Allison convinces you to stay the night.

It was still rather early - around 7:30 - when you and Allison finished the movie & pizza. "Well, I guess I should be heading home," you announced, not wanting to push things for either of you now that you were starting to get comfortable with Allison.

"No, Tim! Come own, stay with me," she pleaded, grasping your hand. "Please! Don't leave me alone yet - not my first night on my own."

Your resolution crumbled at the hint of desperation in her eyes. You berated yourself. No matter how awkward this was for you, Allison had it much more difficult. A new body and life to deal with - and now the first real step to abandoning her old one. You knew Tony & Linda would do their best to help but they really couldn't be her parents anymore. Tonight was Allison's initiation into her life as Jennifer Connors, a newly independent adult woman rather than a teenage girl.

You could hardly imagine what she must be feeling. Besides, you were always a 'soft touch' to Allison. And seeing your 'mother' so out of sorts simply added to your guilt. "Okay, okay....of course I can stay ..." you answered softly.

"Great!" she said, her mood instantly changing. "Anyway, we have to celebrate my new place in style!" she added with a grin.

"What do you have in mind?" you asked.

"Well, I am 'legal' now. So let's take advantage of it. Run over to the store to pick up something to drink," she said excitedly.

It took you a few moments. "Oh, you mean buy some ****..." you said in comprehension.

"Right!" she confirmed. "I want to fully stock this place - wine, beer, vodka and any other kind of liquor we want!"

"Are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, with the surgery and all..." you asked hesitantly.

"Oh, Tim!" she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "It's no big deal. I'm not talking about going out to bars or anything. We'll just buy some stuff and bring it back here. And you'll be with me, so I won't be drinking alone." A tinge of bitterness crept into her voice. "Besides, the doctors all said that I'm in 'amazing health for a 40 year old woman'."

You certainly didn't like the idea of Allison getting drunk alone in her apartment, probably becoming more depressed. "Okay, let's go," you quickly agreed, trying to derail her train of thought. "Maybe we can get a mix for martinis, or buy some tequila to make margaritas," you added, recalling that as your mom's favorite drink.

She brightened at that. "You know, I've never tried one but that sounds really good right now. Excellent idea, Tim!"

In less than a minute she had grabbed her purse and you were on the way to the liquor store.