Part 24 By Anistasia Allread Edited by Karen J. Mr. Martin pulled into Tricia's driveway. Erika shifted the flowers once again from one hand to the other. Mentally she skimmed over what was written and sealed in the envelope addressed to her friend. Along with that letter was a card that she had filled out with an apology to Tricia's parents. |
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“How was practice?” Erika's dad greeted her as she opened the truck door.
“Fine. Tiring.” Erika pulled herself into the truck and sat down.
“Bye Erika.” Melinda waved.
Erika waved back.
“Who's that?” her dad asked.
“Melinda. She's the head cheerleader.”
Mr. Martin started up the truck and pulled out of the school parking lot. “I had another talk with your mother this afternoon.”
“Yeah?”
“I think she is worried that you are just in a passing phase of this whole gender identity thing. I have my own concerns as well.” he stated, “This is a very important move to make and one not to be taken lightly. It's difficult to say 'hey, I'm a girl now' changing up everyone's lives and then decide a few months or even a year or two later to change your mind and say “Ooops I've decided that I'm really a boy after all'.”
“I know,” Erika stared out the front of the truck, “I've been thinking a lot about it as well. Dr. Barts has my mind so tied up with things that I need to think about that. So much is going on that I think my head is going to burst.”
Mr. Martin nodded. “How far are you thinking of taking this? Are you thinking of taking hormones? Have surgery, or several surgeries?”
“I'm not sure yet.” Erika admitted. “I am still getting to know who I am. I think that over the last few years that I suppressed a lot of me; you know, with dealing with Summer's death, and being picked on at school, not having any friends and stuff.”
Her father nodded.
“As this, as me, Erika, I feel much more alive, more comfortable with who and what I am.” she paused. “I feel more confident and sure of myself as Erika. I don't feel like I'm hiding.”
She looked at her dad, who nodded.
“Well, I'm hiding that I am a boy, but personality-wise I feel like I'm not hiding.”
The two drove in silence for a bit.
“Dad?” she asked.
“Yes?”
“I was wondering if it would okay to build a rope course in our back yard.”
“A what?”
“A rope course. We have those two tall fir trees back there, and if we can use some anchor bolts we can also tie it into the house, it would be great.”
“Where is this all coming from?” her father asked.
“Well when I was at camp we had this rope obstacle course, and I was really good at it. I helped Skyler take it down and he explained to me how to build one. It would be really cool to mess around on, especially since I'm grounded.”
“That is something I'll have to talk to your mother about. Sinking anchor bolts into the side of a house is not something to do lightly.”
“Oh.”
“Your mother and I have been talking for a while now about something, and I went down and put it into action this afternoon,” Her father glanced over at her. “You will be receiving an ATM card in the mail sometime next week.”
Erika looked at her father unsure of where this was going.
“The first of every month I will have an amount of money deposited into that account for you. It won't be much, but this way you will be able to do things and buy things without pestering your mother and I for cash all of the time.”
“Really?” Erika was excited. Part of her remembered the conversation she had with Pete just a few days ago. Was she becoming one of those whose parents just gave her a card to go nilly willy with?
“We will start with one hundred and fifty a month, but,” he cautioned, “You'll be using it to buy clothes and makeup with as well as your movies and music.”
One hundred and fifty a month? Erika thought to herself. Imagine what she and Samantha could do with that much at the thrift store!
“In light of your new predicament though, I have decided to deposit some additional money into your account so that you might be able to get some clothes and stuff so that you won't have to borrow from your friends.”
“Oh? Thank you Daddy!” Erika almost bounced in her seat.
“Just understand that once that allowance is gone, it is gone. We won't be giving you extra to bail you out. You need to learn financial responsibility.”
“I will Daddy. I mean, I understand.”
Her father looked at her with a funny smile.
“What?” she asked suddenly self conscious.
“I'm still getting used to the whole 'Daddy' thing is all.”
“Does it bother you? I can stop.”
“No, it's just going to take me a bit to get used to it.”
Erika smiled at her father. She couldn't believe what was happening. Her time with him over the past few days seemed like a dream. A dream that she didn't want to ever end.
