Turkish Delight, Part 5

This fictional account contains adult language and themes.  If such language
and themes offend you, please do not read further.  Copyright 1999 by
SSTORYMAN.  All rights reserved.  Permission is granted to reproduce this
story in any form and for any purpose as long as this notice is reproduced
and no financial remuneration is received, directly or indirectly, by the
person reproducing it.  Thanks to AZ-MAN and STOGIE-MAN for their support,
ideas and encouragement.

TURKISH DELIGHT

5.	The Party.

   It was just a short walk to the Martins' house.  It was a beautiful summer
evening.  Linda and Krissy walked it together.  Once there, they rang the
bell and waited.

   "Come in!"  Kelli graciously said in welcome after answering the door.
"Oh my God, Krissy.  You look _so_ cute and sexy.  God, that outfit's
adorable.  You look sixteen in it!  I'm glad I don't have a son," she winked.
"Any young man would drool if he saw you tonight!"

   Krissy blushed.  That was the idea.  She _wanted_ to look older and
sophisticated whenever possible.  "Thanks," she said demurely.  "You look
nice, too, Mrs. Martin."

   It was true.  Kelli had on a low cut black sweater with khaki slacks and a
string of pearls around her neck.  She was tall and slender and looked good
enough to eat.  Her blond hair had been brushed to one side, and it hung over
her left shoulder.  In a word, she was gorgeous!

   Sam and Leah were waiting inside.  Sam wore a navy blazer, open collar
shirt and khaki slacks.  Leah had on a skin-tight short black skirt and a
sleeveless white blouse.  The Martins had obviously dressed up.  Linda was
glad she and Krissy had done the same.

   As they settled in the living room, Sam took drink orders.  He was already
drinking a Miller Lite, so Linda asked for one, too.  Kelli had a glass of
red wine.  Before she offered the girls soft drinks, Linda stated she
sometimes let Krissy have a glass of wine on special occasions.

   "We do that, too," Kelli acknowledged.  "And this _is_ a special occasion.
One glass of wine coming up for you, Krissy.  Leah, would you like wine,
too?"

   Leah nodded enthusiastically.  She had a big smile on her face.  "You
_know_ I'd love some wine, Mom.  That's a no-brainer!"

   As soon as drinks were served, Sam began some serious conversation.
"Linda, I want you to know that I appreciate _so_ much the practical,
common-sense advice you've given Kelli about smoking.  Since you moved in,
she's been like a totally new woman.  It's a breath of fresh air - no pun
intended!  Until recently, she was obsessed with trying to quit.  But she
couldn't, and it drove her crazy.  I hated that.  You see, I've been a
confirmed smoker my whole adult life.  It's not good for me, and I know that.
But I like to smoke.  I don't intend to give it up, now or ever."  He smiled
at his pretty wife.  "For me, the good news was Kelli really took your advice
to heart.  She's much calmer about her smoking habit now.  She realizes
she'll never quit, and she's made peace with that.  So, thanks, Linda.
Sometimes hearing the truth from an outsider makes a difference.  And I tell
you, the change in Kelli has made my life, and hers, much happier."

   He glanced at Krissy.  "Let me say something, Krissy.  I hope I don’t
sound too politically incorrect.  I don't know how you feel about the subject
of smoking, or about the fact that your mom smokes.  But I wanted to have you
two over because your mom helped Kelli accept the fact that she's a smoker,
and stop fretting about it.  I hope you don't mind my being so
straight-forward about this controversial subject."

   Krissy smiled modestly and brushed her long auburn hair away from her
face.  "Don't worry, Mr. Martin.  My mom's been a smoker as long as I can
remember.  I know her views on the subject.  I used to nag her about
quitting.  But she patiently explained why she's not interested.  I respect
her point of view now, undoubtedly better than I used to."  She smiled.
"Maybe that's a sign of maturity on my part."

   "Yes it is," Sam replied enthusiastically.  "Many children of parents who
smoke go through that phase," he added with a sly smile at his own daughter.
"Leah used to nag us about quitting.  However, for awhile now she seems to
have given up that tack and assumed the same mature attitude you've taken
with your mother."

