I want to thank all the people that have helped me edit and critique this story 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 36
Friday: (con't)
“Um Roger, I have ballet classes tonight, and I have to get ready for it. Ellen will pick me up at six thirty, and it starts at seven and lasts till nine o'clock.”
“How about tomorrow, but earlier? We can at least take in a movie.”
“Tomorrow morning, I have ballet from ten until noon. Ms. Burke will be picking me up at nine thirty.”
“Wow, you really get into this ballet don't you? Well, how about we do it after your ballet classes then, say early sometime in the afternoon? I'm sure they have a matinee at the theatres, and I'm sure my mom can take us then.”
“I'll have to check with Ally and Darla to see if they can go. Will Matt and Sam be able to do it too?”
“I'll check with them. Ok, let me call them and see if they want to go tomorrow afternoon and I'll call you back.”
“Ok, talk with you later. Bye Roger.”
“Bye Em.”
We both hung up and I looked over to where Sandy sat listening, “He can't make tomorrow night for the movies, his mother forgot about something that she committed too. So, he now wants to see if we can go tomorrow afternoon, will there be any problems with that, you think?”
“I don't think so?”
“Sandy, Could I use the phone to call Ally and Darla?”
“Sure Em, you don't need to ask me to use the phone. Local calls are free. You may want to ask me if they are long distance calls however.”
“Oh, thank you. In England, all calls cost money, so we don't make that many calls if we don't have too.”
“Here in the states we get charged one fee a month, and as long as you call with in your exchange, you do not pay anything extra.”
“Wow that is nice, to bad it is not that way at home. Well I better give Ally and Darla a ring to let them know what is happening and if they will be able to make it.”
Walking to my room, I dug through my school bag and found the phone list for everyone. I went back to the living room, and called Darla.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Darla?” I asked.
“Ah no, sorry. This is her mom, do you want to talk with Darla?”
“If I may please, or even Ally.”
“May I say who is calling?”
“Yes, my name is Em, Em Morgan.”
“Please hold.”
After a few seconds Ally got on.
“What's up Em?”
“Hi Ally. Ally, Roger called and asked if we could go to the movies early in the afternoon tomorrow? His mom forgot she has something going on in the evening. So he wanted to know if it was alright with us.”
“Well let me ask and find out. Hold on.” I heard her put the phone down.
“Em? You there?”
“Yes, I'm here. So what's up?”
“I'm sorry Em, but we can't make it. Darla's mom has something planned for us tomorrow afternoon and she's taking us someplace that is a surprise, of sorts. So we won't be able to come.”
“Oh, um … ok. Gees what do I do now.”
“Well go on a date with him. If you are not comfortable, than cancel it.”
“Ally, I can't just go on a date with him. It wouldn't be right. How do I act? What will I wear? What if he … um … well you know? I mean...” Getting hyper. “I was counting on you guys being there, so nothing would happen. You know.”
“Em, if you are that worried, then tell him you can't go. He's a cute boy, I think you should go.”
“You do? But?”
“Em, you wanted to be a …” she hesitated, then whispered, “A girl right? Well, you need to find out what it is like to date a boy, so this is your chance. After all, his mother will be with you two, won't she? So what are you worried about? If she wasn't there, then I would be upset and worried.”
“Oh, you really think so? (Sighing) I guess your right. I do need to find out what it is like. You think he will be alright? I mean I've never really done anything like this before and I don't want to … well … you know ah … hurt you. I don't want you upset with me Ally.”
“Well, why would I be upset? There is a first time for everything, girl. We all have had a first date. Relax go with the flow. I'm sure everything will be fine.”
“You sure?”
“Come on Em, you're a girl, live a little.”
“Well, ok. If you say so. I'm just not comfortable dating a … guy. I mean, I'm not really a girl yet, and this is just … well … you know. It's just … well.”
“Could have fooled me Em. You're more girl than most of the girls out there. You'll be fine, trust me.”
“Ok. Well, I have to get ready for ballet. See you later Ally, I hope I survive tomorrow. I surely wasn't planning going out alone. I need you guys, especially you, I was hoping that safety in numbers would keep me from having problems with him.”
“Why do you think you're going to have problems with him, Em? He's cute, and he looks like a person who wouldn't take advantage of you, ESPECIALLY since his mom will be there with you guys. You don't think he would try something with you, with her around, do you?”
“I guess not.” Sounding dejected.
“You'll do fine Em. Have fun tomorrow, but not to much.” Ally sounded rather strange, when she said that last remark. “Bye Em.”
“Bye Ally, see you later I lo … ah… be thinking … ah … of you.” I hung up the phone.
I got this strange feeling Ally wasn't exactly thrilled about me going out on this date. But yet, she encouraged me. What is going on with her? I wasn't particularly thrilled about going out on this date in the first place. Well great, now I'm stuck going by myself with Roger. If Matt and Sam can't make it, then maybe Roger won't go. That would be cool.
The phone rang. I picked it up and said, “Hello, the Jones's residence.”
“Hello, is Em there by chance?”
“This is Em, Roger. Can't you tell by my voice?” I giggled a little.
“Oh, Sorry Em, I wasn't listening that close and didn't expect you to answer the phone so quick. You caught me off guard.”
