Chapter 14

The girls met Kevin and Bob at a TGI Fridays. Bob and Kevin had gotten there early and had already gotten a table.

Belle and Marta walked in together, and asked the girl at the reservation desk where her husband and his friend were seated. As she spoke with the greeter, Belle turned and noticed a group of three guys checking her out. This was a new experience for her, and she smiled at them, playing with her hair absentmindedly. The boys, all around college age, smiled back. One of them acted as if he was about to get the nerve to speak to Belle when her mother got Belle’s attention. “Come on, spacey! Let’s go to our table.

Bob didn’t actually recognize Marta at first, but he did check out the rear end on the woman in the red dress talking to the girl at the desk and her friend in the mini. He elbowed Kevin, who smiled at Bob’s expression.

They both looked like fish out of water when the woman and her friend turned around and Bob and Kevin saw that they were checking out Marta and Belle. Marta saw them and waved, and they came over to the table. Bob and Kevin stood, and acted like they had never seen a woman before.

Marta noticed the look they were getting and giggled, whispering to Belle, “That’s the look you want on your man, girl” Belle smiled and giggled when she saw Kevin.

Marta gave her husband a big hug and kiss. “Miss me, Honey?”

Bob returned her kiss and replied, somewhat breathlessly, “You have no idea! Great day at the spa, I see”

“Wonderful! Can’t you tell?” she gave him a twirl, with a dazzling smile.

“I’m too old for a chick like you, babe! Wow!” he saw Belle. “My gosh! This one is absolutely stunning. Come here and give your dad a kiss!”

“You…like?” she said quietly.

“Ohhh, yeah. You look beautiful, sweetie as he gave her a hug. I forgot my baseball bat, so be careful who you look at!”

Belle cocked her head, a bit confused. “Bat?”

“Never mind, Kid. Pay attention to your boyfriend, okay?”

Belle turned and kissed Kevin on the lips. “Hi cutie! Do you like my outfit? Mom picked it out for me. She said you’d like it”

Kevin hugged Belle, and then held her out to twirl her. Her skirt flared out just enough to look sexy without flashing the restaurant. “You have the world’s greatest mother, Belle. It’s perfect!”

The men pulled the chairs out for the women and they sat. Belle saw the boys she had smiled at a little earlier walk by with the hostess. She thought they looked a little sad seeing her sitting with Kevin. That was good. She only had eyes for him.

Their server came and asked them about drinks. The older ones all had beer, while Belle was satisfied with iced tea. Since being force fed alcohol during her captivity, she wanted nothing to do with it.

“Would you like an appetizer?” asked Kevin.

“Sure!” came the reply all from all around.

“What about their fried green beans?” I love those things.

“Fried green beans? Won’t that taste terrible?” Asked Belle.

“You’d be surprised, Belle. Try them. Besides, if you don’t like them, there’ll be more for me!”

“Rat!” as she playfully punched Kevin in the arm. “I’ll eat them just to spite you!”

Belle ended up liking the appetizer very much, especially the sauce that came with them. She ended up playfully slapping Kevin’s hand as he reached for the last one, popping it into her mouth with a smile, that while she didn’t intend it came out looking very seductive.

They placed their order, with Bob and Kevin getting steaks and the girls ordering two salads. The conversation turned to the network interview on Friday.

“So when is the camera crew getting here tomorrow?” asked Kevin. “I’ll be working security for you”

Bob raised an eyebrow. “Really? Security? I wasn’t aware that Belle would need security for this”

“Oh, it’s nothing, really. Just a precaution. I was detailed to do it by my new employer, Pluton Security”

“Does that have any connection to Pluton Industries, the defense contractor?” asked Marta.

“Yep. It’s their security arm. They do a lot of work for the entertainment industry. I just kind of hang around, making sure you aren’t bothered while they shoot. It’s really no big deal. I’ve done it a couple of times already”

Marta looked relieved. “Oh, okay. They said that they would be there around ten o’clock to start setting up. They want to do a little filming for filler to cut to before the interview starts”

Belle did a little dramatic turn, putting the back of her hand to her forehead. "Oui, la belle princesse a besoin de faire sa comparution devant le petit peuple" She then broke up into a fit of giggling.

