One boy's Journey - Chapter 2

OTHER CHAPTER | ALL STORY LIST 

When Cathy and I entered Mom's salon, she didn't even recognize me. Cathy walked in first, then me. My mom did a double and triple take. She recognized my skater dress. Ree?

Hi mom! Oh, baby, you're beautiful! Mom, this is Cathy Pambini, and Cathy is my mother, Brenda Stevens. Ms Pambini I can't thank you enough for this. Ohhh, Ree, your hair! It's perfect. I love the ash red, and those eyebrows, eh? Mom squeaked that I loved them.

Look at my ears and nose, Mom! They're adorable. Oh, wait! I said look at this Blazer dress and shoes for the deposition tomorrow. They're lovely. Ms. Pambini, you shouldn't have!

I'll pay you back. No need, Ms. Stevens. and please call me Cathy. Call me Brenda. Thank you, Brenda. I must say Ree is a quick study to become a girl. Thanks to you, Cathy, she looks like a girl.

Let's get dinner tonight, my treat said Cathy. We can discuss the case, and we can get to know one another. Do you like Italian? I asked my mom. I'm half Italian, and I love Italian. Said Cathy. I'm going to go to my hotel and clean up a bit.

Meet me at the hotel at 7 p.m.We can ride to the restaurant together. It sounds great, Brenda. Mom, can Cathy drop her off at home? I'd like to lie down for a bit. Come on, Ree, let's get home, said Cathy. I kissed my mom's cheek, and we headed out.

Cathy walks in with me. She says, What else do you have for clothes? I showed her the Kakie skirt, and Mom got me a green short-sleeve blouse. Oh, that's cute. Wear the black heels we gave you.

Cathy showed me how to mix and match my limited choices. She also showed me a couple of makeup tricks. My head was spinning with all this girl stuff. It's fun, but a lot of work. Finally, I was so tired that I was fading out. Cathy helped me with one of the baby doll nights, and I was out.

When Mom returned, I jumped in the shower and put on my black bra and pants. Mom saw my nightie and loved it. Mom helped me disinfect my ears and nose. I lay out my makeshift outfit. I put on my makeup as taught.

Its soft browns come with just a touch of eyeliner and mascara. After a bit of foundation, a blush, and a light pink lipstick, I'm ready. Mom's ready in no time! Thinking to myself, Gosh, I hope I can learn as fast and well as Mom.

We picked up Cathy and went to Luigi's for dinner. Cathy reserved a private room. We sat and ordered our drinks. After the waitress left, Cathy got down to business.

After dinner tonight, we are going to prepare for tomorrow's deposition. I am going to come at you hard with questions and comments. The DA will prepare you. But their defense attorney will structure every question to seem like this was your fault.

You can't fall for that. You can't let them gaslight you into thinking it's your fault—not for a second. Your aunt V sent me here to protect you both. That's exactly what I intend to do.

The waitress brings our drinks and iced tea all around. Mom asked, How bad are we talking here? It's going to be brutal. Ree, you're going to have to relive it all over again. Are you up for that? Asked Cathy. Yes, I am. I want them in jail. Good!

Remember that when the defense attorney attacks your story. What about Mr. Milford? I asked my mom. The DA is preparing him. My focus is Ree here.

What about a civil suit? asked Mom. That's down the road; for now, we need to focus on tomorrow. If deposition goes well, it could be over quickly.

We had a great dinner. I was so hungry that I ate too much. It tasted great. We went home, and Cathy grilled me hard! I maintained my composure for the most part.

I broke down and cried a couple times. We told Cathy about Mrs. Newhouse. She said the same thing as the DA did. We were at it for hours. I started fading in and out. Mom got me ready for bed, and I was out.

The next morning, I awoke to the shower running. Mom was getting ready for work. I got up, and my phone rang. It was Cathy. She said she would pick me up in an hour. I told Mom. Mom said she would meet us at 3 p.m. at the DA office.

Cathy wanted to walk me through everything a couple more times. Cathy made me grab my boy's pictures from last month, the hospital bills, and everything related to the incident.

I almost had another PTSD episode. Cathy was careful with me. As bad as this situation is, I really like Cathy. I was never really goal-oriented about college. After two days with Cathy, I like the idea of becoming a lawyer. We got a call at noon. Aunt V was arriving at the airport soon.

