Something Feels Strange - 28 | BigCloset TopShelf

Something Feels Strange…

Feels Strange

“You know,” Dan says to me quietly to avoid being overheard. “Ben is, despite his crudity, actually correct. You are very good looking and, to top it off, easy to be around. You’re really making this summer something special for all of us. I’m glad you came. Are you sure you can’t stay?”

“Thanks for the compliment,” I quietly reply, “but, no, I can’t stay. Anyway, I haven’t really done anything to earn the praise.”

“Sure you have,” he responds. “You are like a cool breeze on a hot day. Just being here makes everything better. Too bad you’re not staying. I think that we’d make great friends, you and me.”

Oh no! Where’s the fire extinguisher? Somebody has to put out this guy’s fire–fast!

Chapter 28: Pool Party & The City

“I’m sure we’d be just friends,” I try to emphasize the lack of romantic attraction.

Fortunately, Caitlin chooses just this moment to arrive giving me an excuse to leave the boys.

“Whew,” she says holding her nose, “You guys stink. You boys’ll have to wait out here until your other clothes arrive then take a shower before you get in the pool. There’s a shower in the pool house out back you can use. Come with me, Tina.”

Once we are in the house, she sends me to her room where I left my clothes earlier then to the shower for a quick rinse to get the perspiration off. When I get back to Caitlin’s room to stow my stuff, I find a couple of the other girls from the team there changing into their swim suits. I hardly notice them until I’m half-way out to the back patio, when it occurs to me that neither I nor Brain Central hardly even glanced at the almost-naked girls when I was in Caitlin’s room. Just another day with the girls.

Going out to the pool, I find that most of the other kids have also arrived and the food table is starting to fill up. Laurie has arrived also and is chatting with a couple of the other girls. Coach Arnold is here with his family which includes his lovely wife and two adorable children–a three year-old girl and a
boy who is a little over one.

“Hey, Tina,” Coach calls to me as I leave the house. “Come meet my family.”

Mrs. Arnold is holding the little boy–Mikey–on her hip. As he is introduced Mikey leans over with his arms stretched out for me to hold him. I instinctively reach out and gather him in, holding him on my hip while I say hi. He immediately starts to explore my face with his hands. The girl–Jessie–is shy and hides behind her mother.

“Sorry about that, Tina,” Mrs. Arnold says trying to take Mikey back. “He’s a real people person. He thinks everyone wants to hold him.”

“That’s alright,” I reply. “He’s cute. Can I hold him for a few minutes?”

Several other girls come over to play with the baby–toddler really–and he gets passed around the group until he’s met everyone. Several of the girls have apparently babysat for the Arnold’s before and know the children well. I notice the boys are keeping their distance from the baby.

“Caitlin,” Coach Arnold asks, “may I talk with the group for a couple of minutes?”

“Sure, Coach,” she replies then calls everyone over.

“I’ve been thinking,” he begins. “With all this running you all are doing, I think you might like to enter some races. Real race experience will be helpful in the fall when we start the school running season. I’ve been looking around and there’s a race somewhere within driving distance almost every Sunday morning
over the summer. What do you think?”

Everyone starts talking at once, but the consensus is favorable. A couple of the kids have other commitments on Sundays, but most of us are available.

“I’m glad to hear it,” the Coach smiles as he starts to hand out large envelopes. “I’ve put together packets with the schedule and entry information for races I think you should try. You’ll need parental permission to enter the races, so take the packets home and discuss this with your parents. It’s too late to get things together for this weekend, but we can shoot for the race in Castro Valley next weekend. It has both 5K and 10K events. Just to remind you: this is NOT a school sponsored activity. You don’t have to enter any or all of the races, just do what you’d like to do. You’ll have to work together to
arrange rides and anything else you need.”

Dr. Sommers thinks this a great idea decides to help, “Alright, I’ll spring for shirts for the runners so you can look like a team. You all just need to tell me what you want on them. Caitlin, can you handle it?”

“Sure, Daddy,” she squeals as she jumps up and down with excitement. I’m not sure making her the fashion consultant is a good idea. I just hope she gets us something decent.

