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 19

Fluid Movements:

Saturday:

The alarm went off, and I slowly reached over to turn it off. I noticed my arms were a bit sore. I rolled over and realized that more of me ached. I groaned, as I realized I was sore all over. Those exercises, yesterday, got me to use muscles I never used before and now they are telling me they were used.

I looked at the clock and realized Ellen would be here soon. I didn't have time to waste. Rolling out of bed, I groaned when my muscles protested being used yet again. Going into the bathroom, I got ready for the day by doing the morning necessities. Noticing the Ibuprofen, I decided to take two more pills, then left the bathroom.

I decided to wear a nice light brown, lacy, satin bra, matching panties and a pair of sheer tights. I went to the vanity put on my makeup, and did my hair. I decided I wanted to wear something that would be easy to take off and on while we were shopping. So keeping that in mind, I wore a light brown, flowing skirt and crème colored, button down the front blouse, and pulled on some comfortable brown flats, for today. I figured Mrs. J would be asking me to try on some clothes.

This should be an interesting afternoon, going shopping with Mrs. J and her treating me as her daughter, oh bother!

I noticed my kit was not quite dry, but it couldn't be helped. I got a fresh towel, and put my kit into the bag. I noticed Sandy's room was empty, so I assumed she'd gone to work already. I went and got some breakfast so it would hold me over for a while.

Thinking about the things I would have to do this weekend, I realized I would have to do some clothes washing later, I am running out of outfits to wear. I need to ask Sandy were to do the laundry. Do we need to go to a launderette?

I looked at the time and it was coming up on eight-thirty, I needed to get ready. I cleaned up my breakfast dishes, went and put my coat on, got my handbag and kit ready to leave.

I saw Ellen pull up in the car park and I joined her. Wow was it a cold morning; my legs were starting to tingle from the cold. I probably should have worn trousers. I saw a few scattered snowflakes coming down.

“Morning Em, how are you today?”

“A bit sore from yesterday, I'm afraid. I hope it will go away?”

“I am sure it will Em, soon you won't even notice it.”

“I hope you're right Ellen.”

“You look good today, I love that skirt you're wearing, is there a special occasion?”

“Well, Mary is planning to take me shopping at a mall, someplace, so I figured she was going to have me put clothes on and off, so I chose this, so it would be easier to remove and try on the other clothes.”

“Smart thinking Em, you really are a girl, you definitely think like one. I forgot you were going shopping with Mary after ballet lessons. I think last night was good for her and Sandy.”

“I agree, Sandy was feeling very good after we got home last night, she went back to talk with her mom after she got me sorted, she normally wouldn't have done that. I don't know what her mood is like today, I didn't see her this morning.”

Ellen smiled, “Well, I think after you and I get done with Mary, I think she will come around, realize she has a beautiful daughter, and will love her for real. I'm sure she will be proud of her soon enough. I wonder what she'll say when she meets Valerie? That should really put her over. I totally forgot that we dressed her up for that Halloween party at the frat house, when we were in college. I wonder if that was what caused Bob to want to become a girl? I never realized that it may have been my fault all along.” she started to frown.

“I don't think so Ellen. I think it would have happened anyway. When you get these feelings it is hard to fight them. Denying those feelings makes you go mad.”

Ellen was quiet for a while. I looked out the window and saw it was starting to snow a bit harder. We pulled into the car park for the school, and she found a parking spot.

“Oh Em, I have something for you.” She reached into the back of her car and brought forward a bag.

“What is this Ellen?”

“Well open it up and look.”

I looked into the bag and saw the two-piece exercise kit, with a matching tights and another sports bra, that she had originally given me to try on, when I was in her store the other day.

I looked at Ellen and smiled, “Thank you Ellen, what do I owe you?”

“Nothing Em. I love having you in my class, and I feel like you're my daughter, so I want to pamper you.”

“Honestly Ellen, you don't have to do this.”

“I know dear.” smiling broadly, “But I want to. Come on and let's get inside before it starts snowing any harder.”

I followed her to the women's locker room and found Rachael in the same corner she was in last night.

“Morning Em, how are you feeling today?”

Smiling at her. “Morning Rachael, I am sore all over. You made me use muscles I've never used before.”

She grinned at me and said, “That was just for starters, wait until after today, I am going to work you hard today. I really took it easy on you yesterday, to ease you into it.”

