Part 5 (Conclusion?)

Chapter 13:

I got up early Friday morning, partially because I was anxious to see Jessi later in the day and also because I was hungry from skipping dinner. I showered and shaved the few facial hairs that were poking out. My next choice would define the rest of my day and possibly even beyond that. Instead of slipping on my jeans and a t-shirt, I elected to keep the masquerade going at least until Jessi got home.

I went to my closet to see if there was something casual, but feminine to wear, Since I had tried on so many things at Bloomingdales I thought maybe there would be something I could wear. I had already put on one of the many bras in my dresser along with matching panties. Upon opening the walk in closet, I was startled to see the mass of items beautifully organized on hangers, shelves and shoe trees. If I hadn’t just tried on most of these items I would have assumed they were someone else’s, but I recognized most of the items. On the far side of the closet was my Gala dress with the matching shoes and clutch next to it. I felt my heart skip a beat when I focused in on it. I resisted the urge to put it on for one last time.
Mrs. Johnson had purchased virtually every outfit I tried on that fit. There were even a few items and accessories that I had not seen before. The wardrobe had everything a girl might need or want. Besides being outlandishly expensive it was enough clothing for a very long time. There was only one pair of jeans and a v-neck top which were the clothes that I wore when I first arrived at their home. Whomever had organized the closet left me the one option if I didn’t want to wear my new fashions. I was given a choice but it was provided mostly as the back door if I didn’t want to continue the feminine mascarade.

I had already decided for now to stay the course, so I selected the Vince Midi Slip Dress in Silver/gray. It reminded me a little of my formal gown and the silky material felt luscious against my skin. I matched it up with a pair of black ankle boots with modest heels. I remembered seeing a similar look on the display at Bloomies.

When I finished dressing and brushed out my long hair I felt satisfied with my appearance. If I had known how to apply makeup I probably would have attempted to further enhance my look. It was as good as I was going to get before heading down to the kitchen. Besides getting some overdue nourishment, I would likely have to speak with Mrs. Johnson. I wasn’t sure if she would be surprised to see me this way. As much as I know she had been a major instigator in my transformation it crossed my mind on the way down that having a good reason to stop dressing she might be upset to see me continuing to present as a woman.

It didn’t take long to get an answer. She was waiting for me in the kitchen with breakfast ready to go. I could smell the aroma of fresh coffee and bacon. As soon as she saw me enter the room she walked right up to me. She stopped 2-3 feet short of me, but her approach was as close as she thought I might be comfortable with.

“It’s my fault. Please don’t blame Jessica. When she told me about your positive Cheerleader experience, I came up with the idea to take it a step further. I never meant to hurt either of you. With each step we took together I became more entranced with how lovely you looked and how happy you seemed to be. I should have thought through the Doctor’s appointment more thoroughly or not at all. I hope you can find a way to forgive me.”

“Mrs. Johnson all of this has been very confusing to me. You know I love Jessi, but its been hard to understand that both of you could have tricked me into such an embarrassing situation. I keeping wondering why?”

“You have nothing to be embarrassed by. First off, you look gorgeous. The only people that have seen you this way think you are a sweet young lady.”

“Maybe, but it still does not explain why.”

“Some of that I am embarrassed to answer. First, let me start by saying Nate and I have always liked you. However, we did honestly have some reservations about you marrying our daughter. That’s why we asked you to spend at least a couple of weeks with us so we could get to know you better.”

“That still does not answer why.”

“I know. We always wanted Jessi to make her own decisions on her future and still do. Wrongfully, we thought that if she saw you from such a different perspective, it would be a major test for her. I feel horrible because looking at this objectively, it appears we were trying to sabotage the two of you. We didn’t just do this to you, we did this to Jessi.”

“Yes, but she knew the truth about the party”

“Yes, but mother’s can be persuasive.”

“Mrs. Johnson, that I won’t argue with.”

“Lyla, Please call me Sophia or if you like Mom. “

“Ok Sophia, I guess while I look like this you can call me Lyla. Whatever the misguided reasoning, can you still see me in the family?”

