I want to thank all the people that have helped me edit and critique this story. They are Angel O'Hare, Stacy Miller, Karen Page, Robi, Paula Dillon and especially Maddy Bell for allowing me to join her universe and giving me permission to write in it.

Based on the story Gaby, Book # 4 - Once Upon A Time In America By Maddy Bell

All Characters portrayed in the story are copywrited to Maddy Bell for her Gaby series found at Maddybell.com

Scene 5

Keeping up with the Jones's :

I slowly started to become aware that I had to go to the loo, not a little, but like a lot! It was still dark outside so I jumped out of bed and ran for the door and immediately slammed into the wall with a loud thud!

“Oww; Owww; OWWWW!” I bounced off of the wall, and fell to the floor.

“That hurt! Oh my breasts, ow, ow, ow damn that hurt” as I wrapped my arms about my breast, “THAT HURT!”

Where did the door to my room go? I sat there wondering? Being dark didn't help and I slowly started to rise.

I heard Sandy knocking and asked, “Em! Are you ok?”

Then it all came back to me, I was in America, in Sandy's apartment. The loo was at the other end of the room.

“Sorry Sandy, I forgot where I was. I thought I was in my own room back home and I have to go to the loo bad. I tried to go to my loo back home, which is through my bedroom door. Obviously my door isn't here; I missed. Sorry to wake you.”

“Are you sure you're ok? You hit the wall awful hard, it shook the whole apartment. Can I come in to check?” with a note of panic in her voice.

I was sitting there in my nightie and knickers, no robe. I checked to make sure I wasn't showing anything I shouldn't and I thought what the heck, she is a girl and so am I. I seemed to be decent enough.

“Sure, come on in.” I figured for she sounded a bit panicky.

She came in and the room flooded with light from the hallway, and she turned on the light in my room. I squinted to see Sandy standing in the doorway looking at me with concern; I started to giggle and said, “Sorry Sandy I didn't mean to wake you.”

She walked over to me and looked me over to make sure I didn't really hurt myself. “You look ok. No bloody nose.”

“What do you mean I have no bloody nose?” pointing to my nose, “What do you call this?” I started to laugh loudly as she looked at me with askance horror.

She didn't get it! “I'm sorry Sandy, at home ‘bloody' has a different meaning. Yes it does mean blood, but it also means like ‘an exclamation', such as you said ‘I have no nose'.”

Sandy's eyes got big and then she got it and started laughing with me. “Ok smart aleck, are you ok? I see you have your arms wrapped around your breasts.”

“Yes they hurt Sandy, I slammed right into the wall and they got mashed, and the pain was incredible”

She winced as I said that. I finally started breathing again, and I put my hands under my nightie and gently rubbed life back into my breasts. Then I felt up my bum and didn't feel any sore spots, then felt my face and body and I figured I'd be ok. “I think I'll live. Thanks for your concern Sandy.”

She looked at me with a worried look, while blushing and said, “If you don't feel ok, please let me know. I don't want to get chewed out by my parents, or anyone else for that matter. I'd be at fault if you got hurt; with just me here.”

“What!” I said, “It isn't your fault I ran into the bloody wall, it's my fault.”

“Well yes, you and I know that, but I doubt I could get anyone else to understand that.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean you are my responsibility, and I'm not 21 yet and the school really didn't want me to be your host. They don't think I'm old enough to do the job, amongst other things.”

“Why is that?”

“Well only adults are allowed to be responsible for kids, and to be an adult you must be twenty-one in the eyes of the school.”

“So why am I in the care of you? Not that I mind! I think it's cool.”

“Well that's a long story, but to make it short and sweet, Miss Bell pulled for me to host Rhod for some odd reason. She likes him very much and said something about an incident having to do with Dan. Dan got kicked off of the program because of it. Something about him losing it while in England. I was never told what the reason was. When you arrived I was surprised Rhod hadn't showed up, as was Miss Bell. I think it's working out better this way, for I was nervous about hosting a boy. I couldn't understand why she wanted me to host him actually, she hadn't told me anything about him. It seems strange she would let me, ummm …. a girl, …. host a boy.”

“It's still early in the morning, why don't you do what you have to do, and go back to bed and we can continue this discussion later this morning ok, when we're both rested, and awake,” as she yawned. “By the way, what's a loo?”

“Ok, we'll discuss it more tomorrow then.” I said. “I guess you call it the ah … comfort station, ummm … the women's room.”

“Oh you mean the bathroom!” She chuckled. “Goodnight Em, see you in the morning.” as she turned to go.

“Night, Sandy.”

She closed the door behind her as she left. I started to think that it was strange, why did Miss Bell want Rhod to be paired up with Sandy? I mean she's a girl, and me being here as Rhod would've meant she would've had a boy living with her un-chaperoned?

I turned to go to the loo, this time missing the wall.

I need to ask Sandy if she has a nightlight to light the bathroom a bit, so I can find it when it's dark.

Hmmmm I wonder why Miss Bell was so adamant about Sandy hosting me? That's truly strange, what's so special about Sandy? Why not another family where a boy would be a host? I wonder if she thinks that a girl wouldn't get upset, or as upset, if she would see me change into a girl? I wonder if Sandy is more tolerant of girls like me? Is that why Miss Bell wanted me to be with her? I need to talk to Miss Bell, and I better do it soon.

I got to the toilette and sat down to do my business. When I finished my toilette duties; I looked in the mirror to make sure I was ok, and I admired the girl looking back at me. I smiled, winked and thought, Mfanwy, we're going to have a ball here dear. I certainly hope Dan doesn't start problems though. I also hope Sandy never finds out about me. She is so sweet. I'm sure if she did find out about me she would want me gone.