   "C'mon, Dad," objected Leah.  "You make me sound terrible.  You know how
it is.  In school they brainwash young kids against smoking these days.
Until we're old enough to realize teachers aren't infallible, we kids have an
annoying tendency to regurgitate their crap back to our folks on all kinds of
subjects.  Smoking is just one of 'em.  Krissy's right.  Some of us grow up
enough to know better."  She grinned.  "Don't hold our former immature
exuberance against us."

   "I'm _not_ holding it against you," Sam assured her.  "I'm merely
acknowledging and appreciating the fact that you and Krissy got off your
soapbox.  Getting on the soapbox didn't do any good in the first place.
We're adults.  We made our choices.  They may or may not be good ones.
Whether you make the same choices will be your decision.  As long as you
don't try to impose your choices on us, how you live your own lives is
strictly up to you."

   Kelli reached for a cigarette and smiled warmly.  "Linda helped me see
even though I can't help influencing my daughter, I mustn't apologize for
living my life and making my own choices.  I'm a smoker.  There, I said it.
I'll say it again.  I smoke.  It's what I do, and it's who I am."  She waved
her unlit cigarette for emphasis.  "I used to think there was something wrong
with being a smoker.  I felt guilty all the time.  I was afraid if Leah ever
took up my habit, it'd be my fault.  But now I realize that's stupid."

   She paused to light up.  As soon as she did, both Linda and Sam followed
suit, lighting cigarettes of their own.  The air in the Martins' living room
began to fill with ambient smoke.

   "I guess some people can quit smoking," Kelli went on, exhaling over her
words.  "I can't.  Or at least, I don't want to bad enough.  And Linda can't,
either.  Neither can you, Sam.  But Linda helped me see that feeling guilty
about it doesn't make the situation better.  We're all still smokers, and
we're all going to keep smoking.  We can either enjoy it, or we can be
miserable in the midst of it.  Speaking for myself, I intend to relax and
enjoy myself from now on."  She took a long, sumptuous drag to underline her
statement.  "And I think I'm a better parent because of it, too," she
finished with a smile at Leah.

   Linda chimed in.  "I agree.  I couldn't have said it better myself." She
spewed exhaled smoke as she talked.  "There's nothing worse than a fat person
complaining about being overweight, or an ugly woman griping about how bad
she looks.  It's disgusting.  In the same way, there's nothing more
depressing than smokers bitching and complaining about how they wish they
could quit.  Either just do it and quit, or shut the hell up!"  She blushed.
"Pardon my language.  But I get pretty passionate about the whole subject."

   Sam nodded.  "I concur.  So tonight we're celebrating the fact that Kelli
finally learned to admit it's okay for her to simply be a smoker."  He leaned
over and gave his pretty wife a quick kiss.  "I love you, baby," he cooed.

   Kelli held her cigarette by the side of her blond head.  "I love you too,
Sam."

   "Mom, Dad, please," Leah interrupted with a facetious grin.  "I know
you're happy, but this is ridiculous."  However, the smile on her face
betrayed her satisfaction.

   Kelli suddenly stood.  "Hey, I should check on dinner," she announced.
With cigarette in hand she headed to the kitchen.  Then she stopped and
turned.  "I'll be back in a minute," she said cheerily, looking directly at
Krissy.  "The rest of you keep chatting.  We're having my patented beef stew,
and I need to make sure it's doing okay."

   Krissy rose from her seat.  "Let me help, Mrs. Martin.  I'm getting itchy
sitting here."  The conversation was gratifying, but it'd stirred up her
desire to partake.  She was more than ready for a cigarette, and this might
be her chance.  In fact, maybe it'd be the first of several this evening.
She hoped so.  It couldn't have been coincidence that Mrs. Martin caught her
eye.  Would Mrs. Martin take the follow-up cue?

   "Thanks, Krissy, that'd be very helpful," she pleasantly replied.  "It'd
be great.  I'd be delighted to have your help in the kitchen for a few
moments."  She purposely didn't look Leah.  Krissy assumed it was because she
didn't want her to join them, for obvious reasons.

   Linda started to get up, too.  "Kelli, do you want me to help, too?"

   Kelli smiled graciously.  "Not necessary, Linda.  I'd love a chance to
spend time with Krissy.  After all, you see Leah all the time.  I never get
to see your daughter.  She does look adorable tonight, doesn't she?"

