Involuntary Secretary - Part 3
by Barbara Lynn Terry

Chapter 4 - Paula's second day of work.

I ran my bath, and brushed my teeth. I got in the tub and used the large sponge to cascade the water all over me. Laura came in and used the facilities, and then washed her hands and brushed her teeth.

"I'm going to let you get yourself ready, and I will check your makeup before we leave, to make sure it will be perfect. You did very well yesterday. All you needed was minor corrections. Let's see if you learned anything."

I went and took out my teal, sleeveless sheath dress, with the matching jacket. I got out my teal lingerie, and my black pumps with the two inch heels. I set about putting on my lingerie, and sat down to do my make up. I put on the eye shadow, the eye liner, then the mascara. I put on the dual foundation powder, and after looking at myself, and satisfied that I didn't look like a clown, I stepped in to the sheath and zipped it up. After putting my heels on, I took the matching jacket with me down to the kitchen, and made myself a jelly bagel. Laura came down and gave me the once over.

"You did great, Paula. Now you are one of us,maybe not physically, but at least in knowledge. By the way, girlfriend, I don't mean to be mean, but did you know that when you walk, you have a modest wiggle to your hips. It isn't an exaggerated wiggle, but it it definitely feminine. Well, I will eat on the run. I notice you have a driver's license in Paul's name. We are going to have to get your name changed. We won't force you, but it would save some very embarrassing explanations if you ever get stopped by the police, or carded in a place that sells alcohol. Today is only Tuesday, and you see the doctor on Friday. You should know, too, that all the girls on the floor are behind you one hundred per cent.

"So, let's hope you can be one us physically, too. You know how to dress, you can now apply your own makeup. Also, I am sure you heard us talking about our monthly visitor, Aunt Rose. Do you know what happens when we have our periods?"

"Yes, you get moody, you bloat and that makes your clothes fit tight. Your shoes need to be a half size bigger because the feet swell up, too. Women are like this for about seven to ten days, depending on the woman."

"Thank you for not mentioning the icky part."

"Well, I know about that, too, but we don't have to say it."

"For sure, girlfriend. Until you get your name and sex status changed, I will do the driving, and we are here. Are you ready for your second day in the "pit"?"

"Yes, just make sure the lions are locked up." They both giggled.

Stephanie complimented Paula on her dress and makeup.

"Did you get ready yourself, this morning, Paula?"

"Yes, I did, Stephanie. I chose my outfit and did my own makeup."

"You look wonderful, girlfriend."

"Thank you, Stephanie."

This started out to be a promising day. I got compliments all through the morning, as I went over reports and order confirmations from the other secretaries. It seems, not only was I a transcriptionist, but I was also what we all informally call the "order girl". What I did, I was to find out on my second day in the "pit", was to okay orders the other secretaries wrote out from their customer contacts. When I okay an order, it is put in my out basket. These, I put in proper envelopes and send them out.

At eleven o'clock, a red haired woman, maybe late twenties, early thirties came on the floor. I saw she was carrying a shoulder file case that said Uni-Labs, Inc. I saw Stephanie say something to her, and she looked in my direction. The woman came over by me, and smiled.

"Are you Paula?"

"Yes."

"I'm Cynthia Stevens. I'm replacing Frank Brainerd as the rep for Uni-Labs, Inc. Before we get down to business, all the girls at Uni-Labs want to thank you for dealing with that letch the way you did. Ms. Jeannie O'Hara who was his immediate supervisor, fired him for two things; one, he didn't bring back an order, and two, he was more interested in getting a one night stand instead of taking care of business. Paula, I have a wonderful sense of humor, and I try to get along with everyone. Now, do you have anything for me?"

"Let me see." Paula rummaged through the papers in her out basket, and pulled out an order for St. Mark's Hospital, eight blocks away.

"Oh, yes, the hospital pharmacy wants to be restocked on these heart medications."

"Thank you, Paula. Someday, we will have to have lunch and get to know each other better."

"You know what, Cynthia, I..."

"Oh please, call me Cyndi. Everybody at work does."

"Alright, Cyndi, what I was going to say is, I don't think our corporate budget allows for the secretaries to have three martini lunches."

It was then that Marie Darnell came over by Paula's desk.

"Paula, our budget covers lunch with a customer. Uni-Labs is your customer. If you feel that a discussion, over lunch, is needed for certain orders, yes, you certainly may take the customer for a company paid lunch. All you have to do is let me know, and I will give you the credit card you will need to pay for the lunch with. Hi," Marie said, with a smile. "I'm Marie Darnell, the Director of Sales and Merchandising. The girls on this floor answer directly to me, and I answer directly to corporate."