I turned out the light to the loo, turned the light on at the nightstand, then went over and turned the room light off. I went over and crawled into the bed. I lay there thinking. Why did Miss Bell push to get Sandy for my host? I wasn't sleepy anymore and just wanted to think. I looked at the time and saw it was 5:15 AM. I looked towards the window and saw it was still dark outside. I started to think what time it was at home and realized it's 10:15 AM there. That's why I'm not sleepy. I just got lost in my thoughts and lay quiet for a while, and listening for any noise. I heard Sandy's light snoring from the room next to me. She must really be tired I thought.

After a while of just thinking things over, I decided I had enough, I couldn't get back to sleep. I decided to take a shower and get dressed. I got up and made the bed. I took off my nightie, and hung it with the robe on the back of the loo's door. I looked in the mirror and saw that my breasts seemed to be swelling some, this made me smile, and I rubbed my breast for they were itchy and they were sensitive.

After the shower I wrapped a towel around my head and I wrapped another towel around my body starting just above my breasts. I checked the hair on my body and noticed it was all very light, not enough to worry about. I took my morning regiment of pills, my HRT pills (hormone replacement pills), used my body lotion, bath powder, deodorant, and brushed my teeth.

I walked out into the bedroom and looked in the walk-in closet, and realized there were a lot of clothes in here besides my own. There were some really nice dresses hung up in here. I wonder if they would fit me? I looked at the sizes and they seemed to be in my size, or at least close to my size. I better ask Sandy first before I try them on, I'm not sure she would appreciate me just trying them on. I figure these clothes must be her older clothes, for she is quite tall and these clothes don't look big enough for her.

Oh well, I better find something for myself. I chose to wear a cream colored blouse, a green pullover, and light tan trousers. I took the clothes and placed them on the bed while I went to the dresser and pulled out some white knickers and my white training bra with some light padding in it. I took off the towel that was wrapped around my body, and put the knickers and bra on. It felt so good to be properly dressed again, I miss wearing a bra, it feels so weird going braless. I went back to the dresser and found some white, knee high trouser socks and pulled them on. I went to the bed and put on the cream colored, blouse with the rounded collar with a bit of flower decoration on the collar. It's funny, why do women's blouses button on the left, while men's shirts button on the right? I put on my light tan trousers that zip up the rear. Then I took my green jumper and pulled it over my head and adjusted the collar so it was over the top. I went to the closet and put on my white trainers.

I went over to the dressing table and looked in the mirror and decided I needed a touch of makeup. After donning some eye shadow, mascara, blush and lipstick, I looked into the mirror on the vanity and said, “Em you look terrific girl.” I sprayed some Pleasures perfume into the air and walked through the cloud.

I decided I needed to get something to eat and drink. I opened the door and found the light switch in the hall and switched it on. I quietly made my way towards the kitchen. I hope I don't wake up Sandy. When I got to the kitchen I looked around. I couldn't find any tea on the counter. I quietly opened the cupboards and found where Sandy had the cups. I looked under the counter and found a box of Tetley Tea. It wasn't my favorite but, sighing, I needed something. I'll have to see about getting some good tea. I found a teakettle and filled it with water and set it to boil on the stove. While it was heating, I looked around and looked in the refrigerator and found some eggs, hmmm boiled eggs would be good. So I took two eggs and put them into a pan I found, added water and boiled them. I found some bread and I took two slices and put them in the toaster; that was sitting on the counter. I found the plates and got one ready. I looked in the refrigerator and found some grape jelly, and decided this would be good on the toast. I hope Sandy doesn't mind me using her stuff.

As the water finished boiling the eggs, I made my tea, got the eggs peeled, buttered, and jellied my toast. As I sat down to eat I heard some noise from Sandy's room. Hmm she must be awake. I hope I didn't wake her?

I started to eat and looked out of the kitchen window and I noticed the first light up on the mountains in the distance. It really looked great, clear, dark blue skies in the early morning light with a red hue over the mountain. What a beautiful looking morning. I noticed there was a layer of frost over everything and it made everything sparkle. I could see a stand of trees not to far away from the house, and no neighbors except for the main house.

The big house was to the right of the kitchen window. That house was huge. It appeared to be three stories high in the center. It was all brick and had kind of an old look to it. The roof looked kind of square with a peek, with two roof lines going off in either direction. The two roof lines going off from the center of the three story portion of the house, seem to be above a two story building each. Wow! I thought that house is huge. Compared to our house it makes ours look like a rabbit hutch. I was simply amazed. Is this family rich or what?

I heard a shower going in the house by Sandy's room, I guess she is taking a shower. I wonder what she would like for breakfast?

I finished my meal, put away the jam and butter, then washed and cleaned the dishes.

Sandy came out of her room and said, “Did you find everything?”

“Yes, I did. Sandy is there a chance to do some food shopping to get some things?”

“Sure Em we can do that later today.”

“I just do not feel comfortable eating all of your food with out doing something for it, and I feel, I at least need to replace what I've eaten.” I said.

“Nonsense Em don't worry about the food my parents will be paying for it, just tell me what you want and I will see if I can get it for you.” Sandy stated.

“What do you want for breakfast Sandy, I'll help you get it?” I asked.

Sandy laughed, “Em will you relax please, I'm capable of getting my own food thank you. Besides you're my guest.”

“Oh, ok I will.”

Sandy made herself some coffee and pulled out some cereal and the milk from the fridge then sat down and ate while I watched her. She looked at me and said, “How's your nose and breasts?”

I chuckled and said, “I'll live, it was just such a shock thinking a door is there and finding it missing, it really shocked me. By the way can you tell me more about what you said earlier about some people did not really want you to host me, and why you are?”

