One Boy's Journey Chapter 45

Written by Brianna Demonet

I walked into the house with my newly enhanced figure. I swear everyone was staring at me. John was studying me.

Bree you look great! What's different? It's not your hair.

Becky and May looked at me. Wow! Look at you! They said.

You look great Ree! Said Caleb.

Ree you look bigger! Said Caitlyn.

John blushed when he realized my breasts were bigger looking.

Hank just smiled at the whole scene, never saying a word.

Dinner will be ready in a couple of minutes! Said Ian.

If that's okay with the supermodel? Ian joked.

Everyone laughed! I laughed too!

That reminds me! I'm modeling at a charity fashion show in September. Everyone is invited! I said.

Fashion show? I'm in said Becky.

Me too said Cathy.

Grandma, will you be there? I asked.

We'll be there! Said Hank even if I have to drag her there!

Of course sweetheart! Said May.

I wanna go! Said Caitlyn.

Me too! Said Violet!

What about you John? Asked Caleb.

I won't miss it! Besides my Mom will love it! Said John.

Dinner was great as always.

Hank and Bree took care of the dishes.

Ree, John come with me! Said Cathy.

She led us to the quads. Caleb was packing up blankets and the cooler.

Follow us said Cathy.

We went to her spot again.

Caleb started laying out the blankets. John helped him.

Ree, John, Caleb, and I wanted to share tea with you both at sunset. While it isn't a custom, it is acceptable that a family member makes an effort to show support to the younger sibling. Ree you may not be a blood relative, but you are my little sister.

Caleb and I thought it would be nice to show you how much we love you and approve of John.

We sat down and Cathy and I repeated the tea ceremony. The only difference was the tea came from a thermos.

We lay down on the side of the mountain, watching the sunset. It started getting a little chilly. John and I cuddled very close. John felt very warm.

We didn't hardly talk the whole time. We kissed deeply.

Cathy and Caleb were sharing a very passionate embrace. We stayed until the sun completely disappeared over the mountains. I was so in love with John. I couldn't think of anything else at that moment except being with him like Cathy was with Caleb.

We went back to the house and I started getting ready for bed. I got in the shower first. As I washed my body I felt myself up. I couldn't believe how much I'd changed in the last 15 months.

As I dried myself, I looked in the mirror. I looked like all those girls I admired in school and at the mall. It was a defining moment! I tried to think about my life before and now.

A small part of me wanted to be Ryan again. But it was a small part, a sad part. Truth is I was loving my new life. I turned and posed naked in the mirror. I love the way I look and feel.

I put on my new pink bra. It felt great. I can't believe I spent almost seven hundred dollars on bras. But my breasts never felt so comfortable and supportive before. Betty really knows her stuff.

When I opened the bathroom door John was standing in the hallway.

Hey! He said softly.

Hey! I returned the comment.

He gave me that sweet smile I love. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him. He hugged me squeezing me into his firm body.

I'm so lucky to have you in my life! He said.

Don't you forget it! I said. I kissed him again.

Good night Ree! Sweet dreams!

Goodnight Johnny!

He kissed me again. I love how you say, Johnny!

I love you, Johnny!

I love you too Ree!

I went to bed with a very warm feeling.

The next morning, I was in the bathroom cleaning up, and when I walked out, John pulled me into his room. I was thrilled at the spontaneous gesture. But I was also worried about what it would look like.

It's okay Ree! Everyone is asleep. I just wanted you for a few minutes alone, John said. I couldn't stop thinking about you last night.

I fell asleep with a warm feeling for you too! I said.

John played with my naval jewelry as we kissed. I'm not sure if he knows how hot that makes me, but it does.

I love you, Ree!

I love you too Johnny!

He smiled and kissed me again.

I kissed his cheek and went back to my room and put on my sweats for our sunrise and coffee.

I put on some light makeup and walked out of my room and John was waiting for me in his football jersey and sweatpants. Even dressed in loose clothes he looked so handsome!

He extended his arm and I took it. We walked down together.

May and Hank were sharing a small kiss when we walked into the kitchen.

You two make a handsome couple! Said Hank.

You both look very good together! May said.

I hope I'm in love like that when I'm your age. I said.

John tightened his arm on me and smiled down at me.

Coffee? Hank asked.

Thanks, Grandpa!

Thanks, Hank!

Come on you two! May said. The sun is about to rise!

That morning, it was only May, Hank, John, and I enjoying the sunrise.