"It is nice to meet you, Miss. Darnell, I'm Cynthia Stevens. Cyndi to my friends."

"Well, Cyndi, I certainly hope we will see a lot more of you. That idiot Frank only came around when he was on the prowl for sex. I am glad that we don't have to bother with him any more."

"The girls at Uni-Labs are happy that he was finally put in his place. I understand you had a little something to do with that, too."

"Well, yes. He came in my office to complain about Paula, and then he tried to pick me up. I had security escort him from the building. As they were escorting him off of the floor, he said this isn't over because nobody throws Frank Brainerd out. I had to laugh after my door was closed, because he is so pathetic."

"Well, I was told to tell you, that he doesn't have the backing of our company any more, because he was fired. So, if he comes around here, pretending to still be with the company, call the police."

"Thank you, Cyndi. We will certainly be on the lookout. I will send a memo to all the secretaries, so they know about him."

"Well, it was nice to meet you, Paula, Miss. Darnell. I have to get these orders back to the company so our shipping department can fill them and send them out."

After Cyndi had left, Marie Darnell looked at Paula.

"It looks like the wolf will be back, pretending to be a sales rep for Uni-Labs, Inc. But, because of Cyndi's warning, we will be ready for him."

Marie Darnell went back in her office and drafted a memo to all the girls on the floor. Stephanie's memo said that if he does come on the floor, tell him to leave, or you will have to call the police. If that doesn't work, call security and have them call the police. The secretaries would receive their notices as soon as she presses the send to all button, which will also send a copy to the assistant chairman in corporate.

The girls didn't have to wait long before Frank Brainerd came on the floor.

"Mr. Brainerd, you can't go in there."

"Shut up, and mind your own business."

Stephanie picked up the phone and called the police. She told them what the problem was and that all the employees on this floor were women, and they need the police to remove him, and charge him with criminal trespass.

Frank Brainerd stopped at Paula's desk.

"You're coming with me to that dance. You got me in a lot of trouble with my bosses. Now, either you meet me Saturday at the Friar's Club on Edgerton Avenue, because if you are not there, I will come back here and beat you to a pulp, you malicious bitch." Stephanie stood, but she didn't have to say anything.

"Excuse me, sir, but do you have business here?"

"Why don't mind your own..." Frank Brainerd turned around and saw two police officers. "I, uhm, was just asking this lady if she would accompany me to the Friar's Club dance on Saturday. I'm a sales rep for Uni-Labs, Inc."

"Excuse me, officers, I'm Marie Darnell, Director of Sales and Merchandising. We were informed this morning by the new rep from Uni-Labs, Inc., that Mr. Brainerd here was fired from his job for trying to pick up women. I called their company and I spoke with a Ms. Jeannie O'Hara who was Mr. Brainerd's immediate supervisor. Apparently Mr. Brainerd was fired not only for trying to pick up dates here but also because he didn't take an order back to his company. Paula, here, had to fax those orders to Uni-Labs so they got them right away."

"What seems to be your problem, sir?" Asked a burly officer that looked like he could wrestle the Big Show.

"Well, hey, c'mon man, you're a man. If I am going to spend money on a woman, the least she can do is spend the night with me. Wouldn't you want the same thing?"

"You are sick, sir. Turn around and place your hands behind your back. You are under arrest for criminal trespass. Whether or not you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor, is up to the district attorney." Frank Brainerd didn't move, and decided to try and leave. "Sir, if you take another step, I will use my tazer to stop you."

"I'm leaving, and if you try to stop me, I will sue you and your department." As Frank was walking away, the burly officer drew his tazer and fired. Frank was hit by the voltage and fell to the floor like a rock.

"Sir," said the burly officer, "you are under arrest for criminal trespass, obstructing an officer and fleeing from an officer. These just may land you in prison sir on felony charges. Ladies, I am sorry that we had to do this, but he left me no choice."

"Officer," Laura cut in. "We have been really wondering what to do about Mr. Brainerd for a long time, because he has tried to pick up dates here every time he comes in. Finally, Paula here, stood up to him, and all he could do was scowl. When security removed him from the floor, he said this wasn't over because nobody throws Frank Brainerd out."

"Is that so? Thank you, Miss, I am sure the district attorney will be very happy to hear about this. Will you ladies testify in court what this man has done when he came here as a sales representative?" All the secretaries said yes in unison. "Alright, sir, let's go. We've done enough talking."