   "Okay," Linda acquiesced, sitting back down.  She resumed talking with Sam
and Leah.

   Krissy followed Kelli into the kitchen.  A wicked glint appeared in the
older woman's eyes as they moved out of sight.  Without a word she handed
over her half-smoked cigarette.  "Here you go, darling," she whispered
tenderly.  "Enjoy!"

   The eager youngster didn't have to asked twice!  Immediately she raised
the cigarette to her lips for a long, hard drag.  Snap-inhaling the smoke
into her impatient lungs, she sighed.  "Oh, God!  Thanks _so_ much, Mrs.
Martin."  As she began exhaling she returned it to her mouth and puffed
again, harder this time.

   Kelli grinned.  "Well, now!  I guess you really _are_ a smoker, aren't
you, Krissy?" she asked rhetorically.  She watched the enthusiastic little
girl go into a third consecutive drag while smoke billowed from her nostrils.
"You've obviously been looking forward to this!"

   "Mrs. Martin, you have _no_ idea," she gasped.  "Mom made me go shopping
this afternoon.  Usually I spend Sundays at the pool.  There's a place nearby
where some of us kids go to smoke.  But I had to spend most of the day with
Mom."

   "It looks like you'll _have_ to tell her about your little habit very
soon, Krissy."  She watched the desperate adolescent release yet another
stream of smoke from her lips.  She smiled warmly.  "Go ahead.  Finish it
off.  I'll light myself another one when we get back to the living room.  You
need this one more than I do!"

   Krissy flash-smoked the rest of the cigarette, stopping between drags only
long enough to inhale the smoke into her lungs.  Kelli checked on the stew,
which looked fine.  She turned again to her young friend.  "I just thought of
something.  My cigarettes are menthol.  You're probably not used to that, are
you?"

   "Don't worry," Krissy smiled.  "I've smoked menthols before.  They're
okay."

   Kelli's eyes widened.  "Your mom smokes Marlboro Lights 100's.  Where did
you have an opportunity to try menthols?"

   "Uh, from some of the girls at the pool," she offered lamely.  She didn't
want Kelli to know she and Leah sometimes smoked each other's cigarettes.  At
least, not yet.  "You know how it is, Mrs. Martin.  We all share cigarettes
when we're smoking."

   "Sure," Kelli nodded.  The cigarette was smoked down to the filter.  She
took it back from Krissy and crushed it in an ashtray on the kitchen counter.
"We'd better get back," she smiled.  "They're going to wonder how much
stirring the beef stew needed!"

   As soon as Krissy and Kelli returned to the family room, they found Sam
sitting alone drinking his Miller Lite.

   "Where did Leah and Linda go?"

   "Oh, they went upstairs to Leah's room," he sighed.  "Linda wanted to see
Leah's bedroom.  I think it's a female fascination; you know, a nesting
instinct or some damn thing!"  He laughed.  "I figured you'd be back to keep
me company sooner or later."

   "I'm sure my mom is interested in Leah's room," Krissy nodded
authoritatively.  "She has a thing about decorating bedrooms."  That was a
white lie.  Linda liked seeing other people's decorating.  But Krissy was
sure her mom asked to see Leah's bedroom for the same reason Kelli took her
to the kitchen.  The irony of the situation was marvelous!

   Soon Leah and Linda returned.  As they walked down the stairs, Leah looked
strangely satisfied.  She looked how Krissy felt - fulfilled and happy!  She
had no doubt Linda shared her cigarette with the blond girl.  The smug smile
Leah directed her way confirmed her suspicion.

   They talked and drank till dinner was ready.  Then they moved to the
dining room.  Like everything in the Martin household, the dining area was
handsomely appointed.  After a first course of salad and fresh bread, they
dined on Kelli's delicious, 'patented' beef stew.  Sam poured wine for
everyone during dinner.  Krissy was glad.  She liked drinking wine with the
adults.  It made her relaxed and confident.  But more important, it had a
noticeable calming effect on her mom.  That was good, because Krissy was more
and more convinced she'd tell her tonight about her arrival as a smoker.  If
not at the Martins, then certainly as soon as they got home.

