“Yeah.” Mary Beth smiled. Then she looked to Tracy. “Is h..she okay?” She remembered the lecture about using the right words in time.

All the girls looked to see Tracy shaking in fear. The young girl knew her secret was going to get out. The school would know by time she got back. Sage leaned over and put a hand on Tracy's. “Hey, you okay.”

“No.” She whimpered.

Sage got up and moved to her side. “Tracy, trust me. They won’t harm you here.” She glared over her shoulder to the two girls. “And they won't talk about meeting you at school, will they?”

Both Mary Beth and her sister looked a little worried at the intensity of Sage's glare. “No.” Mary Beth said.

Thanks to Djkauf for the editing.

Please note, but to the almost graphic nature of this post, I upped the rating. I promise the fun stuff shall return someday.

December 19th 1982
Livermore CA

Persephone's bus pulled into a driveway, just behind Lillian’s car and the unloading of six pre-teens, one child and two wheelchairs began. Sage pulled up Tracy's wheelchair and they waited while she slowly got out of the bus, then Sage pushed it away. Behind them Rachel brought up Brooke's chair, leaving it right by the door to the bus and set the brakes. Tracy turned her head enough to see her new friend make own way out of the vehicle and put herself into the chair with no help at all. Brooke smiled at her and undid the brakes, holding one wheel as she did. Then she started after Tracy.

“See, the wheelchair isn't who I am. It's just an accessory.” Brooke said as she passed the two girls and stopped at the porch. “Till I get to a step. Then I'm stuck.”

As Lilian opened the front door, that held a huge wreath, Persephone came over to the two wheelchairs and she first pulled Brooke's chair up into the step, then into the house, then she repeated the process with Tracy.

Tracy looked at her with a part quizzical, part annoyed expression. “I could have gotten out of the chair.”

“Oh...sorry, get so used to Brooke.” Persephone replied. “But more time off your feet won’t kill you.”

“Yeah, I guess.” Tracy didn't argue anymore. She knew if she made too much of a fuss, her parents would hear and she'd get an earful when she got home.

Tracy was wheeled into the living room and then Sage went back to the van to help get the sleeping bags for the night. The house was decorated for the season. A giant Christmas tree loomed in one corner of the living room, near the couch. Strands of lights and tinsel ran across the room. Tracy took a look around the room and found a group of pictures on the wall. She leaned closer and began to get confused. In several of the pictures was a man who had a white streak of hair, like Casey, holding a baby with the same streak of white hair. Other pictures had a different man, one in a police uniform, holding the baby with the white stripe of hair and Lilian holding a second girl.

“Confused?” Brooke said as she wheeled over.

“Yeah....” Tracy kept looking at the pictures. “Is one of them their Dad?”

“They both are.” Brooke pointed to the guy with the white hair. “That's Casey's dad. She's a year and a half older then Stacey, but she don't look it. The other guy is Stacey's dad. He's been raising Casey as his own since he married their mom.”

“What happened to the other guy?” Tracy asked.

“Died. From what I heard, he had some form of cancer that people didn't catch. Died right about six months after Casey was born.” Brooke replied

“That sucks.” Tracy replied.

“Yeah, but Harvey is a great dad. You met him the other day. He's funny, too.. Plus he's a cop.” Brooke started to wheel away when she looked over her shoulder. “Speaking of Casey, we got to teach you sign language.”

“That would be so cool. Then I’ll know what you're all saying.” Tracy replied with a grin.

Stacey came in with Tracy's bag and rested in on one of the handles. “We'll be taking over the living room for the night again.”

“Your parents don't mind?” Tracy asked as she was pushed over to the couch.

“Nah, I think Dad expected me to take over the TV anyway. Rudolph is on tonight.” Stacey smiled at her.

Tracy blushed as she thought about the show. It was embarrassing. Here she was, almost a teen and she still loved all the holiday shows. She would make time to catch all of the good ones and she knew if kids at school heard, she'd be a laughing stock. “You all watch that?” She asked.

“Oh yeah. I love that show. Watch it every year.”

“I thought I was the only one who liked those.” Tracy managed to squeak out.

