Friending Jane Austin Chapters 7-9 By Tara Nicole Miller Copyright © 2024 Tara Nicole Miller All Rights Reserved. Word Count 4,950

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Image Credit: From Adobe Stock Photos - Three women in vintage attire with braided hair, posing for a selfie. By Irina Kozel
 

Since slumber parties are generally much of a muchness, I’ll just give the highlights. Since we already did all the makeup, dress-up, nails, and hair fun earlier, we simply fired up the karaoke machine and went at it for a little more than an hour. That was super fun as I hadn’t sung in front of other people since I was a very little ‘girl.’ Verity had nixed a Jane Austen film festival in favor of watching ‘Love Actually,’ which was new to me and really great! We ate snacks and drank Pepsi and generally had a laid-back evening. We then played one game of ‘Mall Madness’ for my benefit, since I had to grow up as a lonely boy instead of the social butterfly I was becoming as Kayla.

Then we all simply brushed our teeth, selected another oldie, ‘Notting Hill,’ to watch and lay back snuggled together on the floor. It was all pretty sedate (a good thing after the crazy day I’d had) and absolutely the best day of my life so far. We all fell asleep during the movie and woke up the next morning with various limbs intertwined. That was another new experience! I guess I’ll be having lots of firsts in the coming days, now that I don’t have to pretend to be a boy for my parents anymore.

I wonder if my exile from home will hold. I really hoped it would, because I felt free for the first time in my life. I hope my folks don’t wake up one day and decide to try to fight to get me back. And that’s what it would be, now that I’ve had a taste of life without my oppressive family around me. But what does my future hold? I’m almost fifteen, but I’ll still need a place to live, a family to live with and I really didn’t want it to be a foster family. I wish I could stay here…

Here, the people are nice - very nice, and kind, and they know my secret, at least as far as my partial honesty went. That’s a big deal. Having a secret hanging over you is very much like living (partially living) terrified in a ‘safe’ room as you feel the oxygen depleting by the second. Here I feel free, and having friends for the first time is the most wonderful thing I can imagine in life. Maybe a romantic love will be better some day, but that’s in the far future, I imagine.

My future is totally up in the air right now and even that feeling is way better than not seeing a future at all. At least I can look up and see glimpses of all the myriad possibilities I can grasp for. Thus, I woke up feeling practically giddy amongst my friends. I’m in a big, beautiful home, and still have most of the summer in front of me. I don’t start high school for a couple more months and I am hoping that I can go as me, though I can’t imagine how that’s going to work. Verity and Candace are one year ahead of me and, while we wont be in the same classes, at least they’ve paved the way and can help me chart my path.

It’s bizarre how, in less than one day, it feels like we have become inseparable parts of a whole. BFFs, hopefully for life. They are the best people I’ve ever met, though that’s not saying much, coming from a cruel family and their like-minded coterie of hate-mongers. I shiver at the thought. I shook it out of my mind and padded my way to the bathroom. I still had some mascara framing my eyes, but I had to wipe off the sooty streaks that migrated south during the night.

I padded my way upstairs and into the kitchen to see what was what. Mrs. Collins was sitting at the kitchen table, with what looked like a freshly cut bouquet of flowers, reading something on her iPad. “Good morning Mrs. Collins,” I offered.

“Good morning, Kayla. And, I think you can call me Shannon, now that you are part of the family.” She smiled at me.

I flushed a little, “I’ll try, Miss Shannon.” It’s hard; you try it! Calling an adult by their given name is not something that’ll come easy for me. “Um…part of the family? But, I’ve only known Candace for less than a day and you just a few hours. I don’t understand. Don’t get me wrong,” I smiled, “I love the idea, it just seems…premature, maybe?”

“Not at all, sweetie. I just don’t see you going anywhere any time soon, do you?” She enquired with raised eyebrows.

“No. Not really. That was really bad yesterday, and to be honest, it felt like a break, an irreparable one. I don’t have any intention of going back home ever!” I got a little too emotional there. “Sorry, but…well, thank you. I don’t know where I’d go if it wasn’t for you.” I shuffled over to her and gave her a tearful hug. “Thank you,” I whispered.

I pulled back and she gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “My pleasure. Truly. You seem like a wonderful girl and your life hasn’t been easy. I actually look forward to helping you out, and I have some ideas for that we can talk about this weekend. I think you and Candace should just take a day and relax, maybe go to a movie, I don’t know, you had a heavy day yesterday.”

“Boy, you can say that again!” I giggled. “Um, is it okay if I make breakfast? I like to cook, but every time I cooked at home with my dad around, he gave me a beating. He thought it was too girly. Can you imagine?”

