Friday the 13th, Lucky or Unlucky?

Friday the 13 th, Lucky or Unlucky? One Family's Experience Through the Years.

This story slowly unfolds, spanning 100 years of one family's life, tracking events that happen on several Fridays the 13th, some good, others not so good. Each generation experiences romance, adversity, and sexual awakening, constrained by the beliefs and values of the historical timeframe they live in. Featuring Motorcycle Man, Bareback Rider and BJ Girl.

Céline wouldn't have had a telephone, while Lilly lives in the Internet age. Each generation is a product of their times, and interprets the events as lucky or not, through the lens of their personal experiences. Please move on to something more to your liking if this concept doesn't appeal to you. However, if it does, settle in with your favorite liquid refreshment and enjoy it for what it is; a brief respite from the turmoil in today's world. Enjoy!

Although there are many actual locations mentioned, all the characters and events portrayed in this story are a product of my imagination. It was conceived, written, and edited by real live humans. No AI involved.

My gratitude and thanks to both my anonymous friend and Pepere for their editing skills and perceptive suggestions. Any and all errors are mine and mine alone.

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Chapter 1. Céline's Story

Birth announcement in the Fort Kent, Maine Weekly Chronical, issue dated January 17, 1923:

"Maurice and Céline Tremblay announce the birth of their daughter, Gabrielle Béatrice. Gabrielle was born Friday, January 13th at the Tremblay's home in Sullivan's Corners. She weighed in at 6 pounds, 9 ounces. Mother and daughter are doing fine. Gabrielle joins her 5 brothers and sister. Maurice Tremblay is employed as a logger for Fort Kent Pulpwood."

Death announcement in the Fort Kent, Maine Weekly Chronical, issue dated August 17, 1937:

"The Tremblay Family of Sullivan's Corners, with great sadness, announces the death of Maurice Tremblay on Friday, August 13, 1937. Mr. Tremblay succumbed to injuries he received in a logging accident last week. Mr. Tremblay was born in Saint-Urbain, Quebec, June 26, 1895. He is survived by his loving wife, Céline, and seven children, Émile and his wife Solène, Charles and his wife Christiane, Lucas and his wife Nathalie, Félicité and her husband Elliott, Félix, Denis, and Gabrielle."

Friday, January 13, 1939 Lewiston, Maine

"Happy 16th birthday, Gabrielle! You've grown up so fast."

"Thanks, Maman, but you didn't have to bake a cake."

"Nonsense, ma chérie. You only have one 16th birthday, and I wanted it to be special."

"But you work so hard at the Bate's Mill, and make so little to splurge on a cake. I'm old enough. I should start..."

"Non! Non! Non, ma chérie. Mill work is hard, thankless, boring work. You need to finish your education, maybe go to secretary school, but don't work in the mill."

"Okay, Maman. I miss Félicité and my brothers, and Papa, of course. I wish we weren't so far from Sullivan's Corners."

"I miss them too, but after Papa died, I had to get a job. Your brothers and sister were all old enough to live on their own. We were lucky your Tante Julia offered us a room and helped me get a job at the mill."

"I always think of Papa whenever there's a Friday the 13th. It's so unlucky."

"Non, non. You were born on a Friday the 13th, so it is a lucky day for you."

Chapter 2. Gabrielle's Story

December 31, 1942 11:45 PM

Gabrielle and Richard Morgan had just finished dinner at the Hotel Lewiston. Gabrielle excused herself to use the Ladies Room after the waiter had bussed their dinnerware and poured the last of their wine.

She contemplated the evening so far. 'This has been such a wonderful evening; dancing, a fancy dinner, and wine. Maman cautioned me to not drink too much, or too fast, if we had any. I feel so good. I wonder if Richard will want to kiss me at midnight? I hope so.'

Richard got up upon her return to their table, pulled her chair out for her, then knelt down beside her.

"Gabrielle, I know we only met in May, but I have fallen in love with you. Will you marry me?"

'I was hoping for a kiss; didn't expect this. He looks so nervous.'

A big smile enveloped my face, and I said, "Yes! Yes, Richard," when I could finally speak. "I love you too."

Richard stood up, pulled me up from my chair and gave me a big hug. People at the surrounding tables started clapping, causing me to blush. The countdown to midnight started. Richard gave me our first kiss at the stroke of midnight. I didn't know I could be so happy.

January 1, 1943 Morning.

"Richard proposed last night, Maman! I accepted! I love him so much."

"But you've only known him for such a short time, Gabrielle, he's older than you, and where will you live?"

"It's been almost a year. He has a good job as a machinist making airplane parts for the war, and he's only 26, not that old. Between his job and what I make as a secretary, maybe we can buy a house. You can live with us."

"Don't rush things, ma chérie."

"It's so exciting, Maman. I've never felt like this before."

Maman looked concerned as she said, "Gabrielle, you're not...."

"Maman! Non! Richard is a gentleman. We had never even kissed before last night."

A rare smile tugged at the corners of Céline's mouth. "I'm happy for you, ma chérie. Give your old Maman a hug."

Thursday, August 12, 1943

"I'm so glad that you and Denis could come down for my wedding, Félicité. I had hoped to see more of our family."

"Except for Denis, who happened to be home on leave before shipping out to fight in Europe next week, they all had to work. Jobs are too scarce up north to risk losing one by taking time off. Christiane agreed to watch my two during the day while Elliott is at work."

"Well, I'm so happy to see you again."

"Why are you marrying on a Friday, and not on the weekend like most people, Gabrielle?"

"I was born on a Friday the 13th and Maman always says that it's my lucky day. Tomorrow is another Friday the 13th and I feel lucky to have met Richard."

Friday, August 13, 1943 Late afternoon.

Denis escorted his sister down the aisle in the church filled with a small group of well-wishers. Father O'Leary started the ceremony with the traditional, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony......

By the power invested in me by the State of Maine, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Later, at the reception.

Denis approached Gabrielle and pulled an envelope out of his pocket. "This is a little something from your brothers and sister, myself, and your friends in Sullivan's Corners. We all miss you and wish you and Richard the best."

"Oh, Denis, I miss all of you. You needn't have done this. Thank you. Thank them all for me."

Félicité and Maman came over and each gave Gabrielle a hug and a kiss. "You look so happy today, ma chérie."

"I am, Maman."

"You keep her happy, Richard, or you'll answer to me."

"I will, Mrs. Tremblay. You can count on it."

"Maman to you, now." she said with a warm smile.

Returning her smile, he replied, "Yes, Maman."

"And don't forget what I told you, Gabrielle."

Richard looked at her with a questioning look on his face.

"Later, Richard."

Gabrielle changed into a simple summer dress after the reception. Céline took her wedding dress back to her home at the end of the festivities.

Later, that evening.

"This is a very nice hotel," Gabrielle said to Richard as they entered their room. "You use the bathroom first."

She retrieved the rubbers that Maman had given her while Richard was in the bathroom, and tucked them under the pillow. Once he had finished his nightly rituals, Richard returned to the bedroom. He sat on the bed and started to remove his shoes.

"Don't," she said. He looked up at his bride in confusion. "I.... want.... to.... undress you," she stammered, as a blush swept across her face.

Richard stood up, pulled her into a hug and kissed her deeply. They both could feel his growing erection pressing between them. Gabrielle's blush deepened as she pulled away. "I need to freshen up first," she said as she picked up her overnight bag and headed into the bathroom.

She took a leisurely shower, partly to calm her nerves, partly to delay what was to happen next. She had splurged, spending almost a week's wages, on a diaphanous peignoir worn over an equally sheer nightgown, purchased from Sears for her honeymoon. She steeled herself when she could delay no longer, opened the door, stepped through it, and hesitated just inside the bedroom. Richard, who was sitting on the edge of the bed, just as she had left him, turned to face her, and his mouth dropped as he stood up and came toward her.

"You are stunningly beautiful, Gabrielle, my love."

"Do you like it? I got it just for you."

"Like it, how could I not? You're wearing it. You look spectacular in it."

She started to tense up again after initially relaxing at his words, as she felt his erection grow and press against her. Richard sensed her anxiety and backed away a little. She pulled him back in and said, "I'm nervous and a little afraid, Richard. Maman said that it might hurt the first time, maybe the first few times. I... I... I... should..."

"I understand it may hurt the first time, and I'll be as gentle as I can be. Know this, Gabrielle, I'll never do anything to intentionally hurt you. Ever. That's a promise. I love you. What kind of man would I be if I hurt you."

"I know what kind you are. You're the good kind. Can we.... just.... lie down together, first?"

"Of course."

They moved toward the bed as she said, "Sit. I need to take your shoes off before we lie on the bed." Gabrielle untied his shoes, pulled them off, placed them neatly at the foot of the bed, then slowly rolled his socks off. 'You're procrastinating, Gabrielle,' she thought, 'You can trust Richard'.

They pulled the bedspread down off the pillows and lay down beside each other. Richard rolled onto his side and pulled Gabrielle tightly into a hug, saying, "I want to make love to you, but the important word there is love. I don't want to fu.... well, you know the word I mean. I know that men like sex more than women, but I hope that you can also enjoy it."