“Lyla, spending the past two days with you was a joy. This may upset you a bit, but I have quickly grown to love you like a daughter and I mean that dearly. I am sure that I just see the good person that you are and will learn to love you no matter how you look. Right now, I am happy to have a little more time with Lyla.”

“I would be lying if I didn’t say some of this has been fun. This has been considerably different than my fraternity days, but you did make me feel special. I’m glad you told me the truth. I also feel for the first time like I have a family. Let’s start fresh from here.”

“So Lyla are you saying we are good?”

“Yes. All is forgiven.”

With that we had a long hug and then sat down for a pleasant breakfast. My time as Lyla never missed a beat. Mrs. Johnson never asked or questioned why I still was dressed as a woman. She continued some minor coaching on my posture and hand movement. Towards the end of breakfast, she asked if I was still up for some makeup lessons. The woman Lulu had recommended was supposed to come over at 10:00 and in all the chaos, the appointment had not been canceled. I told her that I promised Jessi I would look nice for her return in the afternoon so that would actually be nice. I couldn’t say it, but I guess I was not ready for the girl time to end.

Chapter 14:

The makeup lessons lasted two hours. I was no expert when Christa left, but I certainly knew enough of the basics to look presentable. Before we finished she glammed me up for Jessi’s return. Christa wanted to schedule a follow up. I told her that I would love to but Mrs. Johnson was footing the bill and I didn’t know when I would be available. That seemed like the simplest excuses.

I learned that most of Christa’s compensation came from selling me the products she selected for me. As a result, I now possessed a complete set of brand new makeup products. These included products from, Urban Decay, Dior, Tarte, Marc Jacobs, Clinique, Lancôme and more. I would have put up more resistance to buying all these things, but I assumed I could give them to Jessi.

After Sophia settled up with Christa, we dined by the pool while consuming a very light lunch.

“Jessica is going to be amazed and how attractive you have become. Lots of woman have natural beauty, but you have that special glow.”

“That’s the makeup and the fact you are making me blush.”

“Trust me, a lot more guys like Marc would die to take you out.”

“Let’s not talk about things like that around Jessi. That something I don’t want to even think about.”

“That’s just a price you have to pay for looking so pretty. Men can be like that.”

“Sophia! Remember who you are talking to.”

“I do, but you have a whole new perspective to see things from. Just relax and try and experience the view from the other side. It will make you a better spouse when that day comes.”

It was a little more than an hour later when the limo pulled into the driveway and Jessica and her father piled out. My heart began to race. I wasn’t even sure what kind of reaction I wanted to see from her. I wanted to look great for her, but I also didn’t want her to freak out. Just before they came through the door, Sophia looked at me and told me to breathe.

Nothing prepared me for the reaction I got when she met me only steps from the front door.

“Welcome home Jessi.”

As soon as my words left my mouth it hit Jessica that the person speaking with her was me. She had a momentary stunned look on her face before she fainted.

“Jessi, Jessi wake up are you OK? Please wake up.”

Both of her parents asked me to wait in the living room. I guess they didn’t want to shock her again when she came too. I hated leaving her side but understood. I retreated to the other room.

“Honey are you ok? It’s me, your mother. You just fainted.”

After her father dabbed her with a cool wet towel she began to wake up.

“What happed to me?”

“You came through the door and I think after you saw Lyla you just fainted.”

“Was that really Lyle? I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me. Let me go see him.”

“Let’s just sit up for a moment. You can see her in a minute.”

“Her? I don’t understand what happened to me.”

“Seeing her or him just must have really surprised you.”

“I knew what to expect, but I guess it all hit me when I saw her.”

“It’s understandable dear. She really does make a lovely woman.”

“I’m ok now. Please I’m fine. Maybe I was just dehydrated from the flight.”

Jessi found me nervously waiting for her on the couch. I stood up to greet her and before we hugged she scanned my image from top to bottom. We embraced before we both sat on the couch. I didn’t think about it until later but we usually would have also kissed after not seeing each other for a while.

“I saw the photos and we FaceTimed, but in person you look even more feminine and beautiful that I imagined. You really are gorgeous.”

