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 18

Wood Fired Oven:

Friday:

“Here you are and your definitely a girl, I can see that, so it was just a silly notion is all.” Rachael stated.

“You're telling me you thought I was a boy?”

“Please don't be offended Em, but yes, I thought you were a boy, in disguise, taking these classes. But in looking at you here and in the shower, it's obvious that you're all girl. I'm sorry I even thought about it. Do you forgive me?”

Oh my God, she figured me out. What do I say now?

“Um Sure Rachael. Um … I've been called a tomboy at times, and yes I've done some boy things in my life. I guess I'm trying to grow out of it, really. Trying to become more like my mum.”

“That must be it then.”

After we finished dressing Rachael asked, “Will you be coming tomorrow Em?”

“I wouldn't miss it. I just hope I'm not too sore to do the routines.”

“Well you did very well tonight, for the first time doing these exercises and routines. You have a natural grace, but your movement is still very jerky. You moved in the proper way and I'm sure the smoothness and gracefulness will come with practice. I'm sorry I thought you were a boy.”

“No problem about the boy thing. I guess I kind of understand. Thank you for telling me about the grace, Rachael. I'll try harder to do better.”

“I don't doubt you Em. You have kept up with me, and being a first timer, that is saying a lot. Most of the first timers quit about an hour into the routines, but you kept going, you really surprised me. Most girls can't do it.”

I smiled at her.

“Well, I've to get going, I'll see you tomorrow, alright?”

“Ok Rachael. I really enjoyed this evening. Have a great evening.”

Rachael gave me a hug, and I returned it.

“Bye Em.”

“Bye Rachael.”

I turned around to look for Ellen, but I couldn't find her. Rachael knows the truth, even though she doesn't realize it. I put on my coat, picked up my kit, and headed out of the locker room. I looked down the hall in the direction of the classroom but I didn't see her.

“Hey Em, are you ready to go?”

I turned around and I saw her putting her mobile phone away.

“Yes I am, Ellen.”

“Ok, good. I just got done calling Mary, and asked her if Sandy and her wanted to meet us at the Wood Fired Oven.”

“What is that place?”

“Well they serve pizza and do Italian food. Do you have enough energy to go?”

Smiling, “Yes I guess I have enough energy to make it there.”

“Ok, then let us get going then.”

She led us to the car park, got into the car and we headed off to the restaurant.

“Well Em, what do you think of ballet?”

“I really had a great time. Rachael is a great teacher. I hope I'm not to sore tomorrow from all of the exercise. I'm really knackered.”

“Well just to let you know, I was watching you and you did quite well. You did better than most of the second year students. You're a natural, you picked up the positions very quickly, but I did see you need more grace in your movements. I'm sure that'll come with time. You made some of the girls, in the class, jealous. They said you looked too good; you couldn't be a first timer at ballet, you were having them on. You made them look bad actually.”

“You're just saying that.”

“No Em, I'm not. You have more energy then most of the others. I wish I could keep training you. You would make a beautiful and very successful Ballerina. I hope you stick with it when you get back home. It'll do you a world of good. You can be one of the world's greats, if you put forth the effort and dedication.”

I blushed at that comment. I didn't know what to say.

“Also, when you were taking your shower this evening, had I not known, I never would've guessed you weren't a born, genetic girl. Your movement, your actions, your mannerisms, and your speech pattern, all screamed girl. Are you sure you aren't having me on? That you really are a girl? That you're just pulling my leg?” as she giggled.

“Thank you for your kind words Ellen, but you really know my secret, so quit kidding me.”

“Oh I'm not kidding Em. No one should figure you out.”

“Rachael did. She doesn't realize it for sure, but she pegged me as a boy. She told me that my movements were to jerky, much like a boy's. She said so in the locker room, and she figured I was having her on and masquerading as a girl. She was looking at me closely when I was showering, but I saw her shaking her head. When I asked her what was up, she kind of confessed, that she thought I was a boy in disguise, but when she looked me over, she realized I was all girl, thanks to the great looking girl bits. She apologized for even thinking I was a boy. I told her I used to be a tomboy and she told me that must've been it.”

“Well, don't worry about Rachael, if she does figure you out, I'm sure she will keep your secret. She is a sweet girl, and I doubt she will cause you any problems.”