"That's what Maman said. She did say that she liked to do it with Papa. I want to like it, I've looked forward to liking it, but I can't imagine what it will feel like to have you inside me. I'm nervous, Richard. You know that I have brothers, and have babysat little boys. I know what a penis is, but Maman said that yours will get much bigger. I don't know if it will fit into me."

Richard chuckled a little. "We're both full-sized adults. Adult humans have been having sex for thousands of years. I'm equipped with the standard adult penis and am pretty sure it will fit. It may be tight the first time, but remember, that's where babies come out. I'm definitely smaller than a baby. I'm pretty sure that we'll fit together okay."

Gabrielle relaxed a little and even chuckled at that image. "I know what fuck means. I did grow up amongst loggers, you know. Making love sounds so much nicer than fucking."

"Then, that's what we'll do."

Gabrielle found the bulge in his pants, and started stroking it, feeling it grow as she did so. 'Don't be afraid. He's your husband,' she thought. Sliding to the end of the bed, she stood up and invited him to stand beside her. Gabrielle undid his tie after removing his suit coat, laid it on the bed, and started unbuttoning his shirt.

"You're so hairy," she exclaimed as she ran her fingers over his chest."

"Uhh, yeah, I am."

"You're so different from me, nice and masculine."

"Well, I hope I'm different from you, well at least as far as I can see of you through that pretty little nightgown you have on," he stated, again causing her to redden.

Gabrielle continued unbuttoning his shirt, pulled the tails out from his pants, and finished removing his shirt while admiring his broad chest and shoulders. She hesitantly started to undo his belt buckle, her hands shaking slightly.

Richard noticed her nervousness and placed his hands over hers, stopping any further progress. "Relax, my love." Feeling her hands slacken, he lifted one up and kissed it.

"I'm okay, Richard," she said as she moved her free hand back to his belt. Richard released the other hand after she fumbled one handedly. She removed his belt using both now steady hands, found the zipper tab, pulled it downward, took a deep breath, hooked her thumbs under the top of his pants, and slid them down as Richard stepped out of them. "We should hang your suit up." She saw the bulge in his boxers and realized that she was still buying a little more time before she saw 'it' for the first time.

Gabrielle hung his suit in the closet, sat on the edge of the bed, hooked her fingers in the sides of his boxers and tried to pull them down. She realized the front elastic was caught on the top of his erection, preventing any further advancement.

"Look up here, Gabrielle," he suggested. As she looked up at his face, he said, "You have to pull the front of my boxers away from my tummy when I have a hardon. Let me help you." As she started to look down, she heard, "Now pull them down but keep looking up here at me." They passed his knees and fell to the floor on their own. Richard stepped out of them, knelt down in front of her, pulled here into a hug and kissed her tenderly on her lips.

"I know that you're nervous, Gabrielle, but we are going to take this slowly. Okay?" She nodded yes.

"I'm going to stand up when you're ready, and I hope you realize that it's nothing to be afraid of. I'm nothing to be afraid of. Okay?"

"Will you kiss me again? Just hold me for a minute."

Richard leaned back in and held her for an extended hug before planting another long kiss on her willing lips.

"Now."

She continued to look straight ahead as he slowly stood. Her eyes first took in his face, then his wide and strong looking shoulders, his hairy chest which she reached out to caress as it passed by, his belly button, hidden in a dense swirl of dark hair and eventually she found herself staring at his erection directly in front of her. The head was poking through a layer of skin and some opaque liquid was running down the shaft part.

"It's.... It's not...... that.... scary. But you're leaking something. Are you okay?"

Richard let out another little chuckle. "That's normal when I'm excited and you obviously excite me, more than I've ever been. That's nature's way to help me slide into you easier. I also brought some oil to help what nature provides," nodding to a small bottle on the bedside table that she hadn't noticed before.

"Oh, you're so thoughtful, Richard. It's both bigger and smaller than I imagined. That probably sounds crazy. Can I touch it?"

"Of course."

Gabrielle tentatively reached forward and touched the side of the shaft, gradually sliding her hand up and down before wrapping her hand around it. "It's both very hard, but also soft and warm." She started moving her hand up and down the shaft with her fingers still wrapped around it. She was fascinated by how it moved and how the head appeared and disappeared behind its skin's covering.

"Uh, you'd better stop or I'm going to come, Gabrielle."

"Maman told me that it would make you feel good if I did this. Don't you want to feel good?" she asked as she kept up what she was doing.

"It feels very good, Gabrielle, but..." It was too late as he erupted with spurt after spurt of thick white come.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"Nothing to be sorry about, it's normal if you do that to me. It felt good. Let me go get cleaned up so that we don't make a sticky mess on the bed."

When he returned, he found Gabrielle lying on her back. Richard laid down beside her, embraced her and planted another kiss on her lips. After he pulled back and noticed the tentative smile playing at the corners of her mouth he asked, "Like that?"

Gabrielle wrapped her arms around him instead of replying, returned the kiss, and invaded his mouth with her tongue. She asked, "Does that answer your question?" After they both came up for air, she took his free hand and moved it to her breast. Richard caressed her breast through her nightgown, feeling her nipple slowly but most definitely enlarging. "They're not very big."

Moving to the other one, he replied, "They feel just right to me."

"Would you like to see them, see all of me?" she hesitantly asked as another blush crept across her face.

"I would love that, but first...." which was left unfinished as he pulled her in for another kiss.

Gabrielle slid to the end of the bed, stood up and beckoned Richard to join her. "Sit there and undress you wife, please."

Richard figured out how to release the peignoir and let it drop as Gabrielle stepped out of it, then picked it up and placed it on the chair. The remaining nightgown was so sheer that it hid nothing. He observed her nipples proudly standing out from her breasts, pushing the sheer fabric into two focal points directly in front of him. His eyes travelled up to her face, then back down, stopping to focus on the dark hair between her legs. He managed to slide her nightgown off, allowing him his first view of his beautiful wife in all her naked glory.

He slid back up the bed while letting his eyes feast on her youthful beauty. It was his turn to beckon her to join him. Richard rolled onto his side once she was beside him, pulling her close as he ran his hand over her ass and up her back.

"Maman said..."

"Maman said what, Gabrielle?"

"Maman said that we should talk about having babies." Gabrielle was blushing as she hesitantly continued, "We should wait a little before having one, so we get used to being married first. She gave me some rubbers for you to wear, so I don't get pregnant, but only if that's okay with you. I have them under the pillow."

Richard didn't reply immediately, as if he was carefully choosing his words. "Maman is still looking out for her daughter. I think that was good advice. We should use them for a while." This caused Gabrielle to smile until he added, "Maman seems to have passed on a lot of useful information. Anything else that I should know?"

"She said...." Gabrielle hesitated, while furiously blushing.

"She said what, Gabrielle? I'm not going to be mad."

Reaching out to hold his penis, she continued, "Maman said most men want their wife to put this in their mouth and suck on it until they come, at least some of the time."

"Maman is right again, but we don't have to do that now. We need to practice making love first." Richard could see Gabrielle noticeably relax. Reaching out to cup the hair between her legs, he asked, "Did Maman also tell you some men like to kiss and lick their wives right here?" as he gently probed her lips with his fingers.

This brought her blush back in full force. "No! That's where I....."

"It's true." Richard nudged her onto her back, slipped across her, lowered himself onto to his wife so they were face to face. He embraced her, planted a kiss on her lips, caressed her face, then slid down enough so he could admire her breasts. "They're beautiful, you're beautiful." He lowered his mouth to nibble then suck on the left one, followed by the right. He ceased paying homage to her breasts and laid a trail of kisses on her tummy as he slowly moved down her.

Bypassing her hairy parts for the moment, Richard nudged her legs sideways, giving him the opportunity to start kissing her inner thigh. Slowly kissing his way back up her leg, he converged on his target. Using two fingers, Richard gently probed through her thicket of hair, separating it to expose her lips. He inhaled the tantalizing smell of his aroused wife as he lowered his head.

"Richard! You're not going to...."

"I most certainly am."

"But that's where I...."

"That's where I hope you'll feel something very pleasant, very soon." he said as he lowered his face and licked her from bottom to top. He repeated this several times before continuing, "Let yourself relax, let your body respond and I don't think you'll be disappointed."

He concentrated on teasing her clitoris with increasingly intense nibbles and sucking after several additional licks along her lips, while simultaneously palpating her mons through her hair above. Richard felt her legs begin to squeeze his head, followed by a slight tremor cascading through her body.

Gabrielle also felt her legs pressing together, followed by her body trembling, panting for breath, her heart noticeably beating faster, and culminating in an overall rush of pleasure as she relaxed.

"What happened, Richard?" she asked when she could speak.

"You just had an orgasm. Didn't Maman tell you about orgasms?"

"She said that I might eventually like sex, but she didn't say that it would feel like 'that', and she never said anything about you licking me down there. Wasn't it.... wasn't I.... yucky?"

