Becoming A High School Girl - Chapter 28

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In between customers, we traded stories about our trips. We suddenly had a big rush at the registers, which we took in stride. Most of the girls were so happy about getting the dress they wanted; the general mood was contagious. Mrs. Lincoln walked over, part of her constant tending to a smooth sale day.

While she was standing there, a couple of girls from Red Hill came up. Either they were wearing their boyfriend's school jackets or their names were Nick and Tom, and they played on the football team.

They were just behind Kristen in line. I was about to take her slip when I heard 'Nick' say something about the 'faggots at Central.' I immediately looked up and glared at her.

Kristen turned around and asked politely, "Excuse me. I didn't catch what you just said?"

'Nick' looked at Kristen, sneered, and said very loudly, "What I said is that I hope that none of these lovely dresses are wasted on those freaking faggots at Central. It would be such a shame to have a sissy wearing a pretty gown. Do you have a problem with that?"

Before anyone else could say a word, Mrs. Lincoln walked over and took their receipts out of their hands. "I'm sorry, but I will have to ask you two to leave. You are disrupting my business," she stated in a calm, firm voice. "Take your business elsewhere, as neither of you is welcome in my shop."

'Tom' was about to protest when Mrs. Lincoln stopped her with a stare.

I was struggling not to break out laughing.

'Tom' and 'Nick' stood there for a second and then stormed out of the store without saying a word. Mrs. Lincoln acted as if nothing had happened and handed the receipts to Mel to take back to Rita, so the dresses could be put back on the rack.

Kristen came up to me and smiled, "That was worth standing in line to see; it was so cool the way she handled that," she whispered.

"Thanks for standing up for us," I whispered back.

"No problem, Erika! That's what friends are for!"

Just then, Mrs. Lincoln walked back to the counter and told me to take fifteen percent off Kristen's order. Kristen was stunned but recovered and walked over and thanked Mrs. Lincoln, who acted like nothing had happened.

A few minutes later, Cat and Laura came up with their receipts. "What happened up here?" asked Cat.

I told them that I'd tell them later. I did ask them to drop my film over at the one-hour photoshop.

The rest of the morning was uneventful. Rachael came in, and we chatted for a few minutes while I checked her out. I was pleasantly surprised to see Ann come in with one of her sisters. She was the only other contestant to come in. I knew that there were other stores, but I had hoped to see Lisa and Claire. I doubted that Denise would wear anything as conventional as our gowns.

Around two o'clock 'Nick' and 'Tom' came back in with their parents.

They both had very smug looks on their faces.

'Tom' pointed over at Mrs. Lincoln. "That's the saleswoman who threw us out of here!"

I almost choked as I heard her call Mrs. Lincoln a 'saleswoman'!

Mrs. Lincoln walked over to them. I immediately sensed that this was an unfair fight. They only outnumbered Mrs. Lincoln by six to one. They should have brought the whole town of Red Hill to make it fair.

"I believe you owe our daughters an apology. I'm a personal friend of the owner of this business, and I know that she wouldn't approve of her employees mistreating my daughter," threatened 'Tom's father as he tried to intimidate Mrs. Lincoln.

There was a long silence before Mrs. Lincoln replied. "Sir, I AM the owner of this business; I know that I do not know you." She let her words sink in.

I was stunned to hear her actually raise her voice.

He stood there trying to decide what to do next. I could see sweat forming on his forehead. He looked back at the others with a 'deer in the headlights look on his face.

Then 'Nick's mother' spoke up, "If you don't want to hear from our lawyer, you'd better let our daughters in here!"

Mrs. Lincoln turned towards her. "I dislike idle threats even more than liars. These young women made bigoted and insulting comments on my business premises. If anyone is going to apologize, it should be your daughters. If you want to call your lawyer, that is your right, but I must warn you that you would be wasting your time and money. Now, you are starting to try my patience. Please leave my store and never return. Good afternoon."

They stood there for a second and then meekly left the store without saying another word. That was the last time we heard from them. Mrs. Lincoln watched them leave and then went back to work as if nothing had ever happened.

Sally turned to me and whispered, "I'd have paid money to see that!"

