Birthday Pool Party Ch. 42

"Should have tried harder in gym, big guy!" I tease, giving him a sexy wink.

"I would have if I'd thought I'd be having sex before thirty." Ian grimaces, reminding us of his social awkwardness.

"Oh, stop!" Stephanie insists. "You aren't the same shy nerd you used to be. You just bagged two hot sluts!"

"And now I need some water." he sheepishly admits.

"We'll whip you into shape soon enough." I vow before parting ways with the tall woman and the skinny nerd.

My stomach starts gurgling in my very first afternoon class. I guess pussy juice and cum isn't enough to replace lunch. Oh, well! Rather than listen to exam reviews, I send out reminder texts to everyone I know, informing them of the big graduation party.

The party isn't just for me; it's for all of us. Lexi, Hazel, Marcia, Ashley. Daddy is going all out, renting tents and tables, and having the entire event catered. Just like my birthday pool party, I'm sending out an open invitation to the entire senior class.

At one point, Stephanie sends me a text, mentioning Ian's stamina. The two of us talk about it, and we come up with a great plan to motivate him. Soon, the three of us are texting, and Stephanie and I talk Ian into coming over my house after school tomorrow so we can study. Study. Right.

I also spend some time texting with Daddy, Stacey, and the Sluts. Now that my mind is off sex, my anxiety about April is returning. Daddy insists that April isn't telling the doctors or nurses anything about us, but that just makes me worry about the future.

I do feel slightly better when Stacey invites me to come visit April later on. We agree over text that Daddy will bring Lexi and I to the treatment center after dinner. Apparently, they're keeping April overnight, but she will probably be able to go home tomorrow. Then she'll have outpatient care with a therapist.

"Kayla, hi!" Brittney O'Connor's voice calls out as I walk through the crowded hall.

"Oh!" I exclaim, turning to face the stacked blonde. "Brittney, how are you?"

"Not bad at all!" Brittney replies with a smile, her expensive designer purse slung over her shoulder. "I've missed you and Hazel at parties!"

"I think Hazel and I have put our wild party days behind us." I giggle.

"Lame!" Brittney declares, looping her arm through mine so we can walk together. "Not even in college yet, and already done with frat parties? Crazy!"

"Well, maybe not forever," I acquiesce, "but I'm in a relationship, and Hazel, well, Hazel just isn't up for it right now."

"Oh, fine." the blonde shakes her head, dropping the subject. "Still friends, though, right?"

"Of course we are!" I insist as the two of us weave our way through the throng of high school students. "You're coming to the graduation party, aren't you?"

"Your sexy dad grilling for us again? Wouldn't miss it!" Brittney confirms happily. "Are you girls going to the Senior Lock-In?"

"Daddy is having the party catered, so I don't think he'll be grilling!" I explain. "And yeah, we're all going, as far as I know."

"I'll see you there, too, then." Brittney grins. "And maybe your dad and I will sneak off for a quickie during the party!"

"You know he has a girlfriend, right?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.

"Any guy who can tame Lioness Lexi is worth a ride or two!" Brittney teases, hip-checking me.

"Daddy is strong, but I don't know if even he can resist a porn star." I counter, calling her on her side job.

"Hazel told you about that, did she?" the blonde giggles, her white teeth flashing. "Still a shame I never got to introduce you to Peter."

"Thanks, anyway." I shake my head. "And yeah, she told me. The expensive clothes kind of give away your new financial status, too. I love those shoes!"

"Thanks! They cost more than my parents' mortgage!" Brittney laughs as we stop in front of an open door. "Well, this is my class. Talk soon?"

"Later!" I say.

Brittney disappears into the classroom and I continue on my way. Over the next couple of classes, I confirm more attendees to the party. Katie Ehrlich, the class Valedictorian, says she can't wait. Dan seems surprised that I invite him personally, but he confirms he will be there. I don't find the person I really want to talk to until after last bell.

"Kelsey!" I call out, running out the main entrance. "Kelsey, wait!"

"Yeah?" Kelsey Aguila replies in small voice as she turns to face me. As per usual, she's flanked by two football players. Ones who aren't suspended, of course.

"I was just wondering if you were planning to come to the graduation party at my place?" I ask the Spanish girl before glancing at the football players. "You guys are welcome, too."

"We'll be there!" the first guy nods happily.

"You okay here, Kelsey?" the second wonders.

"I'm okay, thanks." Kelsey mumbles softly. The football players then leave the two of us alone.