Bob rolled his eyes. “Okay, what did she say now?”

Kevin shook his head, groaning. “Just that the pretty princess needs to make her appearance before the ‘little people’. You know, to keep her public happy”

Marta laughed at that. “Okay, Princess Swelled Head, You do know that pride goes before the fall!”

Belle, still giggling, just waved her hand dismissively and said “Oh, pish!”

The food was delicious, and Belle and Kevin even shared dessert.

Bob paid the check and Marta grabbed his hand and dragged him out. We’ll go get the car, Honey. Wait for us in the lobby.

Kevin and Belle got up to leave. Belle suddenly turned around and gave Kevin another kiss. She whispered into his ear “I love you, Kevin. I always will. You are my knight!”

Kevin choked up. He whispered back. “I love you too, Belle. I’ve waited my whole life for you, and I’ll never leave you”

Belle looked back at Kevin. She noticed his eyes were moist. She touched his face, gave him a dazzling smile and whispered; “I know” She got up on her toes and kissed him again, this time harder. She saw her parents’ car pull up. “Gotta go, lover. Sweet dreams!”

He was standing there with a little lipstick on his cheek. In a daze, he didn’t notice the man standing next to him. He felt a little elbow. “Huh?”

The man shook his head. “Dude, you definitely out kicked your coverage”

“You have no idea” was all Kevin could say.

The day of the interview dawned. Belle and Marta were both up early. Bob had gone to work early to take care of some urgent business, but he was due to be back to tape his portion of the interview with Marta.

Barbara Wallace got to the Kalisek home at around ten AM. She was a little older looking than Marta thought she would be. Barbara was in her in her mid fifties, but she was still very pretty, even without the makeup for the television. She was accompanied by the interpreter.

She was met by Marta as she came into the living room. The crew was setting up the interview area, getting lighting levels and preliminary sound checks.

Marta held out her hand and spoke. “Hello, Ms. Wallace. It’s very nice to meet you. Welcome to our home”

Barbara brushed aside her hand and hugged her. “Why thank you, Mrs. Kalisek. It’s indeed an honor to be invited in, and thank you for trusting me to do your daughter’s first interview and please, it’s Barbara” She gestured to the woman beside her. “This is Sophie Pelletier, she’ll be translating for the interview. To smooth things out, we’ll voiceover the translation so the translator will be speaking over Belle’ kind of like they do at the UN”

Marta shook Sophie’s hand. “Nice to meet you, Sophie” She turned back to Barbara “We thought you would be the perfect one to do the interview. Your reputation for fairness is quite good, and we always enjoy watching your interviews on television. We are obviously very protective of our daughter”

“As you should be, my dear. When I heard what you were doing with the money from this interview, I was touched. I can tell already you are a very special family”

“Well, the donation was actually Belle’s idea. As a result of her ordeal, she is has become very sensitive to the transgendered community. She may not have chosen this path, but she wants to live it to the best of her ability and where it will do the most good”

“Well said. I have a special friend who is a transwoman, and her story is quite heartbreaking. She survived, though, and is doing quite well now. In fact, she works as my assistant back in New York City”

Marta smiled “That’s so cool. I’m glad things worked out for her”

“She’s my right arm. So, where’s our star? I’d love to meet her”

Marta tugged on Barbara’s arm. “Oh, right! She’s in her room reading. Come with me”

Marta knocked on Belle’s door. “Come in!”

Barbara noticed the heavy accent in the voice, a melodic soprano. Marta opened the door and Belle was sitting at her desk, holding an issue of Seventeen. She stood up, and Barbara was impressed by her femininity.

Belle was wearing a khaki mini with a pink tee. She was barefoot, and her toes were done in a light pink color from the spa. “Bonjour, Mme Wallace. C'est trá¨s agréable de vous rencontrer”

Sophie translated. “It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Wallace”

Barbara asked Sophie. “What do you make of her use of the language, Sophie?”

