Little Orphan
Danny
(Little Katie)
Part XI: The Best Intentions
“So, after we go to court I’ll be yours for good?” Danny asked as he sat down on the couch in between Carol and Peter.
“That’s right princess, and it’s only two days away.” Carol put her arm around the little girl and drew her near.
Danny was eager and anxious for the event to finally take place. She didn’t know that the court hearing was more of a formality than anything else. The day that was coming was one Danny had all but given up hope in seeing and a little voice in back of her head warned of not getting hopes up high, counting her chickens before they hatched and a bunch of other clichés that made even less sense. She sighed softly and rested her head against Carols arm as she watched the remainder of the Disney DVD that provided the much needed distraction.
Mr. Pritchard pulled into the driveway behind the white Mercedes. Though his Honda Accord was a reliable machine, he couldn’t help but wonder if he could’ve been driving such a luxury vehicle if he put his talents to use in the business sector instead of working in his more charitable field. He though this way briefly, but often, whenever he came across things of value. His mind would quickly return to the boys at the orphanage and he knew they would be in a much worse situation if it hadn’t been for his budgeting skills and ability to make a hard sell for donations. In fact, on three separate occasions he saved the orphanage from closing, whether due to budgetary cutbacks, or meeting the new state regulations that seem to be polar opposites to the old state policies. His only hope, that he would live long enough to receive the cheap gold watch that would eventually be his reward for twenty long and grueling years of service, sacrifice, and heartache.
“She was good enough to pay for the roof to be fixed and good enough to fund an upcoming trip to the zoo,” Mr. Pritchard mused loudly to himself. “Let’s see if we can convince her to be good enough to volunteer to be on the board of members and the ten grand donation that comes with that position every year.”
Though it was summer, Mr. Pritchard put on his heavy gray tweed sport coat. It was one of two suit jackets that he had and he was sure Mrs. Adams already saw him in the other one. The one thing he wanted to make sure of was that he wasn’t mistaken for the charity case, even though he figured his meager salary would qualify him as such.
The door bell rang throughout the house and interrupted the movie he two adults and one child were watching. Carol hit the pause button on the remote. “I wonder who that could be?”
The group all went to the foyer and Carol opened the door. “Why Mr. Pritchard, what an unexpected surprise,” Carol said cordially.
“Sorry to bother you at home. I know the court date is a few days away and I wanted to check on Danny’s new environment. You know, procedure and all.” Mr. Pritchard wanted to hide the real reason for his visit. Most people get defensive when they are asked for money up front and he liked to back door into that conversation.
“Hi Mr. Pritchard,” the little girl said happily as she gave a friendly wave and stood one step behind Carol.
Mr. Pritchard looked at the little child. There was something vaguely familiar about her, as if he’d seen her someplace. The big dimples looked out of place and the cream colored dress and white tights confused the man about why he associated this child with the orphanage. It suddenly hit him like a thunder bolt. “Danny!?!” he said in shock and awe. “Is that really you?”
“Yeppers. It’s me through and through,” the child replied in a sing song voice as she exuded the happiness of a little child.
Mr. Pritchard’s mouth dropped open as he looked at the boy. He simply couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “It certainly is a good thing that I decided to stop bye tonight or I would never have known this was going on,” he said in a stern tone as his face turned red with anger.
Danny took two steps back, well aware what was going on.
“Mr. Pritchard, please, allow me to explain,” Carol said in a calming voice.
“Explain? Explain! How can you possibly think you can explain this away?” Mr. Pritchard screamed. “I know for damn well sure this isn’t October 31st and this isn’t Halloween. You might think that because you have money to throw around that you can take a boy and turn him into some kind of fairy, but you can’t. Not one of my boys, you sick freaks.”
“Mr. Pritchard!” Carol cut off the rant. “You, sir, are out of line.”
No! It’s you madam who are out of line,” Mr. Pritchard responded snidely. It’s about time I collected this particular child and we will be on our way. You can
forget about adopting also, once the judge hears about this I wouldn’t be too surprised if criminal charges follow. Let’s go Danny.” Mr. Pritchard lunged for Danny, but the child cowered behind the leg of Carol’s boyfriend.
Mr. Pritchard lunged at the terrified child once again and this time having his neck caught in the very capable grasp of Peter’s hand.