“So what's up, Roger?”
“Um … Sam and Matt won't be able to make it tomorrow afternoon. Will that be a problem?”
“Well, neither will Ally and Darla, Darla's mother has something planned for them tomorrow afternoon. So ah … what do you want to do then?”
“That's up to you. I would still like to take you out tomorrow, if I can?”
“Um, well … ah … I guess it will be alright, if it is ok with your mother? I haven't checked with Mrs. Jones yet, but tentatively Sandy told me there was nothing really scheduled for tomorrow, other than my ballet.”
“Um … cool, ok, so you want me to call you after you get back from ballet and see what time we can meet?”
“Ah … sure, that sounds … ah … great! Call me about twelve thirty, I should be home by then, I think.”
“Cool, talk with you then, Em. See you later.”
“Oh, ok, see you later. Bye Roger.”
“Bye Em.” I heard him hang up the phone.
I hung up the phone at my end and thought, now what do I do? I just committed to going out on a date with a boy. I didn't think I would ever do this. Well not forever maybe, but not this soon. I must be insane. Sighing.
“Why the big sigh Em?” Sandy looked at me puzzled.
“Ah, … well, I just made a date with a boy.”
“So? You had that date made earlier in the week, so what's the problem?”
“Well, originally Ally, Darla and I were going on a triple date. Now I will be going alone with Roger. I just don't know how to behave, that's all.”
“Em, I'm sure you will be fine and have a good time. I can't tell you what it's like, as I never experienced a date myself, for obvious reasons. I'm jealous of you. At least you are able to go out on dates.”
“Well so are you, Sandy. What's stopping you?”
“Ummm … does my dad come to mind?”
“Oh, sorry Sandy, I didn't mean anything by it, honest.”
“I know Em. Someday I will have that date with a guy.”
“You will, if I have anything to say about it. What time is it?”
“It's four thirty, why?”
“I'm a bit hungry. Do you think your mom has something to eat?”
“I'm sure she does. Want to go over?”
“Sure, let me freshen up, and let's go.”
We arrived over at the house and I heard the running of little feet. I know who that is. I smiled, waiting for Kevin to charge through the kitchen door.
“Auntie Em, you're here! Where have you been?” He ran to me and jumped into my arms.
“Sorry sweetheart, I have been very busy. I even have to go to ballet practice in a couple of hours.”
“Oh Auntie, can't you stay here and play some games with me? It's been so long. You need to teach me some more tricks.”
Chuckling, “I think you just want me to teach you nothing but the tricks so you can beat me at the game. You aren't interested in me at all. I just know it,” putting a pout on my face.
His eyes got really big and he went, “Un huh, no really, I love you Auntie Em, I really do. I miss you when you are not around. It isn't just for the games I … I'm your boyfriend; you said so. I just want to have fun with you. Honest!” he looked like he was going to cry.
I broke into a laugh, “I'm just fooling with you Kevin, I love you too. I know you like me. I enjoy playing games with my little boy friend.” I gave him a big squeeze and a hug.
I saw him relax and start to breathe again, “Oh Auntie, that wasn't funny. You had me scared.”
“I'm sorry Kevin. I just couldn't help myself. You looked so cute when your eyes popped out of your little head. I won't do that again dear; I really do like you Kevin. Honest.” Hugging him, “Go welcome your sister you little scamp.”
With that, Kevin wriggled out of my arms and once his feet hit the ground, he leaped into Sandy's arms, who was laughing, as she picked him up and hugged him too, as he wrapped his little arms around her and squeezed the stuffing's out of Sandy.
“Hey little bro, how are you doing sport? Have a great day?”
“I always have a great day sis, especially when you are here,” Kissing Sandy on the lips, and Sandy returned the kiss.
I smiled at them and patted little Kevin on his back as we hung up our coats and proceeded into the Dining room. Mrs. J was there finishing up some type of report, when she looked up at us and said, “Hey girls, how are you two doing? Seems like I haven't seen you two in ages. How are you doing Em? I heard something happened today with you and Miss Bell?”
I suddenly looked at Sandy and she looked back at me, with shock in her eyes. “Um, what do you mean?”
“Well, didn't you have some type of meeting with her this morning? I thought I saw you walk out of her office, late for your morning classes, along with Sandy? What's going on?”
“Oh that, Miss Bell just wanted to talk with us before homeroom, and the time just got away from us is all. Um, she just wanted to know how Sandy and I were doing. If there were any problems she should be aware of. I told her none that I could think of. You wouldn't know why she would be worried about us, would you? Sandy is the greatest sister any girl could have. She was just concerned is all, I think?”
Mrs. J all of a sudden stiffened up for a bit, and hastily said, “Oh, I am sure she was just checking up to make sure there weren't any … um, compatibility problems I'm sure.” She had a look of concern in her eyes, as she turned to look at Sandy.
Sandy's jaw had dropped at my explanation as she looked questioningly at me, then looked at her mum and then realized what I had said, and what it meant, and changed her look to one of no concern, before her mom could see it.
“Oh ok, I thought it might have been something else.”
“Like what?”
“Oh nothing dear. We had a little incident with three boys today, not the best of boys, and I thought it might have had something to do with you girls.”