I nodded in agreement. I felt so proud to know Mrs. Lincoln and to be her employee and friend.

A little after three o'clock, I was off for the day. Mrs. Lincoln gave me Sunday off since she wanted me rested for school on Monday.

"I know you don't want to make a big deal about what happened with those two girls, but I just want to thank you." I gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"It was my pleasure, dear. I must admit that it makes me feel good to know that I still have it," she chuckled.

I caught up with Laura and Cat, and we walked over to get my pictures. I told them all about what had happened.

"She's so cool!" exclaimed Laura. "I wish I could have seen that."

I paid for the photos, and we went down to the food court to look at them. I was happy to see that most came out.

I showed them the picture of Tony and told them about his offer concerning Jason.

"Do you think he was serious?" asked Cat.

"I'm not sure," I answered.

"I'd have taken him up on the offer," remarked Laura.

All of the pictures from the cocktail party came out, so I had proof to go with my stories! Cat and Laura were both impressed.

"I take it everything went well with Matt?" I asked Cat as we looked at the photos.

"Yes, very much so. Mom really likes him a lot."

"That's great."

Cat and Laura then caught me up on everything that had gone on in the past week. We talked more about my trip and other things. Cat asked me how it was going with my hormone treatments, and I told her that so far, I didn't see any difference. Laura kidded me about checking my boob size every day. I had to admit that she was right, even though I knew it would be months before any changes were visible. They both told me that almost every girl checks herself as she matures, so it was very natural for me to do so too.

I had to admit that I felt a little different. I think it was more because I knew that I was starting my transformation than any real effects of the drugs.

"So, when am I going to see you in your new lingerie?" asked Laura with a sly grin on her face.

I felt my face getting warm.

Laura giggled. "You're so cute when you blush."

We then talked about who might be the third person going through transition. We all had our theories and ideas. I hoped that everyone would be back on Monday. Cat said it was pretty remarkable that there were still six left. We also talked about how they might decide the winner or winners. We all felt that everyone who made it to the end of the year deserved to win.

Cat looked at her watch and said that she had to leave to go out to dinner with her mom. I think that she just wanted to give Laura and me some time alone. We decided not to waste her kindness, and we went back to my house.

We had the house to ourselves as Mom had left a note saying she was over at Sam's home for dinner. Laura looked at me and smiled. She took me by the hand and led me upstairs.

We sat down on the bed facing each other. We just looked into each other's eyes. She lifted her hand up and caressed the side of my face. I could feel myself trembling slightly. I hoped that I always felt that way when she touched me like that. She leaned over slightly, and we began to kiss. Our arms drew us closer into a deep embrace. I felt her hand starting to gently explore my body. She guided one of my hands down to her breasts, and I slowly rubbed her nipples, as she had shown me earlier.

We then lay down on the bed and continued to make out and cuddle. Laura then unbuttoned her top, exposing her bra.

"You'll soon have these." She took off her top and then her bra, exposing her breasts. "I figure you are curious about them."

She had me gently rub her nipples. I watched as her nipples hardened and seemed to grow in size. It was such a sharing moment. She was right about my curiosity. I had countless questions and didn't know where to begin. I had seen pictures of breasts and had felt a few, but this was different. I couldn't wait until my own breasts began growing. Laura explained how the sensations of pleasure went deep into her chest and that it wasn't just a localized sensation. She smiled as she told me that she couldn't wait until she could return this pleasure to me.

She then reached over and helped me out of my top. I felt a little strange as she helped me out of my bra, exposing my chest. She rubbed my nipples, but they weren't that sensitive. She told me that they would become fun to play with. She cupped what little fat there was.

"Don't worry, my love. They'll grow into lovely breasts just like mine."

We then kissed again. I caressed her breasts while she did the same to me. That was as far as we went that night. Laura was slowly bringing me along, and I was a willing subject. Any doubts I had about being on the right path about my sexuality were gone. I had no desire at all to be with Laura, in a male role, as Eric would have tried.

We got dressed and sat there and talked. I showed her the expensive lingerie that Mrs. Lincoln bought me. Laura was very impressed.