“You are scaring the girl half to death. Calm down, or I’ll calm you down.”
“Listen you child molesting freak, you don’t scare me,” Mr. Pritchard said in a shaky voice. “I’m a court appointed officer and if you don’t feel like spending the night in jail I suggest you release me and this child immediately. But, then again, maybe you two would like jail, spend some time with the other pedophiles and the like.”
Peter cocked his arm back and looked squarely at Carol.
“Peter, don’t! It’ll only make things worst. We’ll settle this in court,” Carol pleaded.
“Wise choice,” Mr. Pritchard said coldly. You, young man, come with me.” The man harshly grabbed the child by the arm.
“Ouch!” Danny said in pain as he was being pulled.
“Stop being such a sissy,” Mr. Pritchard reprimanded.
Peter blocked the door. “You hurt one hair on that child’s body and I swear, court officer or not, I’ll hunt you down like a dog.”
Mr. Pritchard lightened his grip as he pulled the child through the door. “Let’s get you out of this place.”
Danny looked back at the entrance of the house, at the two adults who stood there, watching him leave. A tear came to her eye.
“Don’t worry Danny,” Carol called out. “I’ll figure a way to get you back soon. Worst case is you’ll be there just until we go to court. Be Brave! I love you!
Danny paused at hearing the last three words. She wanted to bolt back to the house and to the life where she thought she belonged, but wasn’t strong enough to break free from Mr. Pritchard’s grasp. Instead she found herself traveling in the opposite direction that she wanted to go.
“Get in,” Mr. Prichard commanded as he opened the car door.
Reluctantly the child obeyed and got into the front seat.
“I’m sorry you had to go through that,” Mr. Pritchard said as he climbed into the driver’s seat. “We didn’t know what was going on there.”
“But I want to be there. I liked it,” Danny whined.
“I can see some brainwashing was going on as well. Don’t worry though, we’ll straighten you out and get you out of those girl’s clothes.”
“But I am a girl,” Danny stated with conviction.
The sound of Mr. Pritchard’s hand striking the child’s face filled the car. “I don’t know what kind of shit that monster has been filling your head with, but you do not repeat such lies in my presence. I’ll make a real boy out of you yet. If I have to kill you in the process then so be it.”
Danny took a deep gulp and sat the rest of the trip in silence.
The small child felt self conscious as she was led into Father O’Leary’s orphanage. The boys all gawked at her and whispered things amongst themselves as they realized who had returned. Danny’s hand was firmly tugged as she was led down the hall towards Mr. Pritchard’s office. The only sound was that of the child’s hard soled Mary Jane’s striking the old tile floor.
“First things first, young man,” Mr. Pritchard started as he closed the door to his office. “Let’s get you out of that ridiculous get-up and back into proper attire for a young man.”
“No!” Danny said firmly as she stood her ground.
“Excuse me?” Mr. Pritchard was taken aback. “What did you just say?”
“I said no,” Danny repeated. I’m not wearing that yucky suit.”
“Listen, Danny,” Mr. Pritchard spoke calm and evenly. “I know that you’ve been traumatized by that woman and God only knows what kind of nonsense she brainwashed you with. It’s okay now though, she can’t hurt you here. I know you’re a smart lad and you probably thought you were doing what was in everyone’s best interest so we could get the much needed money for this place. I should’ve kept a closer eye on things. I’m sorry you had to go through what that woman put you though. It’s over now. It’s time to return back to normal and that mans putting on the clothes that you’re suppose to wear.”
“I am wearing the clothes I’m supposed to. Aunt Carol didn’t traumatize me or make me do anything. I’m a girl and girls don’t wear suits.”
“Listen you prissy little sissy,” Mr. Pritchard responded in anger. “Do you know what those boys will do to you out there? They’ll tear you limb from precious little limb. Do you want that? Now you will change out of that ridiculous getup or I’ll tear it off your body and force you to go around naked. Do I make myself perfectly clear?”
“You touch me and I’ll tell the first cop I see that you tried to have sex with me and touched me in ways that you’re not suppose to,” Danny said so strongly that even she believed that was exactly what she’d do.
