The Center: Smells Chapter 3 by Jennifer Sue Copyright  © 2010 Jennifer Sue All Rights Reserved.   “Children should be seen and not heard,” was the too often used phrase that was physically hammered into his budding consciousness before he even realized he could think. It became the toddler’s mantra.

Chapter 3

One thing still bothered Brose. Heather had introduced Debbie as her girlfriend. The two touched each other and smiled warmly in a tender manner she'd witnessed in school between boyfriend and girlfriend. Heather even kissed Debbie on the cheek in a most affectionate manner. The same seemed to be true for Dani and Tina, the appeared to be in a committed relationship too. Brose had been brought up in moral condemnation of homosexuality. Her gut reaction to their open display of affection was moral outrage. But she remembered Dani's admonition that same sex couples were allowed here. Looking about she even saw a few male couples holding hands! That was disgusting! Then as she thought about it, she realized she was still attracted to girls. Sure, Dave never acted on such attractions because no girl would have ever dated Stinky Finky and his aunt made sure he didn't touch himself. But the interest was definitely there then and it still was! That meant he was now homosexual! But it hadn't been her fault she'd changed into a girl. So if she was still a guy mentally, it seemed okay to like girls. The same had to be true for the rest of the students. They had no choice in their transition. So homosexuality for the transitioned wasn't really homosexuality as she'd known it. But did that mean the heterosexual couples she saw were gay? It was all too confusing, but at least she understood the warning she'd been given about not being offended.

The word that Brose was responsible for the clover fragrance spread like wildfire through the cafeteria. Brose was a bit overwhelmed by the positive response of her fellow students. Many came over to thank her as well as introduce themselves and welcome her to The Center. Those that didn't smiled and waved.

Brose had never experienced warm greetings and open acceptance. Naturally shy and reclusive, she timidly smiled and greeted everyone. Deep inside, her stoic sense of self waited for the accustomed hurtful oinks and phews that were the normal response Dave had experienced when his former classmates derisively greeted him. Tears of joy trickled from her eyes as she realized this place was truly open, accepting and welcoming.

As the meal wound down, Heather eagerly looked at Brose. "I've become the unofficial fashion maven. I love helping new girls select their new wardrobe. If you'd like, after supper, we can head down to the wardrobe to find your style!"

"Go with her," Lise giggled. "She LIVES to shop for clothes!"

"Okay," Brose said hesitantly not sure she needed more clothes or wanted to be alone with a lesbian. "But I thought we have to wear the uniform?"

"Only to classes," Heather enthused. "After school and weekends we can dress as we want. Besides, you'll need undies and nightwear too!"

Brose could see Heather was excited and the others were smiling which indicated this was par for the course with Heather. She seemed like a nice girl and recalling that she'd been told promiscuity was frowned upon she felt she'd be safe. "If you don't mind me not going with your choices if I feel uncomfortable with them, I'll go. But I was raised in a prudish Victorian environment and the uniform is beyond what I feel comfortable wearing."

"Victorian mores are soo out of date," Heather sighed. "But I'll find things that will make you look good and let you feel comfortable. All I ask is you at least try on what I select. You don't have to keep it, but we need to know how you look in different styles so we can hone in on your comfort zone."

"Sounds fair," Brose smiled. "As long as I don't have to leave the wardrobe room wearing your selections if I don't want to."

"Agreed," Heather smiled as she and Debbie stood. "I'll see you at supper then!"

Tina, Dani and Brose were among the last to leave. As they parted ways, Tina gave Dani a quick kiss on the lips. Dani could see that bothered Brose so she explained their relationship as she led her to the Clinic where she was to have her physical. “Tina transitioned at ten. She was one of the first but no one knows why she changed so early. She was happy being a girl and suddenly changing into a boy really emotionally hurt her.”

Brose was stunned. “Tina is a boy?”

“Yeah. His name is Christopher but he goes by Tina when in girl mode,” Dani explained. “She’s just more comfortable en femme so spends as much time as she can as a girl. Before you ask, yes, we’re a couple. I have the best of both worlds in her, a boyfriend and girlfriend all in one!”

“This place is going to take some getting used to,” Brose sighed.