   The three adults lit up after dinner.  The atmosphere was casual and
congenial.  The wine had its predictable effect; everyone laughed and was
having a good time.  The grown-ups smoked incessantly.  Krissy was dying.
She wanted a cigarette of her own.  But before she could think of some excuse
to sneak off with Kelli, Sam suggested they return to the living room.

   They began to clear the dishes.  In the process Krissy and Leah were alone
for a moment.  Leah whispered to her young friend.  "Your mom is so cool,"
she said excitedly.  "When we went upstairs to look at my room, she let me
have several puffs from her cigarette!"

   "I guessed that," Krissy nodded knowingly.  "My mom is great.  Listen, I
have a plan.  I can't explain it, but trust me, it'll be great.  Here's the
deal.  The next time your mom and I leave the room, and I guarantee it'll
happen at some point, think up some excuse to come looking for us, but wait a
couple minutes until we've gone.  Come alone, and don't let us know you're
coming.  Be quiet as a mouse.  That's really important.  Okay?"

   Leah frowned.  "I don't get it."

   "Don’t worry.  You don't have to get it.  Just do it!"

   They moved back to the living room.  Krissy and Leah sat side by side on
the sofa.  Krissy did her best to appear edgy, nervously twirling her
shoulder length brown hair between her fingers.  She hoped Kelli would take
the hint.  Sure enough, before long Kelli spoke up.  Significantly, she'd
just lit a fresh cigarette.

   "Linda, Leah gave you a tour of the upstairs.  Can I take Krissy on a tour
of the upstairs and the rest of the house?"  She looked at the young
teenager.  "Would you like that, honey?"

   Krissy smiled.  "Yes, Mrs. Martin.  I'd like that very much."  She glanced
knowingly at Leah.  "I think your house is beautiful.  I'd love to see the
rest of it, especially the upstairs."

   "Good," Kelli nodded.  She stood up.  "You three just keep talking while I
give Krissy a tour."  She motioned self-consciously.  "I'm proud of what
we've done with the house.  I love to show it off!"

   Kelli turned to Krissy as they ascended the stairs.  "Sweetie, you look
like you're ready for another smoke," she whispered compassionately.

   "Yes, I really am," replied Krissy.  It was true.  Her apparent edginess
was not totally an act.  She _did_ want to smoke again.

   As they reached the top of the stairs Kelli handed over her cigarette.
"Here you go, then.  Be my guest!  Enjoy!"

   Krissy eagerly double-pumped on the Merit Menthol as they entered the
master bedroom.  "Thanks, Mrs. Martin.  God, I'm so glad you understand how
much I needed this."  She held the substance inside as she was talking,
finally pausing to release a portion of the inhaled smoke.

   Kelli seemed genuinely pleased.  "Don't worry, honey, I do indeed know.
Remember, I was a teenage smoker myself."  She watched Krissy tap ashes into
one of the many ashtrays in the master bedroom as she continued to exhale
smoke from her mouth and nostrils.  She nodded approvingly.  "You really _do_
smoke just like your mom.  God, if I didn't know better, I'd say you've been
smoking for years."

   "I take that as a complement, Mrs. Martin."  She took another long drag.
"I can't believe how much I enjoy smoking," she sighed.  "No wonder you and
mom like it so much."  She tipped her head back and happily exhaled a long
stream of smoke into the air.

   Kelli was about to say something when they heard a disbelieving voice from
the hallway.  "Krissy?  Mom?  What in the hell is going on in here?"

   They turned and saw Leah in the doorway.  Her mouth was wide open.  She
looked perplexed.  "Mom!  Are you letting Krissy smoke?"

   Kelli was flustered.  "Oh my God," she gasped.  "I didn't intend for you
to find out this way, Leah.  You see, it turns out that your little friend
here already smokes."

   "I know that," Leah replied, entering the bedroom with eyes ablaze.  "But
what's up with you _letting_ her smoke?  I thought you didn't approve.  She's
only thirteen, for God's sake!"

   "I never said I didn't approve," Kelli answered defensively.  "When I
found out Krissy smokes, well, I felt sorry for her, I guess.  That's all.  I
was a teenager smoker, too, you know.  But wait.  Do you mean you _knew_
Krissy smoked?"  She turned to Krissy.  "You never told me Leah knew!"