Mr. Pritchard relented. “Have it your way, but I warned you. There’s one thing left and that’s to give you the proper hair cut. A nice crew cut and that you are not getting out of,” he added with an evil joy in his voice.
“No!” Danny ran and hid under the desk as Mr. Pritchard retrieved an electronic razor from a large green metal locker.
“You want to do this the hard way, then so be it,” Mr. Pritchard yelled and then reached under the desk to get a hold of the little child. This was not the first time he had to force a haircut on a misbehaving child and he was quite proficient despite the protest.
Danny saw the big hand coming at her and took the only course of action that she felt prudent. She bit down between the thumb and index finger as hard as she could. Though it seemed hardly ladylike, desperate times do call for desperate measures.
“You stupid son of a bitch,” Mr. Pritchard yelled as he yanked back his hand and held it in pain. “You’ll pay for that one.”
Danny, sensing a brief opening in time, crawled out from the back of the desk and made her way to the door. Before Mr. Pritchard could make it to the child, she was out the door and running down the hall towards the front entrance. Ms. Lewis came into view.
“Help!” Danny shouted.
“Stop him!” Mr. Pritchard yelled at the same time.
“What in the world is going on? Danny what are you doing here?”
Before Danny had a chance to answer, Mr. Pritchard spoke up. “I made a surprise visit to Mrs. Adams house and I guess she had us both fooled. Look at what that freak decided to do with one of our boys.”
“She’s not a freak,” Danny said defiantly in protest.
“And what’s going on between you two?” Ms. Lewis tried to gain control of the situation.
“This one refuses to wear proper clothing and when I set up to give him a hair cut, he bit me.” Mr. Pritchard regained some composure.
“Danny?” Ms. Lewis sat the child down by the door. “Please remain here while Mr. Pritchard and I have a quick chat. Okay?”
“Yes ma’am,” Danny said somberly.
The two adults walked half way down the hall, far enough to be out of earshot of the child.
“I didn’t think that woman would abuse him,” Mr. Pritchard said in a hushed voice. “The trauma that poor boy must’ve went through.”
“Do you think terrorizing him will make matters any better?”
“Um, no. I See your point, but these boys here will tear him apart dressed the way he is. It wouldn’t be good to let him be killed before going to court.”
“If him being in a dress was forced on him, then him being out of a dress could be just as easily accomplished,” Ms. Lewis offered. “All we have to do is let peer pressure run its course and if what you believe is true, than viola, we’ll have our old Danny boy back good as new.”
“I see your point, but what do we do with him until then?”
“Tim has the only single room. Let’s put Danny in with him for the time being, at least until the court hearing. After that we can decide on a more permanent placing.”
“I’m too frustrated and angry to deal with things now.” Mr. Pritchard took a heavy sigh. “Can you make the arrangements? I think I’ll just go to my apartment and have a good, strong, stiff drink of something.”
“I’ll take care of it. Don’t worry a bit.”
Mr. Pritchard walked towards Danny, sneered at the child in the dress briefly, and then walked out the door.
“Danny,” Ms. Lewis called the child. “Tonight I’m going to have you spend the night with Tim, you’ll be safe in there for the time being.”
“Am I in trouble,” Danny asked as he slowly walked up the stairs.
“No. I don’t think any one is in trouble,” Ms. Lewis comforted. “It’s just that yours is a very unique case and some people can be easily confused by things. All you need to do is when you go to court, the day after tomorrow, is tell the truth and trust that the judge will do what’s best for you.”
“Yes ma’am,” Danny said as he stood before the door to Tim’s room.
Ms. Lewis knocked on the teens door and explained the situation to the muscular youth without giving too many particulars. Danny stood back and looked at the boy’s unpleased reaction. Danny remembered how many times the bigger boy would tease her and call her names. The prospect of spending two nights in the room with Tim was probably equally unenjoyable to both.
“Come on squirt,” Tim finally said to the smaller child. “Let’s get you in here before the other guys figure out I have a girl in my room.”
Danny looked up at Ms. Lewis, hoping for a reprieve.
“Its okay sweetie,” Ms. Lewis reassured. “Tim’s not going to bite.”
“But I may nibble just a little,” Tim said jokingly as he ushered the smaller child into his room.
“Tim,” Ms. Lewis reprimanded. “You behave and treat Danny with respect.”
