Cecelia had a problem. She also has a solution to that problem. In theory, anyway. She just wasn't too sure how it would work when she had to put it into practice.
She was baby-sitting that evening for Jan and Roger Davidson. The Davidson's were both in their early twenties and appeared to be a nice couple. Their kids were a couple of cuties, too. She'd have to speak to Jan and see what she thought of her idea.
Cecelia rolled up to the Davidson's place a half hour early. Jan was a naturally gregarious type and if she had time she'd stop for a cup of coffee and a chat. Cecelia would wait and see if her chance came to broach the subject.
Jan did have extra time and was quite pleased to see Cecelia ahead of time. Fairly soon they were sitting at the kitchen table talking. Several times Cecelia started to say what was on her mind, but always backed off again. Jan noticed, but held her peace. Whatever was bothering Cecelia, she'd get around to it time.
While they were still talking about a lot of important nothings, Roger came into the kitchen. He greeted Cecelia, dropped a kiss on his wife and went his way.
Cecelia bit her lip and bit the bullet.
"Um, you and Roger seem to have a very close relationship," she observed.
"That is quite common between a man and wife," said Jan with a smile, wondering what was coming.
"Tell me to mind my own business if you like," said Cecelia, carefully, "but I'm assuming that you and Roger have a healthy sex life. Ah, what's it like?" she finished off with a rush.
"So, little Cecelia wants to discuss sex," mused Jan, amused.
"Hmm, just what is it you want to know," she asked. "I thought they taught sex education at schools these days."
"They do," said Cecelia, "and in theory I know all about it. But I'm eighteen now and still a virgin but when I go out my dates are pressing me to do things that, quite frankly, scare me."
"I see," murmured Jan. "And you can't discuss this with your mother?"
"With MY mother?" asked Cecelia, incredulity plain in her voice.
Jan nodded sympathetically. She'd met Cecelia's mother and knew just what Cecelia meant.
"Good point," she said. "So how can I help you?"
"You enjoy sex, don't you?" muttered Cecelia, red-faced.
"I do," said Jan with a smile. "Indeed I do. Roger is a very skilled lover."
"Um, were you a virgin when you got married?"
"No," said Jan, "and before you ask, Roger wasn't my first lover. I've sometimes regretted the fact that I wasn't a virgin for him."
"I'm still a virgin," muttered Cecelia softly.
What was the girl getting at, wondered Jan. She knew that Cecelia was trying to make a point but she didn't know what the point was.
"Cecelia," Jan said gently, "instead of talking in circles, why don't you tell me what the problem is."
Cecelia took a deep breath.
"When I go out with my boyfriend he's always touching me up. I don't mind. It's quite exciting and I do my own share of touching. But it's reaching the stage where he's pressuring me to do more. But he's only eighteen and although he talks himself up I think he's probably a virgin too. And he's a little rough.
It's reached the point where I'll either have to have sex with him or break up with him. I'll probably break up as I'm starting to go off him and I suspect he'll drop me as soon as he scores. I'm actually a bit worried that he might force me.
You know, I never realised that until I said it just then. That solves one problem. If I'm that worried about him I'm definitely dropping him."
"Glad to be of service," laughed Jan. "You said it solves one problem. I take it there is another?"
"Of course there is. Even though I'm dropping him I'll still be a virgin and the whole thing will start up again with my next boyfriend. That's why I've got to do something about it."
"You're losing me, Cecelia," said Jan.
Cecelia gave Jan a determined look.
"I need to lose my virginity," she stated. "You said Roger is a skilled lover. I was hoping you could persuade him to initiate me."
It was probably unfortunate that Jan had a mouthful of coffee at that moment. She choked and coffee decorated the table.
Recovering her breath she turned to Cecelia.
"Explain that to me again," she said. "The logic went past so fast that I failed to catch it."
"It's really quite simple," explained Cecelia. "I have to lose my virginity sometime, but I feel I should choose a skilled lover to help me lose it. The only boys I know would be rank amateurs, just interested in scoring. Roger, on the other hand, is skilled, you said so yourself, and he's not interested in just scoring. He'd be doing it as a favour to me."
"I see. And when would you want this favour to take place?"
"Um, well I was hoping when you got back tonight. You could explain to him while you're out and see what he says."
Jan closed her eyes for a second. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It was plain that Cecelia was set on her course.
""Um, I'll mention it to Roger while we're out," said Jan. "I can't guarantee he'll agree."
"Oh, thank you," Cecelia almost sang. "I hope he agrees. I didn't know who else to ask and I don't want some fumbling clot taking me for my first time."
- - -
"So, Roger," said Jan later at the party. "What do you think of Cecelia?"
Roger blinked. "Cecelia? Do you mean out baby-sitter, Cecelia?"
"That's the one," said Jan with a smile.