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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 15

DAD:

Thursday:

Oh my, what have I done? What do I tell them?

“Ah … er … well … um … Drew is special to me. She is like a sister to me. I guess the us means how we all support each other. We have been together for a long time.”

“Oh ok, I was just wondering why you lost all of your color so fast. Are you feeling ill? If I didn't know any better I would say you started your period for real.” Ellen stated.

Sandy and Ellen just looked at me. Ellen looked like she seemed to think there was more but she didn't push it, but she did give me a curious look.

Rachael came just at that moment and asked, “Would you ladies care for any desert?”

“I'm full Rachael, I think I'll pass. Could I get a … um … Doggy bag, I think you call it, for my food please?”

“Certainly Em, I can do that. Sandy, anything for you?”

“No thanks Rachael, but I could use a doggy bag also?”

“Ok Sandy. Ms Burke?”

“Same here Rachael; thanks.”

“Ok, I'll be back with your doggie bags and your bill shortly.” as she glided gracefully away.

I wonder if I could ever be like her, walking so gracefully. It looks so sensual. It makes her look like a princess.

“Thank you for the meal Ellen. It was delicious.” Sandy stated.

“Yes, thank you for the meal Ellen.”

“Your both welcome ladies. It was my pleasure, really. I'm so glad I heard your story Em. I think that was a bit different than most stories I've heard. Most males I've interviewed, knew they were girls when they were five to ten years old. They knew they were different, they just didn't know how much. You developed your femininity by being forced to be a girl, and you initially fought it, but then came to like it through environment, being exposed to it so often. I think that goes back to nurturing. Nurturing causes a person to behave properly through the environment. There have been a lot of theories about why a person becomes like this. So far there are no definitive answers. Would you mind if I used you in my thesis Em? I'll change your name to protect your privacy. But I would really like to use your story.”

“No problem Ellen. What is it you are writing anyway?”

“Well I'm working towards my doctorate in Psychology. Ever since Valerie, I found I wanted to learn more and help others that have the same problem. My thesis tries to put together a lot of theories about Gender Dysphoria and will put them to the test. I just need to get case studies or actual stories from people who have Gender Dysphoria. So in a way, your payment to me for the prosthetics IS your story, as is Sandy's. Do you mind if I use your story Sandy, when you tell me it? I'm sure I know most of it, but I want it in your words.”

“Not a problem, Ellen. I'm proud to be able to contribute towards your thesis, and maybe help someone else down the road.”

“Thanks Sandy, that truly means a lot to me. Well, are you ladies ready to go?”

We loaded our Doggie Bag containers with the left over foodstuff, and Ellen paid the bill. We all got up and headed for our coats. I was putting on my coat when I looked around the restaurant and looked into the lounge area. I saw Mr. Jones sitting at the bar talking to some guy and the bartender. He didn't look at all happy and he looked like he wasn't feeling any pain. He was also rather loud. He didn't see us.

I heard him say, “Yes, I have to get a program together and present it to everyone at our company, to make everyone in the company tolerant to other life styles. You know, to be sensitive to the needs of fruits, perverts and homosexuals, so we won't get hit with discrimination lawsuits. They said if I don't do this I would be out of a job.”

“You're kidding John, why do you have to do that?” the unidentified man said.

“All because I told the head of the IT department, at that new, potentially big, customer, that our software was not for them.”

“Ok, but why did you get stuck doing this, just because you told some company that?”

“Well, it turns out that the head of their IT department was some fruit, that was trying to pass him self off as a woman. But I saw right through him. He was a man wearing a dress, what a pervert. I want nothing to do with a company that hires such perverts. I told them our software was not for them and left.”

“I found out later the head of that company called the head of our company and told them what I had done. The top idiots in our company were livid. When I got back, my manager called me in and yelled at me. He told me if I wanted to keep my job, I had to do this, and give a formal apology to the head of their IT department or I would be out of a job. Can you just imagine? I have to apologize to that fruit?”