“I will,” Tim huffed in the annoyed teen fashion.
Danny sat on the floor in the corner, brought her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. The orphanage now seemed like such a scarier place.
Tim looked at the child and smiled smugly. “You know, when you sit like that I can see your little panties,” he teased.
“So what,” Danny spat as she turned her body so the boy couldn’t see anything.
“Look, I know you’re upset and all and I’m cool with that. I mean you got a raw deal and all. But, you don’t need to take it out on me.”
“I’m not taking that out on you,” Danny replied nastily.
“Then what are you taking out on me?” Tim asked as he sat down on the edge of the bed.
“Because you always make fun of me and try to make the other boys laugh and that’s not very nice,” Danny replied.
“How do I make fun of you?” Tim turned his attention fully to the little child.
“You call me sissy all the time.”
Tim laughed. “Is it me or are you the one in a dress?”
“See!” Danny whined. “That’s what I mean. There’s a reason I’m in a dress.”
“Yeah, I know. Because you’re a sissy and think that you’re a girl.”
“I don’t think I’m a girl,” Danny hissed back. “I know I’m a girl.”
“Okay, okay. Don’t get your panties in a bunch.” Tim chuckled. “How else do I make fun of you, other than calling you sissy?”
“You call me Danielle, that’s how.”
“What name do you ho by now that you ‘know that you’re a girl’?” Tim asked.
“Danielle,” the small child whispered as she figured out how dumb her previous statement sounded.
“So I made fun of you by using your name, hmm, interesting.”
“You used my name to make fun.” Danny stuck her tongue out at the boy.
“Danielle, can I tell you something and you not get mad,” Tim asked tenderly.
“I guess so,” Danny answered while still in the corner.
“I figured you was either a girl or gay a long time ago. But it’s cool with me.”
“You did,” Danny answered in surprise. “It is?”
“Of course. And I know another secret too,” Tim teased.
“What other secret.” Danny released her lock on her legs.
“I think you’re very pretty as the girl you are.”
“You do?” Danny blushed.
“Yes. I do. Now can we kiss and make up?”
Danny slowly stood up. “I guess so,” she said as she walked over to the boy.”
Tim softly kissed the child on the cheek and pulled her on the bed.
“Oh,” Danny said in disappointment. “I thought you was gonna boyfriend/girlfriend kiss me.”
“Sorry squirt, but you’re kind of too young for me. Beside you’re kind of like the little sister that I never had.” Tim put his arm around Danny. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, it’s okay.” Danny put her head on Tim’s chest. “Being a little sister feels nice too.”
“Come on sis,” Tim lay down and pulled Danny with him. “It’s been a long day and I got to get up early for football practice.
“Okay,” Danny answered in half a whine but quickly fell asleep.
AUTHORS NOTE: Ah, drama, Finally!!!! I figured if this story happened in the real world, this would eventually happened. Here's the good news... the drama only last one more chapter... because that's how long the story last. How do I end this one... a daring rescue, a runaway attempt, does Danny join the circus? Tune in boys and girls and boys that want to be girls.
Comments
Lesson Learned
Learned the hard way that you can't load an older version of a story , change the title and cut and paste the new chapter in it. I'm so smart I make myself seem stupid.
Katie Leone (Katie-Leone.com)
Writing is what you do when you put pen to paper, being an author is what you do when you bring words to life
That was quite a shock
, considering how lovely the story has been so far. = (
By the way, looking at your author's note for this chapter, is there really such a thing as a boy who wants to be a girl? Perhaps you meant girls who have boys bodies, and want to get them fixed and/or be recognized as girls? Call me nitpicky, but I don't wish to stand by and allow that which I perceive to be misrepresentation of TG girls to happen.
hmmm
I don't think of it as a misrepresentation, just a way I view my own situation.
Katie Leone (Katie-Leone.com)
Writing is what you do when you put pen to paper, being an author is what you do when you bring words to life
The Adoption of Little Orphan Danny (Part 11)
Can't help but wonder about that cad. and if he knows about Danni's secret.