“I hope you're right. Do you think it would be safer if I tell her?”

“Well I don't know? Why don't you play that by ear and not say anything for now; unless you absolutely have to. You can never take back what you say, so let it go until she figures it out, or you feel she needs to know. I'm sure she'll understand.”

We arrived in the car park for the restaurant, got out of the car and went in. I didn't see the Jones's car in the car park yet.

“How may I help you ladies?” The hostess said.

“Could we have a table for four please?” Ellen remarked.

“Certainly ma'am, please follow me. Would you like one by the window?”

“That would be fine. Could we have that one by the corner?”

She led us to the corner table. It was away from most of the other tables and would afford us a bit of privacy.

“Here you go ladies, and here are your menus. Can I get you all anything to drink?”

“Could I have a diet coke, please?” I said.

“Certainly Miss. For you Ma'am?” looking at Ellen.

“Could I have a de-café coffee, please?”

“Certainly Ma'am, I'll be back shortly.”

I saw the Jones's car pull into the car park. Sandy and her mom got out of the car, and entered the restaurant. I waved to them and they saw us. Sandy was all smiles and Mary just followed her.

“Hi Sandy, Mary. Have a good evening?”

“Hi Em. My you look tired. You ok?” stated Sandy.

“Yes I am. You're right though, I'm knackered, but I've enough energy to get a drink and maybe a bite to eat, since I didn't have a lot to eat earlier. I had a great time though.”

“She did very well, you should've seen her go through the exercises and the Ballet positions. She was a natural. She did things even some of the second years couldn't do yet.”

“Wow, that sounds great. Will you be going tomorrow morning also?” stated Sandy.

“If I don't ache to bad, yes I will. I used muscles I haven't used in a while.”

Mary said, “Take some Ibuprofen, it'll help ease the pain you would otherwise have tomorrow. Trust me it works.”

“I could use some of that.”

“I've some in the medicine cabinet, Em, I'll give you some before you go to bed tonight.”

“Thanks Sandy, I'll definitely take some. How did tonight go with your father?”

“He hasn't come home yet, and he hasn't called.”

“I'm beginning to worry about him. It isn't like him not to call, if he is going to be late. Maybe he is still upset about this morning.” Mary stated.

“What happened this morning Mary?” Ellen questioned.

“Well I heard from Sandy, that he got rather drunk at the bar yesterday, something about how he treated a new customer. There was an IT person that had transitioned from a man into a woman, and this person was the manager of the computer department. My husband couldn't accept this, and he said the software his company could provide, was not for them, and he left. They discovered he was a bigot, so they called the home office and talked to the president of the company, who talked to the head of John's department, who got a hold of John and was told to write a letter of apology for his behavior. He was very resistant to do this, the boss noticed. The boss then told him, to set up a program on how to handle people with alternative lifestyles, so the company isn't sued for sexual harassment, or he would be out of a job. So John has to go to a clinical psychologist, to find out more about these people. He hates the prospect of talking to, what he thinks are, very sick people.”

“Why is he like that Mary? Has anyone hurt him in some way? Why doesn't he just learn to like them and see that they are just regular people? Why does he have to be so nasty to them?”

Mary started to look nervous and took a quick glance to Sandy, but Sandy didn't react, so she had to handle the question herself.

I saw Ellen with a small grin on her face, waiting to see how Mary handles this.

“Well, I'm not sure I know the real answer to that, Em. Um … evidently someone must have done something to him that hurt him very badly, I assume?” Taking a quick gander at Sandy. I saw Sandy's jaw start to open and her eyes start to glisten. “Um … he made his bed and now he has to sleep in it. At the moment, his bed is very lumpy.” She looked at Ellen, “I was so upset with him last night. He came in yelling obscene things before he realized the children were there.” Pointing at Sandy and me. “Once he saw them, he shut up and glared hard at Sandy, like it was all her fault. I got angry, asked the kids to take Kevin and go to their house. I had words with him, he wouldn't listen to me. Putting my foot down, I threw him out of the bedroom and told him he could sleep in the guest bedroom from now on, until he adjusted his attitude not only towards Sandy, but to me also. I wasn't going to let him walk all over me anymore. When he woke up this morning he tried to get into the bedroom, and I gave him his work clothes and told him he wasn't to enter the bedroom. He left in a huff this morning.”