“I'm sorry to hear that John. Those perverts have no place anywhere and should be done away with. They have no place in this world. That is just plain ugly. Can you imagine taking one of them out thinking they're a woman, and then finding out they're really a guy? Gross; that is so sick.”

“As if one fruit in my life isn't enough. Now I have to go to meetings to learn all about them and come up with a way to tolerate their kind. Can you just friggin believe it? Can you give me another Joe?”

I turned to see that Sandy heard the exchange too. I saw her good mood totally disappear as did mine. Mr. J definitely better not find out about me, as Sandy started to cry.

Ellen saw and heard the exchange. “What a pompous ass he is. I've half a mind to go in there and give him a piece of my mind.”

“Please don't Ellen, it will only make matters worse.” Sandy stated.

“I know he is referring to you, Sandy and I want to hit him so bad.”

“Please Ellen, he is drunk and it won't do any good now. If he sees me, he would probably start ranting at me and give everything away.”

“Oh, you may be right Sandy. I'll get him later, when he is sober. It would serve him right to lose his job over his bigotry and homophobic attitude. Fruit and pervert, indeed! Come girls let us get out of here. If I hear anymore, I won't be responsible for my actions.”

We all left the restaurant. Ellen drove us back to her store. I was rather shocked myself by Mr. J's attitude. I didn't realize he was so hard-core against people like us.

“Sandy, are you going to be all right?” Ellen asked.

“I'll be ok. It isn't like I haven't heard it from him before.”

“You poor dear. I feel so bad he is like that. You are such a wonderful person. He doesn't deserve you.”

“It's ok Ellen, I'm used to it.”

We finally arrived at the store, and got out of the car. I was ready to head to Sandy's car when Ellen said, “Em, why don't you come inside for a moment and try on some Pointe Ballet Slippers?”

“Ok Ellen”

Ellen helped me try on some Pointe Ballet Slippers; this was definitely a new experience for me. The slippers didn't look like much but it firmly grasped the toes and distributed the load across the toes to the hard rounded point in the toe of the slipper. We also laced up the slipper around my ankle, and lower leg.

“Try and stand on your toe points and see how they feel.”

Ellen held my hands as I attempted to stand on Pointe. I was surprised they didn't hurt half as much as I had expected, but I could feel my leg muscles starting to cramp and ache. My stability wasn't that good either. I'm glad Ellen is holding me steady.

“Well, it's a little awkward and my legs are starting to protest being on my toes.”

“That is understandable Em, your muscles aren't used to doing this. Don't worry, they will get better with practice. Do the slippers themselves feel comfortable or are your toes really being pinched?”

“Well that is hard to say, since I do not know what is normal. I guess they are ok? When I walk on them normally they aren't too uncomfortable.”

“Well that is a good thing. Now I want you try these normal Ballet slippers, they don't have the reinforcement in the toe and they are very flexible.”

I took off the Pointe Ballet slippers and then put the much more comfortable regular slippers on. “Wow these feel great. They are very comfortable, almost like comfy house slippers.”

“Yes they are. You will use these more than the others for now, but I want you to have both of them, incase you wish to continue your training in Ballet. You would make an excellent Ballerina. You have the perfect body for it. In time I'll let you try on a tutu with your leotards so you can see how that feels. Interested?”

“Yes I am Ellen, I never really thought much about Ballet. I never thought it was for me.”

“Well we will see Em, you never know, you may become a natural and enjoy it.”

“What do I owe you for these Ellen?”

“They are a gift from me. Please enjoy them, and I hope you stick with it. Em, you are a real treasure as Sandy knows. I feel privileged to have gotten to know you.”

I started to cry. I gave Ellen a big hug and said, “Thank you Ellen, this has been a real experience for me. I never thought I would enjoy being a girl so much, and I'm learning all of these new things, and you being so kind to me. I never want to go back to being Rhod.”

“Well, make certain of that Em, it's a one way journey, and once you have made the commitment, it will be very hard, if not impossible to return to being male. There will come a point of no return, and then you cannot just walk away from it. You will be stuck, and I hope you will have made the right decision. From my point of view, as of right now, I think you have. But please be sure for yourself, don't go by what others want you to be.”