“I certainly hope you're joking, Rach.”

She gave me an evil grin. I started to get worried. She started giggling.

“Come on Em, you will be fine.” still giggling.

I put on my new sports bra, tights, and my new, two-piece, exercise kit.

“Sexy Em. That outfit would have guys flocking over to you, like bees to honey.”

I blushed, but didn't say anything. I looked in the mirror and saw myself wearing a full panty and a mid length sports bra type looking top. I probably really didn't need my sports bra. But I really did look hot in this, Rachael was right. If I was Rhod and met a girl looking like me, I probably would have tried to get a date with her. It really felt weird. Wearing this made me feel … exposed.

“Come on Em, quit admiring yourself and let's go do some warm-up exercises.”

When we got to the room, Rachael started me on some warm up exercises and worked me even harder than yesterday. Soon I forgot all about what I was wearing.

When we got to the positions and all the other moves, she really pushed me. My aching muscles soon were numb and no longer bothered me. Rachael, true to her word in the locker room, did push me harder than yesterday. I was almost ready to quit. She saw I was keeping up with her and she was pushing even harder and harder.

I remember what Ellen had said yesterday, about her being competitive and wanting to show newbies what she could do. I was darned if she was going to make me quit. She kept at it and I did what she asked. I could see she was getting frustrated; I was keeping up with her. I could also see, she was very amazed that I was keeping up with her.

I looked over to Ellen and could see her looking at me, and she winked giving me a thumbs up. Rachael didn't see this, but I knew what Ellen was on about. Rachael wanted to break me, and she wasn't succeeding. I was starting to feel very tired though, and even I was not sure how much longer I could hold out. I also saw that Rachael was getting very tired. Finally Ellen called time.

“Very good ladies, that was a very good practice today. I hope to see all of you on Monday. Showers everyone and drive safely.”

Rachael smiled at me and said, “Very good Em, I was amazed you kept up with me. You did routines that you shouldn't have gotten until your fourth year. I am amazed really, I never expected you to keep up with me.”

“I'm sure I'll pay for it later, Rachael, but with my Cheer practice and this, I'm sure keeping in shape.”

“Ahhh, that's why.”

“What?”

“That you're able to keep up with me.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you were able to do very athletic moves, and I couldn't understand why you were able to do them. Most everyone else has to get in better shape to do these exercises I had you do. You just did them like they were nothing. I couldn't understand how you where able to do them, now I understand. I bet you use dance routines in your cheer group, when you perform don't you?”

“Yes, we do.”

“Well now it's all coming together.” She started to giggle, “I was trying to make you tired so you would quit, so I could see where your limits were. But you surpassed any limits I set, and you almost had me quitting first. You have quite the stamina for a 13 year old.”

“You still have to work on your jerkiness, you still move like a boy would. I'm amazed, you can be so graceful at times and then lose it all in a matter of minutes. We'll definitely work on that. Give it some time and I guarantee you'll be able to move gracefully like me.”

Ellen walked over to me and said, “Very good Em, you took everything Rachael dished out. I was watching what Rachael was doing. You were actually doing moves that fourth year students would be doing. For only being thirteen, that is quite amazing. You're a natural.”

“Yes she is Ellen, I threw quite a bit at her and she was able to do it. I wanted to see how far I could push her; or until she couldn't do it or keep up with me.”

“You should be ashamed of yourself. You know, you could've hurt her.”

“I wouldn't have made her do it, if I didn't think she was ready. I was watching her close, and other than a few moves her body wouldn't let her do, she did pretty well. I don't know why she isn't able to do some of the moves; her body just won't let her do them. I know males can't do them, but women certainly should be able too, but Em's wasn't able too.”

“Well give her time Rachael, I mean this is only her second time doing this. Several routines that you can do now, you couldn't do the first time, when I showed you. Em has done quite well to be able to do what you showed her, don't you think?”

“Yes I agree. Sorry for pushing you so hard Em. I probably shouldn't have.”

“That's ok Rachael; I thought it was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the grueling pace. It was quite a challenge. You weren't kidding when you told me you were going to make me work harder today.”

Rachael giggled.

“So Rachael said that, did she?” Ellen giving Rachael a stern look.

I saw Rachael blanching. “Sorry Ellen.”