Ellen said, “Well I saw him when he was drunk last night Mary, I was appalled at what I saw. He was talking to another man, and what he said … I so wanted to go up to him and beat the crap out of him.”

“Did you hear him ranting last night, Em?” Mary asked.

“Yes, I did Mary. I wanted to do the same as Ellen, he was really rude.”

“Did he say anything about Sandy?”

“No, why would he?”

“Oh, ah … nothing.”

“What is going on between Mr. Jones and Sandy anyway, Mary?”

“I can't tell you that Em, I'm sorry. That is a family matter.” as she nervously looked over at Sandy.

I looked over to Ellen, and she just raised her eyebrows. I then looked at Sandy, and she just gave me that look that said, drop it.

“Well it just seems unreal, that he is so nasty to Sandy, is all I'm saying.”

“Em, please don't get involved, it can hurt you if he turns his anger against you too. He is really being an idiot lately. I just feel so bad he is doing it in front of you. You don't deserve to see his anger. He can be a really sweet man; well he used to be.” Mary said as she looked at Sandy.

I could see that last comment stung Sandy. I saw she wanted to cry. I reached under the table and got hold of her knee and gently squeezed it, as I looked at her and gave her a supportive smile, unseen by Mary. That seemed to strengthen her resolve.

“Well, enough talk about John. So Ellen, I see you really have gotten attached to Em. It seems you're treating her as a daughter.”

“Oh yes Mary, I'm really taken with her. She is a very energetic and sweet girl. I'm glad I got to know her. You should've seen her tonight. She worked harder than all of my other students combined. She got in there and she claims she's never done ballet. If you would've seen her, she looked like a second year student. I saw Rachael push her, she tried to get Em to admit she was tired and have her quit the routines, but Em never wavered. She kept up with Rachael, who has been doing Ballet for over 8 years now. I think Rachael wanted her to cry Uncle, but she never did. Rachael has met her match. Rachael always wanted to have rookies quit in the middle of a routine, so she could show them that she was always better. Rachael always had a strong competitive streak in her, when it comes to ballet. This time though, she met her match. It was fun to watch. I believe that if Em, sticks with it, she will be a great Ballerina and be better at it, than even Rachael.” as Ellen smiled at me.

I blushed at her praise.

“See how she blushes when anyone praises her? She is so shy and modest. She's never imposing; that is why I like her.”

I was really blushing now.

“Yes, Em is quite the young lady, Ellen. I like her, like she is my own daughter. I can't wait to take her shopping. If she feels up to it, after practice tomorrow, maybe we can go to the mall in the afternoon and do some shopping. Would you like that Em?”

“Will Sandy be coming with us?”

“No, I've to work tomorrow for a bit. I've to go in early and I probably won't be back until three in the afternoon. It probably would be a good time for you to go shopping with mom.”

“Ok, I guess. I'll see how I feel tomorrow after practice.”

“Oh great, I've been looking forward to going shopping with you. It would be just like having my very own daughter to shop with, for a change.”

I looked at her strangely, and she realized what she had said. Ellen kind of gave her a stare of disbelief too. Sandy just looked at her mom, shocked. I saw her mouth-moving, like she wanted to say something, but nothing came out.

“Oh my goodness, that didn't come out right did it. What I meant was, it would be like shopping with another of my daughters.” Mary was blushing quite red at this point. “I'm sorry Sandy, I didn't mean it to sound like you weren't my daughter.”

“I should say not Mary, you have a wonderful and beautiful daughter. You should be proud of her. She is one of the nicest girls I've ever met, besides Em. They're so well behaved and both of them are true women.”

Mary just looked at Ellen, and I could see the words hit home. “I never implied anything different, Ellen, I'm proud of Sandy. Why shouldn't I be?”

“Well you have a strange way of showing it Mary. Embrace Sandy, she is a beautiful woman and she needs your help dear. She needs to learn how to be a proper woman. Have you helped her be that?”

“But, … uh … but, what about the … uh … the condition that we discussed yesterday? Certainly that changes a few things?”