"How have you been?" I inquire, making sure to give her plenty of space.

"The same, I guess." Kelsey sighs. "Still lots of nightmares, and I hate being touched. Talking to Nancy helps."

"She's the trauma counselor, right?" I follow up with.

"Yeah..." the Spanish girl mumbles while fiddling with a rubber band around her wrist. "We meet every week."

"That's good, that's good." I respond, before we fall into an uneasy silence until I'm able to speak again a minute later. "Uh, the party?"

"I don't have a very good history with parties..." Kelsey trails off with a wince.

"It won't be some wild college party." I insist in a gentle voice. "My family will be there. My dad, my grandparents, maybe even my aunt, uncle, and cousins."

"I'll think about it." she eventually tells me.

"That's all I ask." I smile. "See you around."

"Bye." Kelsey whispers.

Since today is Wednesday, I have my weekly therapy appointment with Kasey. Meeting up briefly with Lexi, Hazel, Marcia, and Ashley, we chat for a few minutes. After exchanging hugs, Lexi and Hazel hop into Lexi's car while Marcia and Ashley both leave for their cars. I get in my own car and drive to therapy.

"Hi, Kayla!" Kasey says with a friendly smile while I sit across from her. "How was your week?"

"Better than Stacey and April's." I reply with a wince.

"I'm sorry, please remind me?" Kasey requests as she lightly taps her pen on her notepad.

"Stacey is my dad's personal assistant, and my friend." I answer, crossing my legs. "April is Stacey's girlfriend. They just moved in together."

"And they had a tough time recently?" my therapist gently prods.

"They picked up a guy for a threesome.. things, uh, didn't end well." I wince, realizing that pretty much every story I tell Kasey involves sex. "Anyway, he tried to break in to their apartment, and Stacey called Daddy for help. April ended up having a break down and confessed to Stacey and Daddy that her uncle raped her. She's in a treatment center now."

"I'm sorry to hear that." Kasey sighs, a sad expression on her face. "Are both those guys in jail?"

"The guy who tried to break in was arrested, and they have a restraining order. I don't know about April's uncle." I explain before looking at my therapist with tears in my eyes. "Why have so many women I know been sexually assaulted?"

"It's so much more common than a lot of people think." Kasey admits, shaking her head. "There was even a big social media movement a few years ago where a lot of women shared their stories. As horrible as it is, being able to confide in your family and friends is a good thing. I'm glad you have a strong support system. Many women don't."

"Yeah..." I trail off, lost in thought as I blink away my tears. Kasey is right. I have an amazing support system. That's why we have to be careful who knows about Daddy and I. Otherwise, things might all come crashing down.

"It's good that April is in a place where she can get help." my therapist says carefully. "Now, let's talk about you. How are you doing?"

"Pretty well, for the most part. Right now, at least." I smile softly. "Things are great with my boyfriend and girlfriend. I love having Lexi and Hazel stay with us, I'm graduating high school soon, and I'm really looking forward to the next chapter of my life. I'm just worried about the trial."

"I'm sure you have a lot of amazing experiences ahead of you." Kasey tells me just before a small frown creases her features. "What about Keith and David? Have you heard anything?"

"Uh, well..." I mumble before taking a deep breath and continuing. "Keith is still in jail, and a bunch of football players beat up David. He switched to remote learning, so I probably won't see either of them until the trial. I try not to think about the trial..."

"Will you have to testify?" she inquires.

"Definitely." I confirm. "I'm really anxious about that, and even though things are going pretty well right now, I can't help but think about how many crazy things have happened recently. What's gonna happen next?"

"Trials can take a long time, unfortunately." Kasey acknowledges. "We'll keep going over coping techniques. Once you get dates, we can come up with specific strategies for tackling them."

"Sounds good." I nod, releasing a nervous laugh. "It's amazing. I used to be a normal teenage girl. Cheerleader with a popular boyfriend. Then came Hurricane Lexi."

"That's an interesting observation." my therapist observes. "Do you blame Lexi for your negative experiences?"

"No! Not at all!" I protest, perhaps a little too quickly. "I mean, yeah, a lot of crazy shit has happened since she and I became friends, but none of it is her fault."

"Even if you know something's not her fault, you might still believe she somehow caused it, even if unintentionally." Kasey says slowly. "You did call her 'Hurricane Lexi' after all."