Hank and May were a bit more loving in front of us than I had seen any time previously. John and I kissed quite often this particular morning. I was sitting on his lap. I figured it was okay because May was sitting on Hank's lap too.

I don't really remember much from that sunrise. I was way too preoccupied with John. We heard noise from the stairs and sat back next to our men.

Caitlyn came running out Ree!!! She jumps on my lap.

Will you take me for a ride?

Sure we'll get a prowler! I said.

No, I want to ride on the quad!

Me too said Violet! Not wanting to be left out!

John lifted Violet over his head while still seated in the swing. You can ride with me!

Yay!! Violet exclaimed.

First Breakfast said May! And you two have to wear helmets!

Aww!! They both said. A bit little disappointed.

No helmets, No ride! Said Hank.

Okay... They said.

Ian was teaching Caleb how to make blueberry crepes.

After breakfast. John and I took the girls on their ride.

They laughed and giggled all the way. Violet was very taken with John.

We stopped at the cabin for a break. We had some water and started again. We must have ridden the whole property that morning.

When we got back the guys wanted to go to town. I told John to go! Have some fun bonding! He smiled and left with the guys right before lunch.

Bree!

Yes May?

Cathy tells me, you how to make wet burritos!

Yes, I do!

We might need to go to the store for some things.

No need! Said Cathy we got everything yesterday.

We girls had small salads for lunch. May, Cathy, and I got started preparing burritos for dinner. Cathy had to stop and feed Ryan. Becky and Brianna tended to the girls and James.

We had a great time cooking, chatting, and carrying on about anything and everything. I only had a few weeks left for summer and I still had lots to do.

We talked about moving to the new house and cheer camp, ballet. Brianna mentioned my green belt test. I wasn't half as confident about my green belt as John was. But John never took it easy on me in class.

Ree, will you dance for me? Asked Caitlyn.

Oh, honey! I'm really busy making dinner. I said.

It's okay Ree. I'll turn down the stove. Said May.

I don't have any music!

May put on Tchaikovsky Swan Lake theme.

I said okay but it would look better in my Tutu and dance shoes. But here it goes.

Cathy and Bree moved the furniture out of the way.

I danced to Shelly's Solo. It was a little intimidating dancing in front of the people I loved. They could see everything so up close and personal.

James and Ryan lay there quietly as I danced and spun around. I was prancing on my toes. I noticed that Caitlyn and Violet were watching every single movement.

I looked at the girls and they were staring at me the whole time. When I am on stage, it's different. The stage lights hide the audience and you can't see their faces.

This was way different. About halfway through the music, I stopped thinking about it, and my muscle memory took over. When I did my pirouette the girls were excited.

Finally, the song came to an end. I did a pirouette and bowed.

The ladies showered me with compliments and Caitlyn and Violet hugged me.

May hugged me tightly. Hank and I are not going to miss another recital! You were wonderful darling!

Mom, mom!! Can I take ballet? Asked Caitlyn.

Me too mommy! Said Violet.

We'll look into it when we get home! Said Brianna.

I expect an invitation to your recitals girls! I said.

In town, the guys were bonding. Hank took them to the farm elevator and picked up supplies. They stopped at Hank's favorite local bar for lunch. The special of the day was a ribeye steak sandwich. The guys had a beer John had iced tea.

Their last stop was Walmart. Hank loaded up two shopping carts full of food and supplies for his field hands and their families. Caleb had done this with Hank before. Before John and Ian knew they were in line at the checkout.

They headed back to the vineyard. Hank stopped at the worker's compound and dropped off the groceries and supplies. Most of the workers spoke Spanish.

John was impressed with Hank and Ian speaking Spanish so fluently. The foreman, Jose, asked who's this? In Spanish.

John responded in Spanish and introduced himself.

Jose was taken aback; this Asian boy speaks Spanish.

Caleb switched to English. John here is a real-life martial arts champion!

Que! Responded Jose impressed

No joke! Said Jose in perfect English.

Yes sir! Said Hank. He is the Korean/USA tournament champion. 190-pound weight class! He defeated the Korean two-time Korean champ.

He's also Rianna's boyfriend!

A pleasure to meet you, son! Said Jose.

Jose, here is my foreman and all-around right hand.

The guys began to unload the truck, and several people came out of nowhere, and they had the truck unloaded in no time.

I'll see you tomorrow Jose! Said Hank. Yes, sir, and thank you! Jose said.

They stopped at the warehouse and dropped off the supplies. And headed to the house.

Wow!!! What's that smell? Said Hank.

I smell Mexican! Said Ian.

So do I! Said Caleb.