“It does? In what way? Sandy needs to be taught how to protect herself, just as any other girl. I'm sure Em needs that also. What is your problem with that Mary? Sandy needs help to handle boys properly. After all, she will date different boys. She needs to know how to protect herself from them, before things happen, or else she will have to come up with something on her own, which could take to long and get her into serious trouble. That is why being a mother is so important. You need to teach your daughter about the dangers in life, about boys and men. When she finds herself in situations she cannot immediately handle, she needs the tools that you will have provided to her, to protect herself. It's for her protection as well as your own. I'm sure Em was given these tools by her mother. What type of mother would you be, if you send your daughter unprepared into the world? It would be like sending a lamb, into a pack of hungry wolfs.”

Mary looked shocked; she didn't know what to say.

“Mary, look she needs you, not only that, she needs your knowledge on how to be a proper lady. How to handle men.”

“Well Sandy doesn't date, do you dear?”

“I'd like too.” said Sandy.

“What? But … ah … Sandy you know that isn't advisable.”

“What isn't advisable mom? I like some of the boys I've met and I want to go out with them, but for some reason you and dad won't let me.”

“But Sandy be reasonable, conditions exist that could cause you great problems, you know that.”

“The only condition I'm aware of, is you don't want me to get involved with anyone.”

Mary looked strained now. She looked ready to burst.

“For a good reason I may add, or are you forgetting something?”

Just then the waitress came over and asked, “Are you ladies ready to order?”

Ellen took the lead and said, “Yes, could we have a wood fired, large, pepperoni, sausage and mushroom pizza? Is that ok with everyone?”

Sandy said, “Yes, the pizza is fine and can I have a Sweet Iced Tea with that please?”

“Certainly Miss.”

Mary reluctantly said, “I guess that would be fine. Could I get a hot coffee and cream with that also?”

“Yes ma'am.”

“Could I have a small vegetarian pizza please? Could I get a refill please?” holding up my empty glass.

“Oh sorry Em, I forgot you were a vegetarian. Duh silly me.”

“Is that ok Ellen?”

“Certainly no problem.”

“Certainly Miss. I'll put in the order and be back with your all drinks shortly.” as she took my glass and walked away.

“What are all these conditions you're referring to.” I said.

“That is family business, Em. I'm afraid we have to keep it there and it's none of your business.”

“Mary, isn't it Em's business also? After all, they are like sisters.”

“Ellen it would be appreciated if this subject is dropped for now, considering present company.”

“You can trust me, Mary.” I said.

“I'm sure I can Em, but we chose to keep it in the family.”

“What is this secret. Did Sandy used to be a killer, or a psychopath, or a boy, or something? I don't care. All I know is, I like Sandy very much; all I see is a very pretty girl that I want to have for a sister. What ever problem you're having, I wish you would tell me, so maybe I could help?”

I saw Mary blanche as I said ‘boy'; Sandy almost jumped and quickly turned to look at me, after I said that. I looked at Sandy and smiled at her. She couldn't believe I said that. She mouthed ‘What are you doing?'

“This is none of your business Em. Please drop it!” Mary said.

I could tell Mary was starting to become very agitated. Maybe I should back off and plead ignorance of everything. I was hoping she would've told me about Sandy, so we could've had a more open relationship and I could help her to understand her daughter better. Sigh, I'll have to watch out. I don't want to clue her in that I know all about what's going on. I don't want her getting angry with Miss Bell. I'd rather hear it from her.

“I just don't understand why Mr. Jones is so nasty to her. It isn't fair, and it really scares me. I was just hoping to help in someway.”

Sighing, “I'm sorry Em, I know you want to help, but this is strictly a family problem and that is were it'll stay. I also apologize for him scaring you. You, least of all, deserve his rage. I'll be working on that, and believe me when I say, HE WILL CHANGE! I'm fed up with his attitude.”

“You need to change your attitude also, Mary.” said Ellen.

“What do you mean?”

“You aren't allowing Sandy to grow, you have her in a prison of your own design. You have her so cowered that she is afraid to express herself, to show the world she is a woman, and Mary, whatever you may think, Sandy truly is a woman. Help her become a fantastic woman. I know her mother is a fantastic woman herself. She should be able to make Sandy just as good as she is. Remember our college days?” Ellen said.

I saw Sandy starting to cry, I wanted to hug her and hold her, but I felt that this wasn't the place. Mary looked over to her and she too started to tear up, and started to cry a little. She pulled a couple of tissues out of her handbag and gave one to Sandy, as she kept one for herself.