“Um, well three boys came in just as we were leaving, but it didn't concern us.” I lied. “Some girl brought them to the office, just as we were leaving. We haven't a clue what that was all about?”
“I'm glad to hear that Em, I was concerned for you both, thinking something happened with those ruffians and you two.” Looking hard at Sandy.
Sandy caught on, “Miss Bell just wanted to make sure that Em was being treated good mom, nothing else. She was just concerned is all.”
“Well alright then. Are you girl's hungry? I was just about to go start dinner.”
“Yes please, I have to get ready for Ellen too, in a bit. She will be here in about two hours.”
“Oh right, I forgot about that Em. My you are one busy girl if I do say so. I better get moving if you are to get something to eat before you have to go.” Mrs. J turned and headed to the kitchen.
When the door closed, Sandy and I looked at each other, and it was obvious we both let out a sigh of relieve and rolled our eyes skyward, thanking our lucky stars. She bought my story, I think. We couldn't say anything because Kevin was in Sandy's arms.
Kevin raised his head off her shoulder and turned to me and said, “Auntie, will you play a game with me please?” looking at me with his slightly downcast eyes.
Upon hearing this, Sandy began to laugh. That was all it took to break us out of the shock of what Mrs. J had asked us. That was too close.
“Sure Kevin. You want both of us to come with you?”
“Could you?” Looking at Sandy.
“Sure brother of mine, I would be glad to beat you at your own game.”
Kevin started to laugh, “No sister of mine is going to beat me, I'm better than you.”
I laughed at them both. We all moved to Kevin's room to play some games.
We were all having fun and we were all laughing and giggling, when Mrs. J showed up. She looked in the door and smiled at what she saw. I knew she was there, but I concentrated on the game. She watched until I lost, and Kevin was whooping and yelling, “I got you!”
“Ok all, dinner is ready. Get cleaned up and meet me in the dining room.” Mary said smiling, when she looked at all of us having such a good time. I think it has been a while since she has had a reason to smile like that. I so hope there would be more occasions for her to smile in the future.
We all got cleaned up and headed to the dining room. Kevin was gloating on about his wins against his big sister and I. I just smiled and roughed up his hair saying, “Wait till next time, Kev.” Giggling, as did he. We all sat down, and Mrs. J gave a prayer of thanks and we all dug in.
While eating, Mrs. J asked, “So what have you two got planned for tomorrow?”
Sandy said, “I have to work tomorrow, and Em has ballet in the morning.”
“Oh right, I forgot you are also taking ballet on Saturday mornings. I wish I had your kind of energy Em. You have got to be in terrific shape with all the exercise you are getting. Are you doing anything in the afternoon?”
“Well, I have a date sometime in the afternoon. I was to have the date at about seven PM, but Roger's Mom forgot she had some kind of … thing going on that evening, so Roger asked if we could make it earlier in the afternoon.”
“Oh, great. I am glad to see you are making some boyfriends.”
“Um … he really isn't my boyfriend, he is just a boy and a friend is all. He wants to take me to see a movie of sorts.”
Giggling, “That is what they all say. He is smitten by you. That is why he wants to take you out.”
“Well originally we were to go as a three couple date. But Ally and Darla can't make it, because Darla's mom has something planned for them tomorrow afternoon.”
“Do you know what time he will be picking you up?”
“Not really, he is to call me tomorrow after ballet class.”
“Well, tell you what. How about after you find out what time he wants to meet you, you give me a call, and we two girls will go out shopping for a new dress and get your hair done?”
I saw Sandy all of sudden look at her mother. She didn't have a happy look about her, matter of fact; she looked like she was about to cry.
“I don't know Mary.”
“Oh come on Em, you got to look good for your first American date. You need to shake him up. To make him appreciate having you with him, letting him know how lucky he is to have you. I promise you'll look like a million dollars.”
I saw Sandy starting a burn. If looks could start fires, she would have had this house all ablaze. I knew Sandy was pissed. I also knew, her mother had never offered this experience to her. Mrs. J didn't even realize Sandy was pissed.
“I couldn't Mary, honestly. I don't want you spending your money on me.”
“Oh nonsense Em, You're just like my daughter and I want to take care of you.”
“Um.”
Sandy got up, took her plates and said, “If you will excuse me, I forgot I had to finish something at home. I need to get going.” I saw tears starting to form on Sandy's eyes.
“Ok dear, I'll talk with you later.” Sandy rushed through the kitchen door, not saying anything.
I could hear the dishes being put roughly in the sink and then the door slamming closed.
“Well, what about it? I won't take no for an answer.” Mrs. J asked.
“Um … ok, but what about Sandy?”
“What about her? She doesn't have a date tomorrow.”
“Well don't you think she may like it, if you offered that to her too? I mean, getting her a dress and helping her to get her hair done?”
“I'm sure she would, but she is not the one going on a date tomorrow.”
“Oh, so you are saying you would do that for her too, if she has a date?”
“Ah … umm … sure I would, if she ever gets a date. But I don't see her having one in the near future.”
“Why do you say that? Sandy is beautiful, I'm sure some guys will ask her out on a date, one of these days.”