“Thank you. I wanted to look nice for your return.”

“My God you even sound like a girl.”

“Are you upset with me? Should I have not dressed up for you?”

“No no. I wanted to see you for myself. It’s just….”
“What?”

“Nothing. I thought you might look pretty. It’s just you really look and sound like a Lyla. You even sit like a woman. I’m still trying to take it in.”

“We can end it right now. I will go and change.”

“No way. I put you through this and we both need to spend some girl time together. We have a lot to talk about and figure out. With your voice and all the rest, my girlfriend is going to be here for at least a while.”

“I think your mother has made certain of that. Not only do I have all the physical changes, she has bought me a whole wardrobe. I guess a little longer until at least I get my voice back won’t kill me.”

“You know what they say?”

“What?”

“Once you wear a bra you never want to be without one.”

“Funny, I’ll try and remember that.”

The rest of the afternoon Jessi and I hung out together. I showed her everything I had acquired the past two days. We had a few laughs over everything and Jessi seemed intent to see how thoroughly I had adapted. When we talked about my clothes she intentionally wanted to know which items I liked the best. This continued until we were informed that dinner would be at the club.

I picked out a simple but attractive Lauren sheath dress along with modest heels. Jessi liked my selection, but she really grew interested when she saw me touching up my own makeup.

“If I knew you had that skill I would have had you help me the past couple of years. Are there any other things I don’t know about you?”

“Stop teasing. Lulu had a makeup artist name Christa give me a lesson.”

“It’s just cute seeing you this way. The way mom has been gushing over you and now seeing for myself, you seem to me enjoying your experience….”

“I’m just trying to make the best of it. That’s what you told me.”

“Of course. I’m now over the initial shock myself. I don’t want to sound cruel, but it’s sort of fun for me too. I mean, I’m an only child and often wished I had a sister to hang out with.”

“Your Mom called me her niece at the club yesterday and you call me your sister.”

“Well at least we all agree you are part of the family.”

“For the moment I guess that will have to do.”

Chapter 15:

“You girls look wonderful. It’s nice to have us all together as a family. Your father and I understand this is not how you planned your stay, but we hope we can all make the best of the situation.”

Before I could speak, Mr. Johnson added. “Lyla, is it ok I call you that?”

“Yes sir.”

“Call me Nate.”

“Yes sir, I mean Nate.”

“Lyla, I also wanted to say I am sorry. I wasn’t involved in planning this, but I was aware of it and could have stopped it. We are all partially at fault. In any event, I am pleased that it doesn’t appear that you are still struggling with your changes. You do make a remarkable young lady. Society has come a long way the past few years and people can now be whoever they want.”

“Thank you Nate. Under the circumstances, I am just trying to blend as well as I can. It would be a lot harder on me if my appearance was less stealthy. Maintaining this image seems like the best course for the moment.”

Jessi also felt the need to proclaim my ability to pass. “Lyla fits in perfectly here. Dad you are lucky to be sitting with three pretty woman. You are the envy of the club.”

I was a bit uneasy by her comment, but it got a smile out of her father.

The majority of the dinner conversation shifted away from me. I was happy to discuss architecture, art and the tasty food we were consuming. Towards the end of the meal the discussion shifted over to the benefit.

Mr. Johnson was beaming about the art that the museum had purchased from a private donor. He wouldn’t tell us who the artists were, but insisted that they were major pieces by world renown masters. It was going to be a special evening for the museum and obviously a big evening for him. We could see he wanted to tell us about the pieces, but insisted that the whole board was sworn to secrecy.

Mrs. Johnson started laying out the plans for Saturday which to my surprise still included me. Under the circumstances I just presumed I would be staying home while they went to the Gala. The costume premise had been exposed and the pressure for me to attend as a woman had been removed. I just assumed they would not want to push the issue by having me attend such an important event dressed like a lady.

“Sophia do you really think it’s a good idea that I attend?”

“Of course. You don’t have to, but it is going to be a wonderful evening and it would be a shame for you not to get to wear that gown you fell in love with.”