"You were fresh from a shower, Gabrielle. Your smell and taste were intoxicating. I like doing that." He took her hand and placed it on his throbbing hardon. "It excites me, as you can feel."

After squeezing him and sliding her hand up and down a couple of times, "Please make love to me, Richard", Gabrielle requested. "I'm ready. I want you." She retrieved the package with the rubber and handed it to Richard. "I'm not sure how these work."

He smiled as he tore the package open. "I'll show you. You can do it next time, if you want."

Richard rolled over Gabrielle with the condom in place, placed his knees between her legs and lowered himself. He slid his head along her lips, found them still quite wet and slowly entered her.

"How do you feel, Gabrielle?" he asked after they finished.

"It really didn't hurt. I felt.... stretched a little.... full, but I didn't feel like after what you did before."

"This was your first time. I'm pretty sure we'll get better with practice."

"Richard....", she asked hesitantly.

"Yes?"

"How... did you know how to do what you did to me before?"

"Well, you know that I'm six years older than you, right? I rented a room from a widow whose husband was killed in an accident when I first started as an apprentice machinist in Bangor. She was in her early thirties at the time. We became friends. She invited me into her bedroom one evening after I lived there a few months. She taught me a lot, especially how to please her. I remember her saying, 'Treat your wife well when you get married. Use what you've learned from me and you'll have a happy marriage'."

Gabrielle thought about this for a minute and said, "I guess that I should be happy you met her, not jealous."

"I haven't seen her since I moved here. She and I were never going to be married, just friends who enjoyed each other for a few months. Remember that I chose to marry you."

Gabrielle thought about this for a few minutes. "I think that we need to practice making love again."

A news item in the Fort Kent, Maine Weekly Chronical, issue dated Wednesday, August 25, 1944:

"The family of Denis Tremblay, of Sullivan's Corners received the dreaded telegram from the War Department that said the plane that he was on was shot down on Friday, August 13, 1944, while over the English Channel. All aboard are presumed dead. Mr. Tremblay was a radio operator on a B-17 stationed in Bassingbourn, England. No further details are available at this time. Mr. Tremblay leaves many family members in the area."

"This is so hard, Richard. Denis was always special to me. He was the one who looked out for me as we grew up. I feel so bad. Maman is heartbroken, and he died on a Friday the 13th, another cursed day for our family."

"But you were born on a Friday the 13th and we were married on a Friday the 13th, so it's not just bad things that happen on the 13th. Those two were very good events."

July 18, 1945

Rich and I were lying in bed. We were relaxing after I had just given him a blowjob.

"That was as exquisite as always, Gabby. You do it so well."

"I really enjoy doing it. I love you. I love to make you happy, and I love that you go down on me all the time."

"Speaking of which...", he said as he maneuvered down between her legs.

Richard said, "We make a good couple," after they made love and cuddled together.

"We're not going to be a couple much longer."

Richard initially reacted with fear, until he realized what Gabby was actually saying. "Do you mean...."

"Yes!"

"When?"

"February 9th. Maman thinks it's a girl."

Thomas David Morgan was born on January 31, 1946. Gabrielle and Richard bought a three-bedroom ranch house in a new development just west of Lewiston later that year. They bought a 1939 Ford sedan to commute to work in. Céline, now 58, retired from Bate's Mill and moved into one of the bedrooms. She took care of baby Thomas as Gabrielle returned to work. Gabrielle had transitioned to doing the bookkeeping for her company. They were paying tuition for her to take evening CPA courses.

Joyce Céline Morgan was born on May 5, 1948.

Alice Marie Morgan joined the family on Friday, January 13, 1950.

"See, Gabby, Alice is another good thing happened on a Friday, the 13th."

Céline continued to live with Gabrielle and Richard, taking care of the three children and helping with the cooking.

Chapter 3. Alice's Story

August, 1968

Gabrielle pulled Alice in for a hug and said, "I can't believe that my baby is leaving for college today. Our house will be empty."

"Oh, Mom. Dad's here, Grandmaman's here. Joyce and Thomas live close by in Lewiston."

"But Alice, Cambridge is so far away."

"It's just over two hours, Mom. Besides, I'll be home for Thanksgiving."

Céline observed, "I had to leave my family in Sullivan's Corners to work in the mill after my Maurice died. Your Maman persevered to get her CPA. Now look at you, Alice Marie. You worked so hard in school and now you're going to MIT with a scholarship! I'm so proud of you, ma chérie."

"Thanks, Grandmaman. You encouraged Mom to attend school and she and Dad certainly encouraged Tom, Joyce, and me to do our best. Thank you, all of you."

Friday, December, 13, 1968

Alice was sipping a cup of coffee in the bagel shop around the corner from her dorm. She was feeling a bit overwhelmed with her course load and frequently came here to unwind after her last class, most commonly

on Fridays. She was particularly apprehensive today, as exams started on Monday, and she was struggling with a couple of her courses. MIT was much more challenging than high school.

She got up to leave and bumped into a man passing behind her, causing him to spill his coffee. "Are you okay? Did it get on you?" She realized most of his coffee was on the floor, but some had spilled on his pant leg and shoes. "I'm so sorry. Let me clean you up, it's the least that I can do."

"Don't worry about it. They're just jeans, it's just coffee and tonight's laundry night."

Alice grabbed some napkins off the table, squatted down, and wiped his pant leg and shoes. She stood up, tossed the wet napkins away, then grabbed some more to clean the floor.

"Let me help you." he said, as he grabbed his own handful of napkins and knelt down beside her. "I think that's mission accomplished."

Alice apologized again as they got up together. "Let me at least buy you another cup. I'm Alice, by the way."

"Gene."

Gene said, "I usually come in here to unwind before hitting the books after my last class on Fridays," after they sat down and had their first sip. I think I've seen you in here before on other Friday afternoons.

Alice looked up in amazement. "I can't believe that we have the same routine. It's a little reward I give myself for surviving another week."

"That bad, huh?"

"Not really. Monday begins exam week. I start with Physics 1 at 9:00 AM, and I've struggled with it all semester."

"Maybe I can help, if you want. I actually enjoy physics and had that course last year."

"Don't you have to study yourself? I don't want to interfere with your study time."

"I think I'm in good shape. I'll do a quick review before exam time."

"What are you, a genius?"

This caused Gene to blush a little. "No, physics just comes naturally to me. Biology, on the other hand, always mystifies me."

"Sorry, that comment left my mouth before I thought it through. Biology was always my favorite subject. Maybe we can help each other."

"Why don't you review your physics tonight and make a list of areas you don't understand. We can get together tomorrow morning and work through what you need help on."

"I'm afraid that's most of the course."

"Then let's get together early, right here for breakfast, then find somewhere quiet to study."

Sunday, early evening.

"Gene, I can't believe how helpful you've been. I think I understand this pretty well. Thank you."

"It's a two-way street. Biology makes more sense now. I should get going."

As he was leaving, he turned and said, "If you want, next semester we can get together on a weekly basis, maybe address issues before they become a crisis."

"I'd like that, as long as it doesn't become a burden for you." Alice stepped forward with that, and hugged him. "Merry Christmas, Gene."

Time passes.

Alice and Gene did study together the following semester. Indeed, they became almost inseparable for the next two years, sharing an off-campus apartment for the last year. Gene graduated from MIT in June 1971 and accepted a job offer in Boston. They continued to live in Cambridge while Alice finished her undergraduate program.

Friday, August 13th, 1971

Gene made dinner reservations at the Café Budapest in the Copley Square Hotel, where they had previously dined a couple of times.

"This is lovely, Gene, and I appreciate it after the week I had," once they had been seated. They ordered a bottle of wine, enjoyed their delicious entrees, and were waiting for their after-dinner coffee.

Alice noticed Gene was fidgeting in his seat and asked, "Is everything okay, Gene?"

"Couldn't be better." he said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box which he kept hidden in his hand. "We've been together for three years now, Alice,...."

'Is he asking what I think he's asking?'

"... will you marry me?" he asked, as he presented the box in his hand.

Alice recognized the E. B. Horn Jewelers logo. "Oh, Gene! Yes! Yes! Yes, of course I will." She noticed the look of relief spread across his face. "You didn't think I'd say no, did you?"

"Well, I wasn't sure if.... you were ready yet. I was thinking we should wait until after you graduate next spring. Actually, I was thinking of October 13th next year."

"Let me guess, that's a Friday, right?"

"The only one next year. You've told me about your family history of events happening on Fridays the 13th, so I wanted you to have a good event for it to happen."

"So, it's not a coincidence that today is also the 13th?"

"The only one this year." Gene held the jeweler's box back as Alice reached for it. "A little explanation first. It's empty." Alice threw him a questioning look. "I wanted you to pick out your own ring, something that you really like. I asked the jeweler if I could get an empty box to present to you. They refused at first. I think they were concerned that I'd use their box and buy a cheap ring elsewhere. They agreed after I left my driver's license with them and promised to come back tomorrow. I hope you didn't have any plans."

"Oh, Gene! You're so thoughtful. That's why I love you, or, at least one of the reasons I do."