"What do you think will happen when I go off to college?" she asked as she examined the lavender set.

"I don't know. I couldn't imagine being separated from her. I don't want to think about it right now."

"We'll have to talk about it eventually, my love," reiterated Laura. "But we have time, for now, to be together."

We began to kiss again. I couldn't imagine being without her.

We went downstairs and fixed dinner. I threw together some leftover chicken and rice. It wasn't too bad. We talked about school and the countdown to prom and then graduation. We had about two months of school left, give or take a few days. It almost didn't seem possible that I had only been Erika for around eight months.

"When will you be making your name change legal?" asked Laura.

"Mom is getting the paperwork, and we're going to submit it in a few weeks."

"So what's your new middle name going to be?" she asked, taking a bite of food.

"I really don't know," I replied. I took a bite of chicken; it wasn't bad.

"Huh?" Laura had a look of surprise on her face.

"Mom is going to pick it for me, just like she would have if I'd been born a girl. Either she hasn't decided yet, or she's is keeping it a secret," I explained.

"Maybe she should make it a contest and have people post suggestions on the Internet. It could be the 'Help name my transsexual teenage daughter contest,'" quipped Laura. We both started laughing at such a silly suggestion. I wondered what sort of entries I would get if any.

After dinner, we cleaned up and then went into the family room and watched TV together. We cuddled together on the couch.

Laura left around 10:00. I fixed a mug of tea and tried to finish reading a book for my American Lit class. We had to read two books by the same author and then write a comparison of the two. We were supposed to pick two books that told different types of stories. I selected two books by John Steinbeck. I had read "The Grapes of Wrath" before the break, and now I was finishing up "Cannery Row." Mom had suggested him, and I was glad she did. I really loved his writing style; it was so visual. I decided that I would have to go to Monterey, California, someday.

I was completely lost in the story when Sam and Mom came home. I didn't even hear Sam's car pull in the driveway. I jumped when the front door opened!

They came in and joined me at the kitchen table. Mom fixed some coffee for Sam and a cup of tea for herself.

"How was your day?" asked Mom.

I told her all about the sale and Mrs. Lincoln and the idiots.

"Sounds like she would have been a good DA," suggested Sam, chuckling, "or maybe a good cop!"

"So, how was your evening?" I asked. I got up to fix another mug of tea.

Mom told me how they'd gone for a long drive and ended up at Sam's for dinner.

"By the way, Sam picked up your name change paperwork, would you like to see it?" asked Mom.

"Absolutely," I answered.

"Now it isn't complete yet as I still haven't decided on your middle name, but here it is," said Mom as she placed an official form in front of me.

I read it and saw my original name, Eric Alexander Walters, and then Erika listed as my new first name. It was another of those real moments that I have mentioned before.

"She must be very tired," remarked Mom sarcastically.

"Yes, she doesn't seem too alert or observant," added Sam.

I looked up at them and saw they were both smiling. I looked back at the paperwork to see what I'd missed. Then I saw it. In the block for my new name was the last name Warren. I sat there staring at it, the meaning sinking in. I looked up and saw that Mom was now wearing an engagement ring and a big, happy grin.

A huge smile appeared on my face. "This is so wonderful! Congratulations!" I squealed. I got up and hugged and kissed both of them. "When did this happen?"

"Sam asked me this afternoon," said Mom. I'd never seen her so happy.

"I take it you approve?" asked Sam.

"Absolutely! You don't know how happy I'm for you guys!" I could feel tears of joy forming in my eyes.

"There is one more thing. However, we wanted your approval first before we started the paperwork," explained Mom.

"What's that?" I asked. I couldn't imagine what he was going to say next.

"Well, Erika, I know you're almost eighteen and that you'll soon be going to college, but how would you feel about me adopting you and making you my legal daughter?" asked Sam.

It took me a few seconds for his words to sink in. My smile got even bigger, and the tears of joy came streaming down. "You really want to do that? I'd love to have you as my dad!" I exclaimed. He took me into his arms and hugged me. I instantly felt safer and secure as I felt his arms surround me.

So, looking back at what happened, in his perverted attempt to destroy me, Jason not only made me stronger, but he started the chain of events that led to my having a complete family. Life comes with strange and ironic twists.