   Krissy still held the cigarette.  She took a final puff and crushed it in
the ashtray.  She smiled.  "I never said Leah didn't know," she said placidly
while exhaling.  "You just assumed it, Mrs. Martin.  Actually, Leah's known I
smoke almost since the beginning."  She smiled at Leah, who still looked
stunned.  "Do you have something you want to tell your mother, Leah?"

   "I get it.  So _this_ was the plan you were talking about!"  She made a
funny face at Krissy.  "Okay.  Here goes."  She took a deep breath.  "Mom, I
assume you wouldn't have a problem if I told you I smoke, too?"

   "You, Leah?" Kelli gasped in disbelief.  "But I thought ….  I mean, you
were always so anti-smoking and everything!  You don't mean to tell me…."

   "Nice plan, Krissy," Leah interrupted with a sideways look at her friend.
"Yes, Mom.  I smoke, too.  Just like Krissy.  In fact, my smoking was what
convinced her to start."

   "That's not totally true," Krissy objected.  "I was already interested.
But when I saw you smoking, Leah, I _did_ become more intrigued with the idea
of trying it myself."

   "Wait a minute," Kelli said.  "Whoa!  Slow down.  Leah, do you mean to say
that you're smoking?  I mean, more just experimenting?  Really smoking?"

   Leah looked at the ground.  "Yes, Mom.  I smoke now.  All the time.  In
fact, I smoke everyday."  She smiled.  "I love it.  I've been trying to
figure out how to tell you.  After hearing you and Dad talk with Mrs. Evans
tonight, I realized I probably should've told you sooner.  I'm sorry.  I just
didn’t' know if you'd be okay with it."

   Kelli shook her head.  "I can't believe it," she muttered mindlessly,
sitting on the bed.  "I fuckin' can't believe it."  She smiled ruefully.
"Sorry, girls.  I shouldn't use such language."

   "It doesn't bother us, Mrs. Martin," Krissy grinned.  "We hear much worse
than that every day at the pool.  Don't we, Leah?"

   Before Leah could answer, Kelli went on.  "I'm sure you do," she
acknowledged.  "But what I mean is, I can't believe my little girl is
actually smoking."

   "Are you upset, Mom?  After what you and Dad said tonight, I thought maybe
you wouldn't be mad."

   "I'm not mad," Kelli admitted.  She thought for a moment.  "But have you
thought this through, Leah?  I mean, have you considered the long-term
consequences?"

   Leah smiled.  "Mom, I've spent a lot of time thinking about it.  Look,
I've been smoking for over six months.  I'm not worried about the health
consequences, if that's what you mean.  I want to smoke, Mom.  Just like you.
Tonight you said you're a smoker.  It's what you are and it's what you do.
You smoke.  Well, me, too.  And just like you, that will never change."

   "How much do you smoke, honey?"

   "Oh, I dunno," Leah shrugged.  "Probably seven or eight cigarettes a day.
Sometimes less and sometimes more.  I've been taking packs from the stash you
and Dad keep in the pantry."

   Kelli shook her head.  "My God!  Seven or eight cigarettes a day!  And for
six months!  This is a shock."  She looked up.  "But you really like it?"

   "I already told you, Mom," Leah smiled.  "Yes, I _love_ it!  I don't want
to stop, either.  If anything, I'd like to smoke more."  She paused.  "I'd
love to be able to smoke around the house, like you and Dad, I mean."

   Kelli nervously ran her fingers through her long blond hair.  "Oh, God,"
she mumbled.  She let out a deep sigh.  "This is almost too much to deal
with.  You know what?  I'm totally frazzled.  I hate to admit it, but I need
a cigarette!"  She got up and walked to the table by the bedside.  From
inside the drawer she retrieved a half-empty pack of Merit Menthol 100's.

   She shook one from the pack and put it in her mouth.  From the drawer she
grabbed a disposable lighter.  She clicked it and lit up.  "I keep a pack in
my bedside table," she explained, walking back to the bed while the cigarette
bobbed between her lips.  Sealing her mouth around the filter she drew hard,
sucking smoke deep into her lungs.  "There, that's better," she sighed
gratefully, letting tendrils of smoke slowly escape around the burning
cylinder in her mouth.  "Now I can think."