May Your Light Forever Shine
May Your Light Forever Shine
I Hope Pritchard Gets What Is Coming to him
I hope Pritchard gets what is coming to him for his heavy handed attitude and I hope that he is hauled off to jail when this is over. He has mistreated other kids in the past by his reference to previous situations. I can't figure out why Ms. Lewis let the no good piece of garbage get away with what he did? She should have called the police and had him arrested. She knew the situation when Danny went to live with Carol and should have stood up for Danny more. She did put her in a room with someone that wouldn't hurt her, but she didn't go far enough! She should have made sure Pritchard's career was toast for the way he treated Danny.
This chapter upset me!!!
Why didn't Carol tell Pritchard about the doctors testing that showed Danielle to be physically a girl!! Letting her be hauled away and be mistreated by that pig is not right!!! It upsets me when stories allow things to happen when just telling the facts would straighten things out!!! Sorry I know it your story and you wanted some drama!!
But I have suffered way too much in my life because I an trans-girl!! I know that Pritchard's reaction is standard, but I am working to change that!!! All it takes is a little education, because most prejudice is because of ignorance!! I am sorry but I felt
Danielle's terror having lived it myself!!! I know the story will be OK, but in real life a lot of the time it is not OK!!! We are approching TDOR (transgender day of rememberence)
where we remember all those that have killed in the last year for just being their true selves!!!
I Doubt The Idiot Would Have Listened.
I doubt the idiot would have listened by the way he started going off like he did. I don't think he is the type of person who listens to anyone. He automatically treats kids like Danny like they are freaks. He needs to be jerked down a few notches when they finally get to Court. I am inclined to believe that when Carol gets through with him, not lasting long enough to get his gold watch will be the least of the S.O.B's worries.
Sorry Pamreed
Sorry Pam but telling the facts exactly as they are often doesn't 'sort things out'. Everybody knew I was a transvestite but that only made things worse as the childhood abuse increased. It gave everybody in my young life carte-blanche to mistreat me as they deemed fit. (And that mistreatment included paedophile rape and serious trauma!)
Today education does help and I applaud your efforts to educate society. I do it myself by attending transgendered awareness meetings in Wales but the fact remains, if I go out in the wrong places at the wrong times, you can bet your bottom dollar I will face abuse.
I have since learned, - realised- accepted, - that there is a partial transgendered aspect to my physical makeup which doesn't make my life any easier. I circumvent any potential abuse by making sure I address my Transgendered needs in appropriate places.
That makes me a 'sometime prisoner' of my female two thirds. (That's my guesstimate of my sexuality ratio, - one third male, - two thirds female and I don't want to lose my boy bits cos despite my partial transgenderism, my sexuality more or less matches my boy bits. Confused or what!!!)
I heartily support TDOR.
Beverly.
That's me indulging ONE side of my sexuality, the crazy need for stress relief!"
You'll also notice I've got a B/C cup cleavage but it's not that obvious on a 38 ribcage.
Confused or what!!
That's me, (Grey Bob,) indulging my more genteel side as a mature woman
As you can readily see, if I'm confused what hope is there for those that perceive me as they apply their own prejudices and perspectives. If you had my complex sexuality you'd never ever trust a doctor, particularly psychiatrists.
I still applaud your work.
Love and hugs.
Beverly.
It will be okay!
Be patient! All will be settled-maybe not the wayt we expect, but I have faith that things will work out.
Wren
hard stuff
The sad truth is that there are too many bullies like Mr. Pritchard out there in positions of power and authority. He doesn't really want Danny to be a "man" but the same kind of sick parody of male-hood that he is, and he would not care if he even kills her to get it.
But the facts are on Carol's side. things are changing for people like Danny, and i think it is likely the courts will agree with the doctors. I just hope this experience doesn't make her go back to her male shell, convinced that she was doing something wrong expressing her actual gender.
dorothycolleen
LO Danny (Part 10)
You know this story has been great untill this chapter and what you have done with it has almost destroyed it for me and others from the previous comments. All I can say is I hope the next chapter is for the better! Richard
Richard
Story ruined??
A little put out by the story ruined comments. I think Mr. Pritchard's actions are really not that extreme. I think they are pretty typical as to what would really happen if a state worker found out about such a situation. He is going off of what he views the facts to be. His assumption was that Danny was brain-washed into wearing girls clothing, and he is trying to remedy that. I know that everyone was enjoying the frills and the feel-good situation of all other 9 chapters, but tell me anyone who has lived a life without a little adversity and I'll show you a person living in denial.