“I'm sorry Sandy, I never realized what I was doing. I thought I was doing the right thing. I was trying to protect you. Will you forgive me?”

“Oh mom, you know I'll always forgive you. Thank you for watching out for me, but you really did hold me back and I never realized how much, until Em showed up.”

The waitress showed up just at that moment.

“Oh my, is everything alright? Here are your drinks ladies.” as she placed the drinks in front of us and was looking from Sandy to Mary.

“Yes we're fine.” Mary said.

“Oh ok. The pizza's will be out shortly.”

We all said, “Thank you.” as she smiled at us, turned and walked away.

“I'm sorry Mary, but I had to make you see some sense. I'm sorry I came down on you so hard.” Ellen stated.

“Don't apologize Ellen, you're right. I've been a bit of a bitch about things, when it comes to Sandy. I just worry about her, is all.”

“That is what a mother is suppose to do about her child. Try to remember what your mom did to you, you DO remember?”

Mary started chuckling, “Oh goodness, I completely forgot. My God, I've turned into my mother! I swore I'd never do that, I so hated her for some of the stuff she used to pull.” After thinking a bit. “Oh Sandy, what you must think of me. I'm so, so, sorry dear. I'll try to change. I'm not sure how much, but I promise I'll try.”

“That's ok mom, I know you will. I still love you.” at this Mary really started to cry harder.

Mary squeaked out, “I love you too dear.”

Ellen touched Mary's arm, and I moved my hand under the table and squeezed Sandy's thigh and smiled at her. She gave me a weak tearful smile.

“Well Mary, you're taking your first steps towards the healing process. Just remember, you used to be her age also, remember what you went through. Remember the fun we used to have when we were in college together and being roommates.”

“My word she better not do those things we did.” Mary started to laugh.

“What kind of things did you two get up to?” Sandy asked.

“Well we shared this one boy and we had him so confused …”

After a few of the stories were told from Mary and Ellen's college days, we were all rolling on the floor laughing. This was more like it, I thought. It was good to see everyone laughing again.

The waitress showed up with the pizza and the stories kept coming.

The stories that Mary and Ellen told were unbelievable, they even went into discussing what happened when Mary and Ellen double dated with John and Bob and Mary had her period arrive unexpectedly. She wasn't prepared for it. Ellen didn't have anything to help her. And the Tampon dispenser was empty and no one else was in the ladies loo. She ended up using a ton of toilette paper, but it was too late because she messed up her clothes. She was so embarrassed she couldn't leave the bathroom until Ellen showed up wondering if she was ok. She told Ellen she was going back to the dorm and Ellen ended up with both boys.

Then Mary told Sandy, “Always make sure you have tampons or sanitary napkins in your purse Sandy, it's horrible and embarrassing to be caught without them, if your menses hits.” and she kept talking.

She didn't even realize she just told her daughter, who used to be her son, what she had to do in case she would get an unexpected period. I just looked at Sandy, and she just grinned, for she just realized, her mother treated her just like any genetic girl.

Things were looking up for Sandy. She got her appetite back, and was eating her pizza, and I was feeling a bit better and dug into the vegetarian pizza too. The pizza was delicious; it had a Hickory wood smoke flavor to it. While we both listened to the two women, talking about their college days. I enjoyed listening to all of the things they did. Some of it embarrassed me. I didn't know women could be that gross about some things. I know boys never get as gross as these two were getting. They were talking about body parts or how big one guy was over another, I'm sure you know where I mean, I am not referring to their height. What they were looking for in a guy. How they got even, with girls that were trying to steal their dates. How they ran after a telephone pole size log that had all of these Greek letters on it, from all of the sororities and fraternities and was called a spirit log. The story goes: Whatever Dorm, or frat or sorority that brought the spirit log to the homecoming game, would be the group with the most school spirit. So most dorms, frats, and sororities would have a party where beer or other alcoholic drinks were in abundance, under the table of course, and after having a few, they would go out as a group to find the spirit log.

Are the two girls they were talking about, the same people sitting here talking? These girls, when back in college, sounded a lot different then the two women sitting here. I just shook my head.

“What's the matter Em?” Ellen stated.

“Err … I was just wondering. The two girls you're talking about, they aren't you, are they?”