She shook her head. “That is the saddest thing I’ve heard today,” she said sadly, then smiled. “Have at it! Go crazy! Look through the fridge, explore the cupboards. This is your home now, feel free to do and wander and explore anywhere but the master suite.” She gave a little nod.

I smiled. “I have a feeling I’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg here. I can’t believe this house is only a few blocks from my old little hovel. It’s amazing; you’re amazing Miss Shannon, thanks again! Now, let’s see what you’ve, erm we’ve got!” I giggled and turned and began checking out all the cupboards.

After finding all the pots and pans and stuff, I began to rummage through the fridge. There’s enough here to make a dozen nice breakfasts. Sure not like back home, or should I say ‘that Greenlee place?’ I got eggs and cheese and ham and green peppers - that should be enough for a good omelet - don’t wanna get too crazy. I found bacon, oh, and Trader Joe’s hash browns - those are good! I also got out some fruit for a nice fruit salad. Good to go!

I got everything ready except the Omelets. I sauteed the green peppers and put them aside, then I sliced up the ham. Made the melon, grape and strawberry salad with strawberry yogurt on the side. Then tossed the hash browns in the toaster oven - never had one of those before - it’s really neat and you don’t have to use the whole big oven! Then I cooked the bacon; it can be reheated as folks come to the table and it stays crispy.

Twenty minutes later, the hash browns were done, so I asked , “Um, Miss Shannon? Do you want to eat yet?”

“Howsabout five minutes? I’ll go get the sleepy heads up and we can all eat together. Oh, hon, I’ve got two of those omelet pans, sos we can kill two birds…” she prompted.

“Cool!” I missed that when I grabbed this one. So, she got everybody up and we all ate together. I did the elder Collins’ first. It just seemed right. We chatted about everything and nothing, then near the end Miss Shannon asked me if I wanted to talk about my situation.

“Um, anytime, really, Miss Shannon. I’m free all the time, so whenever you feel like it is cool.” I allowed.

“Okay. Let’s just finish up here then. Then we can take a stroll about the garden and shake up our ol’ brain boxes, that sound good?” She asked.

“Very good! Oooh, um, maybe I can pick some flowers for another bouquet? I adore flowers. Do you have enough?” I enquired with a bit of hope.

She laughed. “Honey, we have enough flowers to supply FTD, dontcha know. Feel free. There’s a basket and a pair of scissors out there just for that purpose.” I smiled so hard!

So, after Candace and I cleaned up the kitchen and loaded the dishwasher, all four of us ended up going for that stroll. I have no secrets, not really, except for the extent of my deformity. Miss Shannon began, “So, I understand you have a sister?”

“Yeah, she’s like four years older than me. She’ll be starting college in the fall.” I apprised.

“Okay. Would she be willing to testify in court about your abuse and it’s extent?”

I frowned. “I don’t know. We aren’t as close as we used to be, but she might. You know, she was never hit or spanked or whipped. Prolly cos she’s normal. Kinda sucks that they picked on me.” I frowned again.

“That’s the understatement of the year. Okay, do you have her cell number? Would you be willing to call her first chance?” Miss Shannon prodded.

“Um, yeah, I guess.” I looked over the other houses with my pensive stare. “Maybe I can text her to call me? Would that be okay? She’s always busy doing something, I don’t know what. “Oh! You’re not going to have my father arrested, are you?””

“Not unless you want to. We’re just going for emancipation. No arrests are planned. And it would be just fine, if you want to text her, sweetie. Why don’t you do that now, then we can start cutting those flowers?” She asked with a little waggle to her head.

“Okay.” I tapped on Jenna’s text icon. We hadn’t texted since, wow, three months ago! She rang me almost immediately. Hey Squirt! To what do I owe the pleasure? “Hey, Jenna, do you have a couple minutes?” Yeah. Just. “Okay, good (this should prolly be done in person, but I really don’t want to have te pretend to be that other person anymore), um, if I were to go to court to get emancipated from our parents, would you be willing to testify about dad’s physical and emotional abuse of me?” What? Emancipation? Are you shittin’ me? “No, Jenna, I’m deadly serious; I can’t live with them anymore; I can’t go through the abuse anymore. You know mom threw me outta the house yesterday?”