August 27, 1971

Gene got off from work a little early and they were on their way north on I-95, a little ahead of the Friday evening rush hour, headed for Lewiston, Maine.

"You haven't told your parents that we're coming or why."

"No. I talked to Joyce earlier this week to make sure they were going to be home. I swore her to secrecy. She's going to be there, and I suspect that Tom and his family may also drop in."

Tom's and Joyce's cars were indeed already in the driveway when they arrived.

"Ready?"

"Not much to get ready for. It's just an engagement announcement, after all."

Alice punched him in the arm. "I'm not sure that I can go through with this after that comment."

Gene looked terror stricken until he saw the smile on her face. "I promise to be on my best behavior."

"Relax. They already like you," she said as she leaned in for a kiss before they got out of the car. Alice said, "I lost my house key somehow," as she rang the doorbell.

Joyce opened the door and whispered, "They suspect something is up, since Tom and I don't usually show up together at dinner time on a Friday. Mom's fretting that there won't be enough food for everyone. We've got it covered with takeout pizza and Chinese coming in an hour."

"Who is it, Joyce?"

"Hi, Mom."

"Alice! And Gene! This is a surprise. What's going on? Is everything okay?"

Repeating Gene's response from two weeks before, she said, "Couldn't be better, but we do have a surprise for you."

Gabrielle looked surprised at first, then concerned. "Alice, you're not...."

Alice cut her off before she could finish. "No, Mom, but I, we, are engaged," she said as she held her left hand out, showing the modest diamond ring on her ring finger. "We plan to marry next summer."

Gabrielle rushed over and hugged her before saying, "But, you're so young. Aren't you rushing things a little."

"Mom! Next summer I'll be two years older than you were when you married Dad. That seems to have worked out okay for you two."

There were congratulations all around. Céline sidled up to Gene and warned him, "You take good care of my Petite Fille or you'll answer to me."

"I intend to, Mrs. Tremblay."

"Grandmaman to you now," she said with a smile.

Alice Morgan married Eugene Dawson on October 13, 1972, and moved to an old farmhouse in Williston, Vermont, in 1973. Both engineers started working at the sprawling IBM facility in Essex Junction, Vermont.

Jason Daniel Dawson was born on June 15, 1975.

Erik Kyle Dawson was born on April 20, 1977.

Jessica Anne Dawson was born on April 13, 1979.

Chapter 4. Jessi's Story

Friday, June 13th, 1997 Evening

Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, Vermont

Alice and Gene were nervously pacing the hallway on the fourth floor of the hospital's Baird wing, waiting for Jessica to be brought down from the surgical recovery room, when Erik exited from the elevator.

"What happened? Is Jessi okay?"

Alice responded with, "All we know is that she fell off her horse. The Orthopedic surgeon in the recovery room said that Jessi dislocated her right shoulder, broke her humerus, broke two ribs, and suffered a concussion. They repositioned her shoulder and put her arm in a cast. She was alert in the recovery room, and they are now waiting for the results of a neurological exam before bringing her down here."

They saw Jessi being wheeled down the hallway, and into a room a half hour later. The nurse asked, "Are you Jessica's parents?" Receiving an affirmative, she continued, "The initial results from the Neurologist are very encouraging. Jessica will be our guest for a couple of days, mostly for observation. We just gave her a sedative, as she had fairly significant trauma and is experiencing quite a bit of pain, as you might expect. She's unlikely to be too communicative tonight, so it's probably best if you folks go home and come back in the morning when she's alert.

"We'll call you if her condition changes. Get some rest tonight. Jessica's in good hands. The hospital is nearly at capacity, so there were no private rooms available. We ordinarily wouldn't place her with a male roommate, but we just don't have any other rooms available. We can move her to another bed if one becomes available. Mr. Miller has similar injuries to Jessica's. They can compare notes tomorrow morning, if they want to."

Alice, Gene, and Erik each gave Jessica's hand a squeeze, said their goodbyes, and left for the night.

June 14, 1997 Early Morning.

Jessi slowly woke up as a nurse was checking her vitals. "Welcome back. I'm Emily. How are you feeling?"

Jessi thought, 'That's a really stupid question. I'm in the hospital and everything hurts when I move', but replied, "Not great. It hurts anytime I move. Can I get anything to eat? I'm really hungry?"

"Try not to move. As for your hunger, we'll start slowly and get you some real food if you tolerate it okay. I'll give you some pain meds in the meantime, but we're going to be tapering them off so that you don't become dependent on them."

"Thanks."

"I need to check on your roommate, then I'll get you something to eat."

Jessi hadn't realized she had a roommate, since she just woke up. After checking on her roommate, Emily returned with apple juice and a container of Jello. "Try this. I'll get you some real food if you feel okay in an hour." She delivered the same food and spiel to her roommate.

Although she wasn't feeling particularly sociable, she realized that they may be spending a couple of days together, so she introduced herself. "Hi, I'm Jessi, horse accident."

He responded with, "Scott, motorcycle accident." Alice and Gene entered the room before they could say anything else, preventing any further conversation between them.

"How're you doing, Honey?"

"Sore, Mom, and I have a headache, but I'm okay? How's Ebony?"

"He's fine. One of the other girls at Windswept Farm found him grazing near where they found you. No one seems to know what happened."

"I unsaddled him after I finished my jumping routine, and decided to do a little bareback trail ride to cool him down. We were just moseying along at a slow walk, when he was startled by a large milk snake. Ebony took off at a gallop and I fell off. I guess I lost consciousness. You know more about what happened after that than I do. You're sure he's okay?"

"The staff couldn't see any obvious injuries. We'll check on him later."

Alice and Gene stayed for an hour or so. They got updates from both the Orthopedic surgeon and the Neurologist as they made their rounds. Alice said, "Another in a long line of Friday the 13th events happening to this family" as they were preparing to leave.

"Oh, that's just a family superstition, Mom. It was just any accident and could have happened on any day."

"But it didn't happen on any other day. It happened on the 13th. Do you need anything when we come back later?"

"My cell phone and eventually some clean clothes. My riding clothes must be here somewhere." Gene found them bagged up in the small locker.

"We'll take these with us and bring you back something comfortable." he said as they prepared to leave.

Scott asked, "So you like to ride bareback, Jessi?" after they left.

Jessi pondered exactly what he had asked, and, after considering her possible responses, replied, "Depends upon my mood and if I trust the animal I'm riding."

"Interesting answer. What's the deal with Friday the 13th?"

"Just some things that have happened to my ancestors on the 13th, over several decades: Births, deaths, and marriages. It's really just coincidences. Okay, Mr. Motorcycle Man, what happened to you to precipitate your visit here? Did you dump your bike?"

"Something like that."

Three people, a man, a woman, and a young child entered the room at that point. The man addressed Scott, "Mr. Miller?" Getting an affirmative from Scott, he proceeded, "My name is Brian Williamson, this is my wife, Vicky, and our son, Chad. The police provided us with a copy of your accident report. We're so sorry that you got hurt and ended up here. How are you doing?"

"As good as can be expected. The doc said I should be able to leave in a couple of days."

"While we are truly sorry that you were injured, we are deeply grateful that you swerved when Chad chased his ball into the street. Chad wants to thank you." Brian looked at Chad.

"Thank you for not hitting me, Mr. Miller. I'm sorry you got hurt."

Scott spoke directly to Chad, "I'll be better soon. I'm glad you're okay."

"I'll be more careful next time."

"Just let the ball go if it goes in the street again, then nobody gets hurt. It's just a ball."

Brian picked up the conversation. "We're not wealthy people, Mr. Miller, but we did start a Go Fund Me for you to help with any expenses. How much is in it, Vicky?"

"$12,325.00 as of last night."

Brian handed Scott a piece of paper. "Here's our contact information. We want to get together after you have recovered. Would you mind giving us your phone number?"

Once that was accomplished, Vicky said, "I don't want to think about the consequences if you hadn't so selflessly steered away from Chad. Thank you for saving our baby."

Jessi said, "I'm sorry about the dumping your bike comment," after the Williamsons left. "It seems you are actually a hero, Motorcycle Man. So, what actually happened?"

"The kid, Chad, ran into the street chasing a ball, right in front of me. I was doing the speed limit, about 40 MPH. I was very close to him, saw there was no oncoming traffic, and pulled a sharp left across the road. I was leaning hard into the turn, hit some loose gravel on the pavement, lost traction, and couldn't recover. Down I went."

Jessi had been observing Scott during this conversation. He had what she considered rugged good looks. He appeared to be a couple of years older than she was, and seemed to be a few inches over six feet tall, but it was hard to tell as he was lying in a hospital bed. He sported a full, but neatly trimmed, beard, and had his left arm in a cast. "I gather that you also broke your arm?"

"I actually believe that we have remarkably similar injuries from overhearing conversations: Dislocated shoulder, broken humerus, and a couple of broken ribs. Two peas in a pod." Their conversation was broken up by lunch's arrival.

Later that afternoon.

"What else do you do besides riding horses?"

"I'm starting at UVM in the fall. You?"

