Part 5

Echoes

Martine continues her recovery and goes home. She discovers more about who she is and her life.

* * *

I had become used to the Hospital by now, time was beginning to drag and of course I had a mystery to solve. Why kill me? I mean I was professionally boring, not involved in anything and yet here I was. Haunted by myself and in a new body.

“Hi Martine,” Angela’s sunny voice pulled me out of my reverie, “I think you are ready to get cleaned up a little.” She delicately wrinkled her nose…

“What? I had a good wash this morning and with you and Bron introducing me to the torture of a blanket bath…” I let a grin out, I knew she was joking. “Come on Angela, spill.”

“OK, you got me” she gestured, raising her hand to her forehead in that oh-so-dramatic ham actress pose. “No, I came to see if you fancied using the Bath. I think a nice soak will do you good and you will find it intensely relaxing dear.”

“You know I may give in to the temptation to enjoy that. It sounds fun and I wonder if there is some way I can get my nails looked at?”

“A makeover?” she smiled, “We DO have a beautician here for the patients, especially longer term ones find a little beauty treatment helps them feel better and I think they actually get better quicker than just lying in bed.” She looked pointedly at me.

“Ooops, I suppose I have let myself veg out a little. You are a harsh taskmistress you know” I tried to look annoyed but the giggles set in. There was no way I could get angry and Angela was right, I was starting to just lie in bed or sit watching daytime TV.

* * *

The trip to the beautician was an eye opener in many ways. Angela demanded that she escort me (read drive like a maniac pushing me through the corridors) to the beautician’s den. Now up until now I had never been in such a place, I remembered looking in once and seeing a woman have her hair wrapped in foil and realised there was a good chance I was about to find out exactly why this was. In the past, I was a cheap and cheerful haircut sort of chap, get in, get trimmed and get out. NOTHING prepared me for the experience I was about to have.

“Hi, this is Martine, can I leave you to perform your magic Margie?” Angela asked a rather young woman who clearly was waiting for me.

“Sure Angie, I’ve got her record here” she pursed her lips and looked straight at me. “So you’re the one! Well you are in safe hands now dear and I will make you look like a million dollars” a broad grin flashed across her face as Angela left us.

The salon was fairly small, I supposed there was little need for anything larger and she probably did a round of other wards. As I said, I had not really been in such places and Margie guided me to a chair in front of a sink and mirrors. My instincts were shouting to get a fast style and get back but something calmed me and I began to relax into the chair as Margie looked at my hair, lips pursed in thought.

“So Martine, any ideas as to the style you would like?”

“I don’t feel too adventurous at the moment, could you just tidy it up please?”

“Sure, it’s not too bad and you have great hair. You could use a number of styles but you are right. After all you’ve been through it is nice to stay in the familiar. I bet you like to cut loose occasionally. Tell you what, I’ll wash and put a nice gentle style in for you.”

“Um, OK that sounds good I think” I must have sounded really trite.

“Not to worry, you are in capable hands Martine. Now just sit back and relax.” With that, Margie started washing my hair.

All my experiences before had not prepared me for the sheer sensual nature of the process of having my hair done. I began to understand why women enjoyed these experiences. The simple pleasure brought a smile to my face… Try a Spa sometime… WHAT! Where did that come from, I thought my dream visitor was just that.

“Sorry we can’t let you loose on the makeup Martine but you understand about infection and things.” She looked deeply at me obviously planning something. “When you leave, promise you’ll stop by and I’ll throw in the makeover. You know, give you the glam look. What do you say?”

“S…sure, I don’t know when I’ll be allowed home. I suppose Dr Bain will the judge of that but it’s a date.” I wondered when that would be and what was it with the girly thoughts? I caught a look at that other me in the corner of my eye. Not exactly healthy but I could see changes beginning. I had to start work soon…

* * *

Dr Bain continued his procession about my room looking quite stern. Uh oh I thought.

“Martine, it is time you were out and about rather more. I have your reports that you can walk reasonably well but you will be spending time in physio to get the rest of you working. I am very pleased with your progress and I think we can look to get you home in about a week. You will remain an outpatient and I will want you to visit the unit at least twice a week.”

“Really? That’s great, I mean it isn’t that I am ungrateful, quite the opposite but I have to get out in the wide world sometime. I think I have a job but really don’t remember much, is that silly?” I really wanted to get home and discover the reality of my new life.

“And you need to hurry, time is flying Martine” again I heard that voice, rather croaking but I was sure it was somehow mine.

“Yes Martine, time to prepare you for the big bad world. You are a most interesting patient and I am sure you will soon get the hang of things again.” A gentle smile and Dr Bain left on his rounds.

“So, fancy a coffee and a walk Martine?” Angela appeared almost at the moment Dr Bain left a huge smile playing on her lips. I wondered what devious plan she was hatching now.