“Like I said earlier,” Dani smiled. “We’re very accepting. Lesbian couples, gay couples, cross-dressing, basically whatever floats your boat and doesn’t hurt someone else as long as it’s tastefully done.”

“A LOT of getting used to,” Brose nodded.

Gwen Fry, the receptionist who doubled as clinic security greeted them as they entered the waiting room of the clinic as did Linda Martin, an LPN standing by the desk checking a file After introductions, Linda left to summoned Judy Jones, the RN who would be present to assist the doctor and to ease any worries about indecent exposure. Dani said her goodbyes when Judy came into the waiting room to lead Brose back for her exam. Once in an exam room she had Brose remove her clothes and don an open backed paper robe. Judy took her temperature, blood pressure, weight, and height, then called for Jane Bridges, the lab tech to draw the needed blood samples while she went for the doctor.

As soon as he entered the room Brose recognized Dr. Lynchburg from the bunker. The exam was quite thorough and professional. The breast exam and being taught how to do self-exams were quite embarrassing. But that was soon eclipsed by the last procedure.

They had her lie back on a short exam table with her butt at the edge and legs hanging uncomfortably off the end. The nurse took two metal contraptions with pads and stirrups from a shelf under the table and inserted them into the end of the bed. Brose found it quite disconcerting as the nurse had her put her feet into stirrups on the end of the contraptions and loosely strap her legs into the calf pads.

"This isn't the worst part," Judy comforted. "Relax while I position your legs."

Brose did her best not to panic as Judy adjusted the contraptions so her knees were bent and legs spread as wide as was physically comfortable. It certainly wasn't mentally comfortable! Her entire groin was exposed! Then it got worse as the doctor took a seat right between her legs staring at her private spot!

"Try to relax," Dr. Lynchburg said as he saw Brose tense. "I know this is uncomfortable and embarrassing, but it’s a necessary part of a female physical. I'll be as quick and gentle as I can."

"Dr. Lynchburg is the best," Judy soothed as she stood beside Brose laying a comforting hand on her arm.

Unable to turn her eyes away, Brose looked down between her outstretched legs in horrified fascination as the doctor began to gently probe her nether region with his gloved fingers. It felt weird for someone to be touching her so intimately, yet it felt strangely tingly with a hint that such contact could be quite pleasant in other circumstances. It was only when she saw him raise a stainless steel implement that Brose felt a sense of panic.

"It looks worse than it is," Judy soothed.

All Brose could think of was the castrator her uncle used on the boars and steers. Her aunts oft used threat to castrate Dave if he didn't control his hedonistic urges flooded her mind. Terror engulfed her, as did the sudden overpowering stench of hog manure filling the room.

Dr. Lynchburg dropped the nasty looking device as he and Judy began gagging because of the stench. Brose could the smell the horrible odor too and it nearly gagged her. Suddenly she realized she was unconsciously creating the stench. Memories of what she'd done on the farm flooded back and she promptly shut down the nauseous production. Unfortunately in the closed space of the room the smell didn't dissipate as it had in the open air breeze of the farm.

Reaching down she undid the straps holding her legs in place as the doctor and nurse were by then incapacitated on th floor by their retching. Brose grabbed Judy under her armpits and dragged the nearly unconscious women to the door.

Opening the door she pulled her through into the hall. "HELP! Someone please help," Brose yelled.

Hearing someone running towards them she ran back inside for the doctor. A claxon began sounding as Brose dragged the by then unconscious doctor out of the room. As soon as she was the doctor’s feet were clear someone slammed the door closed behind her. The three women, Gwen, who had slammed the door, Jane, and Linda, who had responded to her call for help were coughing and nearly sick as the stench had wafted through the open door but at least they were still somewhat functional.

"Move down the hall," Brose ordered as she dragged the doctor in that direction.

Jane and Linda each grabbed one of Judy’s arms and proceeded to drag her down the hall behind Brose and the doctor. Gwen bent over and puked, then stumbled behind them to fresher air.

They had to leave the clinic area exiting into the main hallway until the smell dissipated enough to make comfortable breathing possible. As soon as she laid the doctor down, Brose cleared the vomit from his air passages and began performing CPR. Judy began spitting and hacking to clear her airways while the three white faced rescuers slumped against the wall still coughing and gagging.