John smiled! I know what that is!

Care to share! Asked Hank.

You guys are in for a treat! Said John as they entered the kitchen.

Homemade wet burritos and tacos. Said John.

Martina's recipe! I added.

It's been a while since I had homemade Mexican food, Hank said.

Me either said Caleb.

I hope you will like it! I said.

Don't worry Ree! I love your cooking! Said John he walked up and kissed my cheek.

It smells great sweetheart! Said Hank. May was right beside me.

I see Ree is teaching you to cook. That's a switch! Said Hank.

Ree made dessert too!

Let me guess! Said John, Blueberry empanadas!

That's right said May. How'd you... Nevermind!

We laughed.

Well, it smells fantastic! I can't wait to try some! I don't normally make Mexican cuisine at home. Said Ian.

If dinner is half as good as it smells, you may just have to start! Said Becky smiling.

Ian just smiled and nodded his head.

John give me a hand! Said Ian as he started setting the table.

John and Ian set the table for our last dinner.

May, Cathy, and I spent most of the afternoon making dinner. I was just hoping everyone would enjoy it.

It was kinda funny watching May and Cathy take notes from me. That's a switch!

I'd been cooking in my sweats and an apron all afternoon. I needed a shower.

I put May in charge and raced upstairs for a shower. After my shower, I put on my black stirrup leggings, my tight white T-shirt, and my pink cable knit sweater. With my new bra, I was casting quite an attractive silhouette.

I wore my chunky work-style boots. I went downstairs and May was taking the burritos out of the oven. I covered the burritos with warm enchilada sauce. I covered the burritos with Mexican blend cheese and baked them in the oven again.

Everyone loved my dinner. Caitlyn and Violet loved the tacos. The taco salad was almost as popular as the burritos were.

May and I serve the empanadas sprinkled with powdered sugar. Caitlyn and Violet had ice cream.

That was a great dinner Ree! I'm impressed! Ian said.

I'll say! Where did you learn how to cook like that? Asked Hank.

Our housekeeper Martina! She taught me!

They're right, Ree! Those burritos trump any restaurant I've been to! Said John.

Everyone's compliments made me blush. It also made me feel really appreciated.

Our last Sunset.

Come on Ree, John! We're going out for a drink! Said Cathy!

I saw Caleb carrying a cooler. John was behind him carrying blankets.

We went back to Cathy's spot for our last Sunset for the weekend.

Watching the sunset and being under the star-lit sky was very romantic! We sipped white wine and nibbled on some cheese.

John, as always, was the perfect gentleman. We stayed for almost an hour after it got dark. I was almost hypnotized by the sky and John. It was a magical evening.

I went to bed thinking about the evening. My dreams were very nice!

I woke up early, cleaned up, and went downstairs.

I beat May to the kitchen. Another first! I thought to myself. I started a pot of Korean coffee and waited outside on the swing for someone to join me.

The porch door opened and May walked out.

Morning sweetheart! Sleep well?

Morning Grandma! Yes very well.

I have to say, Ree! You have good taste in men. I like John a lot! Hank does too! I'm so glad you two were able to visit with us!

Me too, Grandma! We had a great time with everyone!

Hank and I were talking. We are going to try and see if we can visit for one of your football games!

We want to see you Cheer. We also want to see John in action!

I would love that! I know John would too. I know you two and John's parents will hit it off!

I cuddled with May for a while. Just as we finished our coffee when John and Hank came out.

Refill anyone? John asked holding the coffee pot.

We raised our cups, John filled them.

Just as John and I settled into another swing we heard the prowlers approaching. The Stapleton clan unloaded.

Caitlyn and Violet rushed up to John and I.

I'm going to miss you, Ree! Said Caitlyn!

Me too! Said Violet.

Well, I'm going to miss you both!

I'm going to miss you too, Giant John! Said Caitlyn.

I'm going to miss you too, kitty! You too Vi!

They hugged John like I've seen his sisters hug him a hundred times.

Caleb came downstairs with Ryan.

Where's Cathy?

She'll be down in a minute! Said Caleb.

Let me take him! Said May.

It was so cute how Hank and May coddled Ryan. Ryan was a handsome baby. He had a strong jawline like Caleb, and he had blue eyes like most babies, and olive skin like his mother. He had honey-blonde hair.

Cathy came out with a cup of tea.

We sat together for our final Sunrise of the weekend.

We had scrambled eggs and sausage for breakfast that morning. Hank made it on his new Blackstone grill. His eggs were better than mine I had to admit, very fluffy.

