom is very tired. Will you please stop with the boys and lay them down?

Aww, come on, the boys want to play.

She heard her parents coming up to bed. Bill stopped in front of the children's room and told Jack that he really had his hands full. Yes, I do, but it is all in love and fun.

Jack's parents were already in bed, his mom reading a novel and Paul watching TV. Pam stepped out of the other guest room where she had been sleeping to check in on the girls, and they were sound asleep. Jack was still playing with the boys, making all kinds of noise. She yelled at him and said, It's too late to be making all of that noise. Everybody is in the bed, so would you please stop? Let the boys say their prayers and put them in bed.

Okay, I'm trying, but they won't stop.

She went into the room and gave the boys the you better stop eyes, which told them she was not playing. They jumped out of bed onto the floor to say their prayers. Jack started the prayer, and the boys repeated after him; she stood in the doorway listening to him pray and the boys repeating the best they could. Afterward, with the boys tucked in, he turned around and she was still standing there. He turned off the light and tried to walk past her; she would not move out of his way. Would you move, please? She did not reply; she just kissed him. He stood there in shock, and then he kissed her back with so much passion that he had built up for her. She closed the boys' bedroom door and took him by the hand, leading him to the bedroom she had been sleeping in. He was still wondering what had come over her, when she whispered in his ear, Make love to me.

Are you sure this is what you wanted?

Yes, baby, I'm sure, she said.

Will you come back to our bedroom? he asked her.

Yes.

Tonight?

Yes, baby, tonight, she said. He made love to her all night, telling her how much he loved and missed her. Shh, she said, I know you love me. Let's please just enjoy the moment. It was 3:00 a.m. when they were both finally ready to go to sleep, and they slept for the rest of the night.

Pam's eyes popped open; she looked at the clock on the wall. It's eleven o'clock, she shouted, grabbing her robe and running out of the room. She peeped into the girls' and the boys' room and they were not there. She ran down the stairs that led to the kitchen, and everyone was sitting at the dining room table having breakfast. Why did you let me sleep so late? she asked Jack.

Baby, you were sleeping so good, I didn't want to bother you. I know you were tired, and you needed to sleep a little longer. I got the children dressed. When I came downstairs, your mother had already prepared breakfast.

Sit down, baby, his mom said, and have some breakfast.

Okay. The party will start in a few hours, I still have a lot to do. The company that is coming to do the decorations will be here at one o'clock. Mom, I'm going to go take a shower and get dressed.

The children will be fine, go ahead, she said.

She entered their bedroom; Jack was already in the shower. When she came into the bathroom, he peeped out of the shower and said, Come here, baby. She dropped her robe; it hit the floor. Wow, he thought to himself. When she got into the shower he was looking at her with a look she had not seen before.

What's wrong? she asked him.

Nothing wrong, I just can't believe I was missing all of this.

You were too busy looking, and giving your time to someone else, and all of this was not on your mind.

Never again, he said. She didn't say anything; it was not the time to be arguing. I can't seem to get enough of you, he said.

Well, nothing about me has changed. You're just now realizing that what you were out in the streets getting, you had at home.

I always knew what I had at home, he said. Don't go there. The day is going too good.

We need to hurry up and get out of the shower, she said.

Not yet, baby. He kissed her again.

No, the people coming to do the decoration will be here in about thirty minutes.

Okay, he said. Our parents are down there.

She stepped out of the shower, and he stepped out too, stilling kissing her. She tried not to let him know that she was enjoying it, because they had to get dressed. The passion from the kiss was too strong, and all she could do was enjoy it. He laid her on the bathroom floor. No, baby, we can't, she was saying. He was not paying her any attention when she said no; the lovemaking started up again. The doorbell was ringing. Get the door, she yelled from upstairs.

Pam, they want you.

Who is it?

Ms. Jones, the decoration lady, Nancy said.

Okay, give me a minute, I'll be down there.

They continued to make love for the next twenty minutes. Betty and Nancy were calling her name. I will be down there in a minute, she yelled. She told him that she had to get up and go downstairs.

Okay, baby, I know.

She came to the top of the stairs and hollered down to tell them she was on her way. Okay, her mom said. She was finally dressed and came downstairs looking beautiful as ever. You look cute, her mom said. Pam just smiled and said thank you.

Hello, Ms. Jones, she said.

Hey, Mrs. Smith. You can come follow me, the room is down here.

Okay. She took a couple of steps to another room; it was not a basement but a huge, empty room. You can line the tables up over here, she told Ms. Jones.

Hey, you can call me Jackie.

Okay, Ms. Jackie. I will leave you here to do what you do best, she said.

Okay, sounds good.

I will be back in about an hour.

The doorbell rang again. It was the lady with the cake. Come on in, Pam said, follow me. She stepped back into the room. Wow, she said, the room is beautiful.

I still have to put the finishing touches on a few things.

Okay. Mrs. Kelly, you can put the cake over here, on the table in the corner. Mrs. Kelly sat the cake down and started putting the finishing touches on it.

I will leave you ladies alone to do what you do best.

The doorbell rang again and it was the clowns. Oh hey, she said, come on in. I thought you were the caterer.

No, it's just the clowns.

She laughed and said, Follow me. She took the clowns to the back room, and the doorbell was ringing. Get the door, Mom, she shouted.

Okay, baby. Come on in. Pam, the caterer is here.

Okay, tell them I will be right there. She came to the door and told the caterer to follow her. You can set the food up over here next to the cake, she told Ms. Perry. It was about 2:45 p.m., and the guests had started arriving. She left the door unlocked so she would not have to keep getting up to let the guests in. The music was playing, the children were laughing, singing, talking loud, dancing, and have a lot of fun. Candy was getting ready to make her grand entrance.

Come on, everyone, Pam said. It's time to eat. The tables were set up so beautiful, the room looked awesome, the clowns were dancing all around. Candy got into her car and drove down the streets slowly. She parked a couple of houses down so she could get into her car once it was all over with. She got out of the car and walked up to the door with a couple of gifts in her hands. She did not have any idea that the door was unlocked. She turned the doorknob and the door came open. Hmm, she thought. She walked into the foyer and heard all the noise; she just followed the sound. Candy was singing happy birthday real loud; no one had noticed her