Footsteps came pounding down the hall, armed soldiers in SWAT gear in the lead. Seeing the injured sprawled in the hall, the Swat team wrinkled their noses at the now weak stench as they prepared to enter the Clinic.

"Don't open the door," Brose ordered with such authority the soldiers hesitated.

"Brose," Max stated sniffing the air as he came running up. He clearly recognized the reek. "You?"

"I'm sorry," Brose apologized as others took over the CPR and she stood. "It was an accident. I've shut it down but it needs to dissipate."

"Keep the Clinic Suite air system on look-down but release the rest of the complex," Max ordered into a handset he was carrying. "Vent the clinic outside and flush with fresh air... and turn off the claxon. You can stand down," he ordered the SWAT team as he disconnected the call. "It's under control. Did everyone get out?"

With their color slowly returning the women nodded. The doctor began coughing and slowly returned to consciousness.

"What happened," Max asked Brose since she was the only one that seemed capable of responding.

"Ah... I..." Brose began blushing redder than a rose.

"Max, I think I'd better handle this," Kris said as she joined the throng. "I'll write up the report and brief you."

Max nodded suddenly realizing it was probably a female issue. He still wasn't accustomed to dealing with that even though he'd been a girl before transitioning at fourteen. He’d never had a pelvic exam.

"Do you need Liz," Kris asked.

"No, we'll be okay," Dr. Lynchburg coughed as he looked at the others. "Fresh air, a bath and change of clothes and we'll be okay."

"I think you should put Liz on alert," Brose boldly said then blushed at her brashness but continued in a more contrite manner. "I mean, I've apparently taken out the entire medical staff for at least an hour. If anyone needs assistance till they recover, Liz will be needed."

Kris glared at Brose as she took out her phone. "Liz, please come to Medical. We have a situation. No need to run, it's not an emergency. Is Dani with you?" Kris nodded her head as she listened. "Tell her to come too and grab a robe."

That reminded Brose she was wearing vomit soaked ripped paper gown and way too much of her was now exposed. With Kris’ continued penetrating gaze Brose felt increasingly uncomfortable and guilty as she began slipping back into the meek submissive habits from her past life. Her head bowed and shoulders sloped in defeat. Knuckling under had been growing harder to do in the last months but there had been no feasible alternative. But that life was gone, here she had a chance to change the past that had nearly crushed her spirit. This place was supposed to help her grow and learn, not continue to repress! She could feel the adrenalin pumping into her veins.

"I messed up," Brose declared as she stood tall and boldly returned Kris' glare. "I panicked when Dr. Lynchburg picked up that thing and aimed it at me. All I could think of was how much it looked like the tool we used to castrate livestock. My aunt had often threatened to have my uncle use it on me if I didn't keep my sexuality under control. When I heard them start gagging and saw them getting sick I smelled the reek of the hog manure. I realized my fear had unconsciously summoned my talent. I promptly shut it down, unstrapped my legs, and dragged Judy out of the room and shouted for help. Then I went back inside for Dr. Lynchburg. I won't lose control again."

"She took control of the situation," Gwen responded. "I sounded the alarm when I heard the call for help. By the time we saw Judy gasping in the hall, the stink had already reached us. As we reached the open door Brose was coming out dragging Dr. Lynchburg. I could almost see the stench billowing from the door. We were all pretty disoriented by then but I managed to shut the door to the room as soon as Dr. Lynchburg’s feet cleared, then I got sick. Brose ordered us to drag Judy down the hall away from the smell as she pulled the doc. I followed as Linda and Jane pulled Judy out. When we got here, she cleared his airways and started CPR on Dr. Litchburg. We were too wiped out to do more than watch. She saved their lives, and probably ours too."

Kris nodded her head then turned to Brose and smiled. "We've all made mistakes before we learned control. I knocked out the power grid more than once. Tomorrow after breakfast we'll start your talent training. After lunch, if Dr. Lynchburg is up to giving it a try, perhaps you'll be able to complete your physical before going back to training. I wasn't sure what to expect after reading your dossier, but so far you've impressed me. I really like your new name, Brose. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. Your ideas and input are always welcomed. But at the same time learn that an order is meant to be followed."

"What happened," Liz exclaimed as she and Dani arrived and looked at the beleaguered medical staff.