"I'm starting my master's at UVM in the fall."

"So, you're a grad student. In what field?"

"Biomedical Engineering? You?

"Computer Science."

Early the next morning.

Emily raised Jessi's bed so that it was semi-reclined, and took her vitals. Jessi looked over at Scott, who was still asleep, and noticed the rather obvious tenting in the middle of his sheet. She tapped Emily on her arm, pointed at the jutting sheet, and whispered, "Is that what I think it is?"

"Morning wood. Most young, healthy guys get them every morning. Some patients are so brazen as to suggest we give them a handjob to 'relieve' them. Ugh! Others are embarrassed and try to hide it. I probably shouldn't tell you this, but I had to remove Mr. Miller's Foley catheter. He really is on the larger end of the spectrum. That's why it's so prominent."

A couple of days later.

"Well, Jessi, they said that I can leave today. No more headaches, I can walk and talk, eat, and pee. I guess that constitutes acceptable grounds for discharge." Emily rolled her eyes, pulled the privacy curtain, and Scott got dressed as Emily rolled a wheelchair in. Scott protested, but Emily said, "Hospital policy. Sorry, Scott."

"Maybe I'll see you around campus this fall, Bareback Rider."

"Maybe you will, Motorcycle Man. Maybe you will." 'If I'm lucky. Scott seems to be a nice guy. It'd be nice to know someone who knows the ropes.' she thought.

Wednesday, September 17, 1997 Early evening.

I had just polished off a cup of coffee in the Billings Center and was contemplating which subject to tackle first when I heard, "Hey there, Jessi. Can I join you?"

"Scott! Of course. Sit down. I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever run into you. How are you? Fully recovered yet? You look better than the last time I saw you."

"Fully recovered. And you?"

"Pretty much back to normal."

They caught up with each other, engaging in small talk until Jessi exclaimed, "Oh, crap!"

"What? Everything okay?"

"Yeah. See those three girls that just walked in? The dyed blonde in the middle is Betty Joy Greenfield. Her father owns multiple car dealerships around the state and across the lake in New York. She was, at least in her mind, the top of the social pecking order in high school. In reality, she was the biggest bully at CVU High School. Rumor has it, well-confirmed by several sources, that she would set her sights on a guy, usually one who was already dating someone else, make him think that he was 'the one' and was going to get lucky. She gives the guy a blowjob after a lot of teasing, then drops him like a hot potato, notches another conquest on her scoreboard, and moves on to her next victim. She also spreads rumors about his size and how fast he came."

"The other two are her lieutenants. They sometimes get sloppy seconds after she's done. Ick! The one on the left is Kristin Pearson and the one on the right is Heather Dickerson, two other rich girls from Charlotte. Betty Joy will come over if sees me, and act like she's my best friend while trying to find out about you. Mark my words, Scott, she'll start flirting with you within a minute. You're a hunk and she'll definitely try to add you to her conquests."

Jessi realized that she said just what she was thinking about Scott out loud. "I shouldn't have said that."

"I'll take that 'hunk' comment from an attractive young lady as a compliment."

"Shit! She saw me and they are heading this way."

"Want to play with her mind?" he asked with a grin. Receiving a nod, he said, "Just follow my lead."

Beaming her fake smile, Betty Joy exclaimed, "Jessi, I didn't know you were going to UVM." She positioned herself between Jessi and Scott, looked down at him and asked, "Who's your friend, Jessi?"

"We're actually more than friends. Bareback Rider and I have shared a lot since the first night we spent together."

The three girls were fortunately all looking at Scott as he said that, and didn't see the smirk on Jessi's face when she said, "This is Betty Joy Greenfield, Motorcycle Man," dismissing the other two.

Betty Joy looked at Jessi and asked, "Bareback Rider? Motorcycle Man?"

"We have nicknames for each other." Trying hard to keep a straight face, Jessi continued, "I often see Motorcycle Man with a big, throbbing engine between his legs. Can you imagine what a turn-on that can be?"

Scott added, "And she likes to ride a powerful animal bareback." At that point a group of four guys were passing their table. Scott continued, "You'll also need a nickname as long as you're our friend. Hmm. Betty Joy Greenfield. B. J. G. How about BJ Girl? I hear you like to freely give them out."

The group of four boys stopped and stared at Betty Joy. "Did you hear that? She gives out blowjobs. Man, we have to get to know her."

Betty Joy let out a snort and commanded, "Come on, girls, let's get out of here."

Jessi burst out laughing once they all left. "That pretty much makes up for all the bullying we suffered in high school. You're awful, Scott, but you should probably watch out for her. I'm sure that she's thoroughly pissed and will want revenge."

"I didn't mean for those guys to hear that. She needs to be careful."

Friday, October 3, 1997

Scott was walking across the UVM Green when he was intercepted by Kristen and Heather.

"You don't know what you've done to Betty Joy. You need to undo it."

"Whoa. Undo what?"

"You know, calling her BJ Girl. Now everyone is calling her that. She went to a party last weekend and everyone wanted a blowjob. She had to leave early and has hardly been out of her room all week. She can't even eat in the dining hall without hearing snickering everywhere."

"First, that was in fact her reputation in high school, and CVU and UVM are only a few miles apart. That reputation would catch up with her sooner or later, if it hadn't already. Secondly, trying to stop it would be like trying to put toothpaste back in its tube. It can't be done."

"She needs to meet with you. Please come to her room tonight at 7:00."

Sensing a possible trap, Scott replied, "Not going to happen. Meanwhile, I need to get to my next class."

Later that evening.

"So, what are you going to do?"

"Nothing at this time. Wait for her next move. I'm certainly not going to meet with her in private. That would be inviting a rape charge, or worse, with Kristen and Heather as eyewitnesses to whatever they dream up. I would consider meeting with her in a very open, public space and without her lieutenants nearby. I've seen one or both of them attempting to follow me, presumably trying to figure out my schedule."

Monday, October 6, 1997

Kristen intercepted Scott as he came out of the Billings Center.

"She needs to meet with you. Please, please, come with me."

"Wrong on both counts. She 'wants' to meet with me, not 'needs' to meet with me. I'll do it on my terms, not hers. Tell Betty Joy I'll be at the Shelburne Museum at 11:00 AM this Saturday. I'll be sitting on one of the benches across from the Circus Building. Tell her to come alone, not with you, Heather, or anyone else. It's a very public place, so she'll always be in view of a steady stream of passersby, so she'll be safe. This is a one-time option."

"I'll try to convince her."

"You do that."

Later that evening.

"Is this a good idea, Scott? She's sneaky and vindictive. I don't trust her."

"She deserves a meeting. I'll leave if it goes off the rails. There're two benches, several feet apart. I'll sit on one, I want you on the other. I want you to discretely video our meeting on your phone. I'll record the audio on mine. Try to set up your phone so it is not obvious. Make sure it's fully charged. I want to get there early, so we can be in place when she arrives."

Saturday, October 11, 1997

Scott and Jessi were positioned as planned when Betty Joy walked towards them.

"You wanted this meeting. You have the floor."

"You ruined my life. Now, everyone calls me BJ Girl, guys I don't even know. They all want blowjobs. My reputation is ruined." She started crying.

After handing her a tissue, Scott said, "I believe you already had that reputation from high school."

"I'm not a slut. I've never even had sex yet. I'm a virgin, for Christ sakes."

"You can get through this. You really need to assess your life, your priorities, and decide what's important."

"What should I do? I'm miserable. I can't stay here."

"Talk to a counsellor, your parents, your minister, an older relative, but definitely not Kristen or Heather. I can't advise you. You're young and you're obviously smart. As Monday's a holiday, get off campus for the three-day weekend. Go someplace quiet and talk with someone you trust. It's your future. Own it."

After Betty Joy left, Jessi came over and sat beside him.

"Since we're already here, and it's a lovely day, let's act like tourists and spend some time exploring the museum."

"I'd like that. I always find something new or interesting every time I visit."

They walked past the carousel and entered the Circus Building.

Thursday, October 16, 1997

Scott was intercepted as he came out of Billings again, by Betty Joy this time. "Please, I want.... I need, some advice. Can we go somewhere, anywhere you want?"

"Betty Joy, I'm an engineer, not a social worker. I'm not qualified to be giving out advice."

"Please, Scott. I need help and there's no one I can talk with. I did spend all weekend thinking. I just don't have anyone I trust. I believe that I can trust you for some reason. You don't want anything from me, probably don't even want to be seen with me, you're older, but young enough to maybe understand what I'm going through. I'm not trying to trap you. Please?"

"You do understand why I'm hesitant? You don't exactly have a nice reputation."

"I know, I want to change, but how do I do that?"

After contemplating his response for a minute, Scott reached a decision. "I'll probably regret this, but come with me. It's too cold out here. Let's go find an empty room."

Once inside, Betty Joy started taking off her coat.

"Betty...."

"Relax, Scott. That's all I'm taking off. Here's my coat, check out the pockets, they're empty. Here's my phone. It's turned off. I know it's a big ask, but I need you to trust me." Scott set both of them down next to him. "I can't stay here at UVM. I know what everyone thinks of me. What should I do, Scott?"