After much discussion, we settle on a team name: Cool Runners. Kinda’ corny but it beats Tina’s Teamies, which Caitlin suggested. The ‘Cool’ part was apparently inspired by my Alaskan ties. Laurie sketched out a couple of cartoon images of a polar bear in running shoes and wearing sunglasses which caught everyone’s fancy. One of the images has the bear coming right at you. The other shows the back side of the bear as if he is running away from you. You’ll never guess which image will go on the front and which on the back of the shirt. She really is a good artist.

Most of the girls have been admiring my running shoe necklace over the past week or so. I hardly go anywhere without it–including running. A couple of the girls have already been down to the store to get one for themselves. They all decide we need matching ones for when we travel as a team. I hope the store has
enough. I’ll never understand the need for girls to do everything as a group, but I have to admit it’s nice to be part of the team.

Once the business is over, someone turns on the music and everyone wanders off to do whatever. Several kids start a game of keep-away in the pool with a small ball. Others just hang out, eat, and visit. A few of the ‘couples’ start dancing.

I join Laurie who is visiting with a couple of the girlfriends of other runners. One of the girls is Suzie, Dan’s girlfriend. She gives me a decidedly frosty reception. I guess she’s picked up on Dan’s interest in me. From my former existence I know she really is a very talented and wonderful girl. She’s also very good looking and is a cheerleader. I can’t see why Dan would even dream of dumping her for me. Suzie and I have been in a lot of classes together over the years. She is something of a science geek–not your normal cheerleader. I really like her, or did up to now.

Laurie introduces me to the group as her visiting cousin.

“I hear you have the guys on the running team following you around with their tongues hanging out,” Suzie mentions with a degree of venom in her tone. I guess she’s thrown down the gauntlet. The other girls wait to see my response. I don’t think I should tell her about my little chat with Dan earlier.

“Actually,” I reply as casually as I can, “I’m not sure what their problem is. All I’m looking for is a running partner this summer and Caitlin decides to invite the whole team to join in the fun. I don’t think it’s me they are here for. While it is fun running with a team, I’m not looking for a boyfriend.”

I’m pretty sure they don’t believe me.

“The sweet, innocent type,” Suzie notes to the group. “They drive the guys mad. Well, sweetie, you may not be trying to attract a boyfriend, but, from what I’ve heard, you could have your pick from the team. If you don’t mind, some of them are spoken for already. You’re making us work extra hard to keep them. You can have Ben, though. I don’t think anyone else is interested in that jerk.”

“I’m sorry, Suzie, is it?” I respond as if I don’t know her. “I really don’t want to complicate things for anyone. I just want to run and hangout with my cousin and a few kids this summer. Believe me, the last thing I want to do is get cozy with some guy during my short stay here. I just don’t need the complication right now. My family sent me down here to screw my head on straight, not to make a mess of things.”

As this goes on, the rest of the girls just stand there and watch. I wonder who’s keeping score. I can tell I’m not making much progress.

Fortunately at this time, some guy grabs me from behind and tosses me in the pool. I don’t even see who it is. Most of the rest of the girls have the same problem. There are lots of squeals and shrieks as pool is filled with sputtering girls. I have to admit I was the first to scream. I’m getting to be such a girl.

The guys are standing laughing by the pool until one of them shouts, “Cannonball!” At which command the whole bunch jumps into the pool in such a manner that they make a huge splash and nearly drown the girls already in the pool, generating another round of screams.

This is fortunate for me because I wasn’t sure how to end the little standoff with Suzie.

Over the next couple of hours we play in the pool, snack, and hang out together. I try my best to avoid Dan and Ben, but both went out of their way to be near me most of the night. I caught Suzie giving me the evil eye several times throughout the evening as Dan was not sticking as close to her as he normally does. I never once saw him put his arm around her, much less give her even the smallest of kisses–this is definitely out of character.

“Laurie,” I whisper to her when I can get her aside, “I’ve been trying to think of what to do to patch things up between Suzie and Dan.”

“Have you come up with any ideas?” she asks. “Right now you’re public enemy number one in Suzie’s eyes.”

“Yeah,” I reply, “I figure there’s not too much I can do about Dan, so I was thinking if Tina can become friends with Suzie then maybe that will put a wrench in any plans Dan is cooking up.”

“How do you propose to do that, girl friend?” she asks.