   "Mrs. Martin, I don't see the problem," Krissy interjected sincerely.  "I
mean, you were willing to let me smoke, and I'm only thirteen.  The truth is,
you even encouraged me!  Leah's much older; she's sixteen.  You were in our
shoes once.  You smoked when you were a kid, too.  And you don't exactly look
like you regret it right now."  She smiled and motioned toward the cigarette
in the older woman's hand.  "It's obvious you love to smoke, Mrs.  Martin.
Earlier you said you'd support Leah in making her own decision about smoking.
Why should you be upset if she decides to make the same choice you did?  All
she wants to do is to smoke."

   "I know," Kelli admitted.  She took another drag.  "But it's one thing to
say it in theory.  It's another to accept it in actuality, especially when
it's your own daughter."  She began to softly weep.  "Maybe it means I've
failed as a mother."

   "No, it doesn't," Leah stepped in.  "You're the best mom in the world.  It
just means that I saw something in your life that I wanted, too.  You love to
smoke.  Now, so do I."  She sat beside her on the bed and hugged her.  "I
want to be just like you, Mom.  Is that so bad?"

   "No, I guess not," Kelli sniffled.  She smiled weakly.  "Can you get me a
Kleenex, and hand me that ashtray?"

   The ashes on Kelli's cigarette were dangerously close to falling on the
bedspread.  Leah handed her both the box of tissues and the ashtray.  Kelli
set the cigarette in the ashtray and took a Kleenex to blow her nose.
"Thanks," she muttered, wiping her tears away.

   Composing herself, she gazed at her daughter.  A smile grew on her face.
"Honey, why don't you pick up my cigarette and show me what you can do with
it?"  Leah hesitated, so Kelli went on.  "I'm serious.  Let me see you
smoke."

   Leah smiled nervously.  From the ashtray she picked up the half-smoked
Merit.  She raised it to her mouth and took a long, deliberate drag.  While
Kelli watched, the sixteen year old pulled the smoke into her lungs and held
it inside for a moment.  Then she tipped her head and released a thin stream
of smoke into the air.  "Thanks, Mom," she smiled.

   "Well, I guess you're welcome," Kelli answered.  She shook her head.  "My
God!  It's true.  You really _are_ a smoker, aren't you?  I can't believe
it!"

   "Believe it, Mom," Leah said forcefully.  She took another drag and gave
the cigarette back as she pulled the nicotine containing substance into her
lungs again.  "I'm a smoker, too.  Just like you and Dad."  She exhaled twin
streams of smoke by way of her nostrils.  It was a show-off move, designed to
demonstrate her proficiency.  "If you let me, I'll prove it by doing this
with you every day."

   Kelli took a puff of her own and handed the cigarette back to Leah.  "I'm
sure you will, honey," she answered.  "I'm sure you will."

   Leah was in the process of taking another drag when there was a noise in
the hall.  Footsteps were approaching.  Leah handed the cigarette back to
Kelli as Sam and Linda came in.

   "What's going on up here?" Sam wanted to know.  He saw Kelli's tears.
"Are you okay, hon?"  Before he could say more, he looked at Leah and saw
smoke seeping from her mouth and nose.  "What the _hell_ is going on?" he
repeated.

   Kelli looked at him.  "I just found out Leah's been smoking, dear.  It's
for real."  She offered a foolish smile.  "I guess she's going to challenge
us to live up to the things we said before dinner tonight.  You know?  The
stuff about letting kids make their own decisions?"

   Sam frowned.  "Well, Leah's not only smoking, but you're letting her
smoke.  Will one of you ladies please tell me what the hell is happening?
Linda and I waited and waited downstairs.  Nobody came back after Leah came
up, so we figured we'd better check it out.  I never expected to find my
sixteen year old smoking with her mother!"

   Linda had a big smile on her face.  She appeared delighted.  "So, Leah,
you decided to officially come out of the closet?  Good for you!"

   Simultaneously Kelli and Sam turned toward her.  "Wait a minute, Linda.
You mean you _knew_ Leah was smoking?"