"I'm not angry at her or anything," I begin, looking directly at Kasey, "but I do think she has a habit of causing a lot of chaos. None of it is her fault! I mean, David Cooper was in my life long before Lexi."

"I'm not accusing you of anything." she smiles. "I just think it's important to be aware of your feelings. That's the only way you can control them."

"I understand." I nod. "Lexi is just an outgoing person with a fiery personality. Maybe some things wouldn't have happened to me if I never got close to her, but so what? She's a good person, and she's my best friend. That's what matters."

"I agree." Kasey says.

We talk for a little while longer, then Kasey walks me through a brief meditation session. She reminds me of my coping skills, including the 5-4-3-2-1 method, and we wrap things up with an agreement to meet the week after next so I can focus entirely on my finals.

I walk into the main living room and find Lexi and Hazel studying on the floor. The table is covered with snacks and drinks, and while the television is on, there is only music playing. Lexi is still fully dressed, while Hazel is wearing comfortable pajamas.

"Actual studying?" I ask rhetorically. "I'm shocked!"

"Hey!" Lexi exclaims while laying on her stomach, her little feet kicking in the air behind her. "We both get excellent grades!"

"Also, neither of us had a threesome today." Hazel observes, pointing a pencil at me.

"Yet." I snort as I drop my backpack on the floor and start pulling out books and notebooks.

"Mm, maybe you can spend the night with Steven and I tonight?" Lexi purrs, looking directly at Hazel.

"I'll think about it." the tan girl smirks, her brown hair in its usual long ponytail.

Despite how much we tease each other, we all really are good students. Music fills the room, punctuated by the sounds of chewing as we munch on pretzels and chips. The three of us are so distracted by our books, we don't even hear Daddy come in.

"Having fun, ladies?" Daddy's asks.

"Not at all." Hazel grunts as we girls jump to our feet.

"Hi, Baby!" Lexi chirps as she runs up to Daddy and gives him a big smooch.

Daddy releases the redhead before turning to me and hugging me tightly as we exchange a quick peck. Then, it's Hazel's turn for a hug and kiss. A small smile crosses my face when Daddy leans down and kisses Hazel's flat stomach.

The four of us sit down to dinner where we talk about our day. Daddy confirms he spent the afternoon at the office, but accomplished very little actual work. We also talk about Nicole feeling neglected, and all agree that Daddy needs to take her on a date with just the two of them.

One topic that takes all levity out of the room is the question of whether April is going to tell people about Daddy and I. Daddy insists that he will take full responsibility for his actions, and promises that he will protect me. Lexi, Hazel, and I are all upset about the hospital. We're all just so scared that Daddy's determination to help everyone will destroy him.

"You sure you don't want to come with us?" Daddy asks Hazel.

"I'm sure. Another person might just overwhelm April." Hazel replies, giving Daddy a tight hug. "Just don't get arrested, okay? Our baby needs a father."

"I will do my very best." he promises, releasing Hazel.

"Why are you bringing that folder?" Lexi frowns, pointing to the manila folder Daddy is holding.

"I got some research for April." Daddy explains.

"What kind of research?" I wonder. "I don't think there are any studies on the benefits of incest."

"There aren't." he laughs. "At least, not that I know of. It's something else. You'll see."

Lexi pushes past me to get into the passenger seat of Daddy's car. Rolling my eyes, I sit in back with my phone out while Daddy starts the drive. We're quiet the entire trip, proving that we are all concerned about the future. Daddy doesn't even turn the radio on.

"Come in!" Stacey's voice calls out right after Daddy knocks on the door.

Natural light streams through the large window, bathing the comfortable room in a warm glow. April is propped up on pillows, her eyes locked on the television as she watches a rerun of Planet Trek Wars. There's a massive land battle happening on screen; humans and aliens running around with their laser sword things.

April mutes the television, and I smirk when she keeps glancing at the screen out of the corner of her eye as she turns her head to look at us. Stacey is sitting in a small chair beside April's bed, and she quickly closes a sketchbook she's drawing in, setting it aside. The two blondes smile at us softly.

Stacey stands up and walks around the bed to hug Daddy. We end up all exchanging hugs, Daddy, Lexi, and I even hug April. She seems okay with it, but the little nerd definitely holds me extra tightly, and I have no doubts about her concerns.

"Thank you for coming." April says softly.

"Of course." I smile kindly.

"How are you feeling?" Lexi asks.

"Better." April answers slowly. "The medication helps, and I've talked to about a dozen different therapists today."