“What does a cheerleader like to do more than anything else?” I ask her.

“Chase guys?” she responds.

“No, silly,” I grin. “Shopping! And Dan tells me Suzie is the Queen of Shopping on the cheer squad.”

“So how do you want to work this?” she asks, “You don’t want to drag her along tomorrow do you? It’s supposed to be our special day.”

“Well,” I reply, “Actually I was thinking that, but how about Sunday? Caitlin’s working so she can’t come. We could have a girls day out at the mall across the valley. I hear there are some pretty awesome sales for the holiday.”

“If you can get her to go, I guess it would be a good idea,” she observes. “If you two can become friends then Dan would have a hard time chasing you. I can invite Amy, Cindy and Marjorie. I need to spend more time with them too. Alright–it sounds like a good idea. See if you can get her to go.”

A little later I follow Suzie into the house when she goes to find the ladies room. I catch her as she comes out.

“Hey, Suzie,” I begin. “I hear there are some good sales this weekend, I was wondering you’d like to go with Laurie and me on Sunday. I don’t know my way around these big stores and I’m told you’re the best shopper around. I’m also told you have great fashion sense. I’m kind of a tomboy and want to learn more
about fashion.”

“Okay, girl,” she says. “You don’t have to try so hard to convince me you’re not trying to steal my boyfriend. I’m sorry about coming across like a bitch. I’ve been watching you tonight and you really are a nice girl–you haven’t once used feminine wiles on the guys. I just don’t understand what it is about you
that has all the guys chasing after you. I’ve watched the guys too and they all seem to want to be around you. I know you’re not trying to cause a ruckus. I just feel bad that Dan is acting like such a loser.”

“Suzie,” I tell her. “I really mean it when I tell you I need your help with shopping. I’m really not good at it plus I’d really like to get to know you. I think if Dan sees that you and I have become friends then he’ll have to cool it. Even the guys know girl friends share everything. He’ll leave me alone if he
knows I’ll tell you what he is up to. I’d really hate to see anyone hurt over my being here.”

“Interesting plan,” she says thoughtfully. “I like it. You know, I think you might actually be the genuinely nice girl you portray. I should keep you away from my cheerleader friends–they’d teach you about being ruthless bitches and I’d hate to spoil your innocence. Okay, Tina, I’ll go shopping with you guys. Do
you mind if I bring along a couple of other girls?”

“No problem, Suzie,” I reply, “I believe Laurie wants to bring along a couple of her friends as well so we’ll have just have a big girls’ day out.”

With that settled we arrange a time to meet at the mall on Sunday then link arms and head back out to the patio like old friends. Dan sees us laughing together and gets a worried expression on his face. I give him a little wave, then walk over to him.

Whispering in his ear I suggest, “I bet Suzie could use with a little dancing.” With that I wander off to see what Laurie is up too and tell her of our plans. Pulling out her cell phone she calls her friends to see if they want to come. Meanwhile one of the other unattached runners asks if I’d dance with him. As the evening progressed I dance with most of the boys on the team and a couple of the guests. At first it’s very awkward, but I relax after a few dances and just have fun. Fortunately, the Sommers made sure most of the songs were fast ones. Not too much of the close romantic stuff. During the slow dances I excuse myself either to the ladies room or the snack table. Laurie got in the action as well and danced several times. I also get in some time chatting with some of the other girls there. All in all, it is a pleasant evening.

Before it gets too late, Laurie and I excuse ourselves as we have to get going early in the morning for our trip to the City. Up in Caitlin’s room several other girls are changing out of their swimsuits as they get ready to head home. It gets a little crowded in there as everyone changes. Unlike earlier, I find I can still become a little uneasy being around naked girls, but I also find I don’t feel the urge to stare anymore either. Brain Central still has no qualms at all. The girls chat endlessly as they change. It seems
everyone has had a pretty good time at the party.

At home we take quick showers and rinse out our swimsuits before heading to bed.

“Tina,” Laurie says. “Thanks for inviting me. I had a good time tonight. Did you know Dan was making sure the other guys knew that I am Chris’s girl? He scared off more than one guy who wanted to get fresh with me. He must be a pretty good friend for him to watch after Chris’s interests like that.”