John and I said goodbye to the Stapleton clan and they went back to the cabin. John and I went upstairs and finished packing.

We said our goodbyes to Hank and May. Caleb and Cathy were dropping us off at the airport on their way home.

We boarded the plane and John and I slept almost the whole flight home.

Aunt V and Yon picked us up in her Escalade.

How was your trip? Asked Yon.

It was great! May and Hank invited our family to visit! You and Dad would love it! The girls too!

How was the sunrise? Asked Yon.

The sunrise and sunset are as beautiful as the hills of Soo-Min's rice farm. The only difference is the grape vines.

Did you sample any wine? Asked Yon

Just a little with dinner, it's their tradition.

Yon looked a little surprised at John's answer.

I thought to myself, at least he didn't lie!

Aunt V cut in. It's a tradition that guests and family members above the age of 12 have a small glass of wine with dinner. It's a small sign of trust and respect for both the child and their profession.

Vineyard families have been practicing it for more than a thousand years this way. Vanessa said.

I can respect that I just want to keep my son from trouble. Said May.

Yon, you know your son respects customs and culture. When in Rome! As they say. Said Aunt V.

I suppose you're right, V! It's not like they were throwing a keg party. Said Yon.

No not at all! It's only at dinner and with adults present. You'll see when you visit them. Said Aunt V.

Well, now I have to go! Yon said.

You and Dad will love it! Hank gave me a tour of the vineyard and showed us the process of making wine. He has a very old-world way of doing things. May's cooking is almost as good as yours!

Almost! Yon smiled.

No one's home cooking can top yours! Said John.

We laughed.

Aunt V dropped off Yon and John. I hugged Yon and thanked her for letting John join me. I kissed John goodbye on the cheek.

We went home and I went right to sleep!

When I woke up the next morning, it was Monday. I was up at 6 am. I did my 30 laps, and Martina made breakfast. She made hash browns with breakfast.

I started to help her clean up.

No sweetheart! You need to do some schoolwork first. Besides, Emma and Lexi will be over at noon for cheer practice!

Oh my gosh! You're right! Thanks, Martina.

I ran upstairs and checked my email and what I was working on last. It was US history! I worked for almost 2 1/2 hours, put on my leggings and leotard, and started stretching out.

We had a week to get ready before cheer camp.

Lexi and Emma showed up we went through all our routines and even added a few more moves. After about an hour we took a water break.

I was talking with Lori and Cheryl the other day. They're practicing at Cheryl's house. They invited us to join them, Said Emma.

It sounded like most of the girls were going to be there. Said Lexi.

Are you interested? Asked Emma.

This was out of left field for me! Cheryl invited us to practice at her home! I hesitated before answering. I wasn't sure. But I thought about it for a couple of seconds.

I wasn't sure about this. But I also knew if I said no it would send the wrong signal.

What time are they starting? Because I have a lot of school work to do.

It is the same time as us, noon. Like us, they try and complete most of their schoolwork in the summer. Said Lexi.

They started today. Said Emma but we told them you were in Napa Valley and we would ask you today.

Let me call Aunt V and check with her first. How will I get there?

My Mom will give you a ride said Lexi.

Aunt V!

Hi sweetheart everything alright?

Yes, we are fine. Emma and Lexi just told me that Cheryl is inviting the cheerleaders to practice at her house this week before camp. Would it be alright to join them?

Certainly honey! You can join them. Just be home at a decent hour and keep your phone on!

Okay, Aunt V, thanks. I love you!

I love you too sweetheart!

Okay, girls, I'm in! I said. I was excited, but still a little nervous.

I'll call Cheryl! Said Emma.

Hi Cheryl!

She's in!

Today? I guess we can, but we don't have a ride.

Martina heard us! She hears everything!

You girls need a ride? Asked Martina.

Just a second! Cheryl.

Palm Crest Courtyard.

Sure, I can give you girls a ride; just make sure your parents know where you are!

We'll be there in an hour tops! Said Emma.

Grab your gear girls! Said Martina. I left a note for Aunt V and a message on her voicemail. Emma and Lexi called their mothers. We were out of my house in fifteen minutes.

25 minutes after Emma's call we were at Cheryl's house. It was as big or bigger than Becky's house. It was tan brick with a 12-foot-high wall fencing the property. They had a pool house too. It was a magnificent home!

The girls all rushed us when we arrived.

We thanked Martina, and I waved as she drove away.

Come in. We're practicing on the basketball court.

Cheryl led us to the indoor basketball court. It was a full-size hardwood floor court.


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