I think this chapter shows Danny's commitment to being who she really is. She could have very easily succumb to the wishes of Mr. Pritchard, but instead she stood up to him, and stood her ground. It's easy to be who you are when everyone is supportive, but it shows character to be who you are in the face of adversity.
Katie Leone (Katie-Leone.com)
Writing is what you do when you put pen to paper, being an author is what you do when you bring words to life
Thank You, LK...
...for defending your story. (If I'd gotten here three weeks earlier, I'd have said something about it myself.) Pritchard has every reason to believe he's making the right move, and he's doing so in the face, as he sees it, of costing his orphanage ten thousand a year in potential support. I'm a little disappointed in Ms Lewis not heading Pritchard off better once he got back. She at least knows about the TG part of the situation.
In any case, Pritchard presumably knows that Danny looked and in some respects behaved like a girl when he was at the orphanage before, and that he's very undersized. But dressing and acting like a nursery schooler when he's been educated up to his real age doesn't sound like something a kid would do voluntarily, nor (in the absence of medical and psychological testimony to the contrary) does it seem healthy to the child's own self-image, present or future. Bottom line is that in Pritchard's shoes, I'd have gotten Danny out of there too, though I'd have covered myself by taking Danny directly to the authorities rather than trying to reinstate him at the orphanage.
Eric
One last note
Also... this was suppose to be a loose parody of Little Orphan Annie.... as I remember in the movie she was kidnapped and was to be held for ransom. I didn't go that far, but in the original draft I did have some scenes that borrowed from the movie but I gave them up. But don't worry, the next chapter resolves everything in a tight little bow. But you'll have to wait until Sunday no matter how much you beg.
Katie Leone (Katie-Leone.com)
Writing is what you do when you put pen to paper, being an author is what you do when you bring words to life
The S Word
I don't suppose by any chance you'll have the motivation to write a sequel? :)
Danni's already won some minor victories over The Powers That Be by persuading them to allow her to keep her long hair and to remain in girls' clothing. With Tim seemingly understanding and regarding her as a little sister, the home's management's view that peer pressure will persuade Danni to drop what they regard as a silly pretence - how wrong they'll be! There's probably another string to the management's last-minute softly softly approach - if they clamped down on what they regard as Danni's "deviant" behaviour, it would weaken their case at court. Play all nice for the judges, then once nobody from the outside world is looking in, resume business as usual.
It wouldn't surprise me if Carol does sign onto the board of directors - but on one condition - abusive bigots like Pritchard go. After all, if she's paying $10,000pa into their coffers, there'll be less need for fundraising (which may be one of the main reasons Pritchard's lasted so long - he's very good at raising money to keep the orphanage going). You can probably imagine that if Carol has a say in how the orphanage is run, there'll be big changes in future - maybe even make it co-ed...
There are 10 kinds of people in the world - those who understand binary and those who don't...
As the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then only left-handers are in their right mind!
Sequel
As of right now there is no plans for a sequel. In fact I haven't written anything new for over 5 years. There are two stories (completed) That will be going up in quick succession. One is a christmas tale. I am hoping that once I clear my slate of projects already completed that my muse will return and bless me once again.
The stories to come are:
No Greater Love
A Christmas Reprive
There is a spa story with pictures that Erin halfelven has in her possession
There is also an x-rated one that I scrapped and might have destroyed because the main characters were 14 and 10 and I thought it wrong.
but there are plenty others that I have forgotten exist and are in these little envelopes waiting for me to open, a story like the valentines day mascara which may or may not be completed.
Katie Leone (Katie-Leone.com)
Writing is what you do when you put pen to paper, being an author is what you do when you bring words to life
I've been expecting this!
But not the one more episode! Oh no!It can't be!
Wren
WOW!!!
I think that is the first time that I have seen a realistic reaction by someone to a situation that they know nothing about. There are too many stories out there with real abuse being portrayed that are ignored by everyone, to actually see one where someone sees what he thinks is abuse and does something about is refreshing.
Here's to hoping that the doctors and Aunt Carol can calmly explain the situation to the courts and have the judge actually listen.
Maybe Danny can do something nice for Tim too, like get her Aunt to adopt him or at least put him through college...