Sandy just sort of looked at me, and thought for a while. She looked like she didn't know where to begin. “Em, I think, because I live sort of alone and being 18, a lot of people feel I'm not responsible enough to handle an exchange student. There are other things, but I can't talk about that now. But know this, if it wasn't for Miss Bell we probably wouldn't be having this conversation. I'm still puzzled why she wanted me to host Rhod Morgan. By the way Mfanwy are you related to Rhod? I mean isn't your last name Morgan also?”

Yikes, she went right to the point, what to say, what to say? Hmm Gaby and Maddy, hmm it could work? Without flinching I said, “Yes we are Sandy, he is my cousin. That's how I found out there would be an opening to come over here. He told me he couldn't make it and he said to see and talk to Mr. Wood, the headmaster, to see if I could take his place. Mr. Wood said it would be ok.” Wow! I hated to lie like that but she caught me off guard. I hope she buys it and doesn't question me further.

“Cool Em, I'm glad you could also. Like I said earlier, I was kind of worried about having a boy as a guest. Although my parents might want to know what's going on, and they might not approve but that's later this morning.” Sandy said sighing.

Might not approve? Why should they not approve of me being here with their daughter? I would've thought they would've been happier with this relationship? Hmm something seems strange about all of this? I wonder what's going on?

Deciding to change the subject, I decided to ask about the house and the woods and all. “Sandy does your family own the house up front?”

“Yes Em they do. We moved here a couple of years ago. Why do you ask?”

“Well the house looks huge? Not to sound snobbish, and please don't take this wrong, but is your family rich?”

Sandy laughed and said, “Not really Em, we are well to do, but we aren't rich. Both my parents have good Jobs and you'll get to know my mom probably pretty well.”

“Why is that?” I asked.

“Oh you'll find out, trust me.” as she chuckled. “We'll meet my parents later this morning, they want to have lunch with you later today.”

“I noticed you really don't have any neighbors, why is that?”

Smiling she said, “Well we own most of the property you can see. We acquired the land and the house from one of our relatives some years ago. They were quite wealthy and they liked nature and wanted to get away from the city. Those woods you see in the distance are ours also. It's a shame it's winter for we could've gone out there and explored the country side.”

“What are those mountains in the distance?”

“That's Shenandoah National Park, and that's part of the Appalachian Mountain range. I'm sure you'll see it closer. I also hope they take you to Luray Caverns which is about 60 miles north of us. It's one of the most beautiful caverns. On top of that mountain is Skyline Drive, which is normally very beautiful and has great vistas. This time of year it isn't as green and most of the trees are bare, except for the pine trees. It also gets a lot of snow and there are some ski slopes up there if you want to try that some time.”

“Sounds fascinating Sandy, it sure looks beautiful from here. I can't wait to explore it. What's on the agenda for today then?”

“Well first thing, we will see my parents, I believe they'll have something planned I guess.”

“Ok sounds good to me. I'm looking forward to meeting your parents.”

I noticed Sandy didn't seem so thrilled, I wonder what was up.

About this time the phone rang and Sandy answered it. While she was talking on the phone I cleaned up her dishes and put them away and cleaned off the table.

Sandy came back in to the room and said, “That was Miss Bell, she wants to come over and talk with you Em. She asked if she could come over around two PM, is that a problem?”

“No it isn't a problem at all. How long before we have to go to your parents?”

“Oh about ten to fifteen minutes.”

“Ok let me go freshen up a bit and I'll be right out.”

“OK Em I'll do likewise.”

As I was fixing my makeup, I was wondering why Miss Bell wanted to talk with me? Is she going to tell Sandy about me? I certainly hope not? Sandy is a nice person and I hate to have her upset with me, I like being here with her. I hope Miss Bell isn't upset I'm Mfanwy, but heck, she was going to put me up with Sandy even as a boy, so what's the problem? After all, this way is much better, isn't it? Or does she feel Sandy has a right to know, since it could shock her later? Hmmm she would have a point there, I mean if Sandy accidentally found out I'm not a girl, would she freak? I guess doing this can cause unexpected problems. Sigh what to do?

Oh, I need to ask Sandy if I could call my mum to let her know I've arrived and to give her our phone number here, incase she needs to contact me.

I wonder how the rest of the gang is making out? I miss Ally not being here, I wonder where she is? How Darla is and how far away do they live? I mean it's nice to be out in the country, but it makes it tough to get together as a group. I wonder how Bernie and Amy are doing? I wonder how Darla and Amy are going to take me as Mfanwy? After all they never met her and I do not think they know about her. Oh gees I hope they do not freak, I don't need another Dan session here with them? Sigh, I guess you're going to have a can of worms for a while Rhod. I hope you can handle all of this, for if you don't this is going to be a very long six weeks. Mom did have a point, she feared I was going to get hurt if someone found out. I guess I really did not think this all through to well. Heck, how would they react when Mfanwy just showed up for the cheer competition? That could be worse.

WOW! I'm getting a headache thinking about all of this. I wonder if Sandy has any aspirin?

I finished my makeup, made sure my outfit looked ok, then headed out to the living room and I found Sandy sitting there reading something. “Sandy do you have any aspirin, I've a headache and would love to get rid of it?”

“Sure Em just a minute and I'll get it for you.” She went to her bedroom and came back with a bottle of aspirin, “Here you go.”

“Thanks Sandy I'll get this back to you.”

“No keep it, I have another bottle in the cabinet.”

I went to my room and looked at the bottle and saw it was called Tylenol. I read the directions and took the recommended dosage. I came back out and said, “Thanks for getting them Sandy. What are you reading?”

“You're welcome. Oh I'm just reading up on my Chemistry homework.”

“Cool.” I said.

She put the book down and asked, “Do you have any hobbies Em?”

I smiled. “Well I enjoy bowling, Ice skating, Mall shopping and cheering. Why do you ask?”