Yeah, I heard. I thought it was just one of their things they do, you know, tough love? Then bring you back the next day? “Do you honestly believe what they do to me is tough love? It’s bleeping child abuse, Jenna! I’m not even fifteen yet!” Yeah, I guess. Lemme think… Yeah, you know what? If they won’t let you go freely, I’ll totally help. I’ll be going away to college and won’t have to deal with them anyway. So, yeah, go for it! “Thanks Jenna, I owe you a big one.” I actually smiled. Yeah you do! Look, I know they’ve been rough on you and I’m sorry I haven’t protected you like I should, it’s just… “It’s okay Jenna, you don’t have to think of an excuse, but maybe we can meet up sometime and… reconnect?” Yeah, I think we should. Maybe next week? When we know a little more? We could go to lunch or something. “That sounds so great, Jenna.” Okay, good. So, don’t be a stranger, ‘kay? “I won’t, and thanks again!” You got it squirt! See ya! “Yeah,” she clicked off and I shrugged. “See ya,” I said to the flowers.

I looked up after staring at the phone. “Well, that went better than I expected.” I said to my new little family. “So… flowers?” I smiled.

I cut my bouquet and we all chatted about nothing. It was all so… comfortable. I love these guys! The rest of the weekend was kinda chill and Monday came. Miss Shannon was gonna get the ball rolling at work. I was both queasy and excited. This has to work! I cannot go back to those people! I texted Jenna and we set up a time to meet on Wednesday. I had decided I was gonna go as Kayla, not that other person who shall remain nameless.

I was already thinking about what I was gonna wear. I asked Candace if I could borrow something again. “Of course you can, silly! Until you get your own stuff, me closet es su closet! I have a couple packages of panties you can have, so you don’t have to pick through worn ones.” Eeew! She made it sound so gross even though I wore a used lingerie set the other day. “You know what? I just realized that you can wear stuff that I’ve outgrown. You’re so tiny! And I get to clear out my closet and do some more shopping! So, win-win!”

I gave her a hug. “Thanks, bestie.” I whispered.

“Nope! I’m better than a bestie. I’m your new sister. I mean it. I have a feeling you’re gonna be here awhile.” She enthused. So I hugged her a little bit more.

“Thanks.” I choked in a little whisper. I gently dabbed my eyes, then stood up straight. “So, I assume you have some sundresses?”

“You assume correctly padawan. Over here, this section. These are all sundresses, but lemme see if I have your size. I’m a nine, so I’m assuming - it’s my turn - you’re a seven. Here, I haven't worn this in a long time - yep! Seven! Do you like it?”

Like it? I’m in awe of it. It’s so lovely it makes me want to cry. The fabric looked like denim, but it was thin and light and soft as butter. The hem had a boho pattern and above that was a wild English garden of white, pink, and purple blooms. One stalk climbed from the hem to the neck and looked like purple and white petunias. The dress had what looked like a henley collar with three buttons. I mean, wow, I was in love! I finally answered her. “Are you kidding? I love it! It’s perfect!” The darts pinched in the waist so it was going to fit me loverly. “Is this a knockoff?” I asked a bit cheekily.

Her face darkened for a moment. “Of course not!” She seemed offended. “Check out the label, you heathen!” My eyes went wide and she nodded and she was back to her normal sweet self. Note to self: Don’t question Candace’s fashion bona fides. “Well, that’s that done then. Here are the perfect sandals for it. It’s so cool we wear the same size shoe.” She smiled and handed me the sandals. They were white and strappy with purple gems and a two-inch heel. Knowing her, the gems are probably real. Nah! But my sister’s gonna flip out, I was pretty sure of that!

So, that evening, Miss Shannon comes home and says, “well, Kayla, I’ve got the papers filed. We should hear from your parents or their lawyer in a couple days, cool?” She seems to dip into teen speak around us.

“Very cool! Thank you Miss Shannon!” I walked into her bosom and gave her a well-deserved hug. “Um, I’m sorry I didn’t think of it sooner, but, do you think we can do my name change at the same thingy?”

“It’s a hearing and it’s not too late if I file it tomorrow. If the emancipation is successful, then we can go right to the name change at the same hearing.” She reassured me. “So, what’s your full name? I’ll go draw it up right now.” Well, this one’s a go-getter. I hope the judge is, too.

“Um, which name?” I blushed.

“Both, actually. We go ‘from and to’ on the application.” She grabbed a piece of paper and a pen, old-school style. “So, your former name is Andrew what?” She asked gently.

“Andrew Simon Greenlee.” I spat out, thinking I was gonna hurl, the bile rising quickly. “And my real name, my new name is Kayla Jayne Greenlee. That’s Jayne with a ‘y.’ Oooh! Maybe I could change my last name, too? I don’t like those people very much, especially the man that gave me that name.”

“You certainly could if you want and I don’t blame you one bit. So, can you think of a surname you would like?” She asked.

“Can I make it Collins? I love you guys so much; so much more than my own parents and Candace is like a sister to me.” I was practically begging and on the verge of tears.