“Jessi, what do you think? I don’t want to embarrass myself or the family. If you don’t want me to go or think its not a good idea, then that’s that.”

“Lyla, the whole thing started for the wrong reasons and we are all very sorry. Early on, I also doubted you actually going to the event. However, once I got to see you in this light I lost my biggest reservation. There is no way you will embarrass anyone, unless you cant handle the attention you are likely to receive”

“The only attention I desire is from you.”

“Well at the ball we are not a couple. If people see us as such, then we might have a problem.”

“I guess that right, but that doesn’t mean I will have to give any attention to others.”

“Do you think you can act like a proper society lady for a long evening?”

“Truthfully, I never thought I could have been at a place like this two days ago.”

“Lyla, I just want you to be happy. I will always love you, but I think you deserve the full opportunity to experience the view from the other team at this juncture. I also want to see you on parade in that gown that mom says you swooned in when you tried it on.”

“I didn’t swoon. I was thinking about you wearing it when I saw myself in the mirror.

“Good answer, maybe you can lend it to me some day. Girls do that you know.”

“So I guess I am going then.”

“Girls, I’m glad we got that out of the way. Sophia and I promise both of you that it will be special evening. Lyla, we will keep an extra close eye on you to avoid any issues. It is very nice that we can all be together and hopefully you will have a memorable night.”

Back at the house Jessi and I prepared for bed. We shared the bathroom to remove our makeup and prepare for bed. I was excited to be alone with Jessi after such a stressful day. I had no choice but to wear a cami and my panties to bed as I had no other pajamas in our room. It took me a little longer than Jessi to get ready and when I came to bed she smiled but shook her head.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothings wrong. It’s just that even without makeup or your breast forms you still look so feminine. If I was a lesbian I would be all of over you.”

“I’m still your guy. The hair extensions, smooth body and and other stuff is just temporary. I can turn off the lights and we can just be us. You can still be all over me.”

“I know you are still the same person underneath the beautiful façade, but I can’t stop thinking of you as a babe right now. I dreamt this was going to be a playful, if not, a kinky sort of thing when we originally talked about it, but you are just too convincing. I don’t see Lyle dressed as a woman, rather I see Lyla. I like Lyla, I like Lyla a lot, but I am not into woman.”

“I didn’t ask for this. I still feel the same about you. What are you telling me?”

“I’m sure we will get back to normal, but until then you will still be my best friend in the world. For the next few days you will have to just live with that. My parents and I consider you family so just think of yourself as part of the family. Maybe we can jump each other’s bones when your new voice and other changes fade away. Until then, I plan to enjoy having a best girlfriend. I haven’t had one of those in years.”

“I guess this is the first time in my life I really wished I had a bi girlfriend.”

“Maybe I will come around to that. You are so pretty. Maybe since Lyla wants to jump my bones she is bi too.”

“I’m getting a headache trying to figure this all out. I guess it is goodnight then. Please make sure I don’t make a fool of myself tomorrow.”

“From now until…who knows when, you are Lyla. You will be fine if you just remember that’s who you are. Night night Luv.”

Chapter 16:

The big day included an afternoon at the Nine Zero Nine salon. Sophia, Jessi and I went from station-to-station getting every possible form of grooming and pampering. Even before Lulu styled my hair, my skin and nails were glistening. My nails and toes had a flawless British red glow courtesy of a fresh Gel coating. My hair was given a romantic Bohemian style with cascading curls. Some of the hair was pinned up to give it a more flowing appearance. My somewhat retro appearance would not have been out of place on a bride. From Lulu’s private station I was ushered to the makeup area. When I was done there it was my turn to get a little light-headed. My intense makeup and f-me hair made me nearly forget my birth gender. I was draped only in a simple peasant style dress but I looked more like a real life princess.

The shop was loaded with ladies getting similar treatments for Saturday affairs so my makeover was not out of place. Shortly before we left I finally got to see Jessica after her beauty regimen.
She looked equally ravishing. I had never seen her so formally made up, but her beauty had always been something I appreciated and was drawn to. We smiled at each other in approval and shared a careful hug.