“You kidding. Wait till it gets started. Sage will sing along with all the songs and Rachel does a great Hermey the elf imitation. We know all the songs to Santa Claus is coming to town, and A year without Santa Claus, too. We're holiday crazy.” Stacey said. “Heck, we still go trick or treating, too.”

“Really?”

“Oh yeah. Went as a Princess this year.” Stacey said with a giggle. “Got a bunch of candy, too.”

“Cool.” Tracy replied with a huge grin.

“Speaking of candy, Mom was gonna make some cookies and stuff for tonight. Can you have cookies and hot chocolate?”

“I...I think so.” Tracy replied.

“Yes, she can.” Persephone said as she walked into the room. “Your mother mis-read the doctor's instructions. She said to say she's sorry about that, but they wanted to be safe. But you can have anything you want, just keep up on the water.”

“Awesome.” Tracy's eyes lit up as she began to plot the annihilation of any cookie that came near her.

~o~O~o~

The six girls were gathered around the coffee table, a game of monopoly sat on the card table. It was still early, almost dinner time, and the cookies were still in the process of being baked. The piles of paper money were neatly in front of Tracy, yet they were all small piles. Around the table everything seemed to look like her pile, except for Casey. The young girl had managed to roll doubles and buy up property that people just kept landing on.

There was a knock at the door and Lilian called from the kitchen. “Stacey, could you get that? It may be those other girls.”

“Sure, Mom.” Stacey got up and went for the door. A few moments later she returned.

“Hey they made it.” Stacey said as she led Emily May and Mary Beth into the living room. Both girls had a bag hung on their shoulders and a sleeping bag in their hands. Their Aunt Jill came into the living room and Stacey led her to the kitchen

“Girls.” Jill said as she passed through the room.

“So you can stay, I see.” Sage stated as they went back to their game as the two sisters came in a stopped by the card table. Across the table, Tracy was having a hard time controlling her nerves. Her eyes stayed glued to the board.

“Yeah. Aunt Jill just wanted to give your Mom some phone numbers and stuff.” Mary Beth replied.

“Not my Mom.” Sage gestured to her cousin Stacey as she re-entered the room. “Her mother.”

“I wasn't sure.” Mary Beth said.

“Here. Put your things on the other side of the couch. We'll be having dinner soon too.” Sage pointed to the couch. “We'd invite you in to the game, but we're in the middle of one.”

“We could always stop at dinner time and then do two games.” Rachel suggested.

“Would be better then just standing around and watching us have fun.” Brooke replied.

“We could break out a second game, and split into groups.”

“That works.” Sage said. She looked at the two sisters. “You do eat pizza, right?”

“Yeah.” Mary Beth smiled. Then she looked to Tracy. “Is h..she okay?” She remembered the lecture about using the right words in time.

All the girls looked to see Tracy shaking in fear. The young girl knew her secret was going to get out. The school would know by time she got back. Sage leaned over and put a hand on Tracy's. “Hey, you okay.”

“No.” She whimpered.

Sage got up and moved to her side. “Tracy, trust me. They won’t harm you here.” She glared over her shoulder to the two girls. “And they won't talk about meeting you at school, will they?”

Both Mary Beth and her sister looked a little worried at the intensity of Sage's glare. “No.” Mary Beth said. Emily May just shook her head. Then Mary Beth asked. “What if we just tell people we met a new friend, Tracy?”

“And then people may ask who she is.” Sage replied.

“Maybe we should tell them what happened?” Rachel said, looking at Sage and Tracy.

Sage looked to Tracy who shrugged. “Tracy, if they know what happened, it may help them understand why they need to keep quiet.”

“Okay.” Tracy whispered.

Rachel nodded then looked at Tracy. “You want out of here for a few minutes?”

“Please.” Tracy began to get out of her wheelchair. “I'll go to the bathroom or something.”

“Okay.” Sage said as they watched Tracy slowly walk out of the room, Then Rachel got up to follow her.

“I'll keep her away for a few minutes. We'll take her walk of the day or something.” Rachel said.

“Good idea.” Sage nodded. They were unaware that Lilian and Jill were now in the doorway, watching the girls.

Sage sat back in her chair and turned to face the new comers. “First things first. Are there gay kids in your school?”

Mary Beth shrugged, but Emily nodded. “Yeah, there’s one. At least I think he's gay.”