“Hmmm, I may have to teach you, as hard as you had been on Em. See how you do?”

“Well I just wanted to see how hard I could push her, is all.”

“Well, you see now she is very athletic and can do almost anything you throw at her. Please do not be so hard on her in the future, ok? I don't want her pulling tendons, or hamstrings, that would ruin her future chances of becoming a ballerina."

Feeling chastised, Rachael said, “Sorry Em, Ellen is right, I could've hurt you. Will you forgive me?”

“Sure Rachael. Really I enjoyed today, I really did.”

“Ok you two, let's go to the locker room and shower up. Em is going shopping with Mrs. Jones and she is to arrive soon. So let's get going shall we?”

When we got to the locker room, all the other girls were already taking their showers. I pulled my kit off and grabbed my toiletries to take to the shower. Rachael followed me in and I could swear I saw her looking at me again and still shaking her head. I just looked at her and smiled.

When we got back to our corner, Rachael told me, “You are amazing Em, You move like a boy at times and yet I see you are a girl. Are you one of those in-between types?”

“What do you mean Rachael?” I was starting to get nervous with this line of questioning.

“I mean, ... could you have been borne with both sexual attributes? Like, … I mean … are you male and female at the same time?”

“What makes you ask that?”

“Really Em, all the moves you couldn't do, were those moves most guys can't do. I was just wondering if you were one of those um … hermaphrodites, a person male and female at the same time, they have both sex characteristics.”

“Uh … no I don't think so?”

“Oh, I just wondered. Will I see you on Monday?”

“Uh, I believe so, I don't know of any reason I shouldn't make it.”

“Great, I'll be looking forward to seeing you then. Well have a good weekend Em, see you on Monday, I need to get going. I have to work this afternoon over at Grace House.”

“Ok Rachael, thanks for all your help today. Take care and see you on Monday.”

Rachael left, as I was stuffing my new kit into my kit bag. Wow, she is getting awfully close to the truth. Should I tell her? Would she then drop the subject and not bring things to light to the others? That would be so embarrassing. I need to talk with Ellen and see what she thinks. I looked around the locker room and I saw I was the last person there. Ellen came walking in.

“So are you ready to go over to the shop?”

“I think so. Ellen, can I ask you a question?”

“Sure Hun, ask away.”

“Rachael asked if I was a hermaphrodite today? First what is it, and second, do you think
I should tell her about me? She is very persistent about why my body will not do the moves women's bodies do. I'm sure she suspects I'm not a true girl or female. Her questions are getting very close to the truth.”

“Well first off, a hermaphrodite is a person that has properties of both male and female. They may present themselves as male, but have a female sex organs inside of them, even though they have male attributes externally. Basically they are people that are male and female at the same time. I am sure you're not one of those people. As for telling her, that is up to you Hun. I'm sure she can handle it and keep your secret. Matter of fact it would help her to help you become more feminine in your movements without her always criticizing you. She may even go out of her way to help you become a better female all around. Rachael is a trustworthy person. I have known her for eight years. I'm sure she'll be alright with the news.”

“Thank you Ellen. I'll consider it.”

“How about this Em, if ever you want to tell her, I will arrange a classroom in a remote area in the school so you won't be overheard.”

“Thanks Ellen, I'll let you know.”

“Well dear, I think it's time you headed out to the parking lot. I am sure Mary is waiting for you. Is she going to bring you over to my shop?”

“We were planning on it.”

“Ok, then let's go. I'll meet you there. Do you have the energy?”

“Actually, that's a good question. I'm truly knackered from what Rachael had me do today.”

“That's understandable. I was watching her and she really worked you hard. I was amazed you were able to handle it, quite frankly. Maybe it's a good thing she doesn't know and making her wonder about you. She feels you are a threat to her, for you have as much stamina as she has. Maybe it's a good thing, to give her some humility. She's been prancing around thinking she is better than anyone else for quite a while. It may humble her, as a person, thinking there's another girl that can do what she can. Well let's get going then. You can get some sleep, while Mrs. Jones drives to the mall in Waynesboro. It is a 40 minute drive and it'll probably recharge your batteries.”

I walked out of the school with Ellen and I saw Mrs. J parked across from the entrance. I noticed that it's been snowing for some time now, for the snow was accumulating.

“See you there, Em.”

“Ok Ellen, I will see you there.”

