Needless to say after such a momentous evening the two girls were eager to beat a hasty retreat, wishing to share further sisterly secrets together. Marta stood at the bathroom sink washing her face, then using the cleanser Valya had supplied, as Anna started to fill the bath.

They waited as it filled, Marta not wishing to raise her voice due to the volume made by the tumbling steaming water, so they got undressed, while anticipating slipping into the deep foamy luxuriant tub. Anna joked it was getting to be a habit bathing together again just like in their old apartment. But two girls in one tub was where the similarity ended, for the bath was new and shiny, no one got the tap end as they were mounted on the side, and the hot water seemed limitless, and now it was from choice rather than necessity.

As Marta gathered up their clothes to put in the hamper, she held up the panties she had been wearing, and related to Anna a comment from one of the coarse older girls at school that she had overheard. "You know you've had a hot date, if when you get home you can throw your panties at the wall and they stick there".

Anna gasped and asked if this were true, but Marta said it was just that girl's crude humour, although for just a moment she was tempted to to see what would happen if she tried it.

Slowly soaping themselves as they languished in the deep water, Marta related the x-rated version of her cinema visit, and how exciting it had been as Karl had played with her breasts through just two thin layers of fabric, how it had made her nipples grow, and how gently he had stroked them, and how in turn it had made her wet, agitated and aroused.

Eventually as the complete story of the evening's activities wound down Anna thought she noticed a rhythmic twitching to Marta's right shoulder visible above the suds.

"Marta are you,... you know... doing it?"

If both girls didn't already resemble lobsters from their hot bath, Marta's blush would have been seen, but the girls never lied to one another, Marta admitted she was, and she would probably do it some more when she went to bed.

A few kilometres away Karl was also thinking about what an amazing date it had been, he had progressed to fondling Marta's tits, reliving how firm and soft and wonderful they had felt, and to think how hesitant he had been. Making out in the cinema, and longing to touch her, but worried of her rejection if he pushed things too far. When she had grasped his hand, he was sure he had blown it, but when she allowed him to move up and caress her he had nearly come in his pants, it took several deep breaths to calm himself down and get his brain working.

Don't screw up, calm down, after his pep talk with Dmitri, he did the nerd thing, to find further advice on-line, he recognised much for the crap it was, but some blogs contained a few pearls of wisdom, listen to the girl, watch her reactions, be gentle and slow.

He was equally shocked towards the end of their date, to discover the depth of Marta's insecurities, the way the marks left from a childhood illness upset her to the point she almost considered this as a deformity. He recalled the weekend Marta's family had the big garden party, he had missed it, helping his neighbour take her little girl to the hospital, the mother had been so concerned there would be an ugly scar, but the doctor had quelled her fears, saying it would fade as she grew up, leave her a story, and so on, and this had been his inspiration to reassure Marta that her hated marks were insignificant to him.

He had seen her home to her front door, it was weird, that she was crying and smiling, but she thanked him for a wonderful date, saying she would pop into the office over the weekend so they could have lunch together, damn, thinking of her he was hard yet again.

Ella waited until everyone had started their breakfast on the Saturday morning before she went into the study to make her phone call, doubting anyone would notice her absence from the kitchen. She had slept badly, it had not been till the wee small hours that she had resolved to phone Valya, hoping she could provide the information she wanted.

"Hello, Valya? It's Ella, I hope I haven't phoned too early, I need some advice".

Ella went on to give what details she knew of her daughter's date the previous evening, then told Valya of the pivotal moment when Karl seeing Marta devoid of make-up had dismissed the chickenpox scars as a trivial thing that was just part of the history of his girlfriend, and how much it had shaken the girl to find an attitude counter to her own long held convictions.

"Your helping with the make-up lifted a barrier, she at last got past her shyness giving her the confidence to deal with people and share her ideas. Now young Karl has shown her the real problem was always inside her head rather than on her face, and I'm concerned that she might let her feelings for her knight in shining armour override her good sense"

"Ella if you are thinking that a doctors visit might be wise, I can tell you that most of the models here are advised to go on the pill when their periods start, it makes them regular, so they can arrange shoots without a surprise bout of cramps or an unpredictable period arriving just when they are booked for a shoot. Secondly we are talking about attractive girls who are not lacking in self confidence so their mums are happy to have one less thing to worry about, Ill phone the private doctors practice used by the studio for you, and find out when they can see her".

Ella had only just returned to the kitchen when the phone rang, it was a novelty and a great convenience having so many phones around the house. It was Magda, Eve's mum, phoning to say how grateful she was for Anna's help in getting Eve pushed forward in the queue to join the model forum, and to ask if Greg and Peter would like to join Victor, her son, as she was planning to visit the zoo today, the boys on hearing the news relayed by their mum were very keen to join their school friend, and 'Aunty Magda' for a day out.