"You could just ignore them, but you're probably right about leaving. If you do decide to leave, call it a medical issue, a family crisis, whatever, but don't offer any further explanation. Take a year off, but do start school elsewhere next fall."

"Where? Doing what?"

"You have to decide that yourself. Just somewhere out of Vermont, where you're not known. What field you want to enter may point you to the college to apply to."

"What do I do for a year?"

Scott thought about that for a couple of minutes. "You're not going to like hearing this, but I'm going to be brutally honest with you. You come across as a spoiled little rich girl. You drive that brand new red Cadillac convertible. That's really ostentatious for someone your age to drive. Get rid of it. Get a job. Find a place to live near where you plan to go to school."

"You mean stop acting like a rich bitch?"

"You said it, not me, but yeah. Have your dad get you a three- to four-year-old Subaru, VW, Honda, something in the middle of the line. By all means have him get it checked out mechanically, but don't let him fix any dents, leave any bumper stickers on, etc. Live in a small apartment in a middle-class neighborhood, maybe a second or third floor walk-up. Get a job, maybe a clerk in a convenience store, as a waitress, even in manufacturing, maybe do some volunteer work on the side. The Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, the hospital, the local food bank, and many others all rely on volunteer help.

"Change your first name. Just call yourself a something different, or go all the way and change it legally. Maybe use your mother's maiden name if that helps you blend in. Stop dyeing your hair. Let it go back to your natural color, but maybe try a different cut. Learn to cook for yourself. Drop all of your social media accounts.

"Without sounding too preachy, stop giving out blowjobs. All guys like them, but it's much better receiving them from someone you respect. Save them for the one you fall in love with."

With a mirthless laugh, she responded, "Yeah, like that's ever going to happen."

"It will probably happen in some totally unexpected way, when you least expect it, Betty Joy. I'm not sure what else I can tell you. I told you I am not a social worker. I have no qualifications to give out advice. This was 'free' advice and remember, the old saying, 'You get what you pay for' applies here. You really need to talk with a professional. Meanwhile, I have a lab I need to get to. Good luck, Betty Joy."

Wednesday October 22, 1997

Scott was heading across the UVM Green when Kristen intercepted him.

"Now, what do you want?"

"Betty Joy dropped out of UVM. Her phone goes directly to voicemail, she's closed all her social media accounts, her mother won't let me see her or even tell me if she's there. We're worried about her. What did you do to her?"

"I didn't 'do' anything to her. She wanted to talk with me, wanted advice so, among other things, I suggested she talk with a professional. I'm sure she'll contact you if she wants to. Goodbye, Kristen." Scott walked away, leaving Kristen muttering on the sidewalk.

Time passes.

Scott and Jessi often met for coffee or had lunch together. These meet-ups slowly evolved into a series of dates, usually on Friday nights.

Friday February 13th, 1998

They were just finishing their lunch and Jessi was preparing to leave for her next class when Scott pulled out a red envelope and handed it to her as a big grin spread across his face.

"What's this?" she asked, as if she didn't know.

"Open it."

The simple message inside asked, 'Will you be my Valentine?'.

Jessi reached into her backpack and, while trying unsuccessfully to stifle a laugh, handed Scott a similar red envelope

"I can't believe you got me the exact same card." Looking triumphantly, Scott handed her a second card, this one in a white envelope.

After reading it, Jessi got up, pulled Scott out of his chair and gave him a lingering kiss. "I'd love for you to make me a Valentine's Day dinner tonight. I didn't know you were a chef. And, YES! I'll be your valentine."

"And I'll be yours. I'm just a decent cook, though, but not a chef."

"Uh, Scott, you know Valentine's Day is tomorrow, right? Today's only the 13th."

"I know, but there's two reasons for choosing today. First, Valentine's Day is one of the worst days to go to a restaurant, so I decided to invite you over for a home-cooked meal instead. Restaurants are usually fully booked, making the service slower than usual. The staff is overworked and stressed, customers get grumpy, and there's always some obnoxious loudmouth ruining the mood for other guests and staff."

"You know this, how?"

"I've worked in restaurants, off and on, since I was in high school. We can go out on a less busy night, for a romantic dinner for two."

Jessi tried not to show her surprise at that last statement. 'Did I just hear 'for a romantic dinner'?' she pondered. "Your other reason for selecting tonight?"

"The second reason is to address your family's history of unlucky events happening on Fridays the 13th. I wanted today to counterbalance your unlucky 13th from last year when you ended up in the hospital."

"I actually think of that day as a good day, since it was the day I met you."

"You technically didn't 'meet' me until Saturday morning, since you were out of it when you were wheeled into the room."

Later, early evening.

Jessi had just taken a shower and was contemplating what to wear when her roommate walked in.

"Going somewhere, Jess?"

"Scott asked me to be his valentine today. He's invited me to his apartment for a home-cooked meal. I don't know what to wear."

"Oh Jess, that's big."

"I know. I've never been to his place before."

"Wear something sexy. You never know where it might lead."

"I thought about wearing a dress, but it's already down to 20. It'll be even colder when I come back here."

"You've been seeing each other for months, Jess. I know you like him. Do you really think that you're coming back here tonight?"

"Scott's not like that, Nikki!"

"I'm just sayin'. Anyway, wear those new jeans that you got last week. They make your ass look great. I'll lend you that red silk blouse I got for Christmas. Wear the sexiest panties and bra you have, just in case."

"Nikki!"

Still later.

Jessi welcomed the warmth of Scott's apartment after the short walk from his car. The wind was gusting up from Lake Champlain, as it often did and had chilled her to the bone.

"Would you like something hot to drink while I cook? Coffee? Tea?"

"Tea would be good."

While the water was heating and Scott was busy in the kitchen, Jessi wandered around the apartment. It was in in older building that, like many big old houses in Burlington, had been subdivided into several small apartments. Scott lived alone and Jessi was pleased, but not surprised, at how neat and clean it was. The table was already set, with a candle in the center of a small bouquet of red carnations.

"Tea's ready. Why don't you sit, relax, and warm up with your tea. Everything's already prepped so it won't take me long to cook dinner."

A few minutes later.

"Dinner's ready. Would you join me at the table, my valentine?" Scott had made pistachio crusted salmon filets, rice pilaf, and a Greek salad. He poured a glass of sparkling water for each of them.

Jessi said, "You 'are' a chef, Scott. That was delicious. Where did you learn to cook?" as he was clearing the table.

"I told you that I had worked in restaurants. I did spend a fair amount of time in several kitchens, sometimes prepping, as a line cook at other times. I observed the chefs, learned a few techniques. I'm glad that you liked it. Now for dessert. He retrieved two plates of cheesecake with strawberries spilling down the sides. Would you like some coffee with it?"

"Oh, that looks delicious, Scott. Coffee sounds good. Did you make it?"

"I'm afraid that I can't claim credit. Mirabelle's makes the best pastries."

They finished their dessert and coffee, cleaned the dishes, and Scott put some romantic mood music on, at least that's how it was described on the label. They settled next to each other on the couch, eventually moving closer together as their conversation waned. Jessi pulled Scott in for a kiss.

They had kissed several times before, but this felt different. Their previous kissing had been pretty chaste. It was somehow both more assertive, yet gentler, at the same time. Jessi felt his tongue gently touching her lips. She parted her lips and willingly participated in the time-honored tongue dancing that lovers engage in.

When they finally separated, Jessi asked, "Scott...."

"Yes?"

Building up her courage, she said, "I want to stay here with you tonight."

Scott initially looked surprised, but that quickly evolved into a big smile. "I'd like that also. I've wanted to invite you over for a while, but didn't want to push you."

It was Scott who initiated the kissing this time. Jessi took his hand and placed it on her breast. They continued kissing while he gently caressed her through her blouse. Jessi laid her hand on his knee and slowly inched it up his thigh, stopping when she could feel his erection. She was stroking him through his jeans when he said. "Maybe we should take this into the other room."

Jessi sat on the edge of the bed and Scott sat next to her. Jessi, a little nervously, looked at him, and said, "You should know that I've never done this before."

Scott tried to hide his surprise. "You mean.... what do you mean by 'this'?"

"Really, Scott? What do you think I mean? I want to sleep with you, have sex with you. It's just that I'm very nervous, probably the last 18-year-old in Burlington who hasn't had sex yet. I've read The Joy of Sex and Our Bodies Ourselves, so I know what to expect, but have never done it yet, and I know that you're big."

"I'm sorry, Jessi. How do I say this without getting myself in any deeper? You caught me by surprise is all. I very much want you to stay here tonight. We will sleep together, but I don't want to have sex with you." Jessi's smile quickly turned into a frown at this remark, and she started to stand up. Scott reached out for her arm and continued, "I don't want to have sex with you because I want to make love with you. First, I want you to be sure you're ready."

Jessi sat back down and embraced him. "I'm ready. I've wanted to for a while. This is the perfect time." 'This is my lucky Friday the 13th,' she thought. "Let me use the bathroom to freshen up."