Mr. Martin pulled into Tricia's driveway. Erika shifted the flowers once again from one hand to the other. Mentally she skimmed over what was written and sealed in the envelope addressed to her friend. Along with that letter was a card that she had filled out with an apology to Tricia's parents.
“It's not going to deliver its self,” her dad stated as the engine idled.
“I know.” Erika took a deep breath and got out of the truck being careful not to crush or damage the flowers.
She walked up to the front door and rang the doorbell. It all seemed so formal after having spent the past few weeks just walking into the house in the morning. Foot steps approached the door. She thought she could hear a brushing noise as someone leaned forward to look through the little peep hole. The handle turned and Mrs. Thompson opened the door.
“Tricia's not allowed to have visitors,” she stated.
“I know.” Erika bit her lower lip. “I just wanted to stop by. Could you give these to her for me?” she asked holding out the flowers with the letter tucked inside. “And I brought this by for you,” she added holding the card out for Mrs. Thompson. “I really am sorry about what took place last weekend.”
Mrs. Thompson smiled tight lipped. “Thank you,” she stated, “I'll make sure she gets these.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Thompson.” Erika backed up a step or two. “Would it also be okay if I got some of my clothes that Tricia has?” Erika asked.
“You have clothes here?” Mrs. Thompson asked.
“Yes, Tricia's been keeping them for me.”
“Oh, all right, but hurry up. I don't want you loitering, you hear?”
“Yes Ma'am.” Erika waved to her dad then disappeared into the house.
Tricia appeared as Erika made it half way up the stairs.
“I'm here-”
“I heard.” Tricia cut her off. “Do you have anything to put them in?”
Erika shook her head, “I didn't think your mother would allow me in.”
“I'll grab my suitcase. Just bring it back tomorrow.” Tricia led Erika into Leeza's room and opened the closet doors.
“Thanks.”
She and Tricia hurridly stuffed clothes and shoes into the suitcase.
“Thank you again, Mrs. Thomson," Erika said pulling the suitcase after her as she walked back to her dad waiting in the truck.
She witnessed her father waving to Tricia's mother as she rounded the truck.
“That wasn't so bad was it?” her father asked as he backed the truck up.
“No. Thanks for the idea and for the ride, Dad.”
Her father nodded.
When Erika got home she went up to her room and got on the net to check her email.
Hey there girlfriend,
How are things going with you? You are on the cheer squad? That is awesome! How are you keeping that a secret from your parents? How is Samantha and Krystal doing? I don't hear much from them, I guess they're too busy for little ole me. ;)
Derek and are are still doing wonderful. Homecoming is coming up. And guess who asked me to his dance? As if you had to guess. I'm so excited. Mom is making me a dress. I think she is excited too. Derek and a few friends have all pitched in to get a limo for the night, isn't that cool? Can you picture it, Me in my gorgeous dress stepping out of a limo as if on the red carpet?
Anyway, just wanted to drop you a line. What's going on with you?
Dani
Erika looked at her phone. She was hoping Tricia would call her, even if it was just to say that she got the flowers and letter. She sighed and wrote Dani a reply and told her about the party, and then having to confront her parents. She told her how she was delighted that her father was so taking this whole thing the right way.
She picked up her phone, checked to make sure that the volume was on and that the battery was at full power then set it back down.
Hey there, Wannabe
So half of the Columbine girls are cheerleaders now, huh? Wow, who'd ever think that you of all people would turn out to be a cheerleader? Not bad for having worn your first skirt last summer. :) How is Krystal doing with her weight? Is she still dieting even though she is working out more?
Things here are same old same old. Not much changes here. Dad finds excuses to be gone so that he doesn't have to deal with me. I think he's going to Rio next, I wish he would take me with him. Rio is supposed to have the best looking guys in the world. I heard that down there Everyone does plastic surgery, even the guys. The beaches are supposed to be great too.
So do you think you might find yourself back at Camp Kumoni? It would be great if we could all get the same cabin again. Think of all the fun we could have. lol.