“I didn’t see that,” I admit. Maybe Dan isn’t such a sleaze ball after all. “I hope we can save his relationship with Suzie. She is more than a little put out that he can be so easily distracted by another girl.”

“Well,” she laughs, “His expression when you came out of the house arm in arm with Suzie was priceless. I’m pretty sure he thought his goose was well and truly cooked. I was happy to see him making up with Suzie later.”

“Me too,” I mention. “Maybe our plan is working already.”

“I’m sure it is,” Laurie responds thoughtfully. “You know, Tina, I have to admit you’re pretty good at handling people. I thought I’d have to teach you how to handle things as a girl, but I see I have a lot to learn from you. I wonder if it’s your guy experience that makes you so different. Whatever it is, you seem to have the golden touch when working with people.”

“I don’t know, cousin dear,” I respond, “I still have a lot to learn from you about all this girl stuff. Thanks for helping me soooo much. I love you, girl,” I say, giving her a goodnight hug.

The big question is: do I love her as my girl friend or as my girlfriend? At this point I’m not really sure. What I do know is that I feel closer to her than ever before. It’s a good feeling.

---<>---

Standing on the platform at the train station we look like your typical pair of teenage girl friends. Both wearing shorts, similar baby doll type halter tops and comfortable walking shoes and carrying nearly emptyday packs. We definitely look like two girls poised for a day of fun in the City. It is not long before we are aboard the train and racing towards our day of togetherness. We’ve switched off the recording features on our cell phones and figure we are off the clock and can’t imagine why anyone would want to monitor us today. We hope it stays that way.

Arriving in San Francisco about the time the shops and attractions open up we have fun wandering through Fisherman’s wharf, walking the waterfront to Aquatic Park, then riding the Powell/Hyde cable car and visiting our favorite little hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Chinatown. We take each other’s picture or have a
bystander take a group shot at many of the famous sites of the City.

The restaurant, Sam Wo’s, has been around forever. My parents–the real
ones–have told me many stories about when they used to come here as teenagers in the 70s. Apparently there used to be an obnoxious waiter back then–Edsel Ford Wong was his name–who used to tell everyone what to do and how to do it, but the kids loved him. Unfortunately the guy is long gone, but we still enjoy the food in the tiny three floor restaurant. The kitchen is on the first floor and the seating on the two above. The food comes up by dumbwaiter. It’s a cool place. Everyone should check out this place when in the City.

After lunch, we still have some time to visit the shopping district around Union Square. We start by going into some of the really expensive places such as Saks and Neiman Marcus. The sales help isn’t all that helpful since they don’t seem to think we can afford anything there, but we have fun anyway. I fall in
love with a leather mini-skirt that looks great on me, but we both agree the $598.00 price tag was probably pushing the generosity of the Lab. I try on a couple of dresses and find a turquoise satin dress that I like for only $449.00. We passed that one up as well. I do go a little wild and purchase an animal print underwire demi bra for only $75.00. Of course I have to buy the matching bikini panty for only another $50.00. I figure I have to get something at the Lab’s expense. The shoes are off the price chart as well, but we try on at least a dozen pairs each. I don’t think I’ll ever learn how to walk on high stiletto
heels.

We end up at the Gap–which is closer to our price range–where I pick up a couple of pairs of dress pants and a top suitable for work. We both got some more casual tops which are relatively modest. I also buy some low heel wedge sandals which look great with the pants. Laurie also talks me into a new shorter skirt. She manages to find a few items for herself as well. I find I like helping her find clothes which looked nice. I like trying them on myself. Fortunately most of the items were actually on sale. Before we were ready, it’s time to rush to the station to catch our ride home. We are each carrying full day packs and a couple of shopping bags each.

“Girl,” Laurie says, “Thanks for a great day. I had fun. How about you?”

“Yeah,” I reply. “I did. What did you like the best?”

“Shopping,” she says without hesitation. She has a huge smile plastered on her face. “How about you?”

“Being with my best friend,” I reply, giving her a quick hug.

“Yeah,” she says. “I liked that too, but what else?”

Thinking for a few minutes, I reflect on the day. I always like wandering the waterfront. Cable cars are a blast. How can you not like Sam Wo’s?