"We should discuss safe sex, Jessi." Scott blushed a little and continued, "I..... hoped..... we might get to this point and had myself tested. I'm clean. I have some condoms that we should use."

"My mom strongly suggested that I start on birth control before I entered college. The GYN tested me as part of her exam. I'm also clean since I've never done it. I'd like to skip the condoms if you're okay with it. I understand that sex feels much better without them."

Scott couldn't help himself. "So, you really are a Bareback Rider." Scott added, "There's a new toothbrush in the medicine cabinet, if you want," as she was leaving for the bathroom.

Jessi turned around with a big grin on her face. She patted her purse and said, "Thanks, but I brought my own just in case I needed one."

Scott lit a couple of candles, turned the mattress warmer on, and turned the room light off in her absence.

Jessi undressed down to her panties and bra while he was in the bathroom. While they weren't particularly sexy, they were the newest set that she had. She was snuggled under the covers while she waited. Scott returned, undressed, leaving his boxers on, and slipped in beside her. They rolled into each other's embrace and started kissing again. They separated a little and Scott started to caress her breast through her bra.

"It fastens in the front."

Scott released the catch and stroked circles around her exposed breast, eventually closing in on her nipple. He slid down far enough so that he could nibble on it, causing Jessi to moan with the pleasure that his tongue and lips were awaking in her.

Jessi could feel his hardness pressing against her. She slipped her hand into his boxers and wrapped her fingers around his shaft, slowly stroking up and down its length. "You 'are' big."

"Not really, just proportional. I'm kind of big all over. I'm curious about what you said earlier. What did you mean when you said you knew I was big?"

Jessi giggled a little and replied, "I saw your morning wood tenting the sheets in the hospital. Emily said that you were impressive."

"Emily?"

"Our nurse. She got a good look at you as she removed your catheter. You did put on quite a show that morning."

"I am embarrassed now. I'll never be able to go back there again."

"I hope you don't have to. I'm going to embarrass myself meanwhile. You have to tell me what you like. I've only given a couple of handjobs back in high school, nothing more. They were both much smaller than you by the way. What do you want me to do for you? Do you want a blowjob? I've never given one, but have watched some videos on the internet."

"Not tonight. Tonight is going to be all about you, hopefully about your pleasure."

"But I want to give you pleasure."

"Trust me, you will. Besides, we have to leave something for next time. Now, let's concentrate on you. Time to get your bra the rest of the way off." That accomplished, he said, "We can't make love with your panties on." as he hooked his thumbs into the waist band and slid them down her legs.

"And we can't make love with your boxers on." Mimicking Scott's technique, she reached down and removed them. With a grin, she said, "I want to see you, Motorcycle Man. I want to see that big throbbing equipment between your legs." She pulled the covers down before he could respond, exposing his excited state. Jessi leaned in for a closer look, observed the pre-come leaking from his opening, and spread it around his glans with her finger, causing Scott to shudder. "I can see why you made such a big tent in your bed at the hospital."

"Now you are embarrassing me."

Jessi leaned over and planted a kiss on his glans, followed by a quick lick.

Scott suggested, "Why don't you lie back down and make yourself comfortable." He let his eyes sweep over the beauty of the female form lying beside him. "You don't know how long I've dreamed of this moment, Jessi. You are spectacularly beautiful."

He slid down the bed and positioned himself between her legs. He ran his fingers up the inside of her thighs, continuing through her thick hair after inhaling and savoring her enticing essence. Parting her hair, then her lips, Scott started probing her innermost parts with his tongue. He concentrated on nibbling and sucking on her clitoris and its hood after licking from her bottom to her top a few times. Jessi initially responded to his attention by squirming, but was eventually overcome by his oral lovemaking. Scott moved up beside her as her orgasm subsided, lying on his side and snuggled next to her.

Jessi said, "That was.... I don't know..... much more intense than I expected," after she had recovered enough to get her breathing back to normal.

Scott leaned over and they enjoyed an extended kiss. Jessi reached down on her part, found his erection, and stroked him to full erection.

"I'm ready. I've wanted you for way too long. Can we make love now?

"You pick the position that you want."

"Missionary seems like a good choice."

Scott rolled over and positioned himself above her and guided his hardness to her entrance, "Ready?"

"Silly question, Scott."

Taking himself in hand, he rubbed his glans along her lips, spreading the pre-come leaking from his tip. He ever so slowly pressed against her, stopping once her muscles had relaxed enough to allow his head to enter.

"You okay?"

"Yes. I feel.... full...."

"But?"

"No buts, just different. Good. Keep going, Motorcycle Man."

"As you wish, Bareback Rider."

Scott slowly entered her, feeling her vagina expand around him as he advanced until his full length was enveloped in her snug warmth. He stopped to let her become accustomed to him.

"Don't stop now. It, you, feel good."

Scott engaged in the classic movements that lovers have always engaged in. He eventually erupted in powerful orgasm of his own. He nestled in next to her after he softened.

"How are you doing? Is everything okay?"

"Not okay, really good. Better than I expected, but I didn't really know what to expect. Can we do it again?"

"You're not too sore?"

"I've been using tampons, like, forever. Even though I've never made love, I've had urges. I masturbated to satisfy them. I even have a phallic shaped vibrator that I use. So, any virginal barrier was long gone, but feeling you inside me was so different. You're warm, throbbing, and real, not hard plastic. So much better."

"You masturbate?"

"This is 1998, Scott. Boys don't have a monopoly on self-pleasuring. I'm sure that you've done it yourself. Besides, I've been riding horses for over ten years. Why do you think that so many teenage girls like to ride?" Looking at him, she saw his face redden. "So, back to my question; can we do it again?" They did, then again at 11:30, and then again at 6:30 the next morning. Jessi moved in with Scott at the beginning of the 2000 Fall semester. He finished up his Master's program in June, 2001 and accepted a job offer with a local biomedical firm in Williston, Vermont. They kept the same apartment as it was convenient to UVM.

Friday, July 13, 2001

Scott had made dinner reservations at the Ice House Restaurant on Burlington's waterfront. As they were finishing their dessert and savoring their coffee, Scott reached over for Jessi's hand, raised it to his lips, planted a light kiss on it and said, "I love you, Jessi. We've been together for almost three years now. Would you like to get married?"

'Wow! I didn't see that coming, at least not tonight'. "That's a big step, Scott. I love you dearly, and the answer is yes, but I still have a year before I finish my degree."

"I've thought of that, and agree that we should wait until you finish. I was thinking maybe September 13th, next year."

Jessi was putting two and two together. "Scott...."

"Yes?"

With a twinkle in her eyes, she asked, "It's not a coincidence that today is a Friday the 13th, is it?"

"Uh, is it?"

"Let me guess. The date you picked, does September 13th also just happen to also be a Friday?"

"It could be."

"You know that I don't believe in that family superstition Scott."

"So, call it a coincidence, but we can pick another if you don't like that date."

A bemused smile crept across Jessi's face. "Did you get me a ring to make it official?"

"Uh, no. I thought you might like to pick one out yourself. I thought that we could go to Fremeau Jewelers tomorrow."

"This is just too delicious. You know that this is the story of my dad's proposal to my mom?"

"I believe that I may have heard that story."

"They already like you, Scott. This is just going to be added to the annals of our family lore." She leaned in close to him and whispered, "Take me home, Scott. Now. We need to seal this deal with a night of lovemaking."

Jessi did graduate in June of 2002. They were married on September 13th, a Friday.

Thursday, May 12, 2005 10:00 PM

"We need to leave now, Scott. My water broke this afternoon. Dr. Logan said to come in when my contractions are five minutes apart. The contractions are pretty strong and they are about five minutes apart." They arrived at the hospital twenty minutes later. Jessi was wheeled into a birthing room while Scott was left at admissions to deal with the paperwork.

"Hi, Mrs. Miller, I'm Emily. I'll get you started on your journey through Labor and Delivery." Emily scanned through Jessi's medical records. "I remember you from when I worked in orthopedics. You had a horse accident, right?"

"Yep."

"Okay. Let's get you hooked up to the monitor and get an IV going." Emily asked, "Tell me about your contractions," as she was doing this. "When was the last one and how long? Has your water broken? When? Anything else that I should know?" Jessi conveyed the requested information, pausing as a particularly strong contraction occurred.

Another nurse entered the room. "I'm Liz. I'll be taking care of you as Emily's shift is done and she now gets to go home to her family." Liz briefly reviewed her chart, asked a few questions, and examined her. "You're nearly fully dilated. This baby wants to come out and meet you. Do you have a birthing coach coming?"

"My husband, Scott's downstairs in admissions dealing with paperwork." Liz moved into Jessi's field of vision and she noticed Liz's very pregnant profile for the first time. Liz saw Jessi's reaction.

"Yeah, I'm at 32 weeks. It's my first, and I'm counting down the days, but you're the center of attention tonight. Can I get you anything?" Jessi had another strong contraction. She noticed Liz wincing once it passed. "Braxton Hicks. Dr. Logan said at my last check-up that it's pretty common to experience them." Liz glanced at Jessi, then looked more closely with a perplexed expression, then scanned back through her chart. "Jessi Dawson."