Keep me in the loop,
Rachel
Erika shot a similar email off to her gruff friend before pulling up her latest drawing and working on it. It was almost finished and she was way over due to posting a comic. She finished just before bedtime and posted it, flagging several fans' emails to let them know that it had been updated.
She almost jumped across the room when her phone rang. She snatched it up, “Hello?”
“Hey Erika,”
It was Samantha.
“Oh, hi.” she sounded subdued.
“Whoa, sorry.” Samantha stated.
“No, it's just that I've been hoping Tricia would call,” Erika explained what she and her father had done.
“Oh, well, I just called to say that because we don't have to stop for you to get changed, that I'll be stopping by a little later in the morning.
“Oh, that's right. I get to sleep in a little. I'll have to change my alarm.”
“Do you want me to call Tricia?” Samantha offered.
“No. My dad told me to let her make the next move.”
“Oh, okay, well, I'll see you in the morning.”
Erika hung hung up and went into the bathroom, taking her phone with her, to get ready for bed.
“There's a bagel and some O.J. In the kitchen for you,” Erika's mother said poking her head in her room.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
Erika finished putting her mascara on and stood back to check herself in the mirror. She picked up some lip gloss and finished off her lips before slipping her shoes on and heading down stairs.
The bagel had already been toasted and was starting to cool. She smeared some cream cheese on it, and began tearing into it.
It had been strange being able to sleep in a little, and it was only a little. She still needed time to get ready. She always felt a bit rushed at Tricia's.
She was just finishing up when the familiar knock came at the door.
“Bye, Mom!” she called. She downed the rest of her orange juice, scooped up her duffel and greeted Samantha at the door.
“Oh, it's cold out here.” Erika noted as the door closed behind her.
“We need to hurry, it looks like it's going to rain,” Samantha warned. “I can't wait to get my license.”
“Neither can I.”
“Do you have an umbrella?” Samantha asked showing the handle of hers sticking out of her duffel.
“Looks like I'm going to have to buy one.”
Erika paused at the driveway as Samantha continued up to Tricia's door.
Samantha turned around, “Aren't you coming?”
“I'll wait here for you, I don't want to impose until Tricia is ready.” Erika stated.
Samantha shrugged and continued to the door.
“Thank you for the flowers,” Tricia greeted with a shy smile, “and the letter.”
“You're welcome.” Erika shrugged.
Tricia wrapped Erika in a big hug, “You've almost won my mother back over with the card too. She was very impressed. Was it your mother's idea?”
“No, My mom and I aren't really talking much right now.”
“Oh. Well, my mom thought the card was a nice touch.”
“I truly am sorry.”
“I know,” Tricia pulled back. “I'm partially upset with myself too. I should have called my mom as soon as I saw how drunk you were.”
“Well, we can't do much about that now.” Erika offered.
“No. I put the flowers in a vase on my dresser. How did you know I like pink?” she grinned.
“I wonder.” Erika rolled her eyes.
“Okay, are you two done making up now?” Samantha interrupted.
“Yes.” Erika and Tricia said together then giggled.
“So tell me about everything that I've missed.” Tricia looked to her friend.
Erika began detailing the past few days and the plans for the next week or so.
To Be Continued...
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Comments
Love this story
Yay, they're back together! Thanks for another great chapter.
Saless
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America
That's what I wanted to say
The thing is, I look at Erika's life as if I knew her. Glad things are going well!
Hugs,
Kaleigh
Yay!!
d(*⌒▽⌒*)b Yes!! *is giddy with happiness for Erika and Tricia.* Emotional rollercoasters happen in life, they've happened for Erika, and will happen again in time, but times like those make the peaks of happiness, the moments of peace, everything good in life that much better. Thanks for that sort of moment!
I love Erika's dad to pieces. He shows just the sort of support we all would love to have, and thoughtfulness as well in tempering that support with caution and care. That is exactly what a parent should be. ^__^
I hope the problems in your life that you mentioned resolve themselves quickly, quietly, and well, so that you can have all the time you want for writing, with none (or at least fewer!) of the worries. ^__^ I care a lot about the sources of my addiction, and not just because you keep feeding it!