They left the floor with Frank Brainerd, and there was a buzz from the secretaries, as they were talking about what had just happened. Marie Darnell let them talk, because it seemed they were doing their work, as they were talking. Marie Darnell starting thinking that maybe she had been too strict with these women, in the way she demanded one hundred and twenty per cent of work in an eight hour shift. She would think about this, and send a memo to the secretaries in the morning. She was always a little more relaxed on Tuesdays.

Paula finished her MSR-412's and took them in for Marie to sign.

"Ms. Darnell, here are the MSR-412's you need to sign."

"Thank you, Paula. Paula, are you backed with work, right now?"

"No."

"Good. Please have a seat."

Paula sat down in one of the chairs facing Marie's desk.

"Paula, you forgot to sign the papers for the attorney and our doctor faxed an order to the hospital for you to have blood drawn."

Marie placed the papers in front of Paula, and Paula signed them.

"When the attorney comes to pick these up, he will take and file it for a hearing. Now, this is a public hearing, where there will be other people in the courtroom. Would you be willing to testify by answering the judge's questions?"

"I think so."

"Alright, then, you may go back to work. Oh! By the way, Cynthia Stevens gave you a compliment. She said you were very polite to her."

"Thank you, Miss Darnell."

Paula left Marie's office and went back to her desk. As she sat down, she saw something in her "in" box. She took the papers out, and saw that it was another doctor's reports that needed to be transcribed. At least this doctor wrote better than Dr. Frost. Paula transcribed the report, filled a few orders, and took a few more MSR-412's to Marie. Then Laura came by the desk and said it was lunch time. Laura had given Paula ten dollars for her lunch, because the ladies liked to stop and get something for the afternoon break.

They went down a couple of blocks to a diner that most of the secretaries go to. It had everything from breakfast all day and all night, lunch and dinners. You could order any meal, anytime. But for lunch, the ladies liked to get a sandwich to go, and a soft drink. Some of the secretaries who were not so figure conscious, would bring back a donut or something else for their two thirty break. Paula decided to just stick to her coffee. As Paula was walking back to the office, the recurring, nagging thought about she ended up this way came back to her. She had wondered how, that in two days, she had not only become a secretary in an all female typing pool, but she had actually consented to working and living full time as a woman, and not only by herself, but had moved in with Laura. Laura, was not secretly or romantically in love with Paula. She just wanted Paula to live with someone who could show her the ropes of being female. Laura was assigned as her trainer, but Laura didn't have to do much training, except in the being a girl department, which Paula took to like a duck takes to water. Laura has had Paula practicing makeup techniques three, maybe four times, a week. There was a morning look, a work look, a going to a friend's for dinner look, an evening look, and if you really wanted to be daring, a sultry look. All of these techniques were what Laura wanted Paula to practice, "just in case you meet a nice guy".

Paula was a very good student in deportment. She learned how to walk in three inch heels, she learned how to be coy, she learned how to sit like a lady should, with her knees together, even if she was wearing jeans or another type of pants. Laura had told her, even though she didn't need to, how take small bites with her teeth, instead of her whole mouth. Laura told Paula, too, that men just stuff food in their mouths, talk with food in their mouths and burp without covering their mouths, and never say excuse me.

Laura said that ladies do not talk with food in their mouth; ladies do not stuff food in their mouths like they were starving to death. Laura also said that when a lady burps, she covers her mouth, and says excuse me. Laura also said, that when a lady has company, or is out in public, and she needs to use the restroom, she politely excuses herself.

As Paula entered the office, got a cup of coffee, and sat at her desk, she found that it wasn't so bad. But she also wondered what male bodied person would throw his pride out the window, just to take any job that came along, especially when there are no openings in the field for which the male is trained. So far, Paula ventured, she was the only one that she knew of. But a paycheck was better than starving and being homeless.

Paula filled a few order and took the MSR-12's to Marie, and transcribed another doctor's reports. By the time she was done, and had placed the finished transcription in her out basket, it was time to turn off the computers, cover them, and leave for the day.

"Would you like to go to Kathy's for a going home drink?"

"Not tonight, Laura. I'm kinda bushed. I have been thinking how I got my position here. Sometimes, I wonder if it is all worth it."

"Tell you what, Paula, let's go home and we will talk about what's bothering you. Marie, Paula is feeling a little overwhelmed. I'm going to take her home, so she can get a good night's rest."

"All right, Laura. Paula, you get some rest and I will see you tomorrow."

"Thank you, Marie." Marie just smiled, as Laura and Paula left.

Part II - Paula is having doubts.