Cathy and I touched ourselves up and went to the airport to pick her up. I was in my red and black Blazer dress. Aunt V was all smiles when she saw me with Cathy.

Aunt V loved my new look. She noticed everything. I gave Cathy credit. We went downtown to the courthouse. We entered the DA office early. DA Summers greeted us and escorted us to his office.

Where's your mother? He asked at work, sir if she'd be in for the deposition at 3 p.m.I said. You need a parent or guardian for this young lady, he said. Cathy handed him the contract. I'm Cathy Pambini, Rianna's attorney of record. I see! Very well, ladies, let's begin.

Mr. Summers was very professional; he had lunch delivered, and we worked right to the last minute preparing. He already had everything from the hospital and police reports, according to Mr. Milford's statement. When Cathy showed my boy pictures from two months ago, That really put things in perspective for him.

Cathy discussed strategy with Mr. Summers. I sat and listened; I didn't say a word. I could tell Cathy and Aunt V had my back. Mom came in, dressed in a smart-looking pencil skirt suit. I hugged her and cried.

I've been super emotional lately. Having these three women with me made me feel stronger. I was still sore and adjusting to my new gender. But I was beginning to see the advantages of being a woman.

Cathy was younger than Mr. Summers, but he listened to her. Cathy was able to make him shift his focus from protecting me to his previous goal of a plea bargain. Mr. Summers was more confident about the case than ever. Now all I had to do was stay truthful and focused.

Deposition

3 p.m. arrives, and Mrs. Newhouse walks in with her boys. The boys are dressed in nice suits, shaved with fresh haircuts, and trying to look respectful. Mrs. Newhouse's attorney was Jack Fisk. He was the best attorney around. He used to be the DA at one time.

Mr. Fisk had a charming smile and a smooth, low, deep voice that could intimidate most people; it intimidated me. Cathy saw it, held my hand, and said, Relax softly in my ear. Mom padded my knee.

Good afternoon ladies, Larry, beautiful day today. Hello Jack, take a seat. Jack pulled out a chair for Mrs. Newhouse. Shall we get started? asked Mr. Summers. Thank you, Larry.

Rianna, is it? My name is Jack Fisk, and I am the attorney for Newhouse's. Please state your gender. Jack! What the hell? I asked Mr. Summers demandingly! I need to know for the record. Up until 5 weeks ago, I was a boy until they beat me to an inch of my life. I said. According to my clients, you attacked them in the bathroom, and they acted in self-defense.

Is there a question, Jack? I want to know why this person would attack my clients. Simple, sir, I didn't attack them. I was pulled into the bathroom, and they attacked me. Rick kicked me numerous times in my crotch with his boots while the rest of them worked me over. They only stopped when I stopped moving.

Who pulled you into the bathroom? Bond and Jeffries, and then they helped them give me a swirly. After that, beat me. What did you say to them? Stop was all I said. Did they say anything to you? They called me a faggot, cocksucker, sissy boy, or fagboy.

Are you absolutely sure it was my client?

Yes sir! See that gouging scratch on Rick's left eye? I gave it to him right before they almost drowned me in the toilet. So you admit to assaulting my client. No, I admit to defending myself against four of them.

Why are you now dressed as a girl with a girl name.? Because Rick's crotch kicks. My genitals were damaged beyond repair, and I'm allergic to testosterone medicine. I had no choice but to live a normal life as a male, all thanks to them. This is the life I have to lead now, all because of them.

Your clients beat me within inches of my life. Mutilating me left me for dead. Without warning, I had a PTSD episode right there on camera in the conference room. Mr. Summers called 911. I woke up as everyone was gathering outside while my mom and paramedics took care of me.

I'm sitting up in a chair as they check my blood pressure again. My mom waved to Aunt V and Cathy. Are you alright? They ask. I just need a few minutes. Cathy asked Brenda and Vanessa to please take Rianna to the cafeteria for a bite to eat. I need to talk with Jack and Larry for a few minutes.

Mom and Vanessa walk me to the cafeteria, where we get bottled water and a small salad. What happened after my episode? I asked. Well, one thing is for sure: the defense attorney is actually scared now. Said Vanessa. What, Why? Well, honestly, honey, your episode could not have been timed better and caught on camera.