“You know,” I say reflectively, “I have to say I had a lot of fun in Saks. Trying on those expensive clothes was a hoot. Did you see the one saleswoman who positioned herself between us and the exit? I’m sure she thought that we’d grab something and run. She seem really surprised when I bought the lingerie. It was
worth the price just to see her face when I whipped out the credit card like it was nothing.”

“That was a hoot,” she agreed. “I was surprised that you hung in with me through all the shopping. Chris would never have gone for that.”

“Yeah,” I agree, “but a guy feels out of his depth in a women’s clothes store. He can’t relate to it like a girl can. He doesn’t want to relate to it. Not only that, but a guy who knows a lot about women’s clothes is viewed with suspicion by both men and women. It’s a lot more fun as a girl because you can really join the fun. I suspect Chris will never be able to enjoy shopping like Tina can, even with her memories.”

Reflecting on the day for a few minutes, I add, “Actually, if I had it to do over again, I’d have spent more time at Union Square and less time wandering the waterfront. I really did enjoy the shopping.”

“Oh no, not another shopaholic!” Laurie exclaims in mock horror. “Quick, we need to get you back to the wilderness.”

I just roll my eyes and ignore the jest.

“You know something else that was nice about today?” I ask her.

“What?” she answers.

“This is the first day this summer where I’ve really felt at ease,” I tell her. “It’s nice to have a day off from the job. I really doubt anyone was checking on us, we didn’t have to be on the lookout for anything, and I’m really starting to feel comfortable like this.” I wave my hand over my body. “It was just great to get away for most of a day and to just hang out with my best friend.”

“I really enjoyed it too, Tina,” Laurie agrees. “We should do it more often.”

Arriving at the end of the line, we find Aunt Jen waiting for us.

“Well,” she says when she sees us with our burdens. “It appears you two had a successful day. I hope you didn’t spend all your summer earnings.”

“Oh, Mom,” Laurie says in a mock whining voice, “You should have seen the $600 leather mini-skirt that Tina passed on. We did show some restraint.”

Aunt Jen raised an eyebrow, “A $600 skirt, eh? And just how much didyou spend?”

“You don’t want to know, Aunt Jen,” I tell her, “but I doubt we broke the Lab’s budget.”

“I can’t wait to see what you got,” she says with a trace of eagerness.

“She did spend $125.00 on a bra and panty set,” Laurie informs her mother.

“Restraint, eh?” Aunt Jen questions my restraint.

“Blabber mouth,” I stick my tongue out at Laurie which just causes giggling.

On the way back to the house we tell Aunt Jen all about our day and how great it felt to get away. Aunt Jen tells us she spent some time shopping and visiting with her good friend Amanda Quinn. She reassures me that the Quinns really do miss their son.

I also give Andy a quick call only to find out he’s tied up at the store and will be a few minutes later getting home than he thought. This is good because it gives me time to put away my new acquisitions. Of course, we have to model everything for Aunt Jen.

“Tina,” Aunt Jen asks, “did you pick these clothes or did Laurie? They are all very nice.”

“Actually,” I reply, “it was more of a group decision.”

“I didn’t have to say too much, Mom,” Laurie adds. “She is developing quite a fashion sense.”

Once everything is properly cared for, I grab a quick bite in the kitchen before borrowing Aunt Jen’s bicycle to go see Andy. I decide to bring my super spy computer with me in my messenger bag since we are doing computer stuff tonight. Maybe I can leave it out to get some information for the investigation. On the ride over I feel so good about the day that I find myself humming a catchy tune and just generally feeling good.

Arriving at the Lang’s home I find it to be a moderate sized house in an older neighborhood. There is nothing pretentious about the place. I am able to lock the bike near the front door in a location that’s not too visible from the street.

A minute or so after I ring the bell the door opens to reveal Dr. Lang–and he doesn’t look very happy once he figures out who I am.

“You’re that girl from the office,” he observes. “One of Susan Harrison’s lackeys. What are you doing here?”

It’s not quite the reception I was expecting–so much for being subtle. I must look pretty stupid standing here with a shocked expression on my face. I mean, what’s a girl supposed to say?

---<>---

Thanks once again to Gabi for her skills
in editing.

Kudos

Comments

What is the name

For a secret that is well known to everybody despite making pointless pseudoefforts to make it remain a secret? I really mean this question, too. I would like to know the answer.