“Sure, I think I would like to walk there Angela. I’m getting stronger and that trip to the salon was simply lovely. Come on girl, do you like the new hairdo?” WHAT! Where did that come from? I realised I was adapting to my new body although Hospital was OK for getting better I hadn’t really taken a good look at myself. “Just give me a tick and I’ll get ready OK?”

“Sure, Dr Bain was impressed with the recovery and you are really driven to get back out there. Just don’t overdo things, promise?”

“Sure, I’m not so foolish as to force things and then overextend and end up back where I started. I know I’ll have some serious cleaning to do when I get home but Margie promised a makeover before I leave and I’m looking forward to that. Somehow I feel as though something is missing without a little warpaint, you know?”

“Sure, these places aren’t exactly the most glamorous of places but we all feel, well more girly with a little glamour. Makeup is frowned upon because of the risk of infection and things.”

With that, we walked out into the corridor. I had to look along the corridor, the décor was that institutional type where they build by the mile and cut off as required. The colours were not really welcoming, I supposed that was the idea. The décor was so awful you wanted to get better to escape back into the outside world.

Walking down toward the Atrium, I felt something like somebody walking across my grave…

“Well, nearly ready to leave are we? You will work for ME! You may try to resist but there are ways of persuading you to do so. I can grant your dearest wish and restore what you lost if you work willingly or...”

“Are you OK?” Angela asked. She must have seen something, a shiver I suppose.

“Sure, just getting a bit stir crazy you know?” I tried to deflect the conversation. After all here I am a girl having crazy thoughts walking to get a coffee.

“Well you are going home soon but we can stay in touch if you like? I think I’ll be allowed to stay on your case but sometimes you need a friend for a good chinwag too.”

“Yes, I hope so. I don’t think I had much of a social life and somehow it’s like I’ve moved into a new place and don’t know anybody yet.” You don’t know the half of it or do you? I wondered, Angela was a lovely woman and I really thought of her as a friend but did she somehow spot something? Probably that “feminine intuition” I supposed. Wonder if I’ll get something like that?

Coffees in hand Angela and I made our way to the Atrium. Unlike previous visits it was raining outside, the rain washing down the windows but somehow brightening the leaves. The clouds parted in the distance and with a golden glow the sun came back out. A double rainbow appearing bright against the still dark clouds further away. I found myself smiling at the sight, as Marty I had always liked rainbows and … just a minute, I AM Marty what’s with the femininity? Was I sharing something of the other Martine? She did say she left her skills, I wonder if I’ve become something a little more? Feminine traits but my other skills, hmmm that could be it. Wonder where I work.

“Penny?” asked Angela, jerking me out of my daydream.

“Hmm sorry?”

“Penny for your thoughts silly”

“Oh I was just thinking about home and things, just drifting I suppose.”

“That’s probably just nerves Martine,. You’ve been through a lot and the time you’ve been in here has all kept you rather isolated from the outside world. You’ll take to the outside like a duck to water you’ll see Martine.”

“And I have at least one friend to help me yes?” I smiled.

“Sure, you and me against the world. You know I’ll be there when needed hun.”

Somehow that thought made me feel better.

* * *

“Now Martine, let’s take a look at you” Dr Bain smiled warmly.

Not surprising as I was certain to be allowed home now I had been here for what seemed like forever.

“Well injuries all healed and the physio went well. I will be wanting you to attend Outpatients Clinic, Angela will remain your carer. You and she seem to have hit it off but that’s to be expected, she will be about later to give you your appointment times. So tomorrow morning you can go home for a while.”

“That’s great! I mean, sorry, that must sound so rude like I don’t value your care and I do Dr Bain, thank you” It actually felt good to be getting home. Wait a minute, how do I get home?

“Dr Bain, this may seem a dumb question but how do I get home? I mean I don’t actually know where I am now if you see what I mean. The Police had my car so surely they’ll still have it?”

“Oh of course, I see Martine. We can arrange transport home and Angela can liaise with you and the Police to get your car back. I’m going to advise you to stay off work for a few days and then work part-time as you recover. It may sound harsh not letting you have longer off work but as you know, the devil finds work…” He gave a warm smile and I swear his eyes twinkled a little. I am getting SO girly!

* * *

The day was a whirl of activity, I could barely contain my excitement. Home, you are sooo goin’ to love it… Great now I had a passenger too. Fortunately I did not have much to pack and spent a while in the Atrium thinking about what was to come. I knew my name well “Duh” WHAT! But I still had no idea about what it was I did other than it was a new job apparently. Hey, if I go with the flow and keep my eyes and ears open I should be fine. But that Shadow was out there and whatever it wanted I was not going to do.

“Hey girl! The Escape Committee want a word” Angela giggled in my ear.

“Escape Committee?”

“Well we were hoping you didn’t need to start digging a tunnel”

Catching on and remembering some films I smiled, “Don’t tell me they found the glider I was building on the roof!”