We were in the cafeteria for about 20 minutes when

Mr. Summers, the secretary, came into the cafeteria. Ladies, would you come with me, please? We clear our table and head upstairs. As we rode the elevator up to the conference room, I kept wondering how many more times I would have to relive it.

Cathy was standing next to Mr. Summers. Jack was standing across from them, next to Mrs. Newhouse. Her boys, Tommy and Rick, were crying and bowing as we walked in. Ladies, please sit, said Mr. Summers. We sat, Mom on one side and Vanessa on the other. They held my hand tightly.

Ms. Stevens, Rianna, We have negotiated a plea deal. While it's a bit unconventional, Ms. Pambini and I feel it serves everyone justice in your case. No trial? I asked. Please, Ree, just listen, said Aunt V.

Please continue, Mr. Summers, Mom said. Tommy and Rick will spend the next 2 1/2 years in juvenile detention. They will be released when they turn 18 and have completed high school inside. They will plead guilty to 4th-degree assault and 3rd-degree attempted manslaughter.

Both charges are high misdemeanors. Upon release, they will be on 20-year probation with a suspended sentence of 20 years with full charges if they get into any trouble above a parking ticket. They also have to wear ankle monitors for the full 20 years. Mrs. Newhouse added that after they're released from detention, I will lock them in chastity for the full 20 years. Their court will hold their chastity keys.

Will this all be a public record? Asked Vanessa. Everything except the chastity punishment. The chastity punishment. That was Mrs. Newhouse's idea. She felt that her sons needed to understand, to some degree, your frustration, Rianna.

Cathy said. I wasn't going to agree to this until she offered the chastity punishment with court supervision. They should be tried as adults; it's also a hate crime. I said.

That's true, Rianna said Mr. Summers and a federal prison are where they'll go if they cross the line. Terre Haute, Indiana Federal Prison, to be exact. Detective Smith and a federal agent friend of mine will be giving them a prison tour tomorrow. After their field trip, they will be remanded into custody and start their sentence early this coming Monday morning.

Any questions or comments, Rianna? I asked Mr. Summers. So they get the weekend off before July? Hardly said Mr. Summers, after their return, they will be held in county jail awaiting transport.

What happens if they commit a crime in jail? Then they get transferred to federal prison on the hate crime charge when they turn 18, regardless of whether they finish school or anything else.

We can process this right now and file it with the court tomorrow. We don't need your blessing, Rianna, but you are the victim. You deserve the right to know, and we'd like your blessing.

Mr. Summers, can I have a minute with Cathy and my family? Of course, Rianna. We'll be in my office, said Mr. Summers. Jack, Mrs. Newhouse, and the boys follow me. When the boys stood up, I saw them in cuffs.

Woo, woo! I let out a deep sigh! Ree, are you alright? I asked Aunt V. I'm alright. I don't know what to think. Cathy, what do you think? Legally, they are their 15-year-old twin brothers with no criminal record. They're as guilty as sin.

Having said that, if we go to trial, you will have to relive your story over and over while being attacked by Mr. Fisk. In the end, there's a small chance they could walk! Their mother is deeply appalled at what happened.

If we take the deal, it's guaranteed they get punished and have to have this hanging over their heads until the day they die. It's not a normal deal by any stretch of the imagination, but in my opinion, it serves justice.

Mom, Aunt V, what do you think? Cathy said it all. My dear mom, I think it's a good deal, and besides, the Newhouse name won't be as prestigious as it once was anymore after this. Your mom's right, sweetheart; Cathy is right. These boys, one way or another, will be paying for this forever.

Okay, ladies, I said. Let's take the deal. One condition: what's that? Asked Cathy. I want us to read it in writing, and Cathy, make sure it's airtight. No tricks. I may be 13 years old, but I'm not stupid.

I want to ensure there isn't a clause for no civil suit or any gag orders. All of it is public record except for their chastity punishment. The deal, said Cathy. Let's go, then, ladies, said my mom. Let's put an end to this.