The Quinns reportedly miss their son, Tina is having second thoughts about her state by the end of mission, and more shopping for everyone! Still, Dr. Lang seems sharp or attentive - he made the connection between Tina and Susan Harisson. Which brings the point of whether it was him, and also a thought that may be a little unexpected.

For all we know, many researchers in the Lab have been working there for quite a while. They all had their backgrounds checked numerously. However, the leak exists, possibly provided by a sleeper agent who was straight as an arrow for half of his carreer. It is also possible that an another sleeper agent was pre-emptively picked by the government as well when they were recruiting scientists, and held as an ace in the hole for the entire time. If Dr. Lang is such an agent, he *possible future, pure fan speculation* may have a Big Damn Hero moment during a chase scene and save Tina at the nick of time.

Oh, and the answer should be: *In a voice that would freeze an erupting volcano* "I was invited by your son, Andy. Unfortunately, he failed to mention the rudeness of his father."

Faraway

On rights of free advertisement:
Big Closet Top Shelf
Where you can fool around like you want to and most you get is some bemused good ribbing!

Everyone hates Susan

My dear old Grandmother (God rest her soul) had an expression - "If you're seen with the crows you'll get shot with the crows" - it looks like Tina is being judged on the company she keeps too. it seems that everyone really doesn't much like Susan Harrison, now whether this is simply because she is a bitch or she is genuinely the bad guy here - I don't know but I get suspicious when the author makes things too easy - in other words the fact that Harrison is being set up as Goddess-Empress of the Bitch People makes me think that she is a red herring - the real threat lies somewhere else.

The nature of Monkey is - Irrepressible!!!

Points to ponder...

Is Dr. Lang the leak? His attitude suggests he's got something to hide.

Is Tina, with her work-connection to Susan (who he hates with a passion for whatever reason), showing up at a very inopportune moment for him? If Susan is allegedly HR for all the Labs, does Dr. Lang automatically hate everyoneone, intern and employee alike, that have the (mis)fortune to call Susan their boss, or does he have a have a 'gut feeling' (or knowledge) of Tina's true duties?

... Or is he, as suggested, a possible Gov't agent planted there by Uncle Sam and thus a possible saviour for Tina when things turn nasty. Before that happens, I would hope she would've decided if she could trust him or not and he'd have to decide for himself, where Tina's loyalties lie or is that, lay?

I keep coming back to Laurie's catch phrase in Alaska about how she didn't think Tina would take Chris away from her.

From the tone of their talk when planning the trip to San Franciso, I was hoping their time alone in the city would be a time they could 'reconnect' and not just another girl's day out. Shopping may be a way girl friend's connect, but it did nothing for 'Laurie and Chris' - which was the reason for this whole trip. The two sensed they were drifting apart with the lack of free time they had for each other.

With the evesdroping phones turned off, the two could've talked frankly with each other as well as enjoyed a girl's day out. Instead, Laurie blew the best chance she had, to 'keep the future alive', for both of them.

Chris/Kris/Tina has oft wondered where they stood and Laurie has given no hint except to tow the 'company line' that they are currently nothing more than best 'girl friends'. Laurie needs to remember who her 'girl friend' really is and offer a few reassuring words to her, just to keep 'hope' alive!

IMO, Laurie can't help but see how increasingly Tina's accepting and enjoying being a girl. How can she not see that her reassuring catch-phrase is coming back to bite her? Tina IS taking Chris from her and all she seems to be doing is standing by and letting that happen ... or is she actually encouraging it?

You Make A Good Point

It tends to bother me in a story when the character who acts like a jerk turns out to be the enemy team's evil genius. Seems too easy, and I have trouble believing that a character who behaves badly can conceal evil intent well enough to keep it secret while running things.

Bottom line, I guess, is that I'm not sure what side I'd like Susan Harrison to end up on, but it'd be disappointing to me if her apparent alteration of things for her benefit and the original mission's detriment -- as seems to be the case so far -- turns out to make her the chief adversary.

Eric

As the weeks

go by and Chris becomes more and more comfortable as Tina, Does she really think that it will be a simple thing to go back to her old life, Not only is she a hit with the boys but she also seems to have the ability to charm the girls as well, Add to that a newly developed love of shopping and the one thing that is certain is that Tina as a boy would make a very good girl!!

