Before I know it, it is time for break. School has been a blast; I think I learned more in these last few weeks than in an entire year at our old school. I also feel much more comfortable in the setting of an all-girl school–I don’t feel like I don’t belong. On the contrary, I feel like I fit in–like one of the girls.

Amanda and my relationship has grown significantly. She gave me a ‘friendship’ ring and I proudly wear it. When Bree and Mom saw it, there was a lot of hugging and girly squealing, but they are both really happy for me. Speaking of Bree, she is now no longer, in any way, to be mistaken for a former guy. Short of taking off her panties, there is no way anyone could know. She is a full B-cup and still growing, she has all the right curves, and she is a full three inches taller than me. She is turning into quite the babe. I am happy for her–and quite envious.

As for me, well, the corset is no longer uncomfortable at all–even tightened down and pulling my waist in a full 4 inches. It is a nice feeling to have an 18-inch waist–two full inches narrower than Bree’s! Otherwise, I am as undeveloped as ever. With no active hormones in my system, how could I be? I have recurring nightmares of growing old, but not ‘growing up’…

On the last of day of school before break, I am called into Sister Schubert’s office. Mom is waiting outside the office and we enter together. Sister Schubert smiles and says, “Well, Gwen, you have really done outstanding so far this year. It would be a shame to lose you. Have you decided what you want to do, yet?” Mom answers for me, “Sister Schubert, as you are well aware, we see this as a sort of blackmail on the board’s part. While I don’t want to stoop to legal action, I will have to consider it, if they make my Gwen take an action that could harm her emotionally or physically.”

Sister Schubert nods her head and says, “I don’t blame you at all. I personally don’t agree with their decree, but my hands are pretty well tied on the matter. Have you considered another meeting with them? It is obvious that Gwen is adjusting–just the dedication it takes to wear a corset full time is telling!” Mom nods and says, “Yes, we have another meeting later this evening. I think you may have to consider this Gwen’s last day, though–depending on how things go.”

Sister Schubert gives me hug and wishes us both good luck. Mom and I leave and find Bree. We all go to our favorite restaurant to celebrate making it to break and then Mom drops Bree off at Fred’s while we go back to school to meet with the board.

“You have to understand, Ms. Greene, that we can only make exceptions for transgendered girls. Gwen does not fit into that category.” The chairperson was being really obstinate about this whole thing. Mom puts that dangerous smile on her face that I know means trouble and says, “Well, first, it is Doctor Greene and I happen to know that Gwen does meet the definition. She is living full time as a girl, is under psychiatric care, and considers herself a girl. Nowhere does HRT fit into the definition of being transgendered. On the contrary, being transgendered is the pre-requisite for HRT–at the doctor’s discretion.”

The chairperson, does not back down and asks, “So, does her doctor say that she can’t be on HRT?” Mom shakes her head and says, “First, that is confidential information. Second, it is irrelevant. Shall we continue this whole conversation in court? I am sure the Catholic Church would love another scandal in the news…” The chairperson pales and says, “Ummm, no, I don’t think we need to go that far. Let us deliberate and we will let you know our decision by next week.”

The first day of break, I just sleep in. It is great! I get up and find Bree already gone–to Fred’s. To my surprise, the doorbell rings just as I am getting my breakfast. I am still in my nighty, so I pull on a robe really quick and answer the door. Amanda rushes in and gives me a big hug. She laughs and says, “It is about time you got up, sleepy-head! I sent you like 30 texts.” I make extra pancakes and then she shoos me upstairs to get dressed.

Amanda takes me to her favorite spa and we spend the afternoon getting pampered, at her Mom’s expense. When we are done, my skin is ultra-smooth and soft, my hair luxuriously soft and shiny, and my nails are long and perfect. I feel like a million bucks. The weather is starting to get more spring-like and it is an unseasonably warm day, so we roll down the windows (it is still too cold to put down the top) and just ride around a bit. Finally, Amanda stops at a secluded park and we kiss a while…

The week goes by in a blur. Amanda and I spend a lot of time together, both alone and in ‘doubles’ with Bree and Fred. Of course, we also do things in our larger crowd. It is completely relaxing and I feel really good. So, when the letter from the board comes in, I am totally bummed–not knowing what to expect. I wait for Mommy to come home and we open it together…

Mom reads it out loud and when she gets to the important part–goes completely silent. I look at her irritated and whine, “Mommy! What did they say? What is the verdict?” She smiles and says, “They gave in. You can continue at St. Mary’s without hormones.”

I smile and then blow out my breath loudly. Mommy looks at me and I say, “I have been thinking. Now that the pressure is off to HAVE to take the hormones… Well, … Ummmm….” My voice gets small, “Well, I want to start them…” I blush. “We won…and I…want to develop–like Bree.”

Mommy looks at me, shocked. She is quiet for quite some time before she says, “I see. And what brought this on? I thought you were not sure what you wanted?” I sigh and say, “Well, I am happier as Gwen in St. Mary’s than I have been in a LONG time. Amanda and I are happy–and I like that. I feel good as a girl…”

She studies for me for a while, then continues, “I don’t know, Gwen. This seems sort of sudden…” She gets her cell phone and makes a call. She put it on speakerphone and says, “Cindy, Gwen has an announcement. I would like your take…” We spend the next hour talking about my decision and finally Mom gives in. Cindy seems to be on my side…

I rub my butt. Mommy says, “OK, Sweetie. You are probably going to feel sick to your stomach in the morning. I gave you something to minimize that, but it will likely not suppress it all of the way. It is normal. You will go on the same regimen as your sister, only stronger. Nothing that we have done is permanent, YET. But, after about six months, or so, I will not easily be able to reverse the changes that this institutes…”

I go to bed that night wondering if I had really made the right choice–and dreading throwing up–I remember Bree doing for it for weeks…

I pull my hair back and convulse one more time violently over the toilet. I wipe my mouth with a cool washcloth and rinse my mouth out. Breakfast sounds like a terrible idea, my stomach revolts at the mere thought and I fight the urge to bend over the toilet again…

Amanda pulls me into her arms and squeezes me tight. She says, “I know she is not supposed to, but Mom told me what you are going to do… Wait, you already have haven’t you?” I blush in admission. Amanda squeals, “You really are my girlfriend now!

The next week goes by quickly and by the time school starts back up I am no longer getting sick in the mornings. We don’t tell the board that I am taking hormones now–it is none of their business; although, they will likely know soon enough when I start changing–my breasts are already getting sore and tingly. The meds Mommy is giving me are really strong–much stronger than Bree’s even.

I don’t really let anyone else know about my decision. Amanda and Bree are the only ones that know. I feel good, if still a bit apprehensive, about my decision. It just feels good to have made a decision, though. At least I am moving forward and am not stuck in hormonal limbo anymore.

Continued in Part 11.

Next time: Gwen becomes official.