“Nope but the tunnel was sooo busted when we realised your new hobby was taking your wall out into the Atrium one handful at a time”

“My name is Martine Edwards not Andy DuFresne” I laughed. Well sue me I loved that film. Enjoying the warmth of the meeting, Angela and I drank our coffees and enjoyed each other’s company.

“Nice, now I’ve spoken to Margie and we’ve arranged for your makeover before you leave for home. I know Margie is waiting to give you the works.”

The next morning, Angela and I made our way to Margie’s den of magic. A growing feeling of unease that I put down to “getting out of here” blues but also somehow I was going to be entering the unknown.

“Hi Martine, ready for the works?” Margie put a little sunshine into my growing unease.

“Uh, yes I suppose so, I’m just nervous about getting back into the outside world I suppose.” I replied letting my unease show.

“Hey that’s only natural, you’ve been here a few weeks now so let’s glam you up for your big debut!” She gestured grandly at the waiting salon chair.

Feeling like I was heading for an execution as guest of honour I made my way to the chair and gingerly sat down. Hey calm down, you’ve done this before. Sit back and enjoy the ride, trust me this is going to feel heavenly. Again that inner voice, but I was coming to trust her.

“So Martine, make yourself comfortable and I’ll work my magic. You’ll be wanting a stick to beat off the men. Oh, got one already?” Margie started chatting as she got to work.

I hadn’t even thought of that I realised. I mean here I was one time Marty and definitely male and by some means I was probably never going to realise I was now definitely female. Well I supposed I was not a candidate for a Convent but these were thoughts for “File away and hope I lose the filing cabinet”.

“No, I don’t think so. I’m new around here and have a new job to start. I suppose it’ll work out in the end” please, please drop this Margie I thought.

“Sure, a pretty young woman like you I think you will have no problems outside. I know you are smart enough to do well and I hear Angela will still be seeing you while you are an out-patient?”

“Yes, she’s been such a rock. Supporting me through my recovery and I hope we can stay friends.”

“I agree, you and Angela are becoming friends. Now sit back and I can start work on your nails while your hair sets.” Margie got to work on my nails, dipping them in a bowl of coloured liquid. It looked strange but felt absolutely wonderful.

It was strange, something that was so very ordinary, after all I had seen women get manicures and things before, but the actual feelings during the process… Well they were really hard to describe, this was a first for me as a man I never really thought of such things but this I could get used to perhaps a treat each month…

Told you… Oh wonderful why did I get the feeling that at some point my co-pilot would expect some “me time” of their own. Ohh that sounds nice, thanks…

I began to drift a little with the pleasure but was abruptly brought back by the sight that I caught in the corner of my eye. ME! My old body rotting, sat in the chair! Not too bad yet but I remembered that comment about “Being under the clock”. I wondered how long I had. Well time enough I suppose.

“Martine! Wakey wakey hun!”

“Huh?”

“You don’t want to sleep through this Martine. It’s way too important for a girl to miss you know.”

“Oh, sorry. It was just such a wonderful feeling I couldn’t help myself but yes, you’re right I shouldn’t miss this Margie” and it was a lovely feeling. I could definitely get used to this.

“Now Martine, have you considered colours?”

“Colours?” I asked blankly.

“Your nail polish colour silly! This dusty pink will look good. Not too girly but it really suits your complexion and those fingers are really lovely I bet you could play a mean piano.”

“Thanks but I don’t remember any instruments but I bet I could play a triangle” I giggled.

“Hey keep still, I don’t want to smear your polish.”

“Yes Mother...”

“Cheeky” Margie smiled back, “now I’m going to work on your face so pay attention while I work and I’ll give you some pointers.”

That seemed a good idea, I was a woman now so had best pay attention to things. Makeup was one of those I could practice at home but mistakes would stick out like a sore thumb. Margie worked steadily explaining each step as she worked her magic. Over the next few minutes Margie revealed my new face. I had to admit that I had made a point of avoiding looking at my face in the mirror but I liked what I saw. Margie finished her magic and I looked up to see Angela waiting for me.

“Hey girl, lookin’ good. Ready for the great escape?”

“Sure, you were right, Margie does brilliant work. I never thought I could look like this.” Well that was true in both senses of the word. “Thanks Margie, I really owe you for this.”

“No problem Martine, it was my pleasure. Here’s my card, you know I do visits too?”

“Really? Brilliant! Thanks Margie. Hope to see you again sometime.” I stood and walked over to Angela.

“Ready? Dr Bain has handled all the paperwork and I’ve got you cards with your appointments on them. Don’t forget to keep up with the exercises too.”

“Sure Angela, do I need anything else or are we good to go?”

“All packed up, I’ll drive you home and make sure you are settled OK?”

“Yes, thanks. This is just another step on the road isn’t it.”