“I understand Ellen and I've thought about it. I think about it allot actually. Sandy has helped me see what my future will be. Even though she has her moments, I'm sure she is much happier being who she is.”

“Oh yes I am Em. I wouldn't trade this for anything. Even my father, the way he is, will not get me to change my mind.”

“I'm sure you are Sandy, I've seen it for years before we lost track of each other. You were not happy being a little boy, you always looked like a little girl and I felt so bad for you. I believe you did make the right decision, regardless of what your father thinks. I'm sure if it wasn't for Valerie, I may have taken the view of your father. I would've done so, because of my lack of understanding. Maybe this is your father's problem. He has no understanding of what you have gone through. Hopefully him having to do this research may make him understand, he may actually come around and embrace you. How does that sound Sandy?”

“That would be great Ellen, but I'm not holding my breath.Well Ellen I think Em and I better get going. I'm sure my mother is wondering where we are. I better warn her of dad too, I'm sure she isn't going to like seeing him tonight. Ready to go Em?”

“Yes I am Sandy, let me get my coat on. We are going on a day trip tomorrow. I've no idea were we are going yet.”

“Oh, that's right, I completely forgot about it. I was to excited to get my girl bits.” Giggling. “Em, you and the gang are going to Richmond Virginia. They will show you the town and it's historic importance to the Civil War. I think you will enjoy it.”

“Aren't you coming along Sandy?”

“No, I'm not officially part of the exchange program, just a host, and besides, I tutor Calculus classes on Friday and I can't leave them high and dry, can I?”

“Oh I'm going to miss not having you with me. That is so unfair.”

“Don't worry Em, I was told I would join you girls some other time on future excursions. I don't mind. Besides, after school tomorrow I need to get stuff for the sleepover remember?”

“I had no intentions of leaving you to do all of the work. I want to help.”

“Don't worry, we will have to do some more shopping Saturday morning, I'm sure.”

“Well ok then. Bye Ellen, thanks for the dinner, the ballet classes and the slippers. This will be so great.”

“You're welcome Em, you are like a daughter to me. This is so much fun.” I hugged her again as did Sandy.

“Thanks again Ellen for the girl bits, this will make my life a lot less complicated, and I can probably relax a little, knowing it will be harder for someone to find me out.”

“Oh you are so welcome Sandy, it's a true pleasure to help someone so beautiful.” I saw Sandy blush and smile. “Well you two take care, alright? Come anytime, I truly enjoyed your company this evening.”

“Bye Ellen!” we both said as we left her shop.

As Sandy started to pull out of the car park, I turned to her and asked, “Are you going to be alright tonight?”

“Sure; what makes you think I won't be?”

“Well I mean what we heard your dad say today at the pub?”

“Oh that. Well I'll play that by ear. I'll not let it get to me … much.”

I put my hand on her thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze, to let her know I would be here for her. She took a quick look at me and smiled. I smiled back.

“So do you love your new girl bits Sandy?”

“Do I? Of course I do. I love it. I can't wait for my mom to say something derogatory about me not being a complete woman. I would love to drop my panties and show her. I want to see her mouth hit the floor. That would be so cool.”

“Do I detect a bit of resentment towards your mother?”

Sandy just laughed.

We arrived home, and just as we expected, Mrs. J came out and said, “Where have you girls been, I was worried sick about you. Do you know what time it is?”

“Yes mom, we know what time it is. We were over at Ellen's, Em needed to get some dance slippers and Ellen offered Em to join her Ballet Classes free. Then she offered to take us both out for dinner.”

“Wow Em, Ellen sure has taken a fancy towards you. You must really have impressed her yesterday.”

Sandy looked at me and jiggled her eyebrows trying to tell me to play along; of course we both know why we were at Ellen's, but Mrs. J didn't need to know about it, so it was a plausible excuse.

“I guess she did, she gave me the slippers as a gift, if I would … ah … join her Ballet classes, and I said I would love to.”