   "Well, yes," Linda openly acknowledged.  "That first night Leah came over
to baby-sit, she said she had your permission.  She implied she'd only sit
for me if I let her smoke at our house.  The story sounded like pure
bullshit, but what could I do?  I was in a pickle.  I needed someone to sit
for Krissy.  I had no choice, so I said okay.  Leah's been smoking at our
house ever since.  I considered telling you, Kelli, but you were so uptight
about the subject I decided not to.  Instead I thought I'd see if I could
change your mind about the subject and help you see that you can't change
yourself into a non-smoker, and that it's your daughter's decision whether to
smoke."  She sat on the chair across from the bed.  "We all started smoking
when we were Leah's age.  Well, she's just like us now.  You can't change her
any more than you can change yourself.  I suggest you and Sam accept the
inevitable.  Leah's a smoker.  So let her smoke!"

   Leah joined the fray.  "Don't be mad, Dad.  I've lived with you and Mom
smoking my whole life.  In two years I'll be old enough to smoke whether or
not you approve.  It's not so bad, really.  Being a smoker isn't so terrible.
You know that.  Tonight you told Mrs. Evans you don't regret being a smoker.
You also said you're glad Mom finally decided to stop trying to quit.  You
guys both smoke, and obviously that's not going to change.  Why can't I
smoke, too?"

   "I see the outcome is a foregone conclusion," Sam mused.  He turned to his
daughter.  "But have you thought about this, Leah?  Are you sure you want to
do this?  Once you're in, you may not be able to get back out.  As soon as
you're hooked, it's dammed hard to change your mind and quit.  And it's not
easy being a smoker these days.  Lots of folks look down on you because of
it.  Plus, you know the health risks.  Are you sure you want to get yourself
into this?"

   "Yes, Dad," Leah impatiently answered.  "Mom and I've already been over
this.  First of all, yes, I _have_ thought about it.  I know what I'm doing.
And second of all, I'm already 'in.'  What I mean is, I'm already a smoker.
I've been smoking for six months.  I consider myself totally addicted.  And I
don't want to quit.  All I want is be free to be who I am.  I'm a smoker."
There was certainty and defiance in her voice.

   Sam nodded.  "Okay," he said.  "Who the hell am I to tell you that you
can't smoke?"  He laughed.  "I started smoking when I was a teenager, too.
Hell, I was younger than you.  I was fourteen when I had my first cigarette.
There hasn't been a single day since then that I haven't smoked.  So it won't
bother me if you want to smoke.  I completely understand why you want to.
It's the same reason I don't want to quit.  So, sure, you have my
permission."  He looked at his wife.  "Kelli, are you okay with that?"

   "Sure," Kelli nodded.  "Like you, I understand.  I'd be a hypocrite if I
didn't let her smoke if she wants to."  She looked at Leah.  "Honey, if you
want to smoke, it's okay with us.  After all, we've demanded the same
forbearance from you about our smoking for the last sixteen years!"

   Sam nodded his agreement.  "Then it's settled.  Leah, just don't broadcast
it all over the damn neighborhood by smoking in public.  I don't mind if you
smoke in the house, and elsewhere, for that matter, just as long as you're
discrete.  Okay?"

   Leah rushed to his side and embraced him.  "Thanks so much, Daddy!  You
and Mom are the best!"

   Kelli glanced knowingly at Krissy.  "Since tonight's theme is 'honesty is
the best policy,' do you have something you'd like to say, too, Krissy?"

   Krissy grinned.  She'd been waiting for this moment.  "Yes, I do," she
said fearlessly.  She looked at Linda.  "Mom, I know I'm only thirteen.  But
the truth is, I've been smoking, too.  Leah's known for awhile.  We smoke
together all the time.  Last Monday, Mrs. Martin saw me smoking when she came
over.  She and I talked about it.  I think I convinced her I'd made an adult
decision to be a smoker.  It's not just a casual thing, Mom.  I smoke all the
time now."

   Linda smiled.  "Yes, honey, I know."

   "You do?"

   "Sure," Linda answered.  "I'm not as dumb as you think.  This week I
noticed how fast my packs of Marlboro Lights 100's were disappearing.  I
started keeping track.  At first I thought maybe Leah was taking 'em, but she
always seemed to smoke the cork-tipped Merit Menthols.  Then I noticed the
smell of smoke in your bedroom.  You smoke in your room at night after you're
supposed to be in bed.  Don't you?"