"I happened," Brose sighed. "It's more than a little ripe in there. I hope the smell doesn't linger in the furnishings."

"We'll simply replace them," Kris declared. "We've had to rebuild walls and training facilities and equipment that was damaged in training and little accidents like yours. I pretty well fried one of the training rooms during my training. What you did is not a problem." Then she turned to the medical staff. "Now that Liz is here, you can get cleaned up. Liz, we'll need you to cover the fort until they get back. Brose suggested we use you while the staff is indisposed. I think it was a marvelous idea. I'll have any incoming med calls patched to you phone."

"Sure thing, mom," Liz smiled.

As the weary med staff staggered to their feet and headed to clean up, a clean-up crew arrived to begin cleaning the mess from the hall. Brose quietly explained what had happened to Liz and Dani as Kris began to brief the clean-up crew.

"Facilities say the worse should be vented in about fifteen minutes," Kris explained as she checked a message on her phone. "Go in slowly. The smell is nauseating but harmless. The worst room is Gynecology. Do that one last. If the smell gets to you, take a break. We need the facility up and running as soon as possible, but do it safely. I've already told Max to authorize anything that'll need to be replaced, down to the walls and ceilings."

"Come with me, Brose," Dani smiled understanding her job. "Slip this robe on and I'll take you to the showers and show you the facilities. Then we'll head to your bedroom for fresh clothes."

"But I don't have any fresh clothes," Brose replied with a bit of confusion as slipped the robe on glad to cover her near nakedness.

"All clothing in wardrobe is tagged," Dani explained as she lead the way through the halls. "I logged us in when we entered. The system automatically detects and logs any items taken from the room so they can be replaced and so we know what you've got. It prevents over-zealous shopping... A.K.A. Heather. That's why she enjoys helping others shop. The system recorded your uniform, and the staff delivered four sets to your room."

“I’m so glad I’m here,” Brose sniffed back tears of happiness. “I can actually smell the odor of hog manure clinging to my skin and hair. It was so ever-present before that I never noticed it until my transition took it away. Even though I was only in the stink for a few minutes, I reek of it. No wonder no one ever wanted to get near me.”

“A good shower will get rid of it,” Dani assured her as she felt Brose’s happiness to be away from the damning smell of the hog farm.

"This is the dormitory wing," Dani explained as they entered a large brightly lit room furnished with comfy looking sofas and chairs with large and small tables scattered about. "This is our main lounge. We have rooms for gaming and TV and movies. There are rooms down those halls and your's is down this one."

As they entered the hall with doors leading off to either side at regular intervals. Plates with space for two names were beside each door designating the occupants. Most had two names listed although a few only had one. Half way down the hall was a room clearly marked 'GIRLS'.

"This is the girls' bathroom," Dani explained as she led Brose inside.

There was a security wall inside to keep any gawkers from seeing in. Off to one side was a room with about a dozen stalls for commodes. Opposite them was a row of twenty sinks with well lit mirrors and shelves for supplies. The room connected to an even larger room on the opposite side of the main entrance. The space behind the wall blocking the line of sight from the main hall had lockers and benches similar to that of a normal school locker room. In the larger area beyond the lockers were spacious shower stalls with glass doors that doubled as privacy cubicles. Dani showed her that inside each was a bench and shelves for putting robes, towels, shampoo and other sundries as well as a lighted mirror and GFI outlets for plugging in hair dryers and curling irons. A low wall extended across the back of the area. On the other side of that wall were four tubs.

Brose was surprised. She'd seen luxury tubs in magazines from the school library but they seemed bland to what was here. These were certainly nothing like the cramped old clawfoot tub Dave had used for his weekly bath. These obviously luxurious tubs had a place to lay you head! There were even chromed holes in the sides for what she correctly assumed was a Jacuzzi effect.

"You're going to love this," Dani smiled as she saw the wonder and anticipation on Brose's face. "Drop the robe down in this laundry chute and jamb what's left of that gown in the trash. Then jump in a shower to rinse down while I get body wash, shampoo, conditioner and a towel. While you take care of your hair, I'll get side by side tubs ready for both of us."

Brose quickly stripped and stepped into the shower. The promised supplies appeared in moments as she luxuriated in the hot shower. Dani explained how to wash and condition her hair since she correctly assumed Dave had never done more the wash his hair with a harsh soap.