“I don't think so Em. Sandy isn't like that. She doesn't like dating boys.” I was stunned by the way she just sat there and said that. “So. I'm not worried. I won't have to worry about that for a while, quite a while actually.”
“I am surprised at you Mrs. J. Were you like that when you were her age?”
“What me? Oh no, I had plenty of boys falling all over themselves to date me.”
“So what's wrong with Sandy, that she can't date then?”
“Oh, Sandy? Well she is different. Oh sh … I mean ah … she told me she wanted nothing to do with boys … uh … until after she … uh …is done with school.” Mrs. J stuttered, then realizing what she said, I noticed she had some regret about what she had said. “That didn't sound very good, did it?”
“No it didn't Mary, that sounded horrible actually. What's so different about Sandy? Why can't she date boys? Is it her, or you and your husband, that don't want her to date boys?”
Mrs. J sat there stunned. “Well, Sandy is special.”
“She is special, she is my big sister, and I like her very much. I can't imagine not having a big sister.” Kevin added.
I could see that this shook Mary up. “Oh my, what have I just done?” Mary said in a whisper.
I could see that Mary just woke up and realized the things she had said, “Em, could you excuse me for a bit, I have to go to the bathroom.” putting her napkin on the table, standing, she turned and headed for the loo. I could see tears were starting to form in her eyes.
I stood up, looked where she had headed, then said to Kevin, “You did a very good job Kevin, thank you for standing up for your sister. I think your mom is going to need your help tonight. Do you think you can be a good boy for her? She is trying hard, but still has a long way to go to understanding your sister.”
“Sure Em, I will take care of her. After all, I am the man of the house, aren't I?”
I giggled at that, “Yes you are dear, a very big man. Better than your father. You keep on protecting your sister Kevin; she loves you very much. Don't ever stop loving her, ok?” tears were starting to form in my eyes too.
I bent down and gave Kevin a hug and whispered, “Thank you.”
Kevin returned my hug.
I picked up all of the dirty dishes and took them out to the kitchen. After finishing the clean ups, Mrs. J hadn't returned yet. I thought about going after her, but decided she needed her space.
“You going to be ok, Kevin? I need to get back to the flat, to get my things ready for ballet school.”
“I'll be ok Em. I'll take care of mom. I wish I could take ballet lessons with you, it sounds like fun.”
I smiled at him saying, “Talk with your mom, maybe she will take you some time. There are a lot of male dancers in the world; but I don't think your dad would think much of it.”
“I don't care what my dad thinks. I see he was lying to me about my sister, how can I trust him in the future.”
“Kevin, your dad is not a bad man, just a bit confused. I am sure there will come a time when he will realize the mistakes he made. He will probably regret having made them. In the mean time, give him the time and the space that he needs to learn from his own mistakes. It will happen … I hope.”
“Ok Em. I'll take care of mom, don't you worry.”
“I know Kevin, you are a big man.” Smiling at him.
Returning to the flat, I heard Sandy crying. What can I do?
“Sandy, you ok?”
Nothing, she just kept on crying.
I followed the sobs and found it coming from her bedroom. Her door was closed. I wrapped on her door quietly, “Sandy, can I come in?”
Still nothing.
“Sandy, please let me come in.”
Still nothing.
I opened her door, and I saw her laying on the bed with her face sobbing into a pillow.
“Sandy, I'm coming in.” I went over to her and tried to put my arms around her.
She shrugged them off, letting me know she didn't want me touching her.
“Sandy, can we talk please?” she continued to ignore me.
I stood there looking at her. She refused to acknowledge me. I sighed, looked at my watch and realized I was running out of time. I had to go.
I quietly walked out of the room and got my stuff together. I ended up back at her room and quietly said, “I have to go Sandy. Please don't be upset. I think your mother realized what she did before I came over and she went to the loo for a good cry herself. You two need to talk.” I sighed, “Well, I'll see you after ballet class.” Still nothing from her.
I shrugged my shoulders and sighed. I turned and headed for the kitchen. I heard a car horn come from the car park. Taking my kit bag, I headed out the door.
“Hey Em, How are you this evening?”
“I'm not sure Ellen.”
“Oh my, what's wrong?”
“I'm not sure, but I think Sandy is upset with me for some reason.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Well, her mom found out that I have a date with a boy tomorrow, and she was so excited for me, that she told me she would take me out to get a new dress and get my hair done. Sandy heard this and she just got up and left the table and ran from the house. I talked to her mom and made her realize, I think, what she did, and she ran off to the bathroom to have a good cry herself, I believe. When I got to the flat, I found Sandy crying on her bed. I went to comfort her but she wouldn't let me touch her, nor would she talk with me. I don't know what to do?”
“Oh my. I'm sure Sandy will get over it, she's smart. She knows it is not your fault.”
“Are you so sure? I mean I can't take much more of this. Oh Ellen, yesterday … it was horrible.”
“What? What happened yesterday?” she was looking at me with great concern.
“Oh Ellen,” I cried, “It was horrible. If it wasn't for the gaff you gave me, I may have been in the hospital.”
“WHAT!?!” Ellen got a shocked expression on her face.
“What happened was this, …” I told her the whole story.