I opened the door to Mary's car and got in, putting my kit bag into the back seat.

“Hi Em, had a good lesson?”

“Yes I did Mary. Rachael worked me hard today, and I'm completely knackered again. Ellen told me that the drive to the mall is about forty minutes, if you don't mind, I'd like to sleep during that time?”

“Oh that's no problem Em. Are we still going to Ellen's shop first, though?”

“Yes we are, Ellen will meet us there.”

“Ok good, well let's us be on our way then.” She put the car into gear and ended up following Ellen out of the car park.

We arrived at the store and Ellen got out of the car and waited for us. We went into the store and she said “Em why don't you look around while I chat with Mary for a bit. I'll be right out to help you, alright?”

“Ok Ellen, no problem.” I watched as Mary and Ellen went into the office and Ellen closed the door.

I turned around and went to look at the leotards. I saw a yellow one that looked really cute, a green one I would try on, another skimpier two piece one, that looked like a bikini style with a shorter crop top then the one
I wore today and a pink one. I checked their size and took them with me to the changing room. I tried them on without the dance tights, just using my sheer tights. I put on the yellow one and just as I finished pulling them up, Mrs. J and Ellen came knocking on my dressing room door.

“Well are you going to show us Em?” Ellen intoned.

I smiled and walked out of the room.

“Wow look at you dear, they are gorgeous on you. You need to get them for sure. Some white tights will go magnificently with that. Go put the other one on and model it for us.” Ellen stated.

I walked back and tried on the green one, then the pink one.

Ellen and Mary both raved about them.

I then went and put on my two-piece skimpy one, it almost reminded me of a bikini bathing suit; I thought I could never wear this. Except the top look like a sports bra rather than a swim bikini. When I walked out in this red confection, Both Mary and Ellen put their hand over their mouth and were in awe.

I was shocked at their reaction and I feared I may have been showing too much and said, “Sorry if I shocked you, I'll go take it off.” Fearing the worst.

“What? Oh no Em, you have it all wrong. You look absolutely stunning in that outfit. I have some red tights that will go with that perfectly, as well as some white ones, or beige ones. You will look absolutely fabulous in that. It's a good thing there are no boys in the class, for they would be tripping over their tongues. Anyone seeing you in that outfit will definitely know you're all female. There'll be no mistaking you for a boy, that's for sure. If someone does they need their eyes examined.”

I smiled at that comment, but it went right over Mary's head as to what it meant. I looked in the mirror and my jaw dropped. WOW! I looked like a hot babe. Oh my, this is too much, I really do look like a sexy girl. If any of the boys see me in this get up, they would be all over me. Hmmm … is that so bad? Where did that come from?

“Wow Ellen, I'll have to get a stick to beat of all the boys, if they see me in this.”

“Yes, you're quite right about that Em. Are you sure you want this outfit? I mean it is a bit risqué. It may squelch some concerns Rachael may have though. What do you think?”

“What concerns does Rachael have Ellen, and who is Rachael?” Mary asked.

“Rachael is my instructor Mary, she is the one teaching me.”

“Rachael thought Em was kind of old fashion when it came to her outfits, didn't she Em?”

“What?” looking at Ellen and she wiggled her eyebrows and realized what she was on about, “Oh yes.

She thought I should wear sexier outfits to class. She said I had a wonderfully athletic body, and I should show it off.”

“Why would she say something like that? Does she like girls or something?”

“What? Oh no Mary, she is definitely straight. She just appreciates the work it takes to maintaining a healthy body.” I stated.

“Well, I must admit Em, you definitely look great. I can see all of the results from your hard work.” Mary stated.

“Well Em, would you like all of them? That will give you a total of 6 outfits. That should keep you dressed for a week, between getting your outfits washed. I'll add the tights for each outfit, and I'll give you hair bands to go with it, as well as the matching leg warmers.” Ellen stated.

“Ellen I can't ask you to give me all of this. Let me pay for some of them ok?”

“Hun, remember what I told you a couple of days ago. I am very well off, and I want to help you. Please accept my gift. I just want to see you grow, and who knows, I maybe suiting up the next International Ballerina star.”

“I seriously doubt that Ellen; really.”

Smiling, “You never know Em. You just never know.”