“Why?” Mary Beth asked.

Sage held up a finger to hold off her questions. “Has anyone found out about him?”

Emily nodded. “Yeah. Some of the boys heard about him. He came to school a couple days later with a black eye. He never said how he got it.”

“I see.” Sage leaned back in her seat. “How do your parent's and Grandparents react when they see Gay people in person or on TV.”

“Usually they swear at them. Dad thinks Fags should die, which is kinda stupid from a Church deacon.” Mary Beth replied.

“See, girls.” Jill spoke up from the kitchen, causing all the girls, except Casey to jump. “Not everyone is friendly to those who are different. I know your Grandpa still hates black people. I know he's against gay people. Your father is the same way.” She looked to Mary Beth who was slightly surprised. But when she looked to Emily May, she noticed a worried look on the girls face.

“People tend to attack what they don't know.” Lilian said as she stepped into the room. “My Casey is insulted all the times because she looks different and can't hear.”

“And if people heard about Tracy once being a boy, they'd attack her too.” Sage butted in.

“Is that what happened with Bruce?” Mary Beth asked.

“Kinda.” Sage replied. “Bruce was headed to her house just to beat up Troy for telling the Principal that he stole stuff.”

“So he did steal from that class?” Emily May asked and Sage nodded. “Damn. I knew he was a jerk, but man, that's low.” Emily May stated. “So what happened?”

“He got mean once he found Tracy in stead of Troy and he hurt him for being gay too, at least he thought he was gay.” Sage said.

Jill moved into the room and sat on a couch. “Girls, this is why no one can know what you know.” She was aware that Sage had left out a major part of the story, but she wasn't sure how much she was allowed to say. “First was this Bruce kid. Anyone else finds out and it could be bad, or worse.”

“I...I think it is.” Mary Beth replied.

“How so?” Jill asked.

Mary Beth had a worried look on her face. “Bruce told his brother, Clark. He was going around the school telling everyone that Troy was in a dress. He even tried to start something at lunch the day Troy...Tracy got hurt again. I saw what he had on, it wasn't a dress, it was a skirt. I saw him at the hospital.”

“And have you told anyone?” Jill asked.

“No. When Clark started the rumor, I told everyone he had on a pair of bloody shorts.” Mary Beth answered.

“Good. But now you see why no one can find out about it, right?” Jill asked. “You said Clark confronted her too?”

“Yeah. He would have beat him up, but Tro...Tracy's friend was there and he almost took on all three guys. They even did a good job of telling people that Clark was a moron.” Mary Beth stated with a small smile. “Then he got tripped and was hurt again.”

“Yeah.” Sage leaned forward. “That trip pulled out all her stitches.”

“So what happened to her? Where was she hurt?” Emily May asked.

“I don't know if that's for us to tell.” Stacey said, looking to her cousin

“Tracy gave me the okay for it.” Sage replied. She shut her eyes for a moment and pushed aside the anger, that came with the story about the attack on her friend. When she opened her eyes, she focused on Mary Beth. “They found Tracy on the property by a barn, she managed to get away and made it to her Grandmothers back yard and did a hell of a job defending herself at first, but it was three to one. In the end they sprained her wrist, which got hurt again when she was tripped. Two ribs were broken and there's very little they can do to fix that. They were also hurt when she was tripped too” Sage said. She turned her gaze from the other girl and her voice got a slight edge to it. “They also kicked her so hard and enough times that her testicles were destroyed. That's why she moves so slow. The day she was tripped? That asshole tore out the stitches.”

Lilian looked at her niece and pointed a finger. “Language, young lady. I'll let it pass this time, but next time I tell your mother.”

“Sorry, Aunt Lilian.” Sage said with a blush.

“Does it hurt her?” Mary Beth asked.

“Yeah. Each step she takes is full of pain. When she sits, stands, walks, sleeps? Everything causes pain.” Sage wasn't sure how much of it was true, but she was going for total effect in scaring them silent.

“So he beat her up for wearing a dress?” Emily asked, still looking a bit nervous.

“No. He beat her up because she fought back and because she tattled on him. The fact she was in the skirt only made him meaner.” Sage replied.

“Now you see why you can't say anything?” Jill asked. “Her life could be in danger in that town you live in.” Sage just looked at the two girls and nodded.

