Conner nodded, then he pulled Tracy into a hug. “Sorry about the wrong name.”

“It's okay.” Tracy answered as she hugged him back.

“Is this permanent?” Conner asked. “The boy’s clothes, I mean.”

“I don't know. I'm just so afraid.” Tracy replied. “I don't want it to be.”

“Well, hopefully you'll get over that fear. I want to see my pretty granddaughter smile again.”

Edited by Djkauf

More of Tracy, post pictures and Vance too

January 28th 1983

Molly Hallmark waited for her husband and children to leave the house before she turned down her television, and went to the phone. Despite what she told her kids about TV rotting the mind, she couldn't live without her soap operas. She just had to tell someone the juicy news she had and she had a couple hours before her stories started. In her mind, more people needed to know. The more that knew, the more people could help root out the evil perversion that lived in their community. She knew it needed to be done, to help keep the other kids safe from the freaks who were against God’s plan. She dialed, then waited as the phone rang. She heard the click and a voice answered. “Olsens, June speaking.”

“June, it's Molly. You will never believe what I found out last night.” Alice kept her smile away, only barely. “Do you remember Maggie Patterson? She and her husband William went to the church for a few years, then they left when those lesbians left?”

June thought about it for a moment, then she spoke. “Yes, I remember, should be about forty now, two kids, which I'd say....around ten and twelve?”

“The same. Robert found a picture at school of them yesterday and brought it home.” She fought to keep from shouting it into the phone. After all, it wasn't her children that were the filthy little perverts at least not the two who lived at home.

“A picture of what?”

“Of Troy, the youngest, wearing a dress. In public.” Molly replied. “The best part is that his mother was right there with him so she knows. I don’t think it was a Halloween costume either. Looks like the stores were advertising New Years sales.”

“Didn't I read something about them in the paper a month ago?” June asked. Molly could hear tapping on the other end of the phone and she was sure she had interrupted the woman doing a crossword puzzle. “I swear I saw something about Troy, his mother and grandmother being attacked, because I remember I almost called them to see how they were doing.”

“Scotty said something about that. I guess he found some kid stealing, or that's what Troy claimed. Claims the boy went to beat him up for tattling.” Molly smiled big, even though the other woman didn't see it. “But June, I think maybe that boy knew about Troy's...clothing perversion.”

“Possible.” The other woman scoffed. “I can't believe she lets him do it.”

“And in public.” Molly stated. “I don't know about you, but I don't want that kind of person around my children. Scotty may be a wild child, but he doesn't need that kind of temptation and perversion around him.”

“Well, I don't have any kids Troy's age anymore...” June stated.

“But you have a granddaughter. I think they'll be at the same high school in a couple of years.” Molly said. “June, think of little Cindy, you want that kind of person around her? You don't know what's in his mind. He may try to attack her dressed like that.”

“Maybe.” The older woman said. “It's isn't right, either way.”

“And if he's doing that, he's not right, in the head I mean.”

“True. Maybe we should talk to Maggie about it. She should have a stronger hand in dealing with her children.”

“My thoughts excitably.” Molly replied.

“Should we tell Pastor Stevens?”

“We'll talk to her first. We send over Pastor Stevens and she may not listen at all. At least we can talk with her, mothers to mother. Honestly, I don't care what her children do, but if she allows that kind of perversion from her son, I don't want that type of person in my community.” Molly said. “Think of what could happen. What if more freaks come here? June, this used to be a nice, quiet town.”

“Yeah. Just tell me when. The sooner we make this happen, the safer this town can be for the rest of us.”

“Let me call a few people. I think a unified front is best.”

“Okay, just tell me when.”

~o~O~o~

It was just after eight in the morning when Maggie and her youngest knocked on the door to her in-laws house. The door opened slightly and Conner looked out. When he saw then he smiled, and held the door open for them to come in. “Maggie. Tr...” He trailed off as he looked at his grandchild. He wasn't sure which name to go with. There was the child he had come to know as Tracy, but dressed as Troy. No smile could be seen and he watched as the child nervously looked over his shoulder as a car went down the road. “Troy?” He guessed

“No, She's Tracy.” Maggie said as she let Tracy go in. “But after those pictures, she's worried to go outside as herself.

Conner nodded, then he pulled Tracy into a hug. “Sorry about the wrong name.”

“It's okay.” Tracy answered as she hugged him back.

“Is this permanent?” Conner asked. “The boy’s clothes, I mean.”

“I don't know. I'm just so afraid.” Tracy replied. “I don't want it to be.”

“Well, hopefully you'll get over that fear. I want to see my pretty granddaughter smile again.”

Tracy looked up and gave him a warm smile. “Maybe.”

“Well, like I have always said.” Modine said as she came into the living-room. “You can't let others dictate your life. I know it's tough, but those pictures are out there already, so people know. So you should let yourself have some happiness. It's better then being miserable for the rest of your life.”

“I know, Grandma.” Tracy said.

“But enough of that. Let's get these lesson plans into place, okay?” Modine smiled at them. “And maybe if we get them done fast enough, we can whip up a little lunch for the four of us. Think my Granddaughter can help me with that?”

Tracy's smile brightened slightly. “Yeah. I can help.”

~o~O~o~

It was almost lunch where there was a knock at the door. The lesson plans had been set and Tracy had done some of her weekly cleaning. She was planning on doing the rest after lunch. But for now they were focused on making lunch for themselves and Conner. “I got it.” Conner said from the sink, where he was filling up a glass of water. The three women just kept about their work on lunch till they heard Conner open the door, then ask. “Afternoon Officer, can I help you?” this caused Maggie to turn and look towards the living-room. Tracy just stood there, a worried look crossed her face.