“Oh just wondering what we could do? I like to bowl also, but I seldom have the time or the money since I work at a local restaurant as a waitress, and I need to save up my money for … a, a special project.” She blushed a little after she said that.

Strange her blushing like that? I wonder what that project could be? Oh well it isn't my place to snoop.

“So tell me about your family?” she asked.

So I told her my family history (see scene 1) omitting the obvious things concerning me as not exactly female of course. …. Well the rest was history, and I found out how old fashion Chreys was. She would seldom allow me to wear trousers or shorts unless they where ultra feminine, otherwise it was always skirts and dresses with tights and heels for me all of the time. UGGGH!”

“Wow you really do have it rough. I like to wear skirts and dresses most times, but when the weather turns cold, I much rather wear slacks thank you very much.”

We both giggled at that.

Sandy looked at her watch, and winced. She looked at me and said, “Well we better head over to the main house and I'll introduced you to my parents.”

Sandy didn't look all that enthused; I wonder what's up. We put on our coats and headed over to the big house.

Sandy let us in and we walked into the kitchen of the big house. My God this kitchen is huge! The kitchen alone looks as big as our entire first floor of our house and then some. As I was in awe of the kitchen, Sandy took my coat and chuckled at my expression. She said, “Why don't you close your mouth before you catch some flies, they aren't that tasty here.”

I did as she asked and I just looked at her in disbelieve. “Sandy this kitchen is huge, I've never seen a kitchen such as this back home, except in restaurants.”

Sandy just said, “Well back in the old days they used to entertain dignitaries here, because my relatives were very involved in the local and state government. They were quite important people. So they used to house these dignitaries and they had servants to run and take care of the Guests and the house. That's why we have the carriage house out back. The building was used to house the servants so they were accessible to help with running the house twenty-four hours a day.”

The kitchen door opened, and a woman poked her head through and said, “I thought I heard voices in here. Hi so .. Sandy, who is this lovely girl you have with you?”

“Hi mom. This is Mfanwy Morgan. She is the exchange student from Warsop England. Mfanwy, this is my mom Mary Jones.”

“Welcome to America, Mfanwy.” As she came over and gave me a hug, “I hope my so … daughter is taking care of you ok? I hope you enjoy yourself here?” as she looked quizzically at her daughter.

“Please to meet you Mrs. Jones. Oh yes Sandy is doing a great job. I really love her apartment.”

“Well why don't you join us in the dining room and have something to eat dear.”

“Umm ok but we both had breakfast already, so I'm not that hungry.”

“Well come and have a drink with us at least.”

“Ok.” as she led me into a massive dining room with a large table sitting in the center of the room.

I saw a person sitting at the table and Mrs. Jones said, “Honey, I want to introduce you to our foreign exchange student Mfanwy Morgan. Mfanwy this is my husband John Jones.”

“Ahhh pleased to meet you Mfanwy, that's quite the unusual name you have.” Smiling.

“Pleased to meet you Mr. Jones. My name is Welsh and it's quite a common name there.” Smiling.

“I hope my so … ah daughter is taking good care of you?” he said looking nervously at Sandy.

I think I saw Sandy frown and grimace. I wonder what's going on.

Mr. Jones said, “Could you excuse me please while I have a private word with my umm daughter please?”

“Um sure.” I looked questioningly at Sandy and she shrugged her shoulders looking worried.

As they left, Mrs. Jones said, “Please have a seat Mfanwy, would like some coffee?”

“Do you have some tea Mrs. Jones?”

“I think I can get you some, Let me get you a cup of hot water and I've some tea bags in the kitchen.” As she got up and went to the kitchen.

As she left I had a chance to look around the dining room, saw how high the ceilings were and was amazed at the size of the room and the furniture in it. It was quite opulent. I saw another room off to the side and saw it was some type of sitting room with plush furniture in it, and some large paintings on the walls. I heard some faint yelling going on from somewhere in the house, something about ‘she is a girl', and wondered what was going on. When Mrs. Jones arrived from the kitchen and got my attention. “Would you like sugar or cream with your tea?”

“Sugar please.” She handed me my cup of tea and handed me the sugar bowl. “Thank you Mrs. Jones.”

“Please call me Mary dear.” As she smiled.

“Thank you Mary, please call me Em?” I said.

Mary smiled and said “Thank you Em.”

Mr. Jones and Sandy returned, and I could tell something was wrong, Sandy was pale and looked on the verge of tears. When she saw me looking at her, she forced a smile on her face, so did her dad. Sandy took a cup and filled it with coffee, and took her place at the table. Mrs. Jones saw my concern and decided to get a conversation going as she looked at her husband and gave him a dirty look. “So tell me about yourself Mfanwy, What's your home and your family like?”

Well after telling them my history, sans the fact of me not being a true female, everyone seemed to mellow out.

Mr. Jones said, “How would you like to have a show around the house?”

“That would be great sir, your house looks awesome.”

Both Mrs. Jones and Mr. Jones smiled at that. “Why don't you come with me Em?” Mrs. J said.

I smiled and said “Sure Mary.” She took me for a tour of this awesome house, while Sandy stayed with her dad and cleaned up the breakfast dishes. I could tell Sandy wasn't happy for some reason.

After the tour we met Mr. Jones and Sandy in the living room. I could tell Sandy had been crying, and Mr. Jones had his head buried in the Sunday newspaper. What's going on? I looked to Mrs. Jones and I saw a worried expression on her face and a dark stare towards her husband. I could see she wanted to go to her daughter, to comfort her but was restraining herself. She finally said, “Umm Em would you like to go for a ride about the countryside and get familiar with the area?”

“Yes that would be great.”

“Sandy you want to come along?”