“Can we hang out with her when we're home?” Mary Beth asked.

Jill thought about it for a moment, then asked. “Can I ask why you'd want to hang out with her?”

“Well Troy always seemed like a nice guy.” This time she didn't alter the words. “But he was always so quiet. So reserved. When I was paired with him for assignments, he was so smart.” Mary Beth replied. “From what I saw at the mall, Tracy seems like she's a fun person and I thought she'd want some friends.”

“That sounds good.” Jill replied. “You'll give her the same respect that you want to be given?”

“Yeah.” Mary Beth and Emily both nodded as they spoke.

“Good. She's a human, no matter what she looks like. She's not a toy. She has feelings, just like you do.”

“What do you mean?”

Jill took a deep breath as she tired to figure out what to say and how. “There's unspoken rules for dealing with people. First of all, use your head. If she's dressed as her boy persona, use his names and male pronouns. If she's dressed as a girl, then treat her like one. And respect. Always respect.”

“She's just like you, but she was born a little different.” Sage added.

“That's another thing.” Jill drummed her finger on her knee. “Don't ask to see her naked. You wouldn't want people to just ask and see you like that, don't think she just wants to show you because you ask.” She waited while Mary Beth and Emily May nodded. “Plus, don't ask her about her private parts either. You already know more about her then she knows about you. Also, just because you know, don't keep asking her about it. Okay?”

“Yes Aunt Jill.” Mary Beth replied.

“Yeah.” Emily nodded.

“Good. Now I'll be by the phone. You bug her too much tonight and I'll get you. Or if she gets too upset with you around, I'll come get you. She's in a delicate mood, so please, be gentle with her. Be patient and understanding.”

“Yes Aunt Jill.” Both sisters replied.

Jill look to Lilian and smiled. “Thank you for letting them come over. I don't have children and they were getting bored with nothing to do while I work.”

“It's no problem.” Lilian stated. “Glad to have them over, if it helps out Tracy in the end.”

~o~O~o~

Tracy and Rachel made their way to the end of the block, moving at the slow pace that Tracy could manage. Once they reached the stop sign, Tracy put a hand out and leaned against it. “Do you think it's a good idea?” She asked.

“Having those two girls here?” Rachel watched as Tracy nodded. “I don't know, but Sage thinks so.”

“I'm...” Tracy shook her head and sighed. “I'm just afraid that they'll say something at school.”

“Well they could have if we didn't invite them. But I think Sage is right. This may be the chance we need to show them why they shouldn't talk.” Rachel replied. “I just hope she's right.”

“Me too. I'm just glad they don't know about Sage, too.”

Rachel nodded. “Yeah, that's not something she broadcasts. So we're all keeping it that way.”

Tracy looked over her shoulder and stood up straight. “Let's go back. I think I've had enough of a walk today, plus the pizza should be here soon.”

“I like how you think.” Rachel said with a smile.

~o~O~o~

The eight girls all sat around the TV as the famous holiday cartoon was finishing. True to what Stacey had said, Sage had begun to sing along with the movie as they all watched it. The pizza was a distant memory, but now each of them had a cup of hot chocolate and a few cookies each. Tracy had taken the chance to sit on the couch, instead of her wheelchair.

Sage had taken a spot next to her, with Rachel on the other side. Casey was the only one not watching, instead she was busy drawing in a sketch pad she held on her lap. Mary Beth and her sister sat on the floor in front of the couch. As the show hit the End, Sage got up and headed for the hall. “Leave it on. Frosty is next.” She called as she went for the bathroom.

Mary Beth took the time to turn around and smile at Tracy. “Thank you for letting us stay.”

“It's not a problem.” Tracy replied.

“I really am sorry for surprising you at the mall. Aunt Jill explained some things, so did Sage, you know, how things could have happened.” Mary Beth stated.

“I'm not mad, but you had me scared there at first.” Tracy said.

“What about now?” Mary Beth turned fully around to face her. “Are you okay with us now?”

Tracy thought about it for a moment. They had taken to her as Tracy quite well. Neither of them had slipped with the pronouns while they ate, or while they played the board games. In fact they had been quite polite. No questions about anything. But she was still unsure. “A little better. It just worries me that more people know. If people hear, I could be in deep shit.”