Ellen and Mary started laughing loudly. They got tears in their eyes. The laughing was infectious and I started to giggle, as did Sandy.

“Hard to believe, isn't it Em, but yes, we're talking about ourselves. We were definitely party girls back then. Now look at us, we're dignified women. Aren't we Mary?”

Mary started to laugh again.

“If only they knew Ellen. Those were the good old days. What happened to us?”

“We grew up, and got married. You got a family.”

“How is Bob, by the way? We haven't even talked about him.”

“Um … well … we got a divorce about 5 years ago, Mary.”

“Oh I didn't know. I'm sorry. What happened?”

“Well it's a long story, and I feel tonight isn't the night to talk about it. Don't worry though Mary, when we meet for our luncheon, I'll tell you more about Bob.

“Ok that sounds good, I almost forgot we had that arranged for next week. I want to hear what happened. I always thought Bob was such a nice guy. You remember when I introduced you to him?”

“Yes I do. He was so handsome, sweet and so shy. I was afraid he was going to bolt when you first introduced us.”

“You remember that one Halloween party we got invited to, that Fraternity party? You didn't want to go alone and I had conned John into going with me, and you got Bob to go along. We figured it would be safer this way so the Frat guys would leave us alone. I remember John decided he was going to dress up as a knight. He would meet us over at the dorm the night of the party. As it got closer to the party, I remember Bob didn't have a costume. So you and I conned him into going dressed as a woman. After he protested about doing that, he finally conceded and he would meet us at the dorm. We took him to our room to do the transformation. I remember we got him to shave off all of his body hair below his neck. Then we put a Basque on him, made him put on some really sexy, lacy, red panties, sheer stockings and a really slinky, red, long, evening gown. I did his makeup and we had gotten a long blonde wig from one of the other girls in the dorm. You got him those red four-inch heels, and they fit him like a glove. We even glued on fake red nails. I remember he didn't put up much of a fight when we were transforming him. When we were done I couldn't believe it, he was absolutely gorgeous. He was better looking than most of the girls at the dorm. Bob couldn't get over how he looked. His whole demeanor changed as he was looking in the mirror. I could swear I saw him truly turn into a girl in front of our eyes.”

Ellen weakly stated, “I had forgotten we did that to him. Yes he was beautiful wasn't he?” as she gave a weak smile and I saw her eyes start to glisten.

“I remember we told him his name would be Valerie and he liked it. He turned to us and made us swear we wouldn't tell anyone whom he really was. When we finally finished with Bob, I got dressed as a Fairy Princess and you were a Witch. The three of us went to the lobby to meet John sitting in the lounge. I remember his eyes bugging out of his head when he saw the three of us. He started to drool over Valerie, as we introduced him. I remember I was starting to feel threatened that, Valerie was going to steal John away from me. I wanted to hit John, tell him who Val really was and watch his face drop. Then John asked were Bob was and we said he couldn't make it. You remember what happened when we got to the party?”

“Yes I do. To this day I'm still jealous of him.”

“He ended up dancing with most of the boys at the Frat, wasn't that a hoot? If they ever would've found out, I'm sure they would've been upset. Too bad we couldn't tell anyone who he was, I'm sure he would've won first place for his costume. What a hoot. That was some party.”

I saw Ellen in a pensive look, she looked to Sandy and me, and we both nodded to her to give her our understanding. She gave us a little smile. I think Ellen just realized where Valerie came from. Was Valerie their creation after all? Would Valerie ever have appeared, if they wouldn't have helped Bob become a girl for the Halloween party? Would Bob still have become a girl if it had not happened?

The waitress walked up to us and asked, “Would you ladies like any dessert?”

“No thanks, none for me.” Ellen exclaimed.

“None for me either.” said Mary, “Girls, do you want some dessert?”

“No thank you, I'm stuffed.” I said. “Could I have um … a doggy bag?”

“Sure Miss, I will return with one shortly. You Miss?”

“Same here, I'm full thank you.” Sandy stated.

“Ok then, here is your bill, and I'll take it up when you're ready. Have a good evening ladies.” as the waitress turned and walked away.

Ellen pulled out her credit card and placed it on the bill.

“Ellen, can I help pay for it?” Mary questioned.