Ellen was pissed. She wanted to go after those kids. She knew who they were, and they all three were spoiled upstart, little brats. She was contemplating how she could get even with them, when I interrupted her thoughts and said, “Ellen, don't be too concerned, the good thing that came out of it all, because of your gaff, they now think I am a real girl, and I shouldn't have to worry anymore about Dan spilling the beans, for they took care of Dan too. Now Dan should think I am a real girl too. After those boys are done bragging, maybe everybody will believe I'm a real girl. So for that, I owe you a big hug. The three boys are on probation for the next three years. If they start any problems, they will be brought up on rape charges, assault charges, turned over to the local bobbies and suspended from school indefinitely. You think they will behave for that long?”
“I don't know Em, but if they're smart they will. They got off very lightly. How did that happen?”
“I told Miss Bell not to do anything to them, I didn't want any problems, or notoriety, which if they did get what they deserved, it would of made news, and Mrs. Jones may have had some questions for me, like why they thought I was a boy, and I don't want to answer those questions.”
“Good point Em, I didn't think about that part. You did a very nice thing for them, but a smart thing in the end.”
“Oh, I was worried they would find out, but when they yanked my panties down, the boy who did that turned pale, for he not only saw my vagina, he saw the string from my tampon. I think that sort of put it over the top and he didn't look any closer, thank goodness, for if he did he may have realized it wasn't a real vagina. I mean he was that close to it. Once he realized what it was he was looking at, he told the guys to let me go, that I was a real girl and they all took off on a run. Sandy found me a bit later lying there on the boy's loo floor. Fortunately they didn't hurt me.”
“I am so thankful you are safe Em, I am glad I gave you that gaff. Just think what would have happened if you didn't have it, and they did that?”
“I would hate to think. I would probably be in the hospital by now, I'm sure.”
“Em, I am so thankful you weren't hurt.”
“Thanks Ellen.”
We arrived at the school, and I was feeling a bit better about things, but I was still upset about Sandy's reaction to what happened tonight. I'm glad I talk with Ellen; it was what I needed to get my mind off Sandy for a while. I hope she understands it wasn't my fault. I didn't want her mom spending money on me. It makes me feel awkward, her treating me like her daughter. She is not my mother.
I walked into the women's locker room and Rachael was already getting dressed.
“Hi Em, How are you feeling?”
“Not sure Rachael, things have been a bit strange since yesterday.”
“Anything you want to talk about?”
“No, I have to work on it myself. There is nothing you can do. I just have to think about it for a while and I am sure I will be able to come up with something to straighten things out.”
“My, that sounds a bit serious. Sure you don't want to talk about it?”
“Nuh uh, no it's personal. I'll figure something out.”
“Ok, if you say so. How's your period doing?”
“Oh, it's getting better. I should be over it in a day or two.”
“So does that mean we can go full strength today and I can really make you work?”
“Oh please don't, I am not totally out of the woods with my period.”
“Alright, I'll still take it easy on you. Let's get dressed, times a wasting.”
I chuckled at that, “Slave driver.”
Giggling, “You bet, see you in the practice room, Em.”
“Be there shortly.” I finished getting dressed.
While walking to the room, the halls were rather quiet, and I had a terrified feeling come over me. I started to shake a little, and I couldn't figure out why. I was looking around wondering why I felt this way. My heart started beating faster, I found myself holding my breath as I walked to the classroom. Why was I behaving this way? There was a noise behind me and I jumped. Em, get a grip dear; it is only us women here.
I arrived at the room and after seeing the other women, started to feel relieved. Rachael saw me and exclaimed, “Em, you alright? You look white as a sheet. You look like your ready to pass out.”
Ellen heard Rachael exclamation, and came over to see what was going on and realized what had happened to me. “Let me take care of her for a minute Rachael, you go warm up and I will talk with Em for a bit.”
Ellen walked me out into the hall. “Em, are you alright? What happened?”
“I don't know Ellen. I was walking to the room alone, and there was no one about, and I felt really anxious all of a sudden, like someone was stalking me. I heard a noise behind me and I jumped a mile.”
Ellen pulled me close and hugged me tight, “Oh Em, this is what happens after what you went through yesterday. It is probably posttraumatic stress syndrome. Your mind is still trying to cope with what all happened yesterday. If you don't feel up to it, you can sit this evening out if you wish?”
“No, I think I want to really work hard this evening, to forget what happened yesterday. I need to stay distracted.”
“Are you sure? I'll understand if you want to sit out tonight, if you want. Heavens, after yesterday, you deserve some rest.”
“No, no, I want to work tonight, I need this to take my mind off things.”
“Well ok, but if it gets to much, say so. Promise?”
“Ok, promise.”
We walked back into the room. I was feeling a bit better. Rachael came over to me, took a close look at me, but didn't say anything. I'm sure she had a hundred questions, but she kept quiet, thank goodness.
She said, “Are you ready to get at it?” I nodded my head.
“Start your warm up stretches, Em. I will get ready too.”
The rest of the evening was a blur to me, all I know is, I'm exhausted, but I felt great. Rachael really pushed me tonight. Maybe that was a good thing; it kept me from thinking about things that has happened so far.
Both of us headed for the showers, I felt loads better with her walking with me to the locker room. She noticed I was looking a lot better.
“You look better now, then when we started Em. You feeling better?”