Even Mrs. Johnson looked gorgeous. She was an older version of Jessi, but still was a very attractive woman. With her makeover she looked younger and quite stunning. The three of us were going to make quite an entrance. Moments before we were to leave the Salon Sophia reached into her purse and pulled out two pills. Lyla, here are your pills. I spoke with Dr. Welby earlier today and because of the injections, he insisted you take those until at least your body can adjust to the jolt to its system. Besides its very good for your skin and hair.

It wasn’t a place to argue and defending my masculinity would have been ridiculous at this particular moment. I swallowed the pills as Jessi blankly gazed at me.

We headed home to change into our Gala clothes. We would have about an hour before the Limo would take us into the city and drop us at the Hilton Grand Ballroom.

Back at the house I was actually excited to be putting on the gown again. I tried to contain my enthusiasm around Jessi, but even she knew that putting it back on would not be a struggle for me. I needed her help to get it on properly without ruining my makeup. I stood there in front of the woman I hoped to marry looking like a starlet at the academy awards. I could see her looking me over and trying to formulate something to say.

“Jessi, what are you thinking about. Does something look out of place?”

“Lyla, just the opposite. You look perfect. I haven’t seen you this confident looking in a long time. That dress was made for you. I think I am going to just have to get used to that.”

“I think it would look better on you, but thank you.”

“I’m not sure you completely understand what I am saying.”

“I’m confused. Does it or doesn’t it look good on me?”

“Good would be an understatement. What I am saying, this transformation appears more like a transition. You don’t just look like Lyla, I think you are Lyla. You have confidence and I can see the sparkle in your eyes.”

“I’m just in a role. This is just acting the part.”

“Method acting. You appear to be in the role of a lifetime. I think you are so convincing because I don’t think you are acting.”

“Jessi! Please don’t think like that. We will just laugh at this later.”

“Lyla. Tell me you don’t love how you feel dressed as you are now and have been the past few days. Be truthful… I will understand.”

“It hasn’t been terrible. I mean some of woman’s clothes feels so much nicer than my male clothes. I guess I have learned to appreciate being all dressed up. That’s it.”

“Now is probably not the best time to have this discussion so lets both just enjoy the evening. I want you to remember we are not a couple tonight. I expect you to respond to me and the other guest as my lovely cousin from out of town. If you do, you will have a lovely evening and maybe even some new sensations.”

“Let’s talk about this more tomorrow when this is in our review mirror. Besides having more time then, we won’t be in our red carpet attire.”

“I agree. Do you think anyone will notice me tonight next to you in your dream dress?”

“Haha! You look stunning. Then again, you always do.”

We were called downstairs to leave. We both took a deep breath before smiling at each other and making our way out.

It didn’t take me long to discover that I was not going to remain a wallflower for the evening. We were met by one of the organizers and lead to a VIP room. I was introduced to the entire Art Institute board and even Mayor Emanuel of Chicago. There were other VIPs to schmooze with before we made our way out to greet the regular patrons and have cocktails. From the time we arrived until I collapsed back into the limo many hours later, I had few moments to myself.

I was much more popular at this gala than I had ever been at a party. I used to have to insert myself in conversation to get noticed, but on this evening I was often the center of the attention. I met a few of the ladies from the club which already knew my name. They all wanted to include me in their conversations and get me involved in future activities. I was surprised how many of these ladies wanted to pry into my private life. It seemed most of them wanted to know if I had a special man in my life. At first, I adamantly said no, but as I thought about it more, I was more vague so I would provide them less of an opportunity to make suggestions. I later started to imply I had someone I met recently.

When I was not surrounded by the ladies, I found that many of the single men saw it as an opportunity to introduce themselves. I received many compliments and was the target of a few creative pickup lines along the way. It was nice to receive all the attention, but strange to be desired by random men.

Shortly before the dinner and presentations, I finally got alone with Jessica. She too had been receiving endless attention, including a lot from men. I wasn’t exactly in a position to stop that.

“Jessi, this is crazy. I don’t know what to do.”