Hearing her maiden name, Jessi looked up at Liz's face and recognition dawned on her. "Betty Joy Greenfield?"

"It's Liz Welch now. That other person doesn't exist anymore. My given name is actually Elizabeth. I never particularly liked Betty and now choose to use Liz. My married name is Welch. We can catch up later if you want, but let's concentrate on getting your baby out right now."

Scott entered the room, grumbling, a couple of minutes later. "Sorry. That took way longer than I thought it would. How are things progressing?" Jessi had another big contraction before she could reply. Liz responded with, "Jessi's contractions are really close together. You'll be a father in the very near future."

Lilly Anne Miller arrived at 3:42 AM, Friday May 13th, 2005. Liz gave Jessi a big smile as she said, Congratulations, Jessi, you have a beautiful baby girl. She has all the requisite parts and her five-minute Apgar is a nine, so all indications are that she's very healthy." Jessi's bed was in an inclined position as a now dried off Lilly was placed on her chest. A light swaddle blanket was gently laid across both of them to maintain the warmth Lilly was used to. Liz asked, "Do you want to try nursing her?" after mother and daughter had several minutes of skin-to-skin bonding. "It often takes a few attempts before some babies latch on to their mother's nipple, so don't be discouraged if it doesn't happen the first time."

Lilly initially ignored Jessi's breast. "Try expressing a little milk. That often attracts the baby and triggers her to latch on." Lilly did start to suck after rooting around. "Congratulations, you two. Well done."

Jessi asked, "Do you want to hold our daughter, Scott?" once Lilly was satisfied. Liz wrapped Lilly in the swaddle blanket. She started to walk away after she handed Lilly to Scott, then turned and looked at him. She had been focused on Jessi the whole time and, other than acknowledging his presence in the room, ignored him. "Scott.... Miller?.... Motorcycle man?" Now it was Scott's turn to look up. He eventually made the connection. "Betty Jo...."

"Not her any more. I'm Liz Welch now."

Scott did his best to suppress his surprise at this information. "I'm not sure what to say, but you look like you're in a much better place than the last time I saw you." Indicating her belly, he continued, "It looks like congratulations are also in order."

"Thanks, Scott."

Chapter 5. Liz's Story

Lilly nursed one more time, then both mother and daughter fell asleep.

"My shift ends in a few minutes. I'd like to talk with you Scott. Jessi's likely to sleep for a while as labor is exhausting. Would you join me for a cup of coffee?"

"Let me call Jessi's parents first." That accomplished, Scott gave his cell number to the nurse relieving Liz and they headed for the hospital café.

"I need to grab a bite. It's been a long night and I am eating for two. I suggest you get something also. You're going to need it." They found a quiet table in the corner after getting their food and coffee, decaf for Liz.

"It seems like a lifetime since we last talked. A lot has happened. I've changed. I thought long and hard about what you said after our last meeting. My mother was useless to talk to. Her reaction was 'What will our friends think?' She was always flaunting her wealth, in reality, my dad's wealth. It turns out that she was cheating on my dad. They're divorced now.

My dad was not very helpful. I think that he just didn't know what to say or do with an 18-year-old girl rebelling against.... everything. He ultimately suggested that I talk with his mom, which I did. I had spent a lot of time with her when I was younger and liked her. She invited me to stay with her until I figured out what I wanted to do."

I moved to Lowell, Massachusetts, after considering many options, with the goal of enrolling in the nursing program at U-Mass Lowell, the following fall. Believe it or not, I took a job in a local Mom and Pop diner in the interim. The Blairs took me under their wings and treated me like family. I worked the early shift, 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The majority of their customers were regulars, especially in the first couple of hours, often people starting or finishing shifts; construction workers, truck and taxi drivers, cops, hospital workers. I got to know them, their lives and family, their jobs, their hobbies and interests. I really liked talking with them, very different from the people I grew up with."

"I started volunteering at the local food bank on Friday afternoons, and Saturday afternoons and evenings at the local hospital after I had settled into my life there. There was a truck driver, Roger, who ate at the diner most mornings, then delivered our refrigerated goods later in the day, twice a week. Roger pulled in with a load of donations my first Friday at the food bank. He became aware of how much food was thrown out by talking with his customers; unsold baked goods, visually imperfect produce that was still nutritious, products near or at their sell-by dates, etc. He convinced his boss to let him use the company truck to collect these items and deliver them to the food bank on his own time after work. The resulting publicity and goodwill for the company resulted in the company expanding the concept to all their routes and paying their drivers overtime to provide this service."

Roger and I started dating that spring. I did start in the nursing program at U-Mass Lowell the next fall, but took occasional shifts at the restaurant when they were shorthanded and my schedule allowed it. Our relationship naturally grew with the passage of time. Roger surprised me at the end of my junior year, by asking me to marry him. I had fallen in love with him by then. He's the kindest, most down to earth person I've ever known. I felt compelled to be honest with him and told him about my, uh, behavior in high school. I remember his exact words to that revelation: 'That was some girl in high school, not the woman I now know and want to marry'. We moved in together that summer. There was an opening here after I graduated the next year, so I applied and was accepted."

"We moved up here and got married in a very small ceremony. My mom didn't come, but my dad did. He and Roger hit it off like they had known each other for years. Dad even offered Roger a job, which he declined. You and Roger have something in common."

"Do tell."

"Roger rides an Indian Motorcycle. I started working here in Labor and Delivery, and Roger is driving for a local company. You are responsible for changing my life, Scott. Thank you."

"Sorry, but I'm not accepting that. We just had a talk. Everything that happened since then is because you made it happen, not me. An Indian, huh? We'll have to get together sometime."

"Still, your talk made me reassess my life. It at least gave me direction. And, you were right about one other thing."

"Oh?"

Liz leaned in close to Scott and whispered, "You were right that I would find someone and fall in love when I least expected to. Roger is amazing and sex really 'is' so good with someone you love and respect. You were also right about the other thing. I love to give, and Roger loves to receive oral sex, and he likes to reciprocate."

"Way too much information, Liz, way too much."

"Anyway, thanks." Liz asked, "Can I give you a hug, Scott?" as they were getting up to leave.

"Hugs between friends are always okay."

"So, we're friends now? That feels very good."

***

David Michael Welch was born on June 30, 2005.

***

Chapter 6. Lilly's Story

September 2, 2009 Saxon Hill School, a private pre-school in Jericho, VT.

Jessi, Scott, and Lilly were walking toward the school entrance when they heard, "Jessi! Scott!" They recognized Liz walking across the parking lot, accompanied by a man and a child. "Liz! How are you?" Jessi asked as she pulled her into a hug. "Your son is starting Pre-K today?"

"Yes." Introductions were made. "David, you and Lilly are going to be in the same class. Why don't you say hello to Lilly."

"Hello, Lilly."

"Hi, David." Lilly reached for his hand. "Come on, David, let's go to school."

***

Lilly and David became fast friends for the next two years. They unfortunately attended different schools from first grade on since they lived in different towns. Their parents initially arranged play dates, but they drifted apart as they made friends in their new schools.

Friday, October 13th, 2023 UVM Davis Center

Lilly was relaxing with a cup of coffee after her last class of the week when she heard, "Lilly?" Her questioning expression changed to recognition as she looked up, which brought a smile to her face. "David! It's been a long time. How are you?" They spent the next couple of hours talking until David asked, "Want to go down to Church Street and get something to eat?"

Lilly called her mom the next morning. "Guess who I met yesterday?" "There's no way I could guess, Lilly."

"Do you remember David Welch from Saxon Hill School? He's going to UVM. We had dinner together last night, and I'm going to see him again tonight." "You know that yesterday was a Friday the 13th, Lilly?"

"I thought that you didn't believe in that family lore, Mom."

"Maybe I do." she said, "Maybe I do now."

***

My family was recently sitting around swapping stories and family lore. The conversation turned to our perception of how luck may or may not have affected our family. That conversation inspired me to write a story with a common thread linking events of one generation to the next, connected by luck as the theme. So, are Fridays the 13 th unlucky or lucky? I'm not superstitious, but I finished the first draft of this story on December 13 th, a Friday, so there's that.

While this is not a traditional Literotica story, it was fun to write. I hoped to impart an awareness of how our culture is in a constant state of change, how we evolve as families, and also as individuals.

I happened to be listening to Priscilla Herdman's cover of the James Taylor song, 'Millworker' while I was contemplating Céline's future after Maurice's death. Google it. It gave me the inspiration for her employment at the Bates Mill and her motivation to not let Gabrielle work there. Check out the historical photos of the Bates Mill available online to get a feel for millwork.

My editors and I spend many hours writing and editing this for your reading pleasure. Please take a few moments to vote and comment. Thanks for reading and especially thanks for voting and commenting.

Guy

This is my copyrighted work and I maintain all international rights. No republishing anywhere without the written permission of the author.