Sunday morning, I was sitting at the kitchen table reading the paper and enjoying a mug of English Breakfast Tea. I was still in my PJs and robe and the bunny slippers Paul had given me for Christmas. I had the day off, and I wanted to relax. It seemed like it had been ages since I had a day with no agenda. The birds at the feeder constantly distracted me, but it was a pleasant distraction. From where I was sitting, I could look right at the feeder hanging from the big tree in the backyard. I got a real kick out of watching the variety of birds that came to eat at the feeder, and I planned on getting a bird book, so I could identify them. I had just filled the feeder and had tossed some seed and peanuts on the ground this morning.

I was in an excellent mood due to the wonderful news that I'd had the previous night. Knowing that Mom and Sam were going to get married made me giddy with happiness. What made me even happier was knowing that Sam wanted to adopt me. It really helped my self-confidence.

I really didn't have a large extended family, especially since my birth father had never acknowledged me. Mom had told some of our relatives of my transition, and only a few had responded positively. Most never responded, at all and a few returned our Christmas cards unopened. However, knowing that Sam wanted me as his daughter was a huge boost.

I knew Sam had spent the night with Mom. It made me feel so secure knowing that he wanted to be with her. The shower was running, so I knew they were up. I glanced outside and saw a gray squirrel grab a peanut and make a run across the yard. Terri said squirrels were pests, but I thought they were fun to watch.

Mom came into the kitchen a few minutes later. She turned the stove back on to heat up the water.

"Good morning, Mom."

She smiled. "Morning, dear."

Mom had rarely had boyfriends overnight when we lived back in San Diego, and when she did, she'd always seemed guilty about it. I was pleased to see that she was now so relaxed and happy.

After she fixed her tea, she joined me at the table. "I see someone threw some peanuts under the feeder," remarked Mom. I looked back and saw a big blue and white bird fly away with a peanut.

"Was that a blue jay?" I asked. I was pretty ignorant about East Coast birds, not that I was all that educated about West Coast birds!

"Yes, I think it was," answered Mom. "Did you sleep well?"

"I guess so. I was up quite a while thinking about everything that went down last night. I'm so happy about you two getting married!"

"I know it's kind of sudden, but we saw no reason to wait," added Mom.

"How will his family react?" I asked.

"Well, he seems to think that they'll approve. Most of his family is down in Philadelphia and New Jersey. He said that his family has been bugging him to get married for years."

I wondered what it would be like to suddenly have a bigger family. I then realized I knew nothing about Sam's extended family. I wondered how they'd feel about him marrying a woman with a teenage transgender daughter. I also hadn't known that he'd never been married.

"Have you talked about a date?" I asked. I watched another blue jay grab a peanut.

"My, we are nosey," replied Mom with a smile. She took a sip of her tea. "We talked about July or August."

"Cool." I began to think about what I would wear.

"I'm glad you approve. We have decided that we want the ceremony up here in Golden Hill. I want the people who are special to me to be there. I've made so many good friends here, and they mean more to me than some people back in California who I just happen to be related to. Sam feels that his family won't mind the drive up here, and he also wants his friends to attend."

I knew what she meant. Besides my friends from school and work, I had also grown close to many people here. Terri meant more to me than any of my real relatives. Then there were Mrs. Lincoln, Ms. Bell, and Jenny McCall. It bothered me a little that our real family rejected me without ever even seeing me as Erika, but that was their loss.

"Of course, we both want you to be part of the ceremony." She paused for a second and then started to laugh. "I never thought that I'd be asking you to be one of my bridesmaids!"

We both started laughing. I was soon crying from laughing so hard. Sam walked in and stared at us. He just shook his head, "I don't want to know."

All we had was instant coffee, and Sam said that would have to change or the marriage was off. Coffee drinkers can be so grumpy in the morning! He begrudgingly accepted the instant. He just stared like I was insane when I suggested that he tries some tea.

Mom fixed pancakes, and we sat back and enjoyed a nice family breakfast. As far as I was concerned, Sam was my dad now. The paperwork was strictly a formality.