“Ah no mom, I need to get ready for work, can you take care of Em for a while? If that's ok?”

“Certainly dear, we will take care of her for you. We will get her some lunch later also, so don't worry ok?” She went over to her daughter and lifted her and gave her a much needed hug and I heard her whisper something into Sandy's ear. Sandy smiled weakly and nodded.

Sandy said, “Well let me go freshen up and then I'll head back to the apartment to get ready for work. Is this ok for you Em?”

“Certainly Sandy that's no problem. I understand you have a job to do and I thank you for helping me so far. When do you finish?”

Smiling she said, “I'll be back around two PM. Don't forget Miss Bell will be here about then and she wants to talk to both of us.”

“Oh yes that's right, ok then, you have a good day. I'm sure your parents will take care of me.” As I went over and hugged her, then whispered, “Is everything ok?”

She nodded and quietly told me, “Later.”

With that Sandy gathered her coat and left to go to the apartment.

I asked Mrs. J, “Mary when do you want to leave? For I have to go to the carriage-house to get my bag.”

Mrs. J turned to her husband, “Well when do you want to leave dear, or would you rather stay here?”

“Um no that's fine I'll drive you ladies around. After all it looks like it's going to be a beautiful day.” he stated.

“Well let me pop over to the apartment to get my bag and I'll meet you here.”

“Ok dear, we will wait here for you.” Mrs. J said.

I got my coat and hastily left for the apartment. When I arrived I found Sandy sitting on the sofa crying. When she realized I was there I saw her quickly get up and try to wipe the tears from her eyes. “Are you ok Sandy?”

“Umm Yes Em I'm alright.”

“No you're not, what's going on?”

“I can't talk about it now Em please don't ask?”

“Ok Sandy I won't ask, but please know I'm here if you want to talk, and I can keep your secrets.”

She got up ran over to me and gave me a big hug, then said, “Thank you Em that means so much to me.”

I was truly puzzled.

“Look, I guess I better get my bag and head back to your parents. They are waiting for me. They want to show me the sights. Are you going to be ok?”

“Yes I will Em, thanks for your concern. I'm sure my parents will take good care of you. Sorry I have to work this morning but I couldn't get off today. We will have more time later, I promise. I'll be home before Miss Bell shows up, is that ok with you?” As Sandy hugged me again.

“Yes that will be fine.” Giving Sandy a big hug back.

“Thanks for understanding Em, you're the greatest?” Releasing me.

I grabbed my bag and said, “See you later Sandy.”

“Bye!”

I wonder why she was crying like that. It seems it must have something to do with her dad? Why did he pull her out and have a private talk, no make that a yelling match? Why was she being yelled at and for what? I hope it has nothing to do with me? But I did hear him say ‘she is a girl', what's the big deal? I do not understand.

I came back into the house, and they were both waiting for me and ready to go. It seemed like a switch was thrown. They both were smiling at me and were very pleasant and more relaxed than earlier this morning. Strange?

“Are you ready to go Mfanwy?” Mr. J said with a smile.

“Yes Mrs. Jones, um Mary, where are we going?”

He offered his arm for me and I took it as he guided me out the house to his car being a perfect gentleman. I'm sure I blushed when he opened the front door for me and bid me enter. Mrs. J was smiling right behind me and said, “You look so lovely when you blush like that Em.”

I just blushed all the more and she giggled. Mr. J started the car and backed out of the driveway and we ended up heading into town. They pointed out some of the stores and restaurants were the local kids usually hung out. Then we headed for the mountains and Mr. J kept up a running commentary. We ended up on a beautiful road called Skyline Drive. I was told that this is the most scenic drive and had fabulous vistas that would look over both eastern and western Virginia as far as the eye could see. We stopped at several overlooks and with the day being so clear, it was simply breathtaking. I took my camera and took several shots. I hope this camera will do the panoramic scene justice.

Mr. and Mrs. J took me to a restaurant that was just off of the skyline Drive that had a beautiful view to look at while you were eating. It was so neat. As we were waiting for a table, Mrs. J asked if I needed to use the restrooms and I told her, “Yes, I could use the loo.”

She said, “A loo? What's a loo?”

“Oh sorry, it means, ummm bathroom I think. At least that's what Sandy told me this morning.”

She giggled and said, “Ok I see, yes I understand you have different words that describe the same things we're used to. Well do you need to use the … ummm … loo?”

“Yes please, I could definitely use one.”

She smiled at me and said, “Follow me dear.”

So I went with her to the loo. Once inside and having done my business, we were both freshening our makeup at the mirror, and I looked at her in the mirror and decided to take a chance. “Ummm Mary, can I ask you something umm personal?”

“Well that depends on what it is dear, but yes.”

“When I got back to the apartment, I found Sandy sitting on the couch crying. What's going on?”

“Oh … ummm … well dear, I think Mr. J was surprised to find that you're a girl, he was expecting a boy.”

Now I was confused. “Why should that matter, isn't it better that I am a girl? I mean she is a girl and I'm a girl, so what's the problem? I figured if she had a boy as a guest it would be worse?”

“Umm yes that makes sense dear, umm however you don't know the whole story about all of this and Mr. Jones isn't happy with the outcome, and I'm not at liberty to talk further about it. So please don't be upset with me, ok? I can't give you a good answer, at least not at this time.”

“Ok Mary I'll drop it for now, but I'm curious.” I wonder, what IS going on.

We finished fixing our makeup, and Mrs. J gave me a hug and said, “You're quite pretty Em, I'm sure you will not lack for having boys coming after you at school, while you're here.”

Now there's a thought I hadn't thought about, oh my. What am I going to do if guys do hit on me? Sigh I better talk with Ally on this. That reminded me, “Mary, when we get back can I use your phone to call home and tell my mum I'm ok and give her your phone number so if she needs to contact me she can?”