“Well, you could. Are you sure? I mean it’s a perfectly nice name and all…” She was blushing.

“I am so totally sure! I’m as sure of that as I am of being Kayla Jayne! Kayla Jayne Collins - has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” I asked with a little pep in my punctuation.

“Yeah, it kinda does,” she smiled with a little water in her eyes. She gave me a hug. “Welcome again to the Family, Kayla Jayne. Then Candace came barrelling in to make it a group hug. I didn’t even know she was there.

A half hour later, Mrs. C (what am I gonna call her now that she’s like my surrogate mom? Well, that’s a bit premature), she comes out of her office saying, “got it filed, kiddo!” I felt another hug coming on. “So, now that that’s taken care of, what about supper? Would you girls like pizza?”

Now, what kind of question is that to ask a teenager. I mean, what am I gonna say, no, I’d rather have broccoli with slivered almonds in a plain yogurt glaze? “I do!” Candace and I blurted.

I just like Italian sausage and mushroom and everyone else has their favorite, so they ordered four medium pizzas! Not like back at the Greenlee place at all! We always had to like it or lump it. I swear, I was turning into a lump back there. I don’t ever want to go back! Please God!

And was it ever good! Verity was finally able to join us Tuesday and it was so fun catching up, what with all the news I had and Verity’s weekend away. We had a blast and it was just like old times - all the way back last week! Anyways, Wednesday finally rolled around and I woke up early, being excited and terrified and queasy and giddy, all rolled up into one flour tortilla. I was bouncing off the walls waiting for Candace to wake up! I actually placed my fingers on her door and recited an incantation.

“What are you doing, you goofball?” Omigod, it worked!

“Um, sorry. Just excited for the day,” I raised my voice through the door.

“Well, don’t just stand there, get in here!” She yelled back.

So, I cracked the door and stuck my head in. “Are you sure?” I asked in a little voice, afraid she might be in a state of undress or something.

“I said, didn’t I? C’mon, get up here.” She patted the bed next to her and I practically flew in, just pulling up at the end so I didn’t jump on her.

“Candace, Candace, Candace, it’s Wednesday! I am sooo nervous!” I was stuck in a loop for a second.

She giggled. “Oh my god, you need to calm down, girl! You’re gonna burn out before you even get there. Pop an ‘O’-ring or something.” She giggled again while I was rubbing her leg for some reason.

I grabbed my phone and quickly scrolled my playlist. I played “You Need to Calm Down” and smiled my fool head off. I used to sing the songs when somebody said something that tickled my melody bone. This is just as good and I get to enjoy listening to it, too!

“You’re so weird!” Candace girly slapped me.

“You just figure that out, sis?” I leaned over and gave her a hug.

“C’mon!” She got up and grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the bathroom. “We gotta keep you busy. “Here.” She grabbed a bottle of Nair and handed it to me. “And this.” This was a pink razor. “For any stray hairs or you bikini area if you are so inclined.” I blushed, because I still didn’t have any hair down there. Even my underarms had peach fuzz, and my face, thank go, was still nicely bereft of hair. Oh!

“Um, Candace. I was just thinking. I’m way past overdue for puberty, thank the goddess, so I was… I need to do something to keep a possible male puberty at bay and maybe grow boobs and stuff.” I was absolutely crimson now. “Do you think your mom would take me to the doctor or whatever? I guess I gotta ask Mr. Googley what he thinks about people like me. What I should do; I really have no idea. I just know I wanna stop any maleness from happening to me.” She had just stood there quietly absorbing all my fears and desires.

“Um, yeah. You really think you might get a boy puberty?” She asked earnestly.

“Yes. It’s a real possibility and I’m like terrified!” Probable, more like and I started crying.

“Okay, well, yeah, mom’ll help you, for sure. You wanna go ask her now? She’s still home. They don’t leave for another half-hour or so.” She asked with a peek at the cute little echo dot with a clock on it. I want one!

“Yes please! C’mon. Where is she?” I rambled at her, frantic.

“Well, let’s check the kitchen first.” She soothed and grabbed my hand leading me out the door.

“Oh! I never thought!” Mrs. C exclaimed. “I just assumed, well, I don’t know what I assumed. Oh my god, well, yes, I’ll certainly get you to a doctor. The legal matters may foul things up for a while, but I’m sure there’s something we can do. I’ll set up an appointment today, okay?” I just nodded and hugged her.

I got an Uber to the restaurant because it was like five miles away. I stood looking at the plate glass window, checking to see if I still looked alright. I scooched over and leaned my back against the brick facade, taking a deep breath. Then I took a peek at my compact mirror to check my makeup again. It’s still fine… Sigh. Here goes nothing!