“Looks like you are doing just fine. You are quite the debutant tonight.”

“I thought tonight was going to be all about art.”

“Art is part of it, but these things are social gatherings. People want to be seen with others and make contacts. As you can tell it also is a classy singles event.”

“Looks like you are quite the popular girl Jessi.”

“No more than you Lyla. I don’t like thinking of myself as an object, but we are both quite the catch this evening. Find anyone that you fancy?”

Before I had a chance to respond, we were in the presence of Marc and another man that I did not recognize. When I last met Marc at Mr. Johnson’s company BuilderOne he was trying to get me to bite on Hamilton Tickets. He didn’t have them, but he was using the remote chance at getting opening night tickets as a carrot to get me to go out with him. I had told Jessi about that and assumed since it would be nearly impossible to get them that I would not have to deal with this again.

Jessi was the first to kick off the conversation. “So Marc, I presume your Hamilton offer was puffery. I understand that those tickets are gold.”

Marc smiled and introduced his good friend to Jessi. “Jessica Johnson, this is Jason Kennedy.”

“Pleased to meet you Jason.”

“The pleasure is all mine.”

Marc quickly cut back in. “Jessica, Jason would like the honor of accompanying you to Hamilton Next Friday with Lyla and I. We have four seats 5th row center.”
Jessi nearly screamed. “I can’t believe you really got them. You must have a really phenomenal connection or some great blackmail photos on someone.”

“I have a relative that has an investment interest in the theater. I never asked him for a favor before, but getting Lyla to go with me was a good enough reason to cash in my chips.”

I was stunned. Marc had pulled out the miracle. I didn’t know how I was going to say no. I was hoping Jessica would come up with a plan, but quickly found that prayer dashed.

“Marc and Jason, we would be honored to go with you. Both Lyla and I have wanted to see that show so badly. To see opening night here in town is phenomenal. We can’t thank you both enough.”

I still had not said a word, even as I turned to my overly excited girlfriend. “Jessica and I hardly know the two of you. Are you sure you want to take us to something so extravagant on our first date?” I realized as soon as I said it that, that first date was probably not my best choice of words.

Marc did not hesitate. “I hope this will be a first date that will be hard to top. We can do something more casual as a follow up.”

Jason added. “Jessica, Marc has told me so much about you and your family. I understand you don’t know much about me, but your parents do know my parents and I assure you, I will be a true gentleman.”

Jessica left no doubt on the issue. “We are in! This is going to be so much fun!”

The speakers at the Gala were taking the stage. As Marc looked directly into my eyes, he said, “We can work out the plans later. Enjoy the evening.”

Jessi and I retreated to our table up at the front of the ballroom. I could see that Jessica was genuinely excited about the Hamilton show. I wanted to see it as well, but not on the arm of some man. Obviously, Jessi did not see a problem with that.

“Jessi, do you really think this is a good idea?”

“I think you will be fine. I will be with you and make sure everything is appropriate for a first date.”

“Me going out with another guy is not appropriate. I also don’t like you going out with another guy.”

“Lyla, stop thinking like another guy. It would be ridiculous for you to make yourself so beautiful and stop short of going out on a date. He’s a nice man and will treat you with respect. I will be there if you have a problem. Beside’s you have to admit, both of them are good looking.”

I didn’t dignify a response to the last point, even as I thought about what she said.

I was happy to change my thoughts to the presentations and speeches. Mr. Johnson was correct and they did unveil two magnificent piece of art. They had acquire an original Van Gogh and an even more rare Caravaggio. Mr. Johnson got to do the honors and received a long standing ovation. When all the speeches were over we had a chance to see the art up close. We also had our photos taken with the art and many of the dignitaries. My Lyla name was given to the photographers. Even if Lyla were to fade away she would forever be linked to this evening. Those photos would undoubtedly end up in print or online in many places.