(Also, first vote! ^__^ But beaten to first comment. That's alright, though. Saless writes faster than I do! :-D . )
-Liz
Successor to the LToC
Formerly known as "momonoimoto"
Great Episode!
Looks like the flowers and letter worked. I am really glad to see Erika and Tricia back together again. Her dad continues to be a wonderful surprise and her mom looks to be coming around too. Another great episode A.A!
Are Tricia and Erika in Love Again? Read the chapter.
RAMI
I guess the muse did not abandon you. It did not even take a short rest.
11 votes after only 19 reads. You go Girl!!!
Well, that was an interesting chapter. The best part is that Tricia and Erika have made up. They are in love again AAAAHHHHH!!!!
It seems that things at the Martin house, are getting better. Mom agreed with dad about the ATM and bank account. Mom did not attack Erika when she woke her for breakfast and was pleasant to her at the time.
Dad is the best. His suggestion of flowers and a letter for Tricia and a card for Mrs. Thompson, worked just right. I guess he is the proper gentleman that few expected earlier on.
By the way do mom and dad have a first name, if so, it is very seldom used.
It seems strange that Mrs. Thompson had no idea about the clothes.
Well, are we regressing a bit here. At some point I think, that it was revealed that it was Erika's determination to be a full become a complete woman. But in her conversation with dad, do we see some hesitancy. Is she waivering in that decision. It sounds as if her motivation to continue on this course, in part, is the fact that she feels comfortable as Erika and has friends as Erika. Something that never existed when Eric was around.
I guess, I'm a little lost time wise. The blood tests were taken, but the results not revealed. The family meeting with Dr. Barts has not yet occurred. So I guess we are still waiting to see what will come of that.
Eric's parents must never have been at school. Mr. Martin has been there twice in the company of Erika, and to date no one has made a connection.
RAMI
RAMI
Votes
As I write, this chapter's up to 1714 reads, 133 votes. Scarily, this is turning out to be even more vote-friendly than "Bike" (despite having a fraction of the number of chapters)...
...and the vote count box on the default theme could do with being widened, as I've passed several chapters so far with 100+ votes...
--Ben
As the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then only left-handers are in their right mind!
Competiton for first comment and first vote.
RAMI
Anistasia, it is a credit to your writing that there is actually a competiton between your loyal followers to get in the first read, the first vote and the first comment. And pride in the one who does it. When I started reading there were no comments. Oh well, I did get the first vote and comment several chapters back.
RAMI
RAMI
I love this story
Thanks for making my Tuesday smile. I check every day for the next chapter. I know, I know, only on Tuesdays, but one never knows. Oh to have had a Dad like Erika has. Hugs, Wendy Marie
Wendy Marie
Competitions
There is no way that we being Anistasia Allread's fans would ever compete against each other for comments or votes... (I know I am lying through my teeth lol) Anyways kudos to your muse AA and you as well for another Wonderful chapter in this saga. It is good to see that Erika's mother is starting to or at least appearing to warm up to Erika being full time now. Let's hope Dr. Barts and Erika can get the parents to realize that this is not a passing phase.
Jayme Ann
The answers to all of life's questions can be found in the face of a true friend
The answers to all of life's questions can be found in the face of a true friend
Heart in the mouth time!!!
Heart in the mouth time!!!
I really began to think {horror of horrors!!} that it was all over for Erika and Tricia, Guess i should realise, That true love will always win through in the end!
I always get a bit worried when everything seems to be running smoothly... Just what mishaps can befall Erika next .. Just what is going through Ani's mind?... only time will tell
At least you,ve left me happy this week Ani.. Erika and Trish are back together again
YAY!!!
Hugs Kirri
Thank you...
Dunno what else to say about the story...
Oh - one minor formatting suggestion. With a little html help the letters/notes stand out from the text around them a little better. Each time I was half way into it thinking "what the heck" then realized it was a note and it was clear.
Thanks for keeping the story going. Hopefully things will be going better for you soon.
Annette
Thank you ^__^
Really nice bridge chapter.