Jenna looked up from her table near the center of the restaurant, took a glance at me and just put her head back down looking at her phone. I couldn’t help but grin, because she obviously didn’t recognize me. What’s she gonna do when I step up to the table. I shuddered at the thought. So, I sashayed on my two inch heels over to the table, then she looked up again. “Can I help you? She asked.

“Yes. Um, I need to speak with my sister.” I said cheekily.

“Well, don’t let me stop you.” She said and planted her face back into her phone. Rude. But I couldn’t help another little grin.

So, I just pulled out the chair across from her, smoothed my dress out and sat down. “So, is this place any good?” I asked. I figured I’d just go until she figured it out. This was kinda fun. She teased me plenty growing, now she gets her comeuppance.

She just looked up and stared at me. “There are like a dozen other tables here, you’re welcome to one of them. Please, I’m waiting for somebody.” She calmly addressed me. I slightly shook my head with mirth and my earrings tapped my cheeks, reminding me of what I’m doing here.

I couldn’t take it anymore. “Fine, I said. Sorry to bother you.” Ack! Should I just run out of here? I need to face her sometime and I look really cute. Just tell her, you idiot! Stop playing games! Okay, okay! “Jenna.” I whispered reaching my hand out. “It’s me.”

“What? Who… what?” I couldn’t have said it better myself. “Andrew?” Her voice had gone up an octave and several dozen decibels.

“Shhh!” I implored in a loudish whisper. “It’s Kayla now.” I stopped there to see where she would run with this.

“Oh, my, god!” She put both hands to her mouth. “This is so great! What a way to get back at mom and dad! So funny.” She said, making my heart sink.

“This isn’t some twisted joke or devious plan of vengeance. For Pete’s sake, you know me! I’ve never been the most masculine thing on two legs, have I? This is why.” I spread my hands out as if I were demonstrating a product on QVC. My pretty nails glinted in the light, bringing my smile back. “I’m a girl”

“Okay, just give me a minute to wrap my head around this.” She did take that minute, looking at me and then out the window and back again. “You do look really cute; just like me when I was your age.” Thanks, I said. “And, well, I am going to be majoring in psychology, so you are giving me a bit of a headstart on that front.” Terrific, I’m her new lab rat. “Here,” she reached out her hand, “stand up again, I wanna see you.” So, like the obedient rat I am, I stood up and splayed out my arms.

“So?” I said just a tad tersely.

“So, you’re absolutely adorable. How are you still so tiny? My god. I feel like an Amazon next to you.”

“And not the good kind with next day delivery, either,” I deadpanned.

She laughed, and that was a very good thing. I could feel myself relaxing. “Well, shall we order?” She asked.

“Yes please.”

We chatted about all of it; mom and dad - especially dad and his abuse, but I wanted to save my transformation for another day. So, we decided to get together at my new home, the Collins residence, as soon as we could make the schedules work out. “I’ll have to ask Mo-Mrs. C. if I can invite you over. I know she’ll say yes, cos she’s so awesome. They’re all so awesome, and Candace! Omigod, she’s like another sister, only closer to my age - she’ll be sixteen in August.” I rattled with my hands and fingers flying. I love my new home. “Oh, and wait’ll you see the house! Omigod, it’s a regular mansion.”

“You lucky duck.” She smiled.

“Yeah, real lucky,” I said with a frown. I got to get kicked out, hoping I never have to see my parents again. I’ve been beaten to within an inch of my life…”

She reached out and grabbed my hand. “Sorry, sorry, you know I didn’t mean it that way. I know your life has been a bitch, and I’m sorry. Truly, truly sorry. And speaking of bitches, mom has been trash-talking you all week. She won’t shut the fuck up!”

“That’s why I have to do this. Emancipate, I mean. If dad ever saw me he’d probably kill me, and I mean literally. You’ve never borne the brunt of his wrath. It’s… I started crying, so I quickly grabbed a napkin. I didn’t want my mascara to run. “Anyway, our parents should have gotten the paperwork by now. Have they said anything?”

“No, sorry. Maybe today?”

“Maybe,” I hoped.

So we agreed to keep in touch and I’d let her know when I could have her over - I was gonna cook! We stood and she looked me up and down again, then gave me a big hug. Gosh, this went super well. I wasn’t sure what to expect after mom showed her true colors, if you call black and white ‘colors.’

“By sis,” she squeezed my hand. “I think I’m going to like having a sister!” She smiled and I just nodded and went in for a hug.

“Thanks Jenna. I love you!”

“You know what? I love you, too.” She smiled. “See you soon sis.” She let go of my fingers very slowly and she walked away.

To be continued...