“Well good for you Em, I'm sure you will love it and do great.”

Sandy smiled at me, and I smiled back at her.

“Want to come inside girls, I'm sure you don't need anything to eat, why don't we sit and chat for a bit, I'll make us all a warm cup of hot chocolate. How does that sound?”

“Ummm, ok. We can't stay long for Em has to get stuff ready for tomorrows trip and she has homework she needs to finish before the weekend. How about it Em?”

“Sure no problem. Hot chocolate sounds wonderful. It's a bit nippy tonight.”

So we both followed her into the house. I heard Kevin charging for the door on the other side of the kitchen, and I prepared to get trounced.

“EM! EM! Where have you been, I missed you!” as he ran and jumped into my arms. I caught him and raised him up and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He didn't like that, he promptly wiped the kiss from his cheek, going, “EWWWW why did you do that?”

I laughed, as did Sandy and Mrs. J. “What you don't like my kisses?” I said with a hurt pout on my face.

“Well, ok. I'll let you kiss me then.” as he gave me a big smooch on my cheek. I smiled at him and he giggled.

He wiggled to get down and he ran over to Sandy and gave her a big hug too. “Hi sis, I missed you too.” Sandy laughed at him and gave him a kiss on the cheek too; only this time he didn't wipe it away.

“I missed you too, baby brother of mine.” Sandy gave him another hug and put him down.

“Em, can you play a game with me?” I looked at Mrs. J and I could see her already starting to answer.

“Why don't you go ahead Em? Goodness knows he has been waiting for you all afternoon. I'll let you know when your hot chocolate ready. I'll chat with my daughter for a bit.”

“Ok Mary I'll go with Kevin then. I hope you don't mind?”

“Not at all dear. Go and enjoy yourself.”

“Thank you.” as Kevin was already dragging me out of the kitchen.

I heard Sandy tell her mother, “We saw dad at Grace House, in the lounge …” until I was out of range of the conversation.

Kevin and I were playing with his PS2 for quite some time. Sandy must really be having a deep conversation with her mom. She hasn't called me yet for my hot chocolate. I didn't mind too much. Kevin was having a blast. I let him win a few games.

It was about an hour before Mrs. J called to tell me my hot chocolate was ready. I helped Kevin clean up the games we had played, and then went to the kitchen.

“Em, I'm so sorry about how long it took me to get your hot chocolate.”

“Oh, that's alright Mary, Kevin and I kept busy.” I could tell Sandy had been crying and it looked like Mrs. J did too.

Just as I started to drink my hot chocolate, Mr. J came home. I don't know how he was able to drive home with out an accident but he did. I heard him really slam the door hard on his car, and him muttering something about fruits and perverts. He walked into the kitchen, slammed the door closed rather hard and saw his wife, as he hung up his coat, he started to say something, not realizing we were in the kitchen, “I almost lost my job today, because of that fag of a s … ah, oh sorry I didn't see you two sitting there.” He stood there swaying. “If you pardon me, I need to get out of this room.” He gave a nasty scowl to Sandy as he walked by.

I could tell he wanted to say more, but held his tongue. He hit the door jam with his shoulder and bounced off the wall before he made it through the door still muttering under his breathe, “Fruits!”

Sandy started to cry, Mrs. J looked at the kitchen door Mr. J just walked through and had an evil look in her eyes. “Sandy, Em would you two please excuse me for a bit, and could you take Kevin with you to your apartment for a while? I'll call you when it's ok to bring Kevin back. I need to have a little chat with my husband, if you don't mind.”

“Certainly, we can do that Mary. I'll fetch Kevin.” I said.

I went to Kevin's room to tell him he was going with us to the carriage house, Kevin jumped with joy. I noticed Mr. J made it to the living room and collapsed in a chair, reading the newspaper. I could hear mutter obscenities under his breathe.

When Kevin, Sandy and I left the house, we went to the car to get our book bags, and purchases, and climbed the steps to the house. I could hear the screaming from the house.

