." As a child, you watched your mother get into an abusive relationship.Well, I followed in Mommy's footsteps a little too closely. And I cantleave, ...n case you're wondering, because I have kids to think about, justlike she did."I started weeping.The creature beside me said, "You were wondering if your life wouldnt havebeen easier if you had been born a girl. This would have been your fate,would you trade what you have for it?" N....No."The woman faded, and the creature pointed to another. I arrived at my desk at seven o’clock Monday morning. Melanie had ridden into work with me in my limousine. We were quiet, in part because she admitted that she needed a couple of jolts of coffee before her world started to turn.I went through a couple of meetings and then had a break. I called Melanie into my office because I’d had some thoughts I felt I should share. She came in and gave me a tentative smile, in part because I think she wondered why I’d called her in with nothing obvious. "He was angry that you woke him." Sarah, Please." Mike said. "Just let me get my bike. My parents will be angry if I don't return with it." You don't know how dangerous that would be." Sarah stared at him mysteriously. "If you want it back so bad, I'll get it for you."Mike stood at the front porch and watched Sarah disappear inside. Sarah's mother gave her a worried look. Leaning over the railing, she plucked a rose from her garden. Mike wondered if there was any furniture upstairs as he. As long as we're together, I want us to be exclusive for the most part. What we did tonight, and what we might do in the future where sex is concerned is something we have to work out between us." What if we decide we don't want to explore?" Jackie said."If we decide we don't want to, or that we don't want to anymore, we stop. We just have to be sure we make the decision together, like all decisions we will make together. I for one enjoyed what we did and would like to do it again."Jackie.