With the air of secrecy that hung about regarding all mention of studio business, the girls just assumed the two mothers had met at the local school gate, still not realising that the women were both conversant that all three daughters were connected through the studio. They were amused to think they had one over on the adults, but that was not the case.

Shortly after Magda and Victor turned up Valya called informing Ella that the doctor could see Marta that morning, providing she could accompany her due to the nature of the visit.

A few words with Magda confirmed she was happy to take the three boys herself, as Ella now had a sudden unexpected appointment, with warnings to behave, the boys were off.

With Igor gone, and now with the boys out of the house, Ella bent the truth a little, saying how Marta was due for a routine medical check-up, just like Anna had, and as all the girls working at the studio were booked in for. Marta was not keen to have an examination, as she had heard from Anna how embarrassing and personal her visit had been, even if you accepted the surroundings were so much nicer than the state provided.

Ella brooked no argument, saying such thorough private medical care was an important bonus of being employed at the studio, and it would be foolish not to take advantage of such a wonderful benefit. Knowing her mother wouldn't be swayed, she went back to her room to change, washing again her most intimate places just in case it was as bad as Anna's visit, and swapping the fancy underwear she had chosen that morning, for something more plain and conservative.

The girls had planned to spend at least part of their day at the studio, Marta hoping that a chance to have lunch with Karl had not been scuppered, when they arrived, Anna went off to their office, while Marta and Ella went to see Tanya to pick up a letter of introduction, and directions to the medical practice.

As if Marta were not nervous enough, she was informed the doctor was running late, so the dentist would be able to give her a check-up first. She thought sarcastically how things were getting better and better, fortunately the dentist was brief and friendly, praising her for how well she looked after her teeth.

The dental examination had at least taken her mind off the main event, and the doctor was ready to see her almost straight afterwards. When she was shown in her mother went in with her, Marta couldn't decide if this made the coming ordeal even more embarrassing.

At least it was a lady doctor, after the introductions, she asked Ella for a synopsis of any significant issues regarding Marta's medical history, saying they could transfer records from their previous doctor later. Confirming Marta's age, she was weighed and measured, then she had Marta hop up on the couch to listen to her heart and lungs.

Just as Marta was beginning to think this visit wasn't to bad the doctor spoke up.

"My speciality Marta is gynaecology, that means I deal with women's health issues, mostly about their reproductive systems. Have you reached menarche yet?" At Marta's blank look the doctor explained the question. " Sorry that is the medical term for a young woman starting her periods, so have you started yet?"

Uncomfortable and red faced she replied, "Yes"

"So can you tell me when you had your first period, and have you had any since."

Marta asked her mum for her backpack, then pulled out a small diary, and related all the details the doctor had asked for.

"I'm glad to see you keep proper track of your cycle Marta, though it is most irregular for a young woman to be so regular if you will forgive the pun, many girls have no clue during the first few years, the timing can be very variable. Almost all the girls referred from your company seek to go on the pill to regularise their cycles as soon as their periods start."

Ella joined in to say how it seemed to be hereditary in her family for the women to be regular right from the beginning. The doctor then asked even more embarrassing stuff about the nature and length of her periods which Marta thought gross, but she was nearly floored when the doctor asked if she was engaging in sexual intercourse.

Marta wanting to bury her face in her hands, stuttering, replied she had never done more than kiss a boy; she was not going to mention letting one touch her boobs.

After all those awful questions things were not getting any better as the doctor announced she would do a breast exam and show Marta how she should perform self exams on herself each month. Aside from the fact she was the living manikin for this demonstration, Marta tried to look at the exercise from a detached practical and scientific viewpoint.

With that horror over she was allowed to replace her bra and blouse, only to be asked to slip off her panties and scoot round to place her ankles into metal brackets the doctor had just fixed to the end of the table. Apart from the ground opening to swallow her up, she could think of no means of escape, removing her panties she grasped them tightly in one hand, her knuckles white as she laid back down staring at the ceiling as the doctor arranged her feet in the stirrups.

She felt the comforting presence of her mum holding her other hand as the snap of rubber gloves sounded from the end of the exam table. "I'm just going to open you up a little with a small speculum, so I can see inside, you may feel a slight discomfort."

Marta remained silent and grit her teeth, sure this was the worst day of her life, this was so undignified, she felt like... she didn't know what she felt like, she just wanted it to be over.

An eternity later when the indignity of all the prodding, poking and finally wiping was over, her legs were released, and she could at last replace her underwear. Desperately not wanting to look anyone in the eye at that moment her gaze alighted on a blood pressure cuff in one of the glass cabinets, thinking in her current state she would blow it up.

When they were once more seated in front of the doctors desk, the lady smiled at Marta saying how it was always a bit of a shock having your first 'gyno' exam, and if it made her feel any better, she expected neither her mum nor herself as a doctor found it easy even after having been there many times. Her mum squeezed her hand as she spoke up agreeing with the doctor, saying even after having four children it still felt embarrassing.