This was not a good day, or going to be a good night for Mr. J.

Mrs. J was really upset. I've never seen her so angry. I looked over at Sandy, she was crying. I saw Kevin looking at her with concern.

“Sis, are you ok?”

“I'll be alright Kevin.” Kevin knew something was wrong.

Kevin isn't dumb, or stupid, matter of fact he was quite mature. When we entered the carriage house, Kevin gave Sandy a big hug and started to cry. I started to cry watching them.

For starting out the day happy, what happened? This should've been the happiest day of Sandy's, and my life. We both got what we wanted, and that was to look like genetic girls.

But things always turn up and rear its ugly head. In this case it was Mr. J.

I felt so sorry for Sandy and Kevin. I took off my coat, and went to my room while the two consoled each other.

I decided to do my homework, to take my mind off of what I had witnessed. I'm glad my dad isn't like hers. Matter of fact, I'm glad my dad didn't live with us, for if he did, I may have the same problems Sandy does with hers. Then again, I may not have become Mfanwy, for there was no need to dress. What would my life have been like if my dad didn't run off? Would I have been as respectful? Would I be going to Rugby or Soccer games all of the time? Would my dad have forced me to play the game? Would I have met Drew and the girls? How would I have turned out? I could've become a bully if my dad would've been around. Or would there have been a possibility, I still would've become Mfanwy, but much later in life, that this is who I was meant to be all along? Would I have been miserable as a child? I guess I'll never know, and I'm very happy I'm living with my mother, for she is the best.

I wonder what she would think of me now? I mean, I've showered with other girls, and they all think I'm a born girl, like them. Even the teacher now believes I am a girl. Smiling to myself, Em, I'm glad I'm me. It might have been better if I was born a girl, but if this is my life, then I love who I've become.

Sighing, I returned to my Mathematics homework.

About an hour and a half later, the phone rang and I picked it up. “Sandy Jones's residence?”

It was Mrs. J. She said, “Hi Em, it's me Mary. Could you return my son please? It's ok to bring Kevin back home. John will be spending some time in the doghouse and be sleeping by himself in the spare bedroom, until he wises up that the language he used tonight was unacceptable, and I never want to hear it again.”

“Did he say why he did that?”

“Well in a way, and I am not at liberty to discuss that issue Em, lets just say, I hope we don't hear anymore of it.”

“Oh. Ok Mary, I'll collect Kevin and bring him over. See you soon.”

“Ok Em, see you in a bit. Bye.”

I hung up the phone and looked around to see where Kevin and Sandy went. I didn't see them out in the living room or kitchen, so I tried her bedroom, and found them both asleep on the bed. Kevin was snuggled up to Sandy. I should take a picture; they look so cute together like that. I gently tapped on Kevin's shoulder and he jumped a little. This woke Sandy up and she said, “Is something wrong Em?”

“No Sandy, your mom just phoned and said we should bring Kevin back over.”

“Oh, ok. Did you enjoy being with me Kevin?”

“Yes I did sis. I like my big sister.”

Sandy hugged Kevin and he hugged her back. “Well we better be getting back over to the main house then Kevin. Get your shoes and coat on, Ok?”

“Ok Sandy, will do.” as he tore off the bed and ran into the kitchen. I smiled watching him run out of the room.

“You going to be ok now Sandy?”

“Yes Em, I think so. It's so nice to have my baby brother on my side now. He is such a cutie.”

“Yes he is, isn't he? I think he is great. I bet you two are going to have lots of fun together. It doesn't look like he is going to turn out like your dad. At least let's hope not.”

“I don't think he will, thank goodness. I couldn't stand another person like him.”

“You want to come along, or do you want me to take him?”

“Why don't you take him over? I don't feel so good yet.”

I gave Sandy a hug, “Don't worry I'll take him.”

Kevin and I walked over to the main house.

“Em, will you come in and play another game with me please?”

“It's getting late Kevin, I think your mom wants you to get ready for bed. It has been a long day for me too, and I'll be going on a trip to Richmond tomorrow, so I need to get early to bed myself.”