“Yeah. It was pretty stupid to come up to you like that. But at least you know and I haven't told anyone. Heck, Emily didn't even know till we saw you in the parking lot.” Mary Beth said.

“Really?” Tracy asked.

“Really.” Emily May said as Mary Beth stood up.

“Be right back.” Mary Beth said and she left the room.

Emily May turned to face Tracy better. “I kinda understand having a secret that you don't want people to know.”

“Really?” Tracy was slightly skeptical.

Emily May went over to where Tracy sat on the couch and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “You can't tell anyone....But I like girls. I'm just scared to say it at home.”

Tracy's eyes went wide as she let the information sink in. “Really?” She said back.

Emily nodded as she stood there. “Really.”

“Wow.” Tracy blinked a couple of times. It wasn't the same as her situation, but at least she had someone who was kind of like her at home.

Emily leaned in once more. “I know why you're scared, but you won't have to worry about me.”

“Thank you.” Tracy whispered back. “And thank you for the trust.”

“You're welcome, Tracy.” Emily May said. “You're more then welcome.”

“Do you think she'll say anything?” Tracy asked.

“I don't know, but I so hope not.” Emily May answered, but the look she gave didn't inspire confidence.

~o~O~o~

Something was wrong. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but something was wrong. Tracy got off the bus, aware that everyone seemed to be whispering behind her back. She wasn't sure why, but more people were staring at her as she walked into the school. More people began to point and whisper, then she noticed a few angry faces.

She was halfway through the halls, still trying to figure out what was happening. Peter was nowhere to be seen and that worried her. She came around the corner where her class was and she stopped when she saw the crowd. At the front of the crowd was Mary Beth. At the distance she was, Tracy couldn't hear what she was saying, but it was clear she was either agitated or ecstatic.

She saw someone tap Mary Beth on the shoulder and the girl turned around and gave her a sinister grin. “See, I told you. HE wears dresses!”

“Mary Beth?!?” Tracy was confused. “What the hell are you talking about. I'm not wearing a dre....” Her train of though trailed off as she looked down to see a very bright pink sundress on. She looked at a nearby window and saw that her hair wasn't long anymore, it was the style her father always made Troy have. A military style cut.

“Boys can't be girls.” Mary Beth said as she walked closer. “Maybe I should let my friends teach you a lesson like we taught your friends?”

“What? What are you talking about?”Tracy took a step back. “What friend?”

As if on cue, the crowd parted on one side and Peter was thrown to the ground. His body was bloody and bruised.

“Peter?” she whispered.

“Not just him.” A voice from behind her spoke up. This sent a shiver down her spine. She turned around to see Bruce walking towards her. Kenny, Frankie to one side of the brothers and their cousins to the other side. One of the cousins gripped Emily May's hair in his hand. Her face had been struck several times. They shoved her forward and she took a couple of stumbling steps, then hit the ground.

“Mary Beth?” Emily's voice was cracked and shaking. “Why?”

“Sorry, sis. You're not like us, you're against us.” Mary Beth's voice had an edge to it. She stalked forward and stopped next to Tracy and put a hand on her shoulder. “Show her the other one.” As Tracy gave her a quick glance, Mary Beth's skin seemed to ripple, then her features changed. As they stood there, she slowly became Clark Millet.

Frankie reached behind him and he pulled back with a handful of red hair. He dragged a severely beaten Sage and shoved her to the ground Her clothes were torn, with her shirt cut open just like hers had been, just her underwear was left on below her waist. Sage lay on the ground, sobbing. Bruce stared at Tracy and he stepped over to the fallen redhead. “Little boys shouldn't try to be little girls.”

“Sage?" She called out. "What....what did you do to her?” Tracy tried to run, but her feet were glued to the spot. It was at this moment that she noticed the students had gathered into a circle around her and Bruce.

“Nothing yet. But she'll get the same thing we're gonna do to you.” Bruce took a step forward, so did his brother and their stooges. “You two want to be girls? We'll teach you what little girls should do.”

Tracy felt several of the students behind her grab at her arms and legs. She tried to struggle, she tried to scream, but it was hopeless. She was shoved to the ground as Bruce walked over. He dropped to one knee and sneered at her as he put a hand on her chest. “You're gonna love this.” He said as he torn the cloth over her chest open. Other hands began to shred the cloth from her body and she found her voice, screaming out as loud as she could.