A shocking but very good chapter.
I guess that donation is right out...
VERY good if upsetting chapter, Katie
I suspect much of the comments were triggered by the seemingly abrupt shift in fortunes for the child.
He has a terrible childhood, little prospects of ever being adopted or even loved then the happy accident of the perfect rich foster/adoptive mom taking a shine to him. The new mom secretly wants a girl and is delighted the boy wants to dress up as a girl. But the woman's is honest and decent at heart so she gets the child a long overdue medical evaluation as she is seeing so many signs of a girl in the supposed boy. As much as she wants a girl she doesn't want to force the boy into it. Then they learn HE is a really a SHE. The rich mom is overjoyed and wants to adopt HER, though she likely would have even if the child really was a boy. The child is overjoyed that her body matches her mind. All is now JOY JOY JOY. Then, BLAM!, you pull the rug out from under the kid.
BUT this is sadly quite true to life. You hear stories in the press of children abused and ignored by the *system*, sometimes even dying, and also the flip side of families unnecessarily broken up when the *system* overreacts.
This chapter is a case of bad things happening BECAUSE of good intentions. Part is the rich woman's fault, she should have gotten the social services people in the loop about the medical discoveries. The orphanage people overreacted to seeming *red flags* of child abuse but then sometimes those *flags* are signs of true abuse.
Problem is Mr. Pritchard has a *one size fits all* mentality. He means well IMHO but he is so blinded by his beliefs he can't see what is in front of him. The older boy was a pleasant surprise in what had become a dark day for our heroine. I so feared he would abuse her as a poof, a freak, a gay pervert, at least verbally so. Luckily for her he seems a very tolerant and decent young man, so sad/odd he is stuck in the home unless he was orphaned late in life? Did he see something in the heroine, perhaps something at a subconscious level that convinced him she was a real girl, long before the medical evidence? In any case we may be seeing HER future boyfriend. But for the moment he is a friend, one she desperately needs.
LOVE to see how the powers that be react to the news that our heroine is a medically a real girl, body and soul. I agree, at a minimum heads will role at the orphanage and any hopes of getting a quick 10000 out of the rich woman are much in doubt now.
Oh and as I read many of the seemingly negative comments, Katie, I see people shocked at the sudden change in the child's fortune and not a criticism of your work. IE *we * hate to see the heroine being bashed even with your assurances all will be well. My long suffering proofer/collaborator on my stories, Itinerant, is likely shouting BRAVO at your cruel bashing of her.
-- snicker --
PLEASE keep posting this. Well done.
John in Wauwatosa
P.S. How's this for an ironic postscript? What if you ended with an epilog say, some twenty or so years in the future? The rich woman is chairperson of the orphanage which is now run by the former boy, now a respected psychiatrist/social worker with help from her physician husband, that nice older orphan. And she is obviously pregnant, to the delight of her young twin daughters.
John in Wauwatosa
Hope
I hope when Dani goes to court he has a red mark from the slap the goos Mr Pritchard gave him and the Judge asks what happened with dani telling him of the slap the Judge should remove him as caretaker of all the boys putting is ass in jail for child abuse.I HOPE THE JUDGE DOES THE RIGHT THING and award Carol the adoption and with luck Tim gets a sponsor for colleg from Aunt Carol PHEW that was a lot of I wishes om my part
HUGS % KISSES TO ALL RICHIE2
Pritchard's future
I agree that Pritchard overreacted, but I don't think he'll lose his job at this one. I think he has a thankless job, probably have seen a dozen boys go into homes where they became abused and has taken a not on my watch mentality to it all. I actually prefer this reaction of his than an alternative... so you want to dress a boy in girl's clothing and perhaps you are sexually abusing him, can we get a little more money. In a perfect world, there are no Mr. Pritchards because there are no orphanages, but we don't live in a perfect world and that's why I still wear pants.
Katie Leone (Katie-Leone.com)
Writing is what you do when you put pen to paper, being an author is what you do when you bring words to life
horrid
horrid ,narrow minded bigoted asshole.sorry but i skipped most of this chapter because it upset me so much.its cos im just an old softee.XXXX
Oh my
Why those social worker guys always rush into conclusion and never listen to the child first? It just make me angry.