Ellen rang up all the outfits I had tried on and she matched up new tights, for them. She also got me some new sport bras to wear with the outfits, so they would not look out of place. I was really embarrassed that she was not allowing me to pay for it. On top of that, she got me leg warmers, in the colors of my outfits, as well as hair bands. She even got me a few more wrap around skirts, which would go with the outfits. She really went all out.

When we finally left the shop, the back seat was almost already full with outfits. I looked at Mary and asked, “Do you think we should drop off these outfits, before we leave for the Mall?”

“You know dear, that may not be a bad idea. We're not that far from home, let's do it.”

We arrived back at the house and I saw nobody was home. Sandy was still at work, and Mr. J was not home either, come to think of it, I hadn't seen his car this morning. I should probably ask Mary about that. I ran all of my newly acquired stuff up to my bedroom and took out my outfits that were in the kit bag, so it would allow the outfits and towels to dry. I would wash them later.

I freshened my makeup, touch up my hair and went back down to the car.

“Are you all set now, Em?”

“Yes, I think so Mary.”

“Ok, lets get heading then.” as she pulled out of the drive and we headed for Waynesboro.

I noticed it was snowing even harder than before. “You think we will be alright with all this snow coming down?”

“I am sure the roads won't be that bad, they do a fair job of keeping the main roads clean.”

“Oh, ok then, I was just a bit concerned is all.”

“Mary, I have a lot of clothes that need washing. Do I have to take them to a launderette?”

“What's a launderette?”

“A place where you take your clothes to wash?”

“Heavens no Em. We have a washer and dryer in the basement, in the main house. Has Sandy not shown you where it is?”

“No she hasn't, I'm afraid. Things have been kind of hectic, and the subject never came up.”

“I guess that is understandable, considering what has happened this week. Well bring your laundry over and I will get it washed and sorted, ok?”

“I will gladly do it myself, if you show me how to run your washer and dryer. I don't expect you to do it for me.”

“Oh pshaw, don't be so ridiculous Em, I'll be glad to do it for you. It's no problem at all.”

“Thank you mom.” I figured for all she has done for me, I might as well call her that; she deserved it.

“Your welcome my darling daughter.” I felt a little weird being called that though.

“Did Mr. Jones ever come home last night?”

“Yes he did. He was a bit subdued, and he didn't say much. He went straight for bed in the guest room. He didn't even give me a goodnight kiss. He still ignored Sandy, but at least he didn't say anything derogatory towards her. That's a start I guess. He was gone before I even got up this morning.” A tear started trickling down her cheek.

“You ok, Mary?”

“What! Oh yes I'm fine, I just miss the old John is all. We never had a spat like this ever. But then again, I always let him have his way.”

“What did you and Ellen talk about, when I was selecting my leotards?”

“Oh nothing much really, just confirming our luncheon-date. I was admiring all of the beautiful pictures, of all of the dancers she had in her office. I'm sure she is going to want a picture of you, once you get proficient in doing ballet. Did you see that picture of Valerie on the desk?”

“Yes I did, she's beautiful isn't she?”

“I'll say, Ellen told me she is a world famous model, and that she lives with her. She told me she showed up after Bob left. I never knew Ellen was that way actually. I guess she is really in love with her. Well who am I to judge, right? To each her own, I always say. She is beautiful, however. I wish I looked as good as her. I would've loved to be a model myself. She told me she would introduce me to her when she got back into town. She told me that she wants her to meet Sandy and you also. I guess she is very proud of her, and I can see she is also in love with her; when she talks about her.” She got a strange look on her face, “I never figured Ellen for being bi. I know she likes men, but here she is loving women too, or at least this woman. Then we went and found you. You are quite a beauty Em, I bet you have all kinds of boyfriends at home.”

“Well not really, I still think boys have something that can be contagious and they give me a fright.” Giggling.

Mrs. J laughed at that. “Don't worry Em, you'll change your mind soon enough. Boys are good for dates and stuff. Just let them treat you right and let them pay for things. Don't let them abuse you.” as she started laughing. “That is one of the privileges we women have, let the boys woo us and pay for things.”

“I know Mary.” Yawning, “Do you mind if I take a little nap? I'm so exhausted from this morning's lessons. Rachael really worked me hard this morning.”

“Certainly not Em, please relax and take a nap. I can handle us getting there.”

To be continued:

Joni W 20.03.06 © 2006
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