We walk into Mr. Summers's office. Come in, ladies. Have you made a decision, Rianna? Yes, sir, on one condition. Which is? We review the deal in writing now, and just before filing with the judge, said Cathy. Done! Have a seat, ladies; let's review, shall we?

Thirty minutes later, we all walked to the court clerk's office. Ms. Lawson was working; Mom did her hair. Brenda? Wha, oh, my Ryan? Rianna now said, my mother. Julie, we need to file the plea deal with Judge Franks for tomorrow, please. No problem; he has a 9 a.m. opening for the hearing tomorrow. Perfect, said Mr. Summers. See you all at 9 a.m.Rianna, I'm so happy to see you up and about. You're very pretty, Rianna. Thank you, Mrs. Lawson.

The detective met us all back at Mr. Summers's office with two patrolmen. Mrs. Newhouse was saying her goodbyes. Please, ma'am, I need to remand them for the night. Mrs. Newhouse teared up as she hugged and kissed her handcuffed sons. She watched as they were taken to detention downstairs for the night.

Wow! Is it really over? I asked. Almost! Said Cathy. The judge has to sign off. They don't call him "fearsome Franks" for nothing, said Mr. Summers. I heard that a couple times in my shop. He loves throwing the book at unprovoked crimes.

Who's hungry? Asked Vanessa. I could eat, I said. Good said, Mom; that means my little girl is feeling better. Cathy smiles and says, Lead on, V!

As we start to leave, we see Tommy and Rick entering the detention section. Rick looked at me with pure sadness, and Tommy was pure hate and anger. Their mother was in tears. Serves them right, said Aunt V! Come on, girls!

We settled on red lobster for dinner. Mom and I can only ever eat here once a year. We have to watch every penny. It's not super expensive, but for us, it might as well be.

Vanessa encourages me to have a lobster tail. We all end up with lobster tails. Mom, Cathy, and Aunt V order Cosmos for drinks. I get a Sprite. Vanessa orders calamari for an appetizer. I loved it. We chat about court tomorrow and my future.

Cathy says I hear you get good grades in school but no extracurricular activities. Yes, that's true. I won't be able to go back to school here after tomorrow.

Why? asked Cathy. Those four boys were very popular. All-stars for football and other sports. The football team won't make the playoffs next year without them.

You're coming with me, said Aunt V. You'll stay this summer with me in Vegas and start school in the fall. What about mom? I'll be fine, sweetheart. I have to go to the shop. When I can sell it and our home, I'll move out west with you. What about the civil suit? That takes time, said Cathy. First, we have to finalize the deal tomorrow, then we can start the lawsuit.

How much are we suing for? 25 million dollars! Said Cathy. That's like hitting the lottery, I said. Anything over $5 million is a victory, said Cathy. How much do you get, Cathy? Normally, it's 40%, but my firm and I take on all expenses to win or lose. My firm, Stapleton & Elgin, is doing it for 25%. But this takes time, and if we do mediation, we can get a faster settlement. Be patient, sweetheart; everything comes in time! Said Cathy.

Besides, said Mom, you'll be very busy this summer. How so? You need to learn to be a girl. You need to learn to walk, talk, sit, eat, move, think, and overall act as a young woman. Plus, you'll have to study for your new school's entrance exam.

Exam for school? It's a private school, honey, very exclusive. All the top colleges recruit students there. College? We can't afford college, I said. After everything is settled, you'll be able to have college paid for in full, said Cathy. So, have you thought about a career? Asked Aunt V.

Actually, I have. I said. Really, what? Asked mom. I think I want to be a lawyer. Cathy beamed at me with a big smile. I want to help those who can't help themselves. When you graduate, I will know the perfect firm for you, young lady, mine! said, Cathy. Really? I asked.

She's right, said Vanessa. Cathy's firm has a long record of public service as well as high-end clients. Cathy smiled with pride. We aren't the biggest firm, but we are the best. What will Mr. Stapleton or Mr. Elgin say about someone like me? Nothing bad, and it's Ms. Stapleton and Ms. Elgin, are my mentors!

You don't have to be a lawyer, said Mom. Mom, I know I don't. After spending time with Cathy and everyone involved with my case, it's really been an eye-opener for me.