“No problem dear, we can do that.” She put her arm around mine and we walked out of the loo back to the waiting area, where the hostess showed us to our table. Mr. J held my chair for me, as I sat down. How elegant. She gave us our menus. “Here you go Ma'am, Miss and Sir.” Then said, “Have a good lunch.”

The waiter came over to our table, “Hello my name is Josh, what can I get you all to drink?” As he looked at me and smiled.

“Could I have a diet Pepsi please?”

“Certainly Miss” Smiling at me.

Then he turned to Mrs. and Mr. J and asked the same question. When he got the order, he looked at me, smiled, winked and said, “I'll return with your order shortly.” and walked off.

He looked really cute, he seemed to be about eighteen or so, and good looking, as I realized I was staring after him, as he was walking away.

Mrs. J was giggling, “He's good looking isn't he?”

I blushed and giggled, I was caught looking and blushed “Err .. ah yes, he is isn't he?”

Mrs. J just giggled louder, and I noticed a smirk on Mr. J lips. I just grinned and looked around.

I was looking at the menu when Josh came back, and he said, “Excuse me Miss. Here is your drink.” As he set it in front of me. He set the other drinks on the table then asked, “Are we ready to order?”

Mr. J said, “Do you need more time Mfanwy?”

“No, I'm ready”

He turned to Mrs. J, “What can I get you Ma'am?”

“Could I have your oriental chicken salad Please?”

“Certainly Ma'am. What could I get for you sir?”

“I'll have the Corn Beef sandwich platter.”

“Certainly sir, and what will your beautiful daughter have?” as he looked at me.

Mr. J chuckled, “Oh she isn't our daughter but our foreign exchange student from England. She is just here for six weeks.”

Josh smiled even harder at that and said, “What would the beautiful flower wish for her lunch?”

Blushing, “Could I have the Oriental Chicken Salad, without the chicken, please?”

“Certainly Mfanwy. That's sure a pretty name. I also love your accent, beautiful.”

How did he know my name is Mfanwy? Oh yes Mr. J had said that when he asked me if I was ready. Blushing more, if that was possible I stated, “Thank you … umm sir.”

“Please call me Josh, Mfanwy. Where are you all staying?”

“In Grottoes.”

“Oh, I'm from Waynesboro. Maybe we can get together sometime?”

“Umm … well you never know … umm Josh.”

“Well I better get your orders in. Pleased to meet you Mfanwy.” as he walked off.

Mrs. J looked at me and said, “See what I mean dear, you will have young men flocking all over you.”

My eyes just grew wide and I stuttered, “Huh … what?

“Honey isn't it obvious, he's smitten with you dear.”

“No way!” as I looked after him walking away from us. Gees if he's any indication of what it's going to be like, having to fend off the guys, I'm in trouble. I definitely have to talk with Ally to find out how to keep guys at bay. “You're just kidding me. I'm way to young for him.”

She laughed. After the burn of the blush passed I had a chance to look around the room and out the windows. Yes it's a beautiful view out of these windows. The day was really gorgeous. It was crystal clear and blue out there.

“Em, do you have any dietary needs we need to be aware of?” Mary asked.

Well unfortunately I've an allergy, of some sort, having to do with meat of any kind. So I'm a vegetarian, not by choice.”

“Oh I'm sorry to hear that, but it's good to know. I'll keep that in mind.” as she looked at me, “That explains the salad.” as she put on a small smile.

“So dear, what are your goals for the future?” Mrs. J asked.

“I'm not truly sure what I want to do yet. I may go into teaching or possibly hairdressing and cosmetology like my mother.”

“Well that's not a bad profession dear, at least it's a start. You have something to shoot for. Most kids these days really have no idea what they want to do with themselves once they have graduated high school.”

“What's high school? We have forms, up to upper sixth forms. Sixth form last for two years.”

“Forms? Tell me what you mean by forms? I'm assuming your sixth form is like our senior class is in high school. Sandy is a senior, and is in her last year of high school, then she goes to college.”

“Well I go to Warsop College presently and we're in third form.”

“You're going to college already? Most kids here can't get into college until they have graduated high school.”

I looked at her in confusion, and wondered if they were that backwards here? She looked at me puzzled, as I did her and then she asked, “How many years have you been in school?”

I looked at her like she was crazy and said, “Maybe I need to explain our schooling system, obviously it's a bit different than it is here.”

So I talked them through the English system of schooling when she finally understood what it was I was saying. It then dawned on me that we were similar, but it was called differently. I basically was a freshman in high school in the American system, versus third form in the British system.

Our food had arrived and Josh was still paying me more attention. It was flattering but frightening all at the same time. I'm not sure if I'm ready for boys yet, if ever.

When we finished our lunch, Mrs. J pulled me into the loo again to fix our makeup, “Are you enjoying yourself Em?”

“Yes I am Mary, the view up here is spectacular, and the food was good.”

“I'm glad to hear that dear. What about Josh?”

I blushed, “He was cute.”

“Well he certainly fancies you I dare say. We'll be heading home after we leave here. I understand you have a meeting with Miss Bell. As a matter of fact we want to talk with her also.”

When we returned to the table, Mr. J had already paid the bill and we were ready to leave. Josh came over and saw we were getting up to leave when he said, “I hope I see you again Mfanwy? I hope you enjoy your stay here in America?”

I smiled at him and said, “Thank you Josh, it was a pleasure to meet you too.” He smiled back at me as I walked towards the exit. I noticed him looking at me while I was leaving.

As we were driving back to the house, I was admiring the scenery. A thought came to me, “Mr. J, what do you do for a living?”

