“It will do her good to dress up, get out and mix with some new folks,” Krista said.“I agree,” I answered, “but I doubt you’ll succeed. Sh... hasn’t gone out anywhere since Dad died.”“Just leave it to me,” Krista answered, as she headed into our house.When I returned two hours later, I was surprised to see Krista’s car still in the driveway. Inside I could hear them upstairs in Mom’s bedroom, talking and giggling. I looked in and found them trying on different outfits, wine glasses in hand and a. They were dressed in school uniform.?You must be Lucy? said one of them as they both pushed passed me into the house.?I?m in here? Mei Ling said. The girls walked into the lounge. I followed meekly behind. Mei Ling and the girls hugged one another and talked about missing each other. I stood watching passively.They sat on the settee talking for ages just ignoring me and then Mei Ling said, ?Go and get my sisters some coke?. I scampered to the kitchen returning with the drinks for the girls. I. “Yes, of course,” she said as she brought a steaming plate of food over to me. She took the time to set out my silverware and napkin. She didn’t call me Sir, as she had the night before. I got the vibe she was only going to do that around my father, and I understood.“How will I know when you are Cherry and when you are just mom?” I asked.My mom straightened up, and her face was a radiant beam of light. She had all her make-up just perfect, and she looked ravishing. “How about when you are ready. Len was in the same boat. He lived in a small wooden shack he had built on his newly acquired land a few miles outside of town and supported himself by doing odd jobs for the more established farmers in the area. He rarely got any cash. Instead he was paid with whatever produce the farmer could afford to give him. It didn't seem to bother Len who cheerfully performed any task given to him and always had enough chicken, beef, pork and vegetables to keep him-self well fed.My dad first met him.