“No Mary, it's my treat. It has been a long time since I've enjoyed myself this much. It's so good to be back together again.”

“Can I leave the tip then?”

“Ok, I'll let you do that.”

Mary put eight dollars on the table, and we waited for the waitress to return. The waitress saw we were ready with our bill, and she came over, Gave me my doggy box, took the bill and said, “I'll be back in a moment”

“So Em, are you going to be ready in the morning about nine thirty? I'll pick you up about that time.”

“Ok Ellen, I'll be waiting for you. Is there a chance I can come by your shop tomorrow? I need to get a few more dance outfits. It seems I'll be doing a lot of washing, if I don't get some more.” as I put my pizza in the box.

“That would be fine Em; we can stop at the store on the way home. I think that two-piece outfit, I had gotten for you the other day but you never tried on, will look really great on you. I have another leotard in pink that will look fabulous on you too.”

“I do so hope I'm not to sore tomorrow?”

“Well remember to take the Ibuprofen before you go to bed tonight, ok?” Ellen said.

“I will.”

The waitress returned and said, “Sign the top copy and the bottom copy is yours. You all have a great evening ladies.” as she walked off.

Ellen signed the receipt and we all got up, put on our coats and picked up our handbags.

We all said goodnight to Ellen and thanked her for the meal.

She said, “Your welcome. I'll see you in the morning Em.”

“Ok Ellen. Thank you for everything.” I grabbed the doggy box.

She smiled and we all walked out to the car park. I went with Ellen and Mary to get my Kit bag, and then went and got into Mary's car with Sandy, while Mary was still chatting a bit to Ellen.

“Are you holding up ok?”

“Actually, yes I am, Em. That was actually fun for a change; once we got off of me being the subject of the discussion. I never knew my mom was that way when she was in college. I thought it was a hoot when she told me about keeping tampons and napkins in my purse at all times, incase my period starts un-expectantly. She actually treated me as a real girl.”

“Yes, I thought that funny also, and I wasn't about to correct her.”

“Wouldn't it be wild if I got one of those blood capsules and confronted her with me having a period? I wonder how long it would take for her to realize I'm not supposed to have them. What will she do when she sees I'm bleeding from a vagina, I'm not suppose to have. I may do just that.”

“You want to give her a heart attack, Sandy?”

“Well, it would make her stop and think for a change.”

Mrs. J opened the driver side door at that time. “You girls ready to head home?”

We both said, “Yes!”

We arrived home and noticed Mr. J was not home yet. I could see that this worried Mrs. J.

“Would you girls like to come in and chat for a bit?”

“No thanks Mary, I need to get to bed. I'm a bit tired and I have to get up early in the morning. Ellen is supposed to arrive around nine thirty in the morning, to pick me up. I also have to wash my leotard and tights, so I have something clean to wear tomorrow.”

“Oh right, I guess I forgot.” She said without much enthusiasm.

“Oh, what time are we going shopping tomorrow Mary?”

“Oh, how about I pick you up right after dance practice tomorrow. What time are you supposed to finish?”

“It starts at ten and goes till twelve. Say about twelve thirty? But I need to go to Ellen's shop to pick out a few more dance outfits.”

“That's no problem Em, I can take you there and we can meet Ellen and get that sorted.”

“Mom, if you don't mind, I'll come in with you for a few minutes, after I get Em the Ibuprofen so she can get ready for bed.”

“Ok dear, that would be great. See you in a little while then. Goodnight Em.” I took the doggy box out of the car.

“Goodnight Mary.” as I started for our flat. I realized I was really knackered.

I barely made up the stairs without falling asleep. I put the box in the fridge. I went to my room and I heard Sandy enter the flat. I pulled out my dance kit and wet towel from my kit bag and started the water running in the sink to wash the sports bra, leotards and tights. They were getting a bit ripe.

Sandy walked into the bathroom and said, “Here you go; I've got two Ibuprofen for you.”

“Thank you.”

“Use the cup that is on the sink and you can take them now. You want the bottle so you can take two in the morning, before you go?”

“That sounds like a good idea.”

“Ok, I'll get you the bottle. Oh, there's the powdered hand washing detergent in the cabinet under the sink, to wash your leotard and tights with.”

“Thanks, I'll use it.”