“Very impressive. She’s as good as a native speaker. Pronunciation is impeccable. She’s a bit stilted and proper with her grammar. I can tell she didn’t grow up in France” She looked to Marta. “You say she was programmed to speak French?”

Marta smiled and looked to Belle. “Why don’t you ask her?”

Sophie reddened. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to insult you, Belle. I mean…”

“It’s okay, Sophie. I can understand English perfectly. I just can’t speak it. Something they did to my mind. The doctors are working on a way to defeat the programming, though. It is a major pain though. I miss talking to my mama and daddy”

“I see. So you are unable to talk in English?”

“I can say a few words, but I really have to concentrate. The doctor told me that I was kind of like a stroke patient. They called it ‘induced aphasia’ whatever that is” She rolled her eyes as she said it. “So, I guess I’m stuck until they fix my brain”

Barbara interrupted the exchange gently. “Easy, you two. Remember, we don’t quite get it like you do!”

“Sorry, Barbara. She was telling me what was done to her. She is really functionally unable to speak English. A few words here and there, so I’ll be translating everything she says. She understands you perfectly, however, so that will speed things up”

“How is this possible? How can someone do this?”

Marta answered for Belle. “No one quite knows, Barbara. She may never be able to speak English again, but we’ll keep holding out hope. Bob, that’s my husband and her father, are currently learning to speak French to help her”

Barbara was taking notes furiously. “I researched your case thoroughly before I came down, but it’s quite another thing to see it first hand”

Belle nodded.

Barbara motioned for Belle to sit down. “Let’s talk for a while, ok?” She asked for Gil Martin, the producer.

“Yes, Barb?”

“Gil, why don’t you get some footage of Belle and me talking in here?” She looked back at Belle. “Don’t worry, they’ll just be taking some pictures for us to use during the broadcast.

“Okay” replied Belle.

Barbara asked Belle about her life, how she was adapting, and talking about fashion, her wardrobe and what she liked to do. As she asked, Belle answered through Sophie. Barbara was taking notes the whole time. She seemed very interested in her story.

After they had talked for about twenty minutes, Gil called for Belle and Barbara to go to makeup. After that was done, the two were settled in to chairs. The lights were kind of hot to Belle, but not uncomfortable so. She was glad she dressed in a tee and skirt.

Finally, they were ready to tape the segment. Belle went to the bathroom and threw up.

Chapter 15

Before they began, Barbara asked if Belle was okay.

“Yes. Ask me anything you want. I want to put a face on this despicable practice of taking children away from there families to satisfy some pervert with money”

Barbara began the interview. “Belle, you were kidnapped over two years ago. We’ve seen the remarkable pictures of your transformation. How have you adapted to such a terrible change?”

Belle answered, with Sophie translating from another room into Barbara’s ear bud.

“What I went through was the worst thing that I could imagine. I still have nightmares, and probably always will have. But the best medicine I had was two parents who love me for the person inside, not the package outside. In a way, although I hate to say it, I was lucky. I don’t remember the details of my old life. I’m not sure that I do want to remember”

“Why not?”

“I’m really afraid that it will bring back conflicts that I don’t want to have right now. Someday, I’m sure I’ll remember. For now, I just want to be me”

“You were taken to be a sex slave, isn’t that right?”

“Yes. I found out that the man who paid for me had ordered me off a menu, like I was a..a piece of meat. That’s hard to take” Belle dabbed at her eyes.

Barbara and Belle went through about two hours of dialogue. Belle had to stop the interview a couple of times when she relived the beatings and rapes. By the time they were done, Belle was exhausted.

Belle looked at Barbara and asked “Can we take a little break? I’m kind of tired”

“Of course, sweetie. Gil, get her mic, would you? You take all the time you need, Belle. I know this was terribly stressful. I just can’t believe you didn’t ask for this sooner”

“I wanted to do a good job for you. You’ve been so kind”

Belle stood up and the room began to spin. She sat back down. “Ummm, I think I kind of overdid it. Could someone help me, please”

Sophie heard Belle. “Guys? Belle needs some help!”