The evening was not over. From the formal presentations the gala turned into a celebration. Dancing was now on the card. It didn’t take long for Marc and Jason to pull us out onto the dance floor. Fortunately, most of the music was oldies and pop so I was able to avoid much physical contact. I was not a great dancer and now I had to dance like a woman. It was almost easier because I could move my body and arms and nothing was off limits. I did find myself holding Marc’s hands a few times, but that did not seem too awkward. Before the evening was over I had even danced with Mr. Johnson.

Back at the house I was ready to crash. Maybe it was the meds, but unlike the previous evening, sex was not on my mind. Jessica did not seem intent on pushing the issue either. She handed me a very sex nightgown, casually explaining to me that I should be wearing something meant for bed. The Gala should have signified the end of my time dressing as a woman, but now I had another even more feminizing experience awaiting me the following weekend.

Chapter 17:

I woke the next morning before Jessi and just sat up in bed wondering what was ahead. My mind was swimming with thoughts about what had transpired and what might be on the docket. Part of my anxiety was not knowing what I wanted to happen. I loved Jessica and always felt she had the same feelings for me. Throughout these past days she treated me with love, but most of the sexual spark seemed to be missing. I was living with the Johnson’s because I was Jessica’s almost Fiancé, but they now were treating me as a female member of the family. My mind was confused, but there was no ambiguity that to the entire Johnson clan, I was now Lyla. If I had any doubt about that, it was eliminated early that morning at breakfast.

When Jessi’s eyes cracked open she smiled at me. I hid my anxiety and smiled back at her. In a soft voice I whispered, “Good Morning Sunshine.”

“Good morning to you too Miss Lyla. How did my beautiful girlfriend sleep?”

“Ok I guess. I woke up a few times with my mind racing, but I got enough sleep. How about you?

“I slept pretty well too. I had some strange dreams, but I don’t think I woke up at all. I can’t remember them clearly but you certainly were in them.”

For the first moment since her return to town, I thought Jessica might be feeling amorous.

“That’s sweet. What were we doing together together? Was it super erotic?”

“I don’t remember it very clearly, but I remember seeing you looking stunning in a white wedding dress. You looked so happy.”

I could feel my stomach drop. That was not what I thought she was going to say.

“Were you also wearing a wedding dress?”

“Like I said, I can’t remember much more than that. It’s possible, but maybe I was just your Maid of Honor.”

“Jessica, what’s happening to me and to us? I’m so confused.”

“You shouldn’t fret. I think you are just a bit overwhelmed by your emerging feelings. You don’t have to hold back anything now. Just let yourself out.”

“It’s just not right. We are supposed to get married. We are only staying here for your parent’s approval.”

“Lyla, you won over my mother big time and even my father has taken a new interest in you. I will always love you, but I think getting married needs to be tabled for a while. I think we both need to figure out a few things before we can even consider that.”

“What are you suggesting? What do you want me to do?”

“It’s not so much about me. You need some time to figure out what makes you tick deep inside. Marriage is a long-term deal, but you need to know yourself a little better before you can marry anyone else. Let’s get up have some breakfast and talk some more later about anything and everything. Make yourself pretty it will help put a smile on you, OK.”

“Alright. We have a lot to sort out.”

Sophia greeted us in the kitchen with a “Good morning girls.”

Most of breakfast was just the three of us. We talked a lot about the gala. Jessica also informed Sophia that I wanted to stay as Lyla for now and sort out a few things. She made it sound like it was totally my decision and something I asked Jessica to accept. It would have been understandable for Mrs. Johnson to ask me to move out at that point, but she was very understanding and said we would all work through everything together. She then surprised me by suggesting I move into the guest bedroom next to Jessica’s room. “It might be better for both of you to have some private space.”

Jessica did not argue the point. “You will both have your own closet. Girls need space for all their pretty things.”

At the tale end of this discussion, Mr. Johnson sat down at the breakfast table. He was informed of the decisions that Sophia and Jessica had made for me. Again, the implication was that all of this was driven by my desires. I was not resisting but everything was moving along so swiftly.

The biggest shocker came from Mr. Johnson. “I have been on the phone this morning with my office. Last nights gala was so successful, I think we got a couple of new exclusive business relationships. I have to say, we all contributed to that last night at the benefit.”