“Awww, ok, I was just hoping.”

“I smiled at him and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek and said, “There will be plenty of time to play games later, ok?”

“Ok Em, but you promise ok?”

“Yes I promise Kevin.” as I hugged him again and we walked into the house.

“Hi Em, thank you for bringing Kevin back home. Is Sandy with you?”

“No Mary, she wasn't feeling to well, and decided to let me bring Kevin over.”

“Oh I guess that is understandable.”

“It is?”

“Oh … um … what I meant was, since she isn't feeling good, that she would have you bring Kevin over.”

“Yes, isn't it strange, when Mr. J shows up she always starts to feel ill. Why is that?”

“I don't know Em. Uh … I guess it just does. John is having some troubles lately and he seems to be taking it out on us. I'm sorry you had to see that earlier. John usually never drinks. At least not so much, that he can't control his mouth, for that I apologize. He isn't as bad as it seems Em, please don't let this incident give you the wrong impression.”

“Oh don't worry, I understand what is going on with guys.”

She smiled at me. If only she knew what I really understood about him. I was starting to feel sorry for her.

“Well Kevin, it's getting late, why don't you say goodnight to Em, and get ready for bed.”

“Goodnight Em. Don't forget you promised to play some more games with me later.”

As he hugged me, “I promised didn't I Kevin? I don't break my promises unless it's an emergency, so you can count on me ok? Now get ready for bed, like your mom asked and goodnight sweetie.” as I hugged him back.

He ran off towards his bedroom.

“Is Mr. Jones ok, Mary?”

“Oh he will live if I don't kill him first. He is sleeping it off in the guest bedroom I refuse to sleep with him when he is like this. I hope his hangover tomorrow is bad, for I want to make him hurt, for what he did tonight.”

I giggled, “I guess that would really teach him.”

“Can I offer you something to drink?”

“No thank you Mary, I need to get to bed myself tonight. We have that trip to Richmond tomorrow.”

“Oh that's right I forgot, with all the things that just happened. Well I guess you better be off then. Goodnight Em.” as she came over then gave me a big hug. “Thanks for helping Sandy tonight, I know she is feeling like her dad doesn't love her. Deep down he really does love her, he is just to pig headed to understand that. Help Sandy get through this will you?”

“Certainly Mary, I'll help her in what ever way I can.”

“I know you can Em, you have been a blessing. Sandy is so much happier with you around.”

I smiled at her and thought, ‘A lot more than you even know Mrs. J.'

“Goodnight Mary, see you tomorrow.”

“Ok Em, night.”

I returned home, checked to see if Sandy was ok, and saw she went back to bed and was asleep already. I gently closed her door, and went to my own room and got ready for bed.

I dug out my daily journal and filled in what had happened today.

Day 5 Thursday

What a strange day this was. A lot happened today and it's hard to think of it all.

I had a great time at school today, event though I feared the girls were mad at me for looking so good. They thought, or I thought they thought, I was trying to steal their boyfriends from them. I guess I really dressed provocatively and some of the girls didn't like it. I later found out they were kidding, and felt bad after I ran away from them. They apologized to me.

The rest of the day was saner after that incident.

We had our first PE class today, the Americans call it Gym class. That was an experience, but a pleasant one. We did a lot of modern dance routines for cheerleading practice. It was very tough and we all had a good time.

Sandy and I went back to Ellen's today, and it ended up being very enlightening. She took us out for dinner and she signed me up for Ballet classes for the duration of my stay here. They meet Monday's, Wednesday's and Friday's at seven PM and Saturday's at ten AM in the morning for two-hour practices. I'm looking forward to it. Ellen gave me a pair of Ballet slippers, and Pointe Ballet slippers. This looks like it's going to be a lot of fun.

We had a bit of an incident with Mr. J tonight, but I think everything got squared away. He had a little more fun than he should have. I think everything will be ok tomorrow.

I put my journal away, turned out the light, and promptly fell asleep wondering what tomorrow may bring.

To be continued:

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