“Em you're the best, you know that? I can't believe how much my life has changed, all because of you. I actually am starting to feel free, for the first time since my transition. I can actually talk with my mom and get real answers for a change. With Ellen working on her, I may have a real life after all. Not the prison it has been the last couple of years.”

“Sandy, it has been my pleasure to help you. If it weren't for Ellen, I'd have been found out by now, it would've been a very short trip for me. Rachael, the girl that is instructing me in Dance class, has figured me out, but because of what Ellen did for me, she doesn't realize it yet. She was sure I was a boy because of my lack of fluid motions and moves; I couldn't do some of the physical moves, like real girls. She was convinced I was a boy, until she saw me naked, while showering with all of the other girls. She saw I had a vagina and breasts, and realized I must be a girl. When Ellen receives those blood capsules, I need to make sure I use one, so she sees me bleeding from my vagina, from a so called period, so she will be totally convinced I'm a girl. I hate to lie to her, but I've no choice. I can't let anyone catch on that I'm not what I appear to be. I know a lot of girls will be upset that I had showered with them, if it becomes known I am not a true girl.”

“Oh wow, you were lucky. Good luck with Rachael. She is a sweet girl though, I'm sure if she found out it wouldn't be such a big deal to her. I know, … I know, we can't take that chance.” as she held up her hands as if surrendering. “Oh by the way, don't forget, the Sleepover tomorrow night. We still have to get some snacks.”

“What would you like me to pick up?”

“Well how about some chips and dip, Tortilla chips and salsa, some mini chocolate éclairs, cream puffs, some fresh fruit and some soda?”

“Why do you want to get chips? They will get cold before they get here and the chips will be soggy? What's soda?”

“Chips don't get soggy. They stay crispy for a long time Em. Soda is things like Coke, Pepsi, Sprite things like that.”

“Oh you mean drinks. Not were I come from, the chips are only good while they are hot, once they get cold they get yucky and soggy.”

“Are we talking about the same thing?”

“What do you mean then?”

“It's very thin, flat, pieces of potato and deep fried to be very crispy, they have salt on them and come in a bag.”

“Oh you mean crisps. What was I thinking of then? You get them at McDonalds, those hot potatoes that are square and long?”

“Oh we call them fries.” Laughing, “No, that isn't what I was talking about. What did you call Potato chips?”

“Crisps. What you call fries, we call those chips.”

Sandy was still chuckling. “Well anyway, ask my mom to get a few things for us tomorrow, while you're out, ok?”

“Ok then.”

“Ok I'm off, I'll remind mom tonight about tomorrow, but just in case, you remind her tomorrow, all right?”

Smiling, “Sure no problem.”

“Well goodnight Em, I don't suppose you will be awake by the time I get back.”

“Goodnight Sandy, I think you're right. I'm falling asleep standing here.”

Sandy left and I finished the washing. I hung up my sports bra, leotard and tights over the railing on the tub so they could dry. I got out of my clothes and got ready for bed. I still needed to get my makeup off and take my pills.

I went and got my journal and put in today's entry even though I was having trouble keeping my eyes open.

Day 6 Friday

Well I actually had a great day today.

We went and visited Richmond Virginia, and we saw several Civil War related things. We went to a cemetery and a museum. I'm not sure how the Americans survived; after what we were told. It was interesting to note that the clothes the women wore during that period, were very small according to those pieces I saw. The women had to be very thin, and small in stature to wear them. I can't imagine someone living in a corset full time, but the women of that period did. They all had small waists. I also saw bush hedging here, they called Boxwood. They really grow in abundance and they are so dense, they are used for fencing. They have an interesting odor about them also.

We stopped at a racetrack on the way back to the school, it was the Richmond Raceway. I guess NASCAR and CHAMP oval racing takes place there. We were told it's one of the most famous of tracks in the US.

When we got back, I had forgotten I was to start my first day of ballet lessons. Ellen came and got me. I found it amazing. I really enjoyed my time with Ellen and Rachael. Rachael is a senior in high school, she was my dance instructor for the program. I learned a lot about ballet today, but I need to be careful, for some of the steps, and moves, are very hard for me to perform, because I'm not quite built for it, like the other ladies in the class and the other ladies in the class make it look so easy. I wished my body would move like theirs.

To be continued:

Joni W 12.02.06 updated 20.03.06 © 2006
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