Marta and Bob were at her side immediately. “Papa, could you carry me to my room? I’m feeling a little woozy”

“Of course, honey” he lifted her. She was like a feather. Bob took her to her room and laid her in bed. Barbara and Gil were right behind them.
“Get her some water, Gil” ordered Barbara.

“On it” he rushed off.

Marta was very concerned. “Maybe we should call it a day”

“NO!” cried Belle. “I’m going to have my story told!” Sophie was called in to translate.
“I’ll be fine. Telling all of that just stressed me. It’s done now. Tell her about your story. I’ll be fine, really”

“Are you sure, honey?”

“Yes! Go!”

The interview with the parents lasted an hour, and Belle joined her parents for a final thirty minutes together. It was exhausting, and by the time it was all over, the entire family was in tears, not to mention some of the crew, who would be sure to give their kids an extra hug tonight.

“That’s a wrap, guys. Thanks for your hard work” announced Gil.

Barbara was all smiles. “Thank you so much for sharing your story. We were planning on a twenty minute segment on American Issues, but we’ve got enough interesting stuff here for an hour. We’ll be dedicating the whole show to your story”

Belle burst into tears and gave Barbara a big hug. “Thank you! Please mention all the ones who are still out there. They need us not to forget them”

Sophie translated as they hugged.

Barbara was stroking Belle’s hair and told her “You can count on it”

The last technician was out of the house at ten thirty that night. Belle was fast asleep at eight. She went to sleep that night with a smile on her face. She slept through the night.

Belle checked her email that morning. As usual, there was nothing there, except from Kevin. She clicked on it excitedly. Kevin had never emailed her before.

Belle,

I was called out of the country for work. Our friend has a job for me in India. I won’t be available until late December if then. I won’t be able to call you for awhile, so this will have to do until I get back.
About our little “talk” at the restaurant before you left. I really tried hard not to become involved with you personally. You were too young, I thought, too damaged. You only “loved” me because I was there to take care of you after our friend got you out. I was wrong. I find myself thinking about you all the time. You are beautiful, fun, and have a better understanding of me than I think I do myself. Did I say you were beautiful?
We cannot be together right now. I want you to experience a few things first. High school, college if you like. I love you enough to let you go. If you want to see what it’s like to date guys your own age, go ahead! I want you to experience life. If you want to mope around, waiting for my return, well, I won’t argue with that either .
What I’m trying to say, Belle Marie, is that I will be there for you whenever I can. And someday, if you’ll let me, we can be together forever.
But not right now !

Love,
Kevin

P.S. Tell your dad I’m leaving my Suburban for him to use. I don’t like to have it parked too long. It’ll be delivered today!

Belle squealed with joy. “Mama! Mama! Kevin m'aime! Kevin m'aime! Viens ici! Regardez!”

Marta came running, with Bob close behind “What is it Belle! What!”

Belle kept repeating the same phrase.

“We don’t understand, honey, what?”

She stamped her foot and pointed at the laptop. “L-L-LOOK!”

Marta read the email and smiled. “Bob, our little girl has slain her first heart!”

Bob read the note. “He wants me to have his Suburban? Cool! That’s a loaded 2011!”

Marta punched him playfully. “Not that, you dunce. Kevin loves her! I knew he was good son in law material!” She hugged Belle.

“Now tap on the brake, ladies. He likes Belle, sure, but he also told her that they should wait until she gets older” He paused then laughed. “Come to think of it, He IS good son in law material!”

Chapter 16

The interview aired the next Friday on the network news magazine American Issues. The whole family was gathered, with Sam there for support. Both Marta and Bob had no families to speak of, so other than Kevin, who was still on assignment in India, no one else would be coming.

Belle was quiet, but she was also trembling with anticipation. This was one of the things she wanted to do to get back at the ones who had done this to her. She couldn’t get back at them personally, but she could shine the media spotlight on the other cockroaches that did this.