   "Yes," Krissy confessed.  "I didn't know how you'd feel about me smoking,
because I'm so young.  I wanted to make sure I was good and hooked before I
told you, so you'd _have_ to let me keep smoking.  Until this week it was
only a handful of cigarettes a day.  But for the last several days it's
picked up.  I'm averaging close to a pack a day now."

   "Based on the speed with which packs were disappearing from my carton, I
guessed you must be smoking a lot, and you were probably already addicted.  I
decided to test you by taking you to dinner and a movie Friday night."  She
giggled deviously.  "Krissy, you were so obviously unhappy that I was smoking
in front of you that night.  It was driving you crazy, wasn't it?"

   The youngster nodded.  "Yes, it sure was."

   Linda smiled.  "I could see you were having a nicotine fit.  You even had
a cigarette in the ladies room.  Am I right?"  Her daughter nodded again.  "I
thought so!  God, that was gutsy for a kid your age.  The final test was
earlier today when I made you come to church and brunch.  It'd mean you
couldn't smoke till the afternoon.  I watched you get more and more tense.
Then I _knew_ I was right.  You were having serious withdrawal symptoms.  You
couldn't wait to get to the pool, which must be where you smoke on the
weekends.  Am I right again?"

   "You nailed it, Mom."

   "The bottom line is, I'm not at all surprised.  Given my attitude toward
smoking, and the things I said when I told you why I didn't want to quit, I
figured it was only a matter of time till you'd want to try it.  I didn't
think it'd be quite so soon, but what the hell?  I _was_ sure of this.  Once
you tried it, I knew there'd be no turning back.  That's how it is with
smoking, isn't it?"

   "So, you're not upset?"

   "Upset?  Not at all.  Listen, I practice what I preach.  I told Kelli to
let Leah decide for herself whether to smoke.  I have to give my own daughter
the same latitude.  I'll put you under the same rules Sam gave Leah.  Don't
get me in trouble by smoking in public.  Otherwise, I don't mind if you
smoke.  Hell, smoke as much as you want.  In fact, I'm looking forward to
living with another smoker.  You've heard me tell Leah that I hate smoking by
myself.  It'll be nice to be able to share my habit with you now, honey."

   It was Krissy's turn to hug her mother.  "Oh, Mom.  Thank you _so_ much!"

   "You're welcome, dear."  Linda hugged her back.  She winked in Kelli's
direction.  "Some people might think we're terrible parents.  But we're just
realistic.  After all, we started smoking as teenagers, and we loved it.
We're not willing to quit.  Why should we be surprised or upset if our
daughters follow in our footsteps?"

   "As weird as it sounds, Linda, I agree."  Kelli stood up.  "Well, it's
been an interesting tour of the upstairs, Krissy.  But I think it's over.
Why don't we all go back down?  I don't know about the rest of you, but I'd
like another cigarette about now.  I suspect Krissy and Leah are ready to
join us.  What do you say?"

   Krissy and Leah giggled at each other.  "Sounds good to us!"

   "Me, too," Sam agreed.  "I'm interested to see these young ladies smoke.
You know, I've always thought that women look very attractive when they're
smoking."

   Kelli gave Sam a stern glance.  "Yes, dear, I _know_ you do," she
caustically scolded.  "I noticed you watching Linda smoke this evening, too."

   "What can I say?" Sam smiled broadly.  "Smoking is very alluring when you
women do it right.  You, Linda, do it quite well, as does Kelli.  I'm sure
our daughters will follow faithfully in their mothers' footsteps.  Smoking a
cigarette makes a woman look so much more mature, sophisticated and refined."

   "I've seen both of the girls smoke, Sam," Kelli said with a grin and a
nudge.  "You won't be disappointed.  Trust me."

   The rest of the evening went well.  Linda and Krissy stayed till almost
eleven.  The teenagers were surprisingly comfortable smoking with the adults.
Leah and Krissy quickly got over their initial awkwardness and smoked almost
as much as their parents.  Krissy smoked her mom's Marlboro Lights 100's,
while Leah smoked her parents' Merit Menthol 100's.  Watching them, Sam,
Kelli and Linda felt a strange pride.  The youngsters' proficiency, and their
delight in being allowed to indulge, added to the parental gratification.
Ultimately parents want to see their children happy.  Leah and Krissy were
happy as could be that evening.  They were smoking!

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