“Yes much, I needed that workout. Thanks, by the way.”
“You're welcome Em. Do you feel up to talking about what was on your mind this evening?”
“Sorry Rach, it is personal. This is something I have to work out myself, but thank you for your offer though.”
“You know I am always here for you, right?”
“Yes I know, and I appreciate that very much.”
“Well whenever you feel like talking, I'll listen.”
“Thanks again Rach, you're a true friend.”
She smiled and gave me a hug. “Well at least all this work isn't going to waste. You walked very gracefully down the hall. By Jove, I think she's got it.” We both ended up laughing at that.
We showered, got dressed and did our hair and makeup.
“I've got to go Em, unlike some princesses that I know, I've got to finish some homework before the weekend. I work this weekend and won't have much time.”
I laughed at that and went to hit her on the arm, by trying to give her a playful slap, but she dodged me and ran out of the locker room giggling.
I yelled, “Night Rachael, see you tomorrow.”
I gathered up my stuff and headed for the car park figuring Sandy would be waiting for me, but then realized with all that had happened, we didn't discuss her picking me up. OOPS, oh well, I hope Ellen can take me home. I waited for her to show.
“Oh there you are. I thought you left without saying goodbye.”
“Sorry Ellen, I thought Sandy was picking me up, and I thought I was late, but then with everything that happened this evening, we forgot to discuss it. Well she wasn't in a very good mood anyway and it seemed she didn't even want to talk with me tonight.”
“Want me to talk with her tonight?”
“No, that's fine. I can understand why she's upset.”
“Well still, it's not fair to you, for it wasn't your fault. It is her mother's fault, and it is obvious her mother still has issues. I need to chat with Mary. This is not something that will get cured over night, but she needs to wake up, or possibly lose Sandy forever.”
“I'm working on Mary. Sometimes I feel I made great progress, and then moments like tonight, I feel I let Sandy down.” Ellen came over and gave me a hug.
“Em, this is a small community, and prejudices like this, is not something that will just go away.
Come on, let me take you home.”
We arrived home and I noted Mr. J's car was here. ‘Oh great' I thought, ‘something else I have to deal with today.'
Giving Ellen a hug and thanking her for the ride home, she said, “Sure you will be alright?”
Smiling, “I'm sure, thanks again Ellen, see you tomorrow morning.”
“Ok dear. Bye!” Ellen said, as she backed around to leave.
Well I better get this over with, looking at the house and then at the flat. Sighing heavily, I head for the flat first.
“Sandy, you in?” I heard nothing, total silence.
I went to my room and dumped off my kit and took out the wet things, then packed it with a fresh outfit for tomorrow, and a clean towel. I noticed Sandy door was closed. I went over and gently knocked and I heard nothing. I quietly opened the door and I saw Sandy sleeping away. I quietly closed the door. Poor dear, she must be tired for her to go to bed so early. It is only nine-thirty. I really felt bad for her. I still can't understand why she wouldn't allow me to hug her or talk with me earlier; that puzzled me. Well I might as well let her sleep.
I went back to my room and pulled out my journal.
Friday, Day 13
I had quite a busy day today. Had to see Miss Bell early today. It concerned some things that happened last night. I'm glad that's over.
We went to Luray Caverns today. That was exciting. The Caverns were simply gorgeous. I never knew that there are Caverns like that anywhere. I always thought that they would be nothing but holes in the ground, but these caverns proved that theory wrong. The Stalagmites and Stalactites where abundant in these caverns, they even had an Organ that used the Stalagmites and Stalactites as tuning forks, making the melodious sound. It was unreal. I wish my mum could have seen it. Darn, I forgot to buy some pictures to show her. I hope the other kids got them.
After the Caverns, we went to a Car museum, which was attached to the Luray Caverns entrance site. They had some really neat cars. After that we went a couple of miles away from the caverns to a sort of monument that was a bell tower of sorts. Called the Singing Tower. It is a Carillon filled with all of these bells, that play on the hour and half hour. It sounded great, to bad it rained though.
They took us to see some Generals Cabin, a Stonewall Jackson; he used this house for headquarters during the Civil war period here. In my eye, it wasn't much, but I guess in those days they didn't have a lot of things. It is interesting that there were so many wars here in the States. We were shown a couple of real battlefields, were many people lost their lives to fight for what they believe. I still haven't a clue what it was all about, except for this slavery issue. A lot of people died for it though.
I put the journal away. I guess I should head over to the house, since Sandy is sleeping; I hate to wake her. I quietly left the flat and walked over to the house. I entered the kitchen and I heard Kevin come tearing into the kitchen to see who just arrived.
“Auntie Em, Auntie Em you came back.” I smiled at him, and he jumped into my arms.
He was wearing his Spiderman PJ's, all ready for bed.
“How's my boy friend doing,” as I hugged him; he gave me a kiss on the lips.
“Good.”
“How's your mum doing?”
“She's ok, she seemed a bit quiet tonight and had tears in her eyes. Dad came home a while ago and wasn't in a good mood for some reason or other. He and mom yelled at each other for a bit.”
My, my, I certainly didn't want to hear this tidbit of news. Great a ticked off Mr. Jones, and Mary all upset. Just great. Maybe I should go back to my flat for safety reasons. Can you believe this?