Referring to her notes then looking to Ella the doctor continued, "I'm pleased to say that Marta is well within where she should be on the growth charts, and everything appears to be in fine working order, are there any questions either of you would like to ask me?"

"Yes, can we put Marta on the pill?"

Marta was sure she couldn't of heard what she just heard, someone would say something in a moment that would confirm her ears were playing tricks.

"Of course that presents no problems, normally one waits for the end of a cycle to start on a pack, but with your daughter being so regular, it would be possible to count through, and start at the pill due for that day in her cycle."

Had she just fallen down a rabbit hole, was it possible for the day to become any more weird, her mum and the doctor talking about 'THE PILL', that was for girls who were "doing it", who didn't want to get pregnant!

The conversation carried on around her, with Marta almost in a daze, in fact on leaving Marta nearly left her backpack behind, they had to sit in an empty room near the attached pharmacy, as they awaited the prescription paperwork for the first four months supplies to be sorted out. Make notes she was told, of any disagreeable effects from taking the pills, this must be a dream, she would wake up soon and vow not to eat pickles again late at night.

"Marta, of all the changes that have happened in the last six months, my getting closer to you and your sister, is one of the best,... I wasn't as close to my mother when I went through puberty, I got a pack of pads, and a short lecture on what to expect. I tried to do better for you two, and I'm glad we've been able to talk more about personal issues recently. From what I've seen and heard of Karl, he appears to have a lot of good qualities, but I worry, it's what mums do."

"What I'm trying to say is teenagers can easily get carried away, I won't ask you to make any promises, but I will ask that you think long and hard before you become too attached to any boy, be it Karl or anyone else. I want you to see these pills as a sign of the trust I'm showing in you, not an open licence to behave like a street girl, more a sort of insurance policy - you don't want to be an under-age mum, and I certainly feel I'm still too young to be a grandmother."

When the papers showed up mother and daughter were sat holding hands as Marta had given Ella the full version of how things had been progressing with Karl, after all it would be hard to have a day more embarrassing than the one so far, so she felt it only right to justify the faith her mum had shown in her. Just when Marta thought she had run out of shocked, her mum went on to give advice on the care and handling of teenage boyfriends.

Walking back to the Metro station Marta said it was like her mum knew how well the dates had gone, and how much she really liked Karl, to which her mum replied, "I always knew how much that boy was getting to you, after all - I do the laundry!"

People turned to look as Marta gave a squeal, and for the nth time that day turned red.

Marta had called the studio just before they left the medical centre, asking for Karl's extension, telling him she had to make an unexpected trip out with her mum, and would he be up for a late lunch, if he hadn't already eaten. Karl was pleased to hear from her, saying how worried he was about her after last night, how he felt helpless with a crying girl, even if they were happy tears. Marta said how he had done her a big favour, in that she now had a better outlook on an issue she had previously obsessed over, she closed the call saying they would talk more later.

They arrived at the studio smiling, which turned to laughter as Ella ended up tipping out her handbag in search of her pass, which had escaped into the lining of the bag, once found Marta suggested her mum should treat herself to a new bag or two, or maybe she and Anna could take her clothes shopping, as she deserved some more new outfits.

Ella had some paperwork from the medical centre to leave with Tanya and she was also hoping to have a word with Valya, whereas Marta was just keen to speak to her sister before having lunch with Karl. Marta hurried quickly through the IT department with a wave or greeting to those that saw her, reaching her office, closed the door to speak in private to her sister. Around the open plan office heads poked up from above the dividers, at the sudden squeals and exclamations emanating from the glazed office where the two girls were in rapt conversation, there were a few raised eyebrows or shrugs then people returned to their work.

Ella gave the papers to Tanya saying how it had been Marta's first 'ladies' exam, getting a knowing and sympathetic look from the woman, also Ella wanted to know if Valya was about, and if she would be free for a brief chat. Tanya made a call then gave the phone to Ella, who soon went off to Valya's little hide away. The two women hugged, Ella thanking her for pulling whatever strings that were necessary to make this mornings appointment at such short notice, then went on to say how the visit had drawn them even closer, and how Marta had confided in her as regard to details of her personal life.

In another part of the city Igor had been out to troubleshoot a job that threatened to go pear shaped, as the manager running that team was off sick, and he had volunteered to keep watch on the site pro tem to get things back on track.

He enjoyed his new employment, in that it was full of challenges where he was able to use his extensive practical experience, which had not gone unnoticed by his boss.

Driving home from a new direction, he became temporarily lost and pulled over to check the map, orienting himself he located the cut through he needed, but ended stopping a few roads short on seeing a for-sale notice. Now having gained some experience, he studied the property, and the plot, the agency was not one he had visited, and there were tall weeds at the base of the battered sign, it had been on the market for some time.