I also know there's no way I can live here anymore. Why's that, asked Mom? See those two girls whispering behind me? Yes. Said mom. That's Rick and Tommy's girlfriends. Cathy looked at them with the mean girl stare they gave me.

I'll be in most of their classes next year. It would be the same thing only with girls. They practically run the school, both socially and in terms of student government. You make a valid point. As do you three, I said. I'm going to miss you, mom. I'll miss you too, sweetheart.

We finished our meals. Mom invited Aunt V and Cathy for coffee. Cathy went to say something. Cathy, I bought an espresso roast. You're a godsend, Brenda, said Cathy. We giggled. It was getting late when Aunt V and Cathy headed back to the hotel.

I was up at 6 a.m. getting ready. It took me over an hour to do my makeup. I put on my pencil skirt suit and black 3" heels wanted the judge to see me as respectful. Mom wore her dark blue power pantsuit with 4" heels she looked like a lawyer—powerful and professional. Cathy and Aunt V rode together.

Walking into the courtroom was intimidating at first. Cathy saw my hesitation. You want to be a lawyer; here's your first taste. Never look scared; fake it if you have to. Lawyers are sharks. Never be afraid to bite hard. You're a shark? Girlfriend, I'm a megalodon! said Cathy. I don't lose often. This case is personal to me and your family. Your family to us Cathy said, My mom.

As I sat there listening to these women and listening to myself, things became more clear than ever. I was beginning to grasp a newfound focus, about my future. I have never really thought about my future much. I always figured I'd be working in a factory, maybe taking over Mom's salon. Now my eyes are wide open to college and the possibilities of a brighter future. A fresh start!

I listened as the judge picked apart the deal. He continued to ask Mrs. Newhouse and Tommy and Rick if this was acceptable to them, and they were doing this of their own free will. Yes, your honor was the only thing they said during the hearing. Mrs. Newhouse, being that your sons have pleaded guilty to this horrible crime, there are penalties for the parents as well.

What penalties are you talking about, your honor? I asked Mr. Fisk. First off, you and your husband must resign from the chamber of commerce; you must also resign from the Children's Museum board of directors as well as the Historical Society. You and your husband are being charged with misdemeanors for child neglect. With multiple fines to be determined shortly,.

There will be fines, probation, and community service that will be mandatory. Please have you and your husband available for court at 10 a.m. Monday morning. My husband is overseas on business and won't be back for at least another week. I wasn't asking Mrs. Newhouse. If he isn't here on Monday, I will slap you both with contempt of court, and you will be remanded to the county jail until your husband returns, and you both will be extensively fined for wasting the court's time.

My jaw dropped. Yes, your honor, was all she said. I will not tolerate bullying in any form or fashion, said Judge Franks. Children who bully others are a prime example of poor parenting; for that, there's no excuse, especially for people with your resources. Courts adjourned, and Judge Franks bangs his gavel.

We walked out of the courthouse, all of us dumbfounded by the results of the hearing. I heard he's got a fearsome reputation, but that was remarkable. As I turned to walk out, Mr. Milford was sitting in court.

I walked to him quickly. Mr Milford, I called out. He turned and smiled at me. Thank you for saving my life, I said. I'm glad you survived, young lady. I wish I could have gotten there a few minutes sooner.

Mr Milford This is my aunt Vanessa and my aunt Cathy. And this is my mother, Brenda Stevens. I'm pleased to meet you, ladies. We are very grateful to you, Mr. Milford.

You saved our Rianna, sir. May we buy you lunch? Mom asked. That's very kind, but no, I've got work to do. I took the morning off to see those animals get what was coming to them.

We are forever grateful, said Cathy. Here's my card. If you need anything, so call me. Thank you, he said with a bright smile. He smiled as he looked at my mom; she blushed just a touch.

We went back to our house. Cathy and Vanessa started packing me up. We had to go back to Kohl's department store and buy luggage and a couple purses. Mom bought me some jeans, denim skirts, and a few more blouses.

Vanessa bought me pink and purple skater dresses, which I really liked, and another pencil skirt suit in light blue with matching shoes, and we also got me some more stockings. Tomorrow, I was getting on the plane with Cathy and Vanessa. When I look in the mirror while trying on the clothes, all I see is a cute girl I'd like to ask out.