Kirri

That May Depend...

...as I think someone said a while back, on how resilient Brain Central turns out to be for the return trip, assuming there is one.

Hormones probably have something to do with the whole thing; we also don't know whether something subliminal is happening here -- and if so, whether that would stop after the shift back, since we still don't know who -- even within the Quinn family -- we can trust here.

Eric

As the weeks

Yes, Tina is becoming more comfortable as Tina, but that doesn't prove that it will be difficult to go back.

If Chris had GID, Tina would find herself fitting in more and more as a girl. In fact, she would probably find herself to be more comfortable as Tina than she ever was as Chris.

That doesn't seem to be the case.

It's more likely that, due to some combination of Chris's versatility and resiliency, and the effectiveness of the transformation process, Tina is adapting well.

Based on what I have seen so far, I suspect that Tina would be content to stay Tina if it weren't for the relationship issues.

Also, if Tina becomes Chris again, he will adapt to being male even more quickly than Tina adapted to being female (because he has experience as a male.)

As I mentioned before, whether Tina stays Tina or turns back into Chris, he/she will miss some of the good points of his/her former gender.

Tina' s future...

You make a valid point about Tina if there were no relationships, except for one thing ... family and little things like life and education, etc.

If Tina remained, she would have to renounce all attachments to the Quinns - something Chris told his mom at the hotel that he would like to hold on to, reardless if he was male or female.

Tina would have to remain a Jeffers. Could the Jeffers accept her as part of the family, remaining where they are in Alaska? I doubt it. Everyone there knows the Jeffers don't have a daughter and despite the cover story, Kris was NEVER introduced to anyone as the Major's daughter or Tom's sister. Look at the lame story Laurie concocted (or did Susan come up with that) when she introduced Kris as a 'friend' to Ashley - with Tom standing there.

If Tina had to remain in CA as a 'transfer student', living with the Mercers or even adopted by them (beccause of the problems the Jeffers would have), I think the level of resentment would be unbearable. Tina has not yet forgotten what Laurie means to the heart. Ending up as Laurie's sister or perm 'best girl friend' would not sit well.

Next question would be is if Tina would be able to resume Chris' academic career. Anything less would mean any dreams Chris had for a further education/career, even if a woman fits in quit easily with any career choices, would be destroyed.

I wouldn't be surprised if the fake school records they made in Kris/Tina's name in Alaska was for someone who was far less than average. If they were made like that, any hope of University is now out of the question given how far she is in school.

Tina has hinted she was sent down to CA to "get her head screwed on straight" implying a less than stellar backgroung history - not condusive to a good student with an academic record like Chris.

I think I can

Clarify a few things. Tina indeed has a less than stellar backgroung history - it was a major point in the plantee requirements made by the Security, and the only reason Chris was to become Kristina in the first place. It is, I think, in 6th part. To recount it shortly, the would-be-plantee was to be observative, smart, and had a public image indicating otherwise to throw possible investigators off the trail. Chris had all but the required background history, and a new persona was created for him, that of the Kristina, that had the backstory needed.

Faraway

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Make's sense...

But if that was the future Tina would be stuck with, how would that sit with a mind that had College asperations? Trading a Doctorate for minimum wage? Even Tina wouldn't live with that!

However, remaining as Kris Quinn with Chris's academics - that she could accept. If the Labs could come up with a life for Tina, altering the name from Chris to Kris on the odd document, shouldn't prove too hard for them.

Mysterous new daughter

Then we are left with the issue of where did the Quinns find a new daughter? where is Chris? and what about the relationship with Laurie and all the friends Tina made? this is a terrible and painful situation Chris is in - he cannot win - no matter what.

The nature of Monkey is - Irrepressible!!!

You're right...

There will be questions whichever way this turns out.

The easiest and probably the most 'socially acceptable' (who would believe Chris went to sleep as a boy and woke as a genetic girl, anyway?), would be to pass Kris off as TS and 'she' entered RLT over the summer. Of course with a name like 'Kris Quinn' and her talent for running as well as her personality akin to that of Chris Quinn, it would be a no-brainer to connect the dots and everyone know who Kris Quinn was.