“Don't you have to be in bed Kevin?”
“Ah, Em, do I have too? Both mom and dad are off doing there own thing and that left me up to do what I wanted to do.”
“Now Kevin, you know you get all upset when you haven't had enough sleep. I think you should go to bed, it is ten o'clock Kev. I know you don't have school tomorrow, but still a growing boy needs his sleep, so he can grow to be big and strong.” Wow, did I just say that? I sounded just like my mother.
“Aaaahhhh, Em.”
“Come on you little scamp, don't ‘aaaahhhh Em' me, you know better. Even your big sister is asleep over at our flat.”
“Flat? What's a flat?”
“Oh, um, it is the house your sister and I live in. It is an English term for um, … house, I think.”
“Oh ok. Sis must have been tired if she is sleeping already.”
“Yes, I think she was. With what happened earlier, she just got exhausted is all.”
“Is she ok, Em?”
“I'm sure she is, I just haven't talked with her since I left for ballet, so honestly I'm not sure.”
“Mama cried a lot earlier, after you left. It seems she wasn't feeling good for some reason.”
“I'm sure your mama will be fine in the morning. Now, let's get you off to bed shall we?”
“Will you tuck me in, Em?”
“Sure I will.”
“Yippee!”
I smiled at him and walked him through the dining room, living room, and through the hallway to his bedroom.
“Did you brush your teeth and wash your face?”
“Ah Em, you sound just like my mother.”
“Well did you?”
“No,” he said shyly.
“Well hurry up and do it then, I'll tuck you in.”
“Ok.” He ran off for the bathroom.
“Oh, hi Em, I was wondering who was here. Sorry I didn't meet you in the kitchen, I just didn't hear you then.”
“No problem Mary.”
“Is Kevin ready for bed?”
“I'm having him clean himself up now. He was already in his PJ's.”
“Good for him, he is such a good boy.”
“That he is Mary.”
“It so nice to have a real son.” I looked shockingly at her; that was one crass remark she just said. She just put down Sandy with out realizing it, AGAIN.
“Why wouldn't you have a real son? What other kind of son is there? It wouldn't be real otherwise.”
“Oh … ah … sorry … I meant … ah, oh I don't know what I meant. Sorry.” Mary looked truly shocked and I could see her blush.
“Mary, is there something going on around here I need to know about? You have been acting strange ever since we came back from school. Especially after Sandy left earlier this evening.”
“Please Em, it is none of your concern. Just let it go at that.” I just shook my head in disgust; this was getting me really pissed off.
Kevin came out of the loo about then and ran over to me, “Will you tuck me in, Em?”
I smiled at him, “Of course I will. Come on, let's get you into bed.” I saw Mary watching me, she put a small meager smile on her face and I could tell she was about to cry. She stood there watching me tuck Kevin in.
“Em, can you tell me a story?”
“Ah, a story?” I answered, while I was tucking him in, “What kind of story? I don't see any books here, and besides it's getting late.”
“Oh Em, any story will do.”
“Well ok, I thought for a bit, how about this one?”
“Once upon a time, there was this baby duckling. Everyone thought this was an ugly duckling, and no one wanted to be friends with it. Not even its parents. The poor baby duck went through life without any friends and thought that nobody cared for her. In fact, realizing her parents didn't even care for her, made her very sad.”
“One day this stranger came along, and saw this poor baby duck crying all by herself. ‘What's wrong little one, why so sad?'”
“‘No one loves me and wants to be my friend,' she said.”
“‘Well I'll be your friend if you will let me?'”
“‘Aren't you embarrassed to be seen with me, since I am so ugly?'”
“‘You are not ugly, who says you are ugly?'”
“‘My parents and other ducks told me this.'”
“‘Oh I'm so sorry to hear that. I think you are going to grow up to be very beautiful, and then all those who called you ugly will be embarrassed.'”
“‘Including my parents?' the duck asked?”
“‘Including your parents little one. Trust me and believe in yourself, one day you will be the most beautiful in the area, just wait and give it time. You will see.' With this the stranger left.”
“Our poor ugly duckling was thinking about what was said and realized the stranger must be telling the truth, for inside of her she knew she was different than all the other ducks and she felt beautiful.”
“Over the months she tried very hard to impress her parents, but her parents wanted nothing to do with her, because they felt she was an embarrassment to them, and heaven forbid if others thought they could have raised such a duckling. Well time never stands still, and the ugly duckling grew very fast. Soon she was almost as big as all of the other ducks, including her parents. Still no one wanted to be her friend. Now because of her size, fewer ducks wanted anything to do with her, they all thought her to be strange. Well our little duck remembered the stranger's words, and she felt good all over, when she did.”
“‘I wish I would grow up faster,' said our little duck. ‘I want to be as beautiful as the stranger told me.' She said to no one in particular.”
“Well, time continued on, and our small duckling now became rather a huge duck, with a long neck, longer than any of the other ducks, and she got larger than any of the other ducks ever got. Her yellow feathers started to drop off, and they were replaced with pure white feathers. Soon our ugly duckling looked beautiful, matter of fact, she wasn't a duckling at all, she was a beautiful swan, much more magnificent than any of the other ducks, even other swans that were in the pond. Her beauty outshined all others. All of the ducks now wanted to become her friend, because of her beauty. The parents finally realized what a beautiful swan they had created, and now they were quite proud of her, and they even went about raving about their duckling being such a beauty.”