There is blame to go both ways though in that whole party mess so as far as I am concerned a little apology from Tricia's end would have been nice too, for allowing her friend to even get drunk in the first place.
I do not see Erika as doubting her decision. What I see is Erika trying to gauge how far she wants to go in terms of physical changes ( surgery. ) In terms of gender she seems to feel she is on firm ground so there is no doubt in my mind that she thinks of herself as a she.
When they get back to school though Tricia will have to fight for her woman so to speak as word has got around that Erika is bi and the vultures are already circling.
On the plus side, being bi has probably improved her social standing for the boys at the school. A lot of men dream of threesomes you know ?
Time to face the next battles.
Kim
A.A. Believe Me, When I Say
That your story continues to be one of the reasons that people come to the Big Closet. Do I here any dessenters?
May Your Light Forever Shine
May Your Light Forever Shine
certainly not from me
Beside EAFOAB this is one of the best reasons for visiting this site. (although there are many other great authors and stories too. I feel a little funny praising one story too much since so many put huge effort into telling their tales here.
Have to agree with you
Have to agree with you Stanman, Anistasia definitely has her fans and I am one. J-Lynn
good to see
Tricia and Erica back together. Was wondering about whether Tricia would apologise too. I guess she kind of did. Would have liked to have seen a kiss with that hug. Makeup seemed kind of cool to me.
Wow. I'm soo glad
that they're together again.. It was really bugging me. Gah, I sooo like this story.
Well, after two or three chapters of easy sailing, I bet there's a storm underway. Just to keep things interesting. But please, don't feel pressured, on the contrary if you planned to make it smooth and sweet, I know it will be just as good.
Jo-Anne
Relationship Relief
Hurray! It's about time. You had me going but you made the right decision. :)
This story has a nice pace. It feels somewhat synchronized with real time too. I like that.
I'm a little uneasy about adding the doubt about Erika's gender identity but I have to admit it's realistic. I'll try to be patient about that and Erika's mother. *sigh*
Thanks very much for this. Please keep up the good work and good luck with the finances.
- Terry
Your getting enough attention :)
I'd leave a comment but it would just go to your head. OH Darn, I loved it. There, satisfied?
Gwendolyn
How could anyone not
love this story, Gwen? I wanted to comment too, but there are so many already, everything has been said! I guess we're all suckers for romance and acceptance, and this episode seems to have it all. Poor Erika sure has a full plate though, but it is nice to see things starting to go her way.
Gosh, Anastasia, I have never seen a single episode or story collect so many votes, and so fast too! I hope the voter thingy on the website doesn't overheat, perhaps Erin should hook up the backup one to help balance the load!
Great job, I love the story, and I really respect the burden we've all thrust upon you to keep all the story elements going. With everyone analyzing every single plot element it continues to amaze me that it just gets better every week!
I'll bet Erika's request to her dad to build a rope course confused him, LOL!
Hugs
Carla Ann
The vote counter has overflowed!
Anyone else notice? It's made for two digits but now, at three digits, it's overflowed it's little graphic. Laughing about the "voter thingy" comment above. It may not have overheated but it exceeded it's bounds.
So Much...
...for the worries over Samantha's credibility that people were posting in the previous chapter.
As someone said, we'll see how boys at school react to Erika and Tricia becoming an item again. (Or perhaps more to the point, whether Erika and Julian can keep their hands off each other if Tricia isn't in the room.)
Erika seems to have neglected to return Tricia's suitcase.
I'm glad to see Erika continue Eric's comic. It seemed to fall so far down her priority list since last spring that I wasn't sure it was ever coming out again, or whether it had any fans left.
Eric
Yay! Tricia and Erica are speaking to each-other again
Hi Ani,
Thanks for posting this lovely chapter. I was a little late in getting to it, I was on a mini-vacation.
with love,
Hope
with love,
Hope
Once in a while I bare my soul, more often my soles bear me.
Sweet
(I finally got some time to get caught up on my reading)
I'm glad our couple seems to be back together!
It's nice to have a chapter where nothing too dramatic happens.
whew, they made up
yay!