I was the first to congratulate him. “That’s wonderful, your speech last night was so inspiring.”

Nate nodded at me. “Lyla, you made quite an impression on some of the business community too. That certainly had to help as well.”

“Thank you, but I was just trying to be social.”

“Well you impressed some important people.”

“It was an amazing evening, so thank you for including me.”

”Lyla, I have a proposal for you.”

"What’s that Mr. Johnson? I would be glad to do anything you need.”

“When Jessi and I were on our business trip, she couldn’t stop raving about your architectural skills. I know she cares for you, but the way she spoke of your designs and knowledge, it was clearly more than just talking you up.”

“Thank you both, that means a lot to me.”

“Then last night I saw how well you handled what had to be a pretty stressful situation. You managed to impress a lot of people and fit in very well.”

“I was just trying to blend in as well as I could. I met a lot of very nice people.”
“You obviously succeeded. What I want to propose is an opportunity or you, that will also help us all spend more time together.”

I wasn’t sure where he was going with this, until his next statement.

“I know you planned to work across town with another architecture firm, but I want you to work for us. I guarantee you will make more and working with Jessica and my senior team, the position will put you on the fast track.”

I was stunned. I had not even interviewed with his firm. I had intentionally avoided that, so as not to put him or Jessica in an awkward spot with me dating Jessica. It was my dream firm and I was being offered a sweet job. I looked at Jessica with my eyes bulging open and a loss for words.

She smiled back at me before a long drawn out “Well?” emerged from her lips.

I looked back at Mr. Johnson. “Are you really offering me a job?”

“I most certainly am. You and Jessica will bring some knew young blood and energy into the firm. The atmosphere at the firm has always been a little stuffy and is overdue for some diversity and knew thinking. So what do you say?”

“My God, how can I say no. Just to be associated with your trend setting designs and a firm with your reputation, is what I went to architecture school for. I would be honored.”

“Then it is decided. Welcome aboard.”

“Thank you Thank you!”

“I will let Marc know, so he can plan ahead. I’m sure he will be pleased too. You made quite an impression on him too.”

It was at that point it hit me. Lyle was not being hired; Lyla was. I had just committed to beginning my working career as a woman.

“Mr. Johnson, I don’t want to be at all negative, but what about my real gender?”

“First off, please call me Nate. Our firm may be a bit stuffy, but we have very open and progressive human resource policies. To most of the employees, I’m sure you will be treated exactly like any other woman. Being transgender is a personal choice and will be fully supported. We have great healthcare and resources. Besides you are like family. Jessi, Sophia and I will be there to help you with your transition.”

My brain was trying to tell me to back down, but I could feel the emotional support that all of the Johnson’s were sending me. I was being treated as one of them. I had lost my own family and now I was being welcomed into another family. I still had not fully processed my rapid-fire changes, but I was ready to commit to it.

“So when do I start?”

“That’s the attitude! You and Jessi still have a few weeks off before you begin. I’m sure you can use them for a mental break and to adjust a little more to your changes. Not that you have shown any difficulties, you will need to be totally comfortable in your new environment and lifestyle. When you do begin at the office, you are going to be working very hard. Until then, I’m sure Sophia would love to assist you and Jessica in your preparation.”

“I really don’t know where to begin, but I have always enjoyed being a student.”

Until now Sophia had mostly just listened. “Lyla, I think you are a quick study. As far as the world needs to know, you are my niece. Us girls are going to enjoy the rest of the summer helping forget any old ideas or habits. From today on you are Lyla.”

“I’ll try Sophia.”

“You already appear so natural… soon it will feel totally the same way.”

I wanted to talk about it privately with Jessica. After all, I was now going to be living as her cousin. She seemed happy for me, but obviously we now had a very different relationship. I looked her in the eyes once again. “Are you sure this is all OK with you?”

“Lyla, we will always be best friends and family. I know that in my heart. It will just be a new chapter. I’m sure we will both adjust and be happy. We will do this together. I’m excited for you. I even get to go with you on your first date next weekend.”

With that proclamation my mind began to fully absorb my future.

To be continued?