The substantial house on the corner plot was looking very shabby, and the once tended grounds were overgrown, he paced the two sides of the property to gauge the size, then saw there was also a small bungalow which appeared to be included in the plot as well. Going back to the car he grabbed his clipboard to make notes, also he knew nobody would challenge him being on the grounds if he was carrying one, looking through the windows that were un-shuttered he was pleased to see the deteriorated nature of the interior was also mostly superficial. After stepping back to check the roof and the general fabric of the house, he then did the same for the bungalow.

With the girls significant bank account, and their current earnings he pondered how much of a loan he could raise, and how quickly he could restore and sell the main building, the bungalow, he had other plans for. During his frequent visits to property agents he had been looking for a dilapidated house, but he had also been keeping in touch with the prices of the well maintained, ready to live in houses at this end of the market.

Igor started to make a number of phone calls, he wasn't keen to break the law, but his ideas only involved a slight nudge when no one was looking. This didn't mean he wasn't averse to stacking the deck in his favour, first he would visit the agent, but only look around generally through their listings, not paying any attention to this house but noting the asking price, then a trip to the bank to look into some short term finance.

The weekend so far had been full of contrasts for the family, the boys had enjoyed their day at the zoo with their friend and his mum, Marta was amazed she had survived without dying of shock or embarrassment, though lunchtime onwards was more what she thought of as normal, and Anna had been asked to introduce some of the models with progressing skills in English, to the concept of the 'talk to the models forum'.

Ella was glad of the tough decision she had made that morning, and how it had caused Marta to open up to her, and that her daughter had said she did want to keep dating Karl, but knew how she wouldn't be ready any time soon to go all the way.

It was easy getting the weary boys to bed early on Saturday, and Igor had hinted to the others he had reason to call a family meeting that night, but neither Ella or the girls could guess why. Later sitting around the kitchen table, they sipped fruit tea, apart from Igor who had a mug of coffee. He opened by saying that a few weeks ago he had an idea, at Marta's raised eyebrows, he tussled her hair saying he was allowed to have ideas as well, then went on to describe his thoughts about finding a safe method of investing the girls money to ensure their future well-being.

Anna said she had heard stories from the other girls, of models they knew whose parents were living on what their daughters earned, without putting aside any savings.

Igor replied that Ivan had also told him of similar salutatory tales of reckless behaviour, and he feared for how those families would cope when the girl's career came to an end.

"I thought about buying property, but it's money you've earned between you, so when I've explained the idea the decision is yours, but I think my logic is sound. If, and it's a big if, should we decide to go ahead and invest your money in property, whatever happens to the state of the economy, any building you own will still be there. Now for the tricky bit, although the market in housing is depressed at the moment, this is good because prices are low, we want to invest wisely, but the part of the market that is still buoyant is for larger family homes."

"Do you mean like this house", Anna asked.

"No love, I'm talking about the grand houses that business executives would live in".

"But if a house is that special, how can we afford it, and how will this help us".

"That's a good question Marta, these rich people, can put the money on the table, and they want to move in straight away, and this is where we can find our advantage, there are a few large empty properties on the market that aren't moving because they need a lot of repair work. My original idea had been to buy, then lease, to earn a regular income from a property you would still own at the end of the day, but now looking at how things stand the plan has changed".

"To get a house of the size we need, we would have to pay more than we have available, so today when I saw the ideal prospect, I asked at the bank if with the money we have on deposit, and a charge on the property if we could we get a short term loan or a mortgage. As they say, money goes to money, now we are rich they are happy to help us, at my old bank they wouldn't spit on me if I were to catch fire".

Ella could see the suppressed rage and hurt in her husband's eyes thinking back to how they were always cowered down in their old situation, never to make a fuss or raise your voice lest you find yourself on the street, she reached out, placing her hand on his arm.

Igor smiled and continued, "The house I saw is nearby, though it looks shabby it is sound, but if think it has been on the market for a long time, so that is in our favour, and with a few weeks work, maybe a month at the outside, it would look totally different. I can easily find the labour from the men I work with, and I can get any materials at the best price, also I know which officials I need to speak to. So if the numbers work out the plan would be to buy it, and restore it so it looks really smart, and then pick another agent who will know how find us the right buyer to make a fast sale".

"Do it Daddy!", "Yes, do it", agreed Marta.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes", Yelled Marta, "You never gamble Daddy, if you say it can work, we believe in you".

To be continued in chapter 25

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For those of you who are still with me - a comment or two might be helpful, also does anyone want any other hints/spoilers of what lies further along the trail? Not having my own 'on topic' blog, website, or e-mail address, I often visit the forum on this site to join in the debate on current subjects of interest.

In the next instalment, Igor finds a 'brother', starts a game of hard ball, and bonds with Karl.