“Fortunately for her parents, the supposed ugly duckling, held no grudge against them. She was just happy they finally would accept her for who she is, and what she is, and was happy with that.”
“You know what the moral of the story is Kevin?”
“No?”
“Don't let others get you down. All good things come to those who wait and be patient. People will eventually see all the beauty that is in side of you. Just be who you are, not what others want you to be.”
“Wow, ok.” Kevin said.
I looked over to where Mary was standing and I saw she was softly crying. I wonder if she got the message I was trying to say.
Kevin reached up to me and pulled me by the neck down to him, and kissed me, “Good night Auntie Em, thank you for that lovely story. I hope that Sandy is as patient as that duckling, for she will become as beautiful as that swan.” Kevin shocked me; he understood the message I was trying to say, without it being totally blunt.
I heard Mary turn away from the door and head out to the living room. I'm surprised Mary didn't even wish Kevin a good night. Maybe my story struck a nerve. I sure hope so for Sandy's sake and hers. If things don't change soon, I'm sure Sandy may do something everyone will regret.
“Good night sweetheart, sleep tight.” I said.
“Goodnight Auntie Em.” Smiling up at me.
I turned off the light, and gently closed the door. I headed out to the living room.
“Em, you will be a good mother someday. You do everything right. I feel so ashamed.”
“Why do you feel so ashamed, Mary?”
“It's a long story, but I now realized I need to change, and soon, or it will be too late for everyone.”
“HUH?” I looked at her with a questioning appearance on my face, “What does that mean?” I asked.
“Well let me think about it, maybe one day I will be able to explain.”
“Oh, hi Em, how are you this evening?” Mr. J asked.
I froze at the sound of his voice, I saw him wince when he saw me do that. “Um, oh, hi Mr. Jones, you startled me. I'm fine, how about you?”
“Oh could be better. I spent the whole day with that psychiatrist today, meeting … um … those type of people. I just have trouble understanding why they are like that. It just gives me the willies. Why would anybody do that to themselves.”
“What's that Mr. Jones?”
“Well, ah cut … oh … a … sorry, well change themselves to be opposite what God had created. Granted I met some very beautiful women, I never would have guessed them to be sicko's and perverts. I mean they were drop dead gorgeous if they would have been real women. Some of those guys I met today, I can't believe they were once women, this world sure has a lot of sick people in it.” Shaking his head.
This ruffled my feathers. How dare he! This is just plain too much. “Mr. Jones, how dare you refer to those people as sicko's and perverts. All their lives they've been persecuted by people like you. They have had to live in the wrong bodies in like forever. They finally get through all the pain and suffering, and are able to get money to go through the surgeries, to make them whole and look presentable, so they can pass as who they really are, in society, because of people like you, and here you are tearing them down, for something they finally got straightened out. You have no IDEA, what these people have gone through all of their lives. But here you are, quick to judge and put them down, when all they want is to be accepted for who they are, and be accepted and not persecuted by anyone. Yet here you stand, ready to put them down in a heartbeat. Did you even talk with these people? Ask them how they feel? Ask them why they did it? What their childhood was like? HOW THEIR PARENTS TREATED THEM DURING THEIR CHILDHOOD? Or is this something you don't want to know, for you feel you would be less of a man because of that knowledge? You still have no understanding what people go through. If you wanted to really feel what they go through, why don't you … uh … I know, put on a dress and try to pass as a woman? Then maybe you would understand what they feel like, how they are treated. I bet you wouldn't do that, for you're too much of a man to do anything that daring. You don't want to lose your man points do you? You obviously don't have very many man points to lose, I guess.”
Mr. Jones eyes bugged out of his head, and I could see he was turning red. ‘Em, this may be a very good time to go back to the flat,' I thought. ‘He is going to be in such a mood, I don't want to be close to him.'
Mr. J just stood there not believing what he just heard. Mary sat there stunned also. Well good for her, I thought, I gave them both something to think about.
“Um, well I better head back to the flat. It's been a long day and I'm beyond bushed. I need to get up early tomorrow, so I will say good night.” I walked through the kitchen, grabbed my coat and headed over to the flat, leaving two, stunned Jones's in the living room.
God, can I take anymore of all this? This is ridiculous. I almost get raped and beaten up; Sandy is not talking to me. Ally is acting strange. Rachael wants to know my problems. Mrs. J is trying to take me shopping for clothes and get my hair styled for a date I neither want, or feel comfortable with, and Mr. J goes off like the bloody fireworks, about TS people. Oh my God, what he would do if he ever found out about me. I certainly don't want to be in the same country with him when that happens.
I got over to the flat, and decide to make myself a cup of hot chocolate. I don't know why, but I find it calms me down. There was still no sound from Sandy, so I didn't want to disturb her.
Thinking about the events of today, I just shake my head and say, “I can't take to bloody much more of this. I'm going to go bloody starker's if things don't change soon.” I start to cry, mum, I miss you so.
Joni W 04.05.07 © 2007
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