I was just walking out of women's changing rooms when I was confronted by Gina and Candy, Tommy and Rick's girlfriends. Excuse me, I said as they blocked my path. Are you happy now, sissy bitch? Feeling proud of yourself, faggot? How many more lives are going to fuck up?

What are you talking about? I asked. You, selfish bitch. You sent our boyfriends to jail, all because you got slapped around a bit. Now the four most popular boys in school are in jail. Slapped around? Seriously? They almost killed me. I was determined to stand my ground this time.

Those assholes you call popular broke my nose, punctured my lung, broke three of my ribs, and mutilated my genitals. Thanks to your asshole boyfriends, I had to get a sex change. Say what you want, but they deserve everything coming to them.

Maybe we should finish the job, Gina, and send this tranny bitch to hell.

Oh no, you won't girls! The security guard caught the scene. You two drop your things and get out. Fuck you, rent a cop! Do you know who my parents are? No, and I don't care. But if you two don't leave right now, I do know where your parents will find you—in jail! Now move it, girls!

Mom, Vanessa, and Cathy heard the commotion and came running. What's going on? Asked mom.

These girls were bullying your daughter, two-on-one.

You're from the restaurant, the ones giving my niece dirty looks while we ate dinner, said Aunt V.

It's because of her that our boyfriends are in jail.

Cathy says your boyfriends are in jail for attempted murder. Keep it up, girls; you'll be joining them.

As scared as I was during this scene, I wasn't about to back down. All the popular kids in our town were rich, entitled, and dressed in fancy clothes with two parents. Their parents were always doctors, lawyers, or some kind of business executive. I knew right then that if I wanted a real life and a better life, I needed to move.

The security guard radioed for a female guard to help escort them out. They kept glaring at me as they walked out.

Cathy and Vanessa commented on the scene. Are all the rich kids like that in your school? Asked Cathy. Pretty much, I said.

Unbelievable! Said Vanessa.

If your clothes aren't name-brand and they don't like your address, you are their enemy and their victim. I think you ladies are right; I have to go to Vegas. I just don't want to leave mom. It's clear to me now. I don't have another choice.

Everything will be okay. You're going to love the new school, Rianna; it's private, and the headmistress is a close personal friend of mine, said Vanessa. If you're serious about being a lawyer, I will fly out to San Francisco to stay with me for a few days this summer.

You can meet my colleagues and friends. It sounds like the only thing I'll need is my Xbox. You won't need that either, honey, mom said. You're going to be way too busy for video games.

We checked out of the store and headed home. I was starting to get dizzy and faded out when we pulled into the driveway. Mom and Vanessa helped walk me, half dazed, to my bed.

When I woke up, everyone was moving things around. I noticed I was dressed in a nightie.

Mom, Vanessa, and Cathy laid out my new skinny jeans and green short-sleeve blouse with ruffle socks and my sketchers. They packed me a purse and two large suitcases. I was surprised at all the activity.

The next morning. I was in the shower when they arrived. Cathy and Vanessa were dressed casually in jeans too. Even in jeans, they still looked classy. We loaded up, and I hugged the stuffing out of my mom.

This was the first time my mom and I were going to be apart for a long period. I was crying and scared. I knew I was in good hands with Aunt V. But a new school, a new gender, a new name, a new life—it's a lot to process.

Mom walked beside the car as we backed out and headed to the airport. Mom waved as we rounded the corner. I started tearing up. Aunt Vanessa sat back with me as Cathy drove the rental car to the airport.

Ree, I know you're scared; you don't need to be, said Aunt Vanessa. Think of this as an adventure. You're starting a new life. Your mom, Cathy, and I have a plan. You are going to love it.

What plan? Can you be specific? You know you'll have to study for the school's entrance exam. Now that you seem determined to go to college, we have a plan for that too. Keep going, Aunt V.

You'll be attending ballet classes again. I have a pool where you will be swimming every day. You'll also be attending yoga classes with me. I know it sounds like a lot, but you need to blend in. This school is very exclusive and a straight shot to a college of your choice.

If you want to be a lawyer, this is the best way, Ree, said Cathy. One thing, I said. What's that? Said aunt Vanessa. Can I be a cheerleader? Of course, honey. That means gymnastics too! I'm okay with that, I said.