As for her relationship with Laurie. IF Laurie is hetrosexual in her orientation, then the relationship will more than likely continue as it is... best girl friends.

However, and it may be reading too much between the lines, IF Laurie is actually lesbian in orientation, the signal is given for them to become girlfriends once she is sure Chris won't re-enter the picture.

In the past, she's always maintained that Chris had genderless quality any male/female would be crazy to let go and it would hurt her to do so. Was her platonic relationship with Chris really because although she liked/loved the person, she couldn't bring herself to be more intimate than a kiss and a cuddle? Is this 'forced het appearence' an effort to convince Chris she's het so that when he does reappear, he won't 'walk'?

Some of her past comments and actions could be interpreted as showing interest in the girl. OTOH, she's shown she'd be willing to continue to accept the status quo of the platonic relationship, just to keep 'the person'.

I also take her comment to Tina in Alaska (to sooth her fears of transitioning back to Chris) to do whatever it takes to bring Chris' male mind/urges quickly back, with a pound of salt given her track record for the complete and honest truth and sencerity. Also, it's a bit out of charcacter, given their relationship once Laurie found herself attracted to Chris, never rose above the 'platonic' handshake or kiss.

We'll only know the truth as the story unfolds and we see Laurie's reaction if/when Chris officially and freely, decides to remain female.

As for Tina's friends ... those friendships are gone at the end of summer, unless and only unless ...Tina Jeffers remains.

However, I already mentioned that if that happens, all family connections and memories with the Quinns, have to be permenently severed and that's not what Kris has expressed in the past. She wants to remain a Quinn regarless of gender. That's not to say, Kris can't use her knowledge to try to re-form those friendships. I personally think the only one worth the effort, would be with Caitln.

Remaining a Jeffers is a minefield in it's own right.

Kris as Chris's RLT

I don't think anyone who knew Chris would accept that Kris (or Tina) was Chris doing a real life test as Kris is now six inches shorter. There is no way to explain away that large of a difference.

Michelle B

Tina Jeffers vs Kris Quinn

At the end of the summer, Tina would have to 'go' when they 'unlock' Tina. That's a given unless there is some reason the Wizard's can't 'unlock' her, but there's been no reason given or implied that they can't perform this task. Amanda's detailed explanation at the hotel seemed to imply the 'locking/unlocking' thing was easily do-able. It was the mental effects of such a long-term 'lock' they didn't know about.

As Amanda further explained, no 'spell' is required as once 'unlocked', the 'lockee' ('Tina') will automatically revert to the default or true DNA of the subject (Chris - male). Chris had already asked his mom that if he realises that mentally he remained female, he would like to become female, but remain a Quinn. This would involve mixing another DNA concoction for 'Kris Quinn', as they did for 'Kris Jeffers'.

For 'Kris Jeffers', it was mentioned back earlier, that they mixed some of the Major's DNA with Jennifer and Laurie, emphasis on Jennifer (in place of her sister Polly, I guess) and Laurie. Shake well and you have 'Kristine Jeffers' aka 'Tina'.

I would guess for 'Kristine Quinn', the mix might go something like this: a bit o' dad's DNA, some of Mom's, even more from one or both sisters (Tiff and Marta). Maye even a dash from Chris himself (they're bound to be able to get some samples from their son with everything of his that still lying around).

Now, no age has been given for Marta (that I recall) except Tiff is older - she's in college, and Marta is younger but she works... most likely at a summer job (part-time during school). Chris is 16yr old so it's possible, Chris and Marta are fraternal twins.

Maybe when they mix up the concoction for 'Kristine Quinn', they'll go heavy on Marta's DNA & end up with identical twins or at least definite sisters!

Hence the RLT cover could concievably be used as 'Kristine Quinn' would be physically a Quinn in appearence whereas 'Tina' is physically a Jeffers/Mercer in appearence.

If Chris (male) is taller than his sisters, a change to 'Kris Quinn' may still result in a shorter 'Kris', but no shorter than 'her' sisters - unless any influence from Chris (male) negates any height difference. We also have no information on this, but Chris (male) may already be the same approx. height as Marta and/or Tiff, so a change to 'Kris' may not have any real height difference to speak of.