He smiled and said, “I'm a General Manager of a large computer software firm in Roanoke. I consult with large firms all around the country to see that the software is working fine and if not I send engineers out to fix it. It's a fun job, but the traveling gets old after a while.”

I then turned to Mrs. J and asked her the same question. She replied with a chuckle, “You'll find that out probably tomorrow? I'll not spoil the surprise.”

Wow what a strange response. “Umm ok I can wait.” She was smiling at me.

As the scenery changed we finally found our way back to the house. It had been a rather delightful drive. The scenery was very beautiful, I'd love to explore it more. I hope we get the chance. I wonder if Britney, and Debbie will take Maddy and Gaby on a hike? I'd love to go with them sometime. However it's rather cold outside. Sigh, how I wish it was summer again.

When we arrived home, Miss Bell was already there waiting for us. We got out of the car, and Mary went over to Miss Bell and I heard her say, “Good afternoon Jessica, how are you?”

“Fine Mary and you?”

“Oh we can always be better,” she giggled. “I understand you're here to talk with the children? Can we talk a bit before you talk with the children? We have some questions concerning the umm … situation that you may have to address with them later.”

“Ok Mary, but let me say hi to Mfanwy first will you? I'd like a private chat with her before you talk with me.”

“No problem Jessica. Would you like a coffee?”

“Sure that sounds fine, see you in a bit.”

Miss B turned to me and said, “How did you enjoy the sight seeing Mfanwy?”

I smiled at her and said, “It was lovely, such a beautiful day. I really enjoyed it. The scenic views from Skyline drive were absolutely breathtaking. I hope I get a chance to explore more of it?” I figured it would be better not to say anything about Josh.

Miss B chuckled and said, “Don't worry you will, before the six weeks is up. Can we go inside and talk a bit Mfanwy? I've some questions to ask you.”

“Sure Miss, follow me and we can go in the apartment.” I lead her up the steps and fortunately the door was open, I need to get a key from Sandy I thought. “Sandy are you here?” I called, I got no response. “It seems we're alone.”

“Good! I'm glad we're alone Rhod for I want to ask you some private questions, and how you answer them determine what we're going to do with you.”

“I'm not in any trouble am I?” getting extremely worried.

“No you're not in trouble Rhod, but please hear me out. You've put me in a delicate position, that if you're found out it could cost me my job and embarrass the school. Drew is doing the same thing. I know it's not Drew's fault. That was caused by the Walters girls to keep Drew and Jules together. I just hope Drew can handle being Gaby full time, for he really doesn't want to be Gaby. The only difference is, even in male mode, Drew still looks like a girl and that's saving him. As for you? You were a complete surprise when I saw you yesterday. I never expected to see you as Mfanwy, a girl. What is going on Rhod, can you explain this to me?”

I was a bit shocked at the idea I could cost her, her job. I didn't really think about this being a problem. Oh my God what have I done? I certainly didn't want to hurt anyone. I really didn't think about this at all it seems. I hope I haven't hurt anyone by my rash decision? “Ummm … well … I, ahhh well I … ahh … guess, umm I better tell you what's going on.” Sighing. “After I was found out by the gang last year, you remember when Dan blew his top?”

She nodded.

“I kind of came to a decision.” Sighing heavily again, “I realized I liked being Mfanwy. I liked being her, better than being a boy by the name of Rhod. Rhod was a nobody, no one really paid him that much attention, he got picked on a lot by the older and bigger kids, and girls just really didn't seem that interested in me, except of course our group.”

“I noticed when I was being Mfanwy, people paid me extra attention, they wanted to get to know me, adults where very nice to me, the boys were being nice to me and buying me things all of the time, doing anything for me to go out with them. This just surprised me, and it made me feel wanted. Girls would come up to me all of the time and we would just chat like we were old friends.”

“That never happened to Rhod.”

“I found I understood what girls were going through, so they confided in me. Again it was so nice to be wanted. I realized I couldn't give this up.”

“I started to really like being Mfanwy, I liked her so much, I hated to change back into Rhod. It hurt to become him, and my mum noticed I was moodier when I was Rhod. She also noticed I was a lot happier when I was Mfanwy, and we talked together more when I was her, were as Rhod seldom talked with her.”

“My mum noticing this and asked me one day what was wrong?”

“I cried and told her about my experiences, and she hugged me crying also.”

“She told me I wasn't to blame. She also said that, if I wanted to become her daughter it was fine by her, she would love me just as much.”

“She told me not to blame myself, but blame her for doing this to me. She feels it was all her fault that I wanted to become a woman, and she understands why I want to be one.”

“She said we would go to a specialist to sort things out, which I've done.”

“The specialist stated I was Gender Dysphoric. At the time I didn't understand what that meant. He went on to say that my brain was that of a woman, but the body was that of a male. He stated I was a true Trans-gendered individual, a person where the brain and the body do not match. I'm a transsexual. However, through the use of hormones and surgery, the problem could be corrected, so I could live a full and happy life being the person I truly am on the inside, a girl, a lady, a woman.”

“When I was told this, I realized I had to do it, for me. Ally was my confidant and she knew about Mfanwy for quite a while. She accidentally ran into Mfanwy as I was leaving for my fathers, she'd promised not to tell the others in our gang. There were times she came with me to my dads. We became close, very close. I doubted we would ever be a true girlfriend and boyfriend type of close, but a sisterly type of close.”