~o~O~o~

As with the first night, Rachel and Sage were on her as the screaming and thrashing began. “Damn it girl, wake up!” Sage commanded. She held Tracy's head as best as she could. As Tracy noticed where she was, the screaming changed to sobbing.

All the girls, except Casey were wide awake and now staring at Tracy, Sage and Rachel. From the back of the house, they could hear running towards the living room. Harvey stepped into the living room, gun in one hand and a flashlight held alongside the pistol with the other hand. His daughter got up and stopped him. “It's okay Dad.” She said as she walked over. “Just a nightmare.”

“You sure?” He asked, flipping hte safety on his weapon watching as Rachel moved so Sage could slip next to her friend.

“Yeah. Ask Mom, she can fill you in.”

“Okay.” He stood there for a moment, then he slowly left the room.

“What happened?” Mary Beth asked as her and her sister just watched helpless from their own sleeping bags.

“Nightmares. She's had them since the attack.” Rachel replied.

Sage opened up her sleeping bag, then opened up Tracy's. She uncovered her friend, then brought hers over both of their bodies.

“It was different, wasn't it?” Sage asked Tracy. She just nodded. “I heard you call my name and Mary Beth's. Want to talk about it?”

“No” Tracy said between sobs.

Sage bit her lip, but still held her friend tightly. She was really curious now, after she had heard her named mentioned. “It's okay.” She whispered. “Just let it all out.”

“Will she be okay?” Mary Beth asked. “What are the dreams about?”

“Maybe.” Rachel answered. She sighed and then looked at the two sisters. “There's something else about the attack we didn't tell you.”

“Really? What was that?” Mary Beth asked.

“First of all, this doesn't leave this house. Got it. Second you don't say a word to Tracy....or Troy at school.” Rachel stated.

“Okay.” Mary Beth nodded.

“Yeah. I won't talk.” Emily May said.

“Good. Follow me.” Rachel got up and led them out of the living room so Tracy wouldn't hear the story and have another dream. She stopped at the den and took a second to compose herself, then she began to explain the whole attack to the two girls, giving them all the information she had about it. When she had finished both girls had stunned looks on their faces.

“He really tired to rape her?” Emily May asked.

“Yeah. It's been tearing her up, too.” Rachel replied.

“That's....but she's still a boy, right?” Mary Beth shook her head, trying to figure out how it was possible.

“Mary Beth, Just because she's a boy don't mean Bruce couldn't rape her.” Emily told her sister.

“Where....but how.....?” Mary Beth kept trying to work it out in her mind, then she froze. “You mean....in her?” She leaned over to her sister and whispered the rest of the statement to her sister. Emily nodded.

“I think so at least. But remember, no talking about this in front of her.” Emily May stated.

Mary Beth nodded. “Yeah, I won’t say a word.” She looked at the now double sleeping bag.

“Good.” Rachel replied. “Hopefully she can get back to sleep this time.”

Meanwhile in the living room, she was holding Sage with a death grip, not letting her move at all. Stacey had joined her cousin in holding her. Both girls were trying to get the sobbing to slow down. Emily May and Mary Beth were shocked to see the other two girls under the covers with her.

“Tracy?” Sage spoke quietly. “I wanna know what happened. I was in your dream, wasn't I?”

“Yeah.” Tracy managed to say as the sobbing stopped.

“Was I attacked?” Sage asked. Tracy nodded. “Was Mary Beth attacked?” This time Tracy shook her head. “But she was in the dream, right?”

Tracy nodded. “Yeah.” Her voice was almost a whisper.

“Tracy. Was Bruce in it again?” Sage asked. This spurred a new round of sobbing.

Sage wanted to ask more questions, but she didn't want to push it too far. So instead she rubbed her hand over Tracy's back in a comforting way. “Come on Tracy, let it out. You didn't do anything wrong that day. Just let it all out. Let the shame fall with your tears.” She whispered. “Just let it all out.”

I promise that I'll try to stay away from another dream episode for a while. She'll have them, but I am not writing it. Next time the week in Livermore CA continues.