"And, um, you know that Daddy isn't Greg?" I wonder with a pained expression.

"Isn't he?" April counters, giving me a pointed look.

"He is no-!" Lexi begins, her eyes full of rage. Daddy's hand on the redhead's shoulder silences her.

I brush my raven hair back behind my ears as I approach April's bed. She's looking at me with concern, and I know that I have to put all of my heart in this if April is to see the truth. Sitting on the edge of her bed, I take April's hand as I look into her eyes.

"They told me... some of what you went through." I begin, squeezing her hand. "I understand your concern, and why you might think Daddy might be similar to Greg."

"Yes." April swallows weakly, her hand shaking slightly in mine. "What did he... did he?"

"We never looked at each other that way before, not once." I insist, letting out a breath. "I even remember him walking in on David and I having sex. I screamed and tried to cover myself..."

"What changed?" April asks, her voice small.

"It's hard to say." I reply, considering the question as I feel all eyes on us. "I'm an adult now, and I know I look so much like my mother. Still, I don't think that's it. I think he and I have developed a very special bond over the years. We only had each other for so long. Me becoming an adult just caused something to appear that was never there before."

"Something beautiful." Lexi adds.

"It took a long time." I continue, smiling as my thumb caresses April's hand. "Pushing. Just a little more each time. Pushing, always pushing. First, comfortable being naked around each other, comfortable watching each other have sex. Then it got physical. A kiss, some touches. And then..."

"He raped you!" April interrupts me with a snarl. "After pushing for so long, he couldn't stop."

"NO!" I vehemently insist. "I pushed him. I couldn't stop. I just kept pushing and pushing. Pushing his boundaries, making him take steps closer and closer to what I wanted, what I needed."

"He groomed you..." the little nerd protests.

"He did not." I reply, looking unflinchingly into April's eyes. "He's in a serious relationship, he's not using me to fill a void. In fact, he's drowning in pussy. You know that! We just, we just happened. And it was all me, constantly escalating. Finally, after I was kidnapped, he had no more resistance, and I got him to be with me completely. After a bad man did horrible things to me, I knew I could trust Daddy. He would never hurt me. Never betray me."

"Everyone betrays..." April mumbles, her eyes shining with tears.

"You know that's not true, Baby." Stacey interjects, approaching us. "I know you were raped, cheated on, used... it's horrible! But, not every person is like that. Do you think I'll betray you?"

"Yes!" April whimpers. "You'll want a regular family, a husband, kids! You'll leave me!"

"I do want kids someday." Stacey acknowledges with a slow nod. "I can't promise we'll be a couple forever, but I can promise that we'll always be in each others lives. You're not just a romantic partner, you're my best friend, you crazy bitch! I will ALWAYS be here for you."

"Just like Daddy will always be here for me." I add quickly. "Whether or not we're having sex."

"And he's always here for me!" Lexi speaks up. "I was used, I was raped, I was treated as nothing but a collection of holes. That's all I thought I was. Then I met Steven. He's a great man."

"H-he never pushed you to do anything you didn't want to?" April stammers, using her free hand to wipe away her tears.

"Never." I state firmly. "We're family. Nothing can change that."

The room falls silent as April digests the information. Various emotions cross her face, ranging from anger to fear to sadness. Still, she doesn't try to pull her hand out of mine. After glancing between Daddy and Stacey a few times, April closes her eyes to gather her strength.

"I won't tell anyone." the small girl promises.

"Thank you, April." Daddy smiles, finally speaking up.

"Yes, thank you!" I agree, letting out a sigh of relief.

"I just don't know if I can ever have any kind of intimacy with you again, Steven." April sighs, looking at Daddy.

"I understand." Daddy nods. "After what happened to you, I understand completely."

"And..." April continues, "I'm not sure I'm comfortable with you and Stacey anymore."

"April..." Stacey trails off, a helpless expression on her face.

"I don't blame you." he interrupts. "I respect your relationship with Stacey."

"Thank you." April replies.

"If you're up to it," Daddy begins, holding up the manila folder, "I have some information about Greg."

"W-what kind of information?" April wonders with a frown.

"When I got to work earlier, I called Jason, the private investigator I worked with in the past." he explains. "Stacey is the one who found him."

"And he looked up Greg?" Lexi inquires.

"Yes." Daddy nods.

"April, it's okay if you aren't ready to hear this." Stacey points out gently.

"Tell me." April urges, looking straight at Daddy.