“She convinced my Stepmom and my mum that I should try out for cheerleading, since the school decided to start a cheerleading group at our school as a sporting event, thanks to Britney, Sabrina and you, Miss Bell. My Mom thought it would be a good idea, giving me the true girl experience, Ally thought so too. I feared doing it, until I realized Drew is in it already, because he was conned into doing it while Sabrina and Britney were still here and they wanted Drew to do it. I'm still unsure how that happened, but I figured what the heck if he could do it, so could I and I wouldn't be alone, besides I figured I wouldn't make it anyway, since the original group knew about me and knew I wasn't a real girl. Imagine my surprise when I found out I made it, the gang knew it was me all along. Miss Cowlishaw was the one that made the choices as to who would be on the team. She had no clue about me at the time. The gang was really surprised I tried out. They didn't give me away to Miss Cowlishaw, but somehow she found out about me that I wasn't a real girl and didn't push it. She still wanted me on the team. It really surprised me.”

“After some more sessions with my therapist, he explained to my mother, that I'd never be happy as a boy, and that becoming a girl would be the only way for me to become happy.”

“We hugged and cried ourselves to sleep that night and we discussed this long and hard. We finally decided that me becoming a woman was the right thing for me to do. So the therapist referred me to an endocrinologist, and she prescribed hormone replacement drugs to make my body become more feminine, and when I turn eighteen I'd be allowed to have the corrective surgery to complete what I should always have been. So now I'm on female hormones and my body is slowly changing. Mr. Wood, the headmaster, knows all about me, and he suggested that I finish this school year out as Rhod, and next year I'd start school as Mfanwy, A GIRL!! I can't wait.”

“I realized I could be Mfanwy full time and I had the approval of my mom, I guess I never really turned back to being Rhod.”

“Then Miss Cowlishaw came with the announcement that we would be in a cheer competition here in the States. We all voted on it that we would do it, this was when she realized that Drew and I weren't exactly females, and if we wanted to compete we would have to be girls for the competition. She all of a sudden realized what she had done, she had talked to Mr. Pilling and Mr. Wood to see what could be done. Well they asked Drew and I, if we would be willing to be Gaby and Mfanwy for the competition? We both agreed, reluctantly at the time, giving no thoughts to the mechanics of what we just agreed to. When it finally dawned on us how we were going to compete, it would mean that both of us would be outed to our school group, and possibly everyone in this school here in the States. This could potentially be bad for Drew and I, whether here or back in Warsop. Then we realized there were only four of the ten exchange students who do not know about Drew and me. If we would come as girls, and if we could convince the four in the exchange group that Drew and Rhod never came, but their cousins Gaby and Mfanwy did, convincing them we were girls would make life a lot less complicated, at least for me, and I jump at the chance to be Mfanwy full time and save the embarrassment.”

“Drew, on the other hand, was still reluctant to do it and didn't realize he was coerced into it by Maddy. Maddy had packed his clothes for him and left him only with Gaby stuff to wear for the trip, it was still a masculine look, but with feminine clothes, if you understand what I mean. Miss Cowlishaw and Mr. Pilling perpetuated the myth, by calling us by our female names in front of the group of four, and Miss C explained to Gaby and I what it was they were doing and Drew reluctantly agreed to go along with it figuring he could still be Drew when he got to the Walters. I guess Britney and Debbie doing what they had done forced Drew over the edge so now he too is stuck as a girl for the duration.”

“So that's why I'm here as a girl.”

I could see Miss Bell was in awe of the story, for her mouth was opened and she couldn't respond right away. When she realized I'd stopped talking, she shook her head and cleared her throat. “Mfanwy, are you telling me you're becoming a woman?”

“Yes Miss Bell, that's exactly what I'm telling you, Drew is still having problems with me becoming a woman, but the girls seem to accept me.”

“Wow that's quite the tale. It doesn't make things any easier though. Are you planning on staying Mfanwy for the full six weeks?”

“Yes! As far as the rest of the people know, I'm Mfanwy Morgan, daughter of Silvia Morgan.”

Miss Bell sat there for a minute contemplating what I had said. Then she smiled, got up and came over to me and gave me a big hug and said, “Welcome to womanhood Mfanwy, I'll help you in anyway I can to make your transition easier, and help you out when you need me.” As she kissed me on the cheek and hugged me harder. “Ok maybe that'll help me now that I know you will not turn into a boy later on. Now I've to go talk with the Jones's and smooth this all out. You kind of put Sandy in a bad position with her parents.”

“Why is that Miss Bell? I don't understand what all the guff is about. I found Sandy crying earlier when she was alone in the apartment after her dad had some loud words with her.”

“Did you? Oh my, I'd no idea it was going to be this bad?” Miss Bell said looking at the floor with a look of horror on her face.

“Miss Bell, what's wrong? Is it me? Did I do something wrong?”

“What! Oh no sweetie, it's nothing you had done, I just need to talk to … about … ahhh I'll tell you later ok? I promise.” she quickly looked around and grabbed her bag. “I must head over, I'll talk with you and Sandy after my meeting with Mary and John, ok?”

“Ummm like I had much of a choice really?”

Miss Bell smiled at me, patted my hand and said, “All will be revealed in good time Mfanwy, trust me. By the way you really look good as a girl.” Smiling at me. “Taa-taa for now, I'll return shortly.” With that she left.

WHAT IS GOING ON HERE? I'm totally confused. Mr. J gets angry about me being a girl, Sandy looks like she is getting chewed out, I find Sandy in the apartment by herself crying, her mother isn't saying anything, and keeps referring to Mr. J, Miss Bell is being evasive and is upset I came here as a girl. Why is everyone so upset? God did I blow this big time? Am I going to be in serious trouble? I seemed to already have hurt Sandy, well her dad did that and it was about me. Why does everyone stutter when they say Sandy's name? Why is there such a big issue with me being a girl? I mean, after all, Look at Sandy she a big girl and me being a girl, I'd of thought that was more desirable. What gives anyway?

I looked out the kitchen window and watched Miss Bell cross the driveway and knocked on the back door, which opened a few moments later.

To be Continued

Joni W 05.06.05 (revised 12.10.05) © 2005
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