As the drove home, Laura went through the drive-through at Wendy's and ordered two Apple Pecan Chicken Salads. After being told the price, Laura drove through and paid at the window. Taking their dinner, Laura drove home. After getting home and parking the car, Paula carried the salads in to the house, and Laura told Paula to lie on the sofa for a bit, while she changed. Then she would come back out, and help Paula. Laura changed in to her boy shorts sleep set, with a Care Bear logo top. The shorts were light blue, and the top was a cream color. Laura went by the sofa, and told Paula she would help her change in to something a little more comfy. They both went in Paula's room and Laura took out turquoise, floor length nightgown, with a matching peignoir. After making sure Paula was changed, they both went down to the kitchen to enjoy their salads.

"Now, girlfriend, tell what is bothering you."

"It's just that a few days ago, if someone would have told me I would be working and living as a woman, I would have told them to see a shrink. Then I saw the vague ad in the paper, and I figured since it didn't say man or woman wanted, just an industrious person, I thought that I would see what it was about. When I got on the floor and asked for an application, I couldn't figure out what Stephanie was giggling about. When Marie told me about how 'her' ladies behaved and dressed, and how I was supposed to be dressed, I guess I was numb, kinda. I agreed, and the next thing I know, I'm living full time as a woman, with a female roommate, and preparing to go to my first day of work as the opposite sex.

"So, I've been thinking about this since I started yesterday. Laura, do you think I'm cut out for this kind of work and this type of living?"

"Paula, you haven't really had time assimilate your thinking to your situation. What I would do, is take it one day at a time. When you pass your probationary period, I have no doubts that you will be doing things we women do, automatically. In twenty eight more days, you won't have these doubts."

"But, what if I do?"

"We will cross that bridge when we come to it."

They didn't even eat half of their salads, when they took out the Saran wrap and covered the salads and put them in the fridge. Then they went out in the living room, and turned on the television. After scrolling through the channels, and finding nothing good on, Laura decided that what Paula needed was a comedy movie. Something to take her mind off of her thoughts. Laura selected Transamerica.

"Paula, this may not be what you want, but watch this dvd, and you will see someone with a much larger struggle than what you are going through. This is called Transamerica. It is about the transition of a male to female transsexual. That is all I am going to tell you, because if I tell you anything more, it will ruin the whole movie."

They sat and watched the movie, and all through the movie, Paula had questions, like why did this person transitioning to be a woman, father a son. Laura said that sometimes, transsexuals try to live within the so-called "norms" of society, finding out that it was a mistake.

"I still don't understand. If he is becoming a woman, when did he find out?"

"Paula, she is only having a physical surgery. The psychiatric association is what defined the parameters of the real life test. The theory was, that if the person can last living and working, or going to school, for one year, then the person just 'may' be serious about wanting to be outwardly female. There have been some recently that said they made a mistake, and want to go back to being male. Anyway, that is the psychiatric association's view on it. Since then, there is the web site www.tsroadmap.com that maps out the direction each transsexual wants to take. TSroadmap doesn't tell the transsexual what to do, it is just a guide."

"That is something else. I mean, I want to do good at the job I have, but, it's just that I question whether it is worth it."

"You said it yourself, that any job worth doing is worth doing well. Paula, you are doing a great job. Cynthia Stevens likes you, because you are what all women should be; strong, confident, and yet, demure and meek. You have shown all of that in the two days you have been with us. You stood up to Frank Brainerd and gave him a tongue lashing he will not soon forget. Paula, I can't tell you what to do, or what to decide. You have to do that yourself. But, I can be your friend, I can listen when you need a sympathetic ear, I can empathize with your internal struggles. Paula, you are not the only one who has these struggles, either. How many times have you heard a woman say she wished she was a man?"

"I...I don't really...know."

"Exactly, because we all say it. It isn't because we are unsure of our sexuality, but there are times we think that being a man would be beneficial. Of course, I, myself, wouldn't want to be a man forever, just a day or two, to actually see how the other half lives. I have seen men tell a joke and then hit his friend in the arm and laugh. I wonder what would happen if we women did that?"

"That wouldn't be lady like. Men are overgrown boys, and we have to make sure we keep an eye on them, otherwise they will destroy this world, and they won't even care. If Frank Brainerd is any indication of how a man is supposed to act, then I am glad I have never been a man. If that means I am woman, then so be it. You have taught me a lot in the makeup department. I think I can actually do my own makeup without error."

"You sure can. You did your makeup this morning, and you were downstairs before me. So you see, Paula, you take to being a woman like a duck takes to water. You were born to be a female. Just remember this. Things happen for a reason, and there was a reason why you were able to answer that ad in the paper and agree to the terms of employment. Marie says you are doing fantastic."

They finished watching the dvd, and this gave Paula something else to think about. Were the powers that be directing her in to the female life? Maybe. Paula thought she would just wait and see where all this led to.