“That’s right, so let’s get you home and set up.” Angela walked me out to the Staff Car Park where her car was waiting. An unremarkable Volvo.

“Angela, I expected to see a sports car after the way you drove that wheelchair” I laughed.

“No, I can cut loose a bit on the corridors but good and reliable has its advantages Martine. Also it makes shopping trips easier, more room for the goodies eh?”

“Oh yes, I see. No good shopping without anywhere to put it!” With that I got into Angela’s car and we set off for home. Wherever that was…

* * *

A shortish drive, maybe 20 minutes saw us pull into the car park for a large Apartment Complex.

“Here we are Martine, your new home.”

“What do you mean new?” I asked confused, did Angela really suspect something.

“Well you were moving here for your new job and apparently had arranged a new home too and this is it!”

“Oh sorry I’m being dense. Does that mean there was some documentation about me?”

“Not much, the Police enquiry revealed the new home. In the car there was a small case with your new address. Looks like you moved in a day or two before… well, you know. Shall we take a look?”

We got out and walked into the entrance hallway. It looked fairly new, fake marble floor and airy glass covered roof keeping it light.

“Apartment 16, a penthouse! You must have been on a decent salary to pay for it.” Angela looked impressed. “Come on, there’s a lift over here.”

The apartments had four floors, each with four apartments. Mine on the top floor, facing south to catch the sun.

“OK here we go” as Angela handed me a keyring. “Over to you Martine, time to see your home.”

I took the keys with trembling fingers. Why was I so nervous? “OK here goes nothing, knowing my luck there’s no furniture and all my clothes are gone.”

Opening the door revealed a short hallway with three doors. The one at the end opened into the main room. A wide room with the south wall almost all glass and I could see balcony outside. Venetian blinds covered the windows for privacy although they were currently drawn up. The Kitchen and Bathroom were our next discoveries both quite modern and already furnished. Two Bedrooms and a Boxroom converted into an Office completed our short examination of the Apartment.

“Looks nice Martine. I think the best thing is for me to leave you this afternoon and if I could visit this evening say around 7pm?”

“Yes I’d love you to call. But would it be professional or personal I wonder?”

“You got me! A bit of both really Martine. It’s always difficult for people in your situation to get back on their feet so our policy is to include a little additional care.”

“Sorry my situation?” Did she suspect?

“In most cases, you would have friends and family to help but you are new here you just need a little support.”

“Oh I see. That’s great, see you at 7. Can I offer a meal?” I could always do “Chicken Ping*” in an emergency.

“That would be kind of you Martine. Thanks yes, I will take you up on the offer.” Angela answered, turning to leave, “Oh, don’t forget to read your treatment notes.”

“Sure Angela, will there be a test?” I smiled back, “See you at seven”

So, four apartments per floor and this place must be costing me a bit. Where would I find more info? Oh yes, Office…

The Office had a largish desk with two computers, a laptop and a desktop system under the desk. Next to the PC, a small metal filing tray, three wire trays all empty, no other papers at all. Other than the usual office supplies there was nothing to indicate anything. Then the obvious solution, check my e-mails, if the PC were mine the e-mail account is already set up but the passwords? Turning the PC on I thought veg out it worked last time and my delicate fingers danced across the keyboard… System on… E-mail account open… Yay!

The usual collection of spam, offering me cures to things I did not even know I had, assorted e-bay sellers, bank updates and… there! Yes! An e-mail from my new employers about my starting date, clicking on it I started to read.

An appointment to HM Customs and Excise as a Field Officer here in town. The address seemed familiar somehow but I could not put my finger on it. Still cross that when I get to it.

There was a pile of post to deal with too, some was simply junk and I dropped it into the recycling bin. Others I sorted into three piles, magazines, finance and other. The magazine pile contained the usual selection of journals, Cosmo etc. Finance was the usual selection of loan and credit card offers, I tore them up and added them to the recycling bin. The last proved interesting although not especially revealing. A copy of my letter of appointment and a “Get Well” card signed Clarice Adams and with the message that she was looking forward to me joining her team. At the base was a mobile number and I resolved to call tomorrow. I did wonder why she had not sent it to the Hospital but I sometimes did the same before.

Grabbing a cup of tea I decided to give myself a treat… I had been thinking about this for a while. A bubble bath! Go girl! That thought again, I really thought perhaps the original Martine was hanging about to enjoy the ride. Whatever… I went and ran a bath and gave thought to what to cook for Angela tonight…

* “Chicken Ping” is a traditional fast food… Place in microwave and “PING!” it’s done.

Apologies for the delay, my muse was being difficult. Demands for Tea and Crumpet etc. in exchange for continuing to write. (Edited to fix the italics... Muse... I want a word with you...)

Hugs, Sunwolf

Coming Soon — Part 6 “Darkness Rising”