At nine o’clock, the show’s theme music started. The narrator’s voice intoned “This is American Issues with Barbara Wallace. And now, live from New York, Barbara Wallace”

“Tonight, we dedicate the entire hour to a story that captivated the nation. The story of a child, an only child, taken from all he knew, taken, transformed and abused, physically and mentally. This story could have had a tragic ending. But thanks to the unconquered spirit of this child, ultimately it is a story of restoration and triumph”

“A warning, though. Some of the images in this story are graphic and deeply disturbing. We are broadcasting them at the insistence of the victim’s family, as a way of putting a human face on this story”

“Tonight, we will be talking to law enforcement. What are they doing to bring the problem of internet predation under control. We will be interviewing families, and other victims. Finally, we will talk to the young woman who inspired this program. Now, our study… ‘Transformed in Texas’”

Belle had a death grip on her mother and father’s hands. She closed her eyes during the photographs of her slow transformation, and of her mangled back and legs after her beatings. That was followed by snippets of interviews with other victims and their advocates. Of interest to Belle was a segment with a lady who started a foundation to help victims of abuse. She had survived a similar trial to Belle. There was the government agency tasked with assisting local law enforcement in tracking down internet sex crime. Finally, Belle and her family. Belle told of her trials, and her continuing struggle to live a normal life.

She smiled at one question. “So, Belle, how have you been affected other than the obvious changes? Relationships?”

Belle giggled a little onscreen. “Well, I guess I like boys now, just like most other girls. I don’t really remember what it was like to be a boy, so there’s not really any conflict for me. I like one in particular, but that’s not for right now. Right now, I want to focus on getting better. I still have a lot of issues, and my education is a priority for me.”

Belle recognized Sophie’s voice over hers, translating.

Her parents were next, detailing their struggle during the time their son was missing until Belle was found, and their struggle to make sense of everything up to their acceptance of their new daughter.

Finally, all of them together. There were cuts to the family doing things together. Baby pictures of Brian, to the way Belle looked now. This was, for Belle, the happiest time of the broadcast. Her parents meant so much to her. They hadn’t judged her, or tried to get something back that would never be.

Barbara ended the broadcast with these words. “If who a person truly is what is on the inside, then Belle Marie Kalisek will be just fine and I’m very lucky to know her. For American Issues, I’m Barbara Wallace. Good night”

The whole family applauded, and Belle’s parents gave her two very big hugs.

“Well done, Belle. I’m very proud of you” announced Sam. “You’ve adapted very well to this change, and this is all the proof anyone will ever need”

Belle shrugged “I wish I felt as confident as you, Sam. I always feel like I’m just one crisis away from melting down”

“Belle, always remember that you are never alone. No matter what happens. I know you don’t have a big family, so as time goes on, try to develop friends that will be there for you and that you can be there for”

“I’ll try. I just wish I could find a way to communicate. It’s just so damn frustrating! If you know a way around that, then I’m all ears!”

“We’ll figure out a way, Belle. Trust me”

“Okay, Sam” she looked to her parents and smiled. “I’m really tired, guys. I’m going to go to bed, if that’s all right” Sam translated for her.

Marta gave her daughter another hug. “Okay, sweetie. I know it’s been a long day for you”

As Belle got up, she rubbed her tummy. “It’s not that, Mama. I just feel kind of, I don’t know, blahh” Sam again translated.

Marta felt her forehead. “Hmmm, you don’t fell warm. What do you feel like?”

Belle blushed looked to Sam. “Tell her, I feel like my private area is kind of swollen and heavy and my boobs are sore. I’m also feeling kind of crampy down there, too”

Sam stifled a giggle. She looked at Marta and Bob then translated. Marta also began to smile. Even Bob had figured this one out. Belle, however, remained apparently clueless.

Belle cocked her head and asked in English “What?”

“I think Auntie Flo is coming for a visit, Marta”

“I agree, Doctor. Our little girl is growing up!”

Belle gasped as the realization hit her. “Attendez! Oh, non! Vous devez áªtre plaisantez! Crap”

Marta giggled at Belle’s reaction “Well, at least I don’t need that last word translated for me. Let’s go to your bathroom, honey. I’ll get you fixed right up!”

