CJ
Written by Tanzer

Marisa knew she was loosing balance in her life. After her breakup with Chuck she'd put all her energy and time into her job as a corporate accountant. Sixteen hour days were not unusual - it beat going home to an empty house. Well, almost empty, but her snarly cat Chester didn't really count. She knew she was going to burn herself out soon if she didn't find something else to do. That's why the notice for "Big Sisters" caught her eye. Being an only child, Marisa (or "Reese" as her few close friends called her) knew how lonely it could be not having a sibling. She'd been fortunate though; she'd had a loving father and mother. As she read the flyer in the break room, she felt an instant calling. That afternoon she made a call and was tentatively paired with a "little sister." There'd be a background check of course, and a little paperwork that had to be filled out, but the caseworker didn't think it'd be a big deal. There was a group gathering that Saturday at the pool and Reese was encouraged to attend, so she could meet her little sister.

Saturday morning Reese woke early. She was excited about meeting her "little sister" but a little nervous too. She laughed at herself, realizing that the young girl was probably as nervous as she was. She dressed in a pair of gray cotton shorts and a T-shirt, then changed twice more before settling on a peach blouse and white walking shorts. Reese had a cute figure. At twenty-nine she had never been considered "gorgeous", rather "cute." She was five foot, eight inches tall and weighed about 130 pounds. She had full, but small breasts that she'd always wished were bigger. Her hips were visible but not large and held her shorts in place without a belt. Her strawberry-blonde hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail, highlighting her solid cheekbones and freckled nose. Her light complexion made sun-tanning a real challenge. As she always said, "I don't have freckles, just tons of teeny tiny little tans!"

Reese stood back and looked at herself in the full-length mirror. Satisfied, she packed her one-piece bathing suit, a towel and a comb in a small tote bag. She spent the rest of the morning cleaning her small apartment. After lunch she grabbed her things and went down to the carport where her new VW Bug was. Her car was her pride and joy - a bright yellow Beetle she'd paid cash for a few months back. She noticed a piece of paper under the windshield wiper and she pulled it out.

She grimaced as she read the note, "Reese - I'm really sorry for what I said, I didn't mean it. And Sheila didn't mean anything to me, honest. I really want to talk, please give me a call!" It was signed "C" - Chuck, her last boyfriend. "Asshole," she said under her breath, crumpling the paper into a wad. She had thought Chuck might be "the one." They had almost been engaged when she found out that he'd been seeing a co-worker - had even been traveling with the bitch! She'd sworn off men for a while - they were just too much work! Massaging little egos for no return didn't suit her at all. She got into her car and headed for the Y - still pissed off at Chuck.

The garish red brick of the YMCA always assaulted her senses. Located in the middle of a commercial/industrial area, she didn't understand why they had painted it that color. She shrugged it off and went inside. In the lobby she saw a sign that read, "Big Sisters/Little Sisters" with an arrow that pointed to the small gym. She followed the sign and entered a noisy room full of girls and adults.

"Hi!" said a cheery voice to her right. "Are you a big?"

Reese's brow furrowed as she looked at the middle age woman.

"A big sister, I mean. You must be new. My name's Donna, I'm the area coordinator. What's yours?"

Reese smiled and gave her name.

"Ah, you're new! Fantastic. And welcome! I'm so glad that you've decided to join us, it means so much to the littles. Little sisters, that is," said Donna in a perpetually cheerful voice.

"I'm, uhm, looking forward to it. But to tell you the truth, I'm a little nervous," said Reese.

Donna's booming laugh made Reese wince as several people glanced their way. "Oh dear, don't be nervous! Your little will adore you, I'm sure! You're such a cutie!"

Reese blushed at the comment and said, "I hope so. Which one is mine?" She looked around the gym and saw several hopeful faces of girls yet to be paired. These group activities were designed for two purposes: to let the first meeting happen in a controlled environment and to allow those on the waiting list for "Bigs" to have some fun too.

"Her name is Chastity Jean, CJ for short. She's over there," Donna said, pointing to a small girl standing away from the crowd. "She's been through a lot lately, so she may be stand-offish, but she's really a great young lady," said Donna encouragingly. "She's thirteen, in eighth grade, a 'B' student. Likes sports, swimming and camping," Donna said, reading from a sheet in her hand. "You'll get the file before you leave today, but I thought that might help a little bit. Her mother works second and third shift; her Dad's a no-show. Her mom signed her up for this program, but she seems a little reluctant, to tell you the truth."

Reese turned back around, disappointed. "I didn't know that I'd get a problem child, you know?"

Donna frowned, "Well, they all have problems in their own way. That's what this program is about, you know? You have to be there for them and all. Didn't they cover this with you in orientation?"

Reese nodded. "Yeah, I guess. I just, well I don't know. I guess I was hoping for a chipper little thing that wanted to hang out and stuff."

Donna smiled, stood up and walked next to Reese. "Well dear, that's your job." She led Reese to CJ and made introductions.

CJ barely looked at Reese and seemed angry. After Donna left CJ said, "Listen. My mom signed me up for this, but it doesn't mean I like it. I can take care of myself."

Reese, surprised, said, "Hey listen. I'm not your babysitter. I'm here to be your friend. If you want me to leave I will, but I'd really like to get to know you!"

CJ stared at Reese for a moment, judging her new friend and then said, "Why?"

Reese started to answer, then realized that the answer wasn't that easy. "Well, let's see. I needed something in my life that meant something. Something that wasn't about work and stuff. And I thought this might be a cool thing to do." Reese thought her answer seemed lame as the words came out.

"So," said CJ, "You're doing this for you? Like a guilt reliever or something? Help the poor little girl for a while, then you'll feel better about yourself?"

The words stung because the hit home. Reese stared at her tough, young charge and said, "Yeah, maybe something like that. But that doesn't mean that's all. Just give me a chance, okay? Make you a deal," Reese said, pausing to phrase her words just right, "If you don't think I'm okay by the end of the day, I'll leave you alone. I can find another little and you can find another big. No hard feelings. Deal?......(cont)