Brose loved the lilac scent of the shampoo and conditioner. Her hair never felt this clean before and it certainly never smelled nice. As she finished, she did a reasonable job wrapping the towel around her just under her arm pits. Brose didn't hesitate to step around the low wall where she saw Dani wearing a towel waiting for her.

"All right," Dani smiled as she indicated the towel. "That's one lesson you've already mastered. I've put bath beads and a bit of bubble bath in the water. It's time to drop our towels and get in."

With that Dani removed her towel and placed it on a ledge behind the tub. As she prepared to step into the water she realized Brose hadn't moved. One glance toward the new girl revealed the new girl was stunned into inaction.

"It's okay, Brose, we're both girls," Dani reassured. "I'm sure you saw naked guys in the phys-ed showers. It's the same now only we're girls. Relax and step into the tub."

Brose watched in awe as Dani settled into her tub. Her words slowly penetrated the fog of her mind. "I'm sorry," Brose said as she loosened her towel but held it over her breasts as she carefully stepped into her tub. The sweet scent of lilacs filled the air as her foot broke the surface of the water. "I never saw any of the guys naked in phys-ed as they kept me separate. Heck, I never even looked in mirror to see myself naked as a guy! Aunt Rachel thought mirrors encouraged vanity so the only mirror we had was a small one in the bathroom to comb our hair."

Dani turned her head so Brose could slip under the water without anymore embarrassment. "That's so not right. Just relax, Brose," Dani spoke sweetly. "We all went through this. You'll get over it."

"I'm in," Brose replied. "Thanks for understanding. It's just that I'd never even seen pictures of a naked girl before. I haven't even seen my new self in the nude! Your body is just so... cute. I never imagined a girl's curves could look better with no clothes than they do with clothes!"

"Thank you, Brose," Dani graciously accepted the compliment. "Are your breasts tingly and your nipples hard?"

"Yeah," Brose said wondering how Dani knew. "Oh God," she gasped as she realized what it meant.

"Chill, girl," Dani soothed extending her empathy to help calm Brose. "It's normal. There's no reason to be upset."

"Thanks, Dani," Brose smiled. "I know what you're saying and I've seen how open everything is here, but it's going to take me awhile to overcome my past. This morning I was almost freaking out as everything hit me, but I'm already adapting. I think whoever designed our uniform was onto something. Making me face my girlishness instead of denying it is a good thing. I even handled Heather and Debbie and you and Tina being GIRLFRIENDS. Granted, it still grates against my morals. I knew my aunt and uncle were out of date, but I had no choice but to do as they said. Now I'm starting to break free."

"Now I understand why you impressed Kris," Dani smiled. "You feel your emotions but can use logic to over-ride them. You not only took responsibility for you actions, you knew how and why you messed up. On top of that you took command of the crisis and got everyone out, then saved Dr. Litchburg's life with CPR. But the most impressive thing is you stood up to Kris. You didn't demean her or her authority and what you had to say was valid. Asking that Liz cover for the clinic staff was brilliant. That means a lot to Kris."

Brose smiled and blushed as she squirmed a bit in the water, enjoying the freedom to move about and even stretch out, something she'd been unable to do in the tub back on the farm.

"One caution," Dani said. "If you want to lie back and close your eyes, make sure you put your head in the headrest. It'll keep you from slipping under the water when you fall asleep and an alarm will sound if you remove your head. Now, reach up and press the button by the shelf." Dani pressed her button activating the soothing air jets.

Brose did the same. The lilac scent now filled the air and soap bubbles began to foam the top of the water. In less than a minute, only the heads of the girls were visible above a frothing sea of bubbles.

Brose couldn't believe how refreshing and relaxing the bath felt. The water even seemed somehow to be slippery! The combination of massage from the jets and the swirling of the scented water sapped all the tension and anxiety from her. Following Dani's admonition and example, Brose nestled her head into the headrest nook and closed her eyes, letting every care she had in the world swirl away.

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP

Dani and Brose woke at the sound. It was an alarm that set automatically for twenty minutes when the jets were activated. It usually woke the relaxed dozing occupants before they turned into prunes.

~
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> pew!
o