Bob scratched his head in embarrassment “Uhhh, I’m going to catch up on some email”

Marta nodded “Why don’t you do just that. This is girl stuff”

Marta led Belle to the bathroom, followed by Sam. “Okay, sweetie. Let’s get you situated. Check your panties. Is there any spotting?”

Belle pulled her panties down a little so she could see the crotch. There was a good sized spot. “Yuck” she said in English, then “Oui, mama, un peu” Sam related what Belle had said.

“Sam, I think for her first period she should use a pad, don’t you?”

“Um Hmm. There’ll be plenty of time to learn to use a tampon later”

Belle, go change into your nightgown and bring a fresh pair of panties with you. Bring the cotton ones I bought that are a little fuller in the butt”

Belle did as she was asked, and found a pair the panties her mother told her about.

“Oh, and bring the stained ones here, please” Belle said okay from her room.

She came back in with the old underwear as well as the new. “Ok, put the new ones on but don’t pull them all the way up. Belle did. “Now here’s the pad. Pull off the tabs covering the adhesive and place the pad in the center of the crotch, right about where your hoo hoo is”

“Her hoo hoo?” asked Sam, laughing.

“What? I refuse to call it the ‘v’ word?” Marta sniffed. “I don’t like using that word. Never have and I won’t start now. It gives me the creeps”

Sam was laughing heartily. “Whatever, Marta. I can fix that with a couple of visits, you know”

Marta smiled. “I know, I have mommy issues. My mother was a bit straight laced, and some of it rubbed off. So sue me!”

“Call it her meow meow?”

Marta started laughing now.

Belle was thoroughly confused. “Isn’t it called a ‘pussy’?”

Marta gasped. “Belle Marie! Don’t use that term. It’s not ladylike”

Belle blushed. “That’s what the people who took me called it. They said I’d be getting a pussy”

Sam looked at Belle with concern. “Belle, that’s one term for it, but it’s kind of vulgar, and it makes your mom uncomfortable. Let’s stick to vagina or hoo hoo for now, okay?”

Belle giggled. “I like hoo hoo!” only with her accent, it came out like “oo oo”

Marta breathed a sigh of relief. “That works for me!”

Belle got the pad placed properly and said. “I feel like I’m wearing a diaper” Sam giggled and told Marta what Belle had said.

“Welcome to the club, sweetheart! Now put your panties in the sink. You’re going to soak them overnight in water”

Belle wrinkled her nose. “Mama! That’s disgusting! Do I have to?” Sam again translated.

Marta shrugged. “No, I suppose you don’t if you want stained panties. Personally, I think that’s what’s really gross”

Belle rolled her eyes and sighed. “This is just icky, Mama”

“I know, but we do what we must, and I’m not having you throw away a fifteen dollar pair of panties just because you’re a little squeamish. I put a little laundry soap in a container for just this purpose. Just fill the sink with warm water and pour a very little soap in with the water. Let it soak overnight and rinse them out in the morning, then put them in the hamper”

Belle followed her mother’s instructions, but she didn’t like it. “I can afford to buy new ones” Sam translated.

“Now what kind of an example is that? We don’t waste needlessly, no matter how much money we have. Don’t be one of those people who waste things. Remember what is was like to have nothing”

Belle was suitably chastised. She said “Sorry”, and hugged her mother.

“Now I want you to take this before you go to bed. It will help with the cramping and you’ll get a better night’s sleep” She handed Belle a couple of pills.

“Thanks, mama” Belle took the pills and took them with some water.

The grandfather clock chimed two o’clock. Marta had had a little too much water before bed, and was relieving herself. She was washing her hands when she heard movement in the hall. The alarm hadn’t gone off, so she figured it was Belle wandering about. She left her bedroom and padded into the hall. She saw the figure of her daughter sitting in the living room.

The teen saw her mother walking down the hall. “Hi, mom” The voice was clear and devoid of any accent at all.

Marta gasped. She talked to Belle in a whisper. “Belle! You can speak English!”

Belle turned to her with a blank stare. “I’m Brian, Mom”