Modine headed for the living-room as Tracy and Maggie heard the officer speak. “Hello, I'm Deputy Kline. I'm looking for a Maggie or William Patterson. My records show they live next door, but no one seems to be home. I noticed the name on your mail box and figured you're family.”

“William is my son. Can I ask what this is about?” Conner asked.

“We're following up on a report filed by the Principal at Palermo Elementary school. I can't really say more then that.”

Tracy watched her mother move towards the living-room and she found herself following, but stopping just before she got to where the deputy could see her.

“Is this about the pictures?” Maggie asked.

“Ah, Mrs. Patterson.” The deputy's voice seemed to take on a cheerful tone.

“Do I know you..” She trailed off for a moment, then it came to her. “That's right, at the school, after the attack.” Maggie said. “If this is about the pictures, my in-law's know already.”

Tracy peeked around the door and watched as he seemed to relax a bit. As he made eye contact wit her she pulled her head back and just stood there, afraid that for some reason he'd blame it all on her, even though she was presenting as Troy. She went to the kitchen and stood near the stove, keeping her back to them.

“Please come in.” Modine said. “You want something to drink? Water? Coffee?”

“Well, I shouldn't be here long, but thank you for the offer.” He replied as they led him into the kitchen.

“So how can I help you?” Maggie asked.

He almost answered, till Troy turned around, his hair whipping around him in an almost girlish fashion. “Shouldn't he be in school?” The officer asked.

“He's in home schooling now.” Maggie stated. “Our eldest wanted to stay in for the sports.”

“Ah.” The deputy said As Modine and Conner took a seat, he took one as well. Maggie gestured to her youngest to come over and pulled out a chair. She waited till he was seated, then put an arm around his shoulders. The Deputy waited till all of them were seated. “We were contacted yesterday afternoon by Alvin Harper, the Principal at your son's school about some pictures and he told us that there had been threats made at the home as well?”

“Correct.” Maggie replied.

“And they're tied into the pictures that were left at the school?”

“Did you see those?” Troy blurted out, a look of fear crossing his face. If it had not been for his mothers arm, he would have bolted.

“Yes, I saw them. I was the one who spoke to Mr. Harper yesterday afternoon.” The deputy replied. He looked to the young child and held up a hand to stop any questions. “I'm not here to judge. I know some of the other guys may have their own thoughts on the subject, but if you're not breaking a law, I don't care.”

“Oh.” Tracy said.

“Thank you.” Maggie replied. “We didn't want this to get out, but with pictures left all over the school, it's hard to keep it a secret.”

“I can understand.” The deputy said with a nod. “Since it's just been at the school, we're thinking that it's from one of the students there. Did you recognize the voice as anyone you've gone to school with?”

Tracy shook her head. “No. It sounded older. It was a guy, but like he was older then me.”

“So it could be an older brother, or cousin maybe....” The deputy thought out loud. He wrote down a quick note and asked for a run down of what had been said.

“Well, so far he said he was going to come to the house and beat me up and show me my place.” Tracy replied. “He called three times on Wednesday, I only picked up twice, a friend answered the third call.”

“And the friend’s name?” The deputy asked.

“Mary Beth Higgins. She and her sister, Emily May came over after school to see how I was doing.”

“Higgins? She also received one of the pictures, I believe.” He wrote down another note. “Have you received any calls since?”

Maggie shrugged. “We may have, but after I heard what happened, we unplugged the phone till Thursday morning. Yesterday there were a few calls that I got, but no one said a word.”

“Okay. Have there been any other threats? Like at school or around the property?”

“Not yet.” Maggie answered.

“Do you think this is related to the incident in December?” He asked. “Have you received any threats about that?”

Tracy thought about it for a moment, then shook her head. “Just from Bruce's brother Clark. He was telling everyone that I had been in a dress when Bruce attacked me.”

“What's his last name?”

“Millet.” Tracy replied.

“Okay, we'll look into it.” The deputy said. “As for the phone calls, I can offer three suggestions. The first is to ignore them.”

“That will be hard.” Maggie replied.

“Yeah. The second is to get an unlisted number and change your phone number.” The Deputy continued.

“That would help, but that leaves the kid who is doing this out there.”

“We'll do what we can, but finding this kid may prove hard, that leaves the third option, we tap your phone.”

“Would that work?” Maggie asked.

“It could, but it would be more intrusive to your family.” The Deputy said. “But we'd need to get approval before we could do it. I do think changing the number and making it unlisted may be your best bet. They may give up when they can't call anymore.”

“Honestly, I want this asshole caught.” Maggie said. The use of her language made Tracy give her mother a shocked look.

“I can understand. I'll keep in touch and see what we can dig up.”

“Are you going to question that Clark kid?” Maggie asked.

“Yes, he's on the list now. I also need to talk to the Higgins girl, just to see if she's had any threats.”

“Good.” Maggie said. “Those girls don't need any troubles from this. None of us do.”

~o~O~o~

Emily May and Mary Beth walked down the driveway to their house. Neither had really spoken since they had got off the bus. Emily May swore she felt all eyes on her as they headed home and she was now glad that they had a couple of days away from the other kids. As they reached the front door a squad car came down their driveway. Emily May looked to her sister, who was just as confused as she was. When it came to a stop, the Deputy got out and smiled at the two girls. “Afternoon ladies. Is one of you Emily May Higgins?”

“I am.” Emily May replied. “Am I in trouble?”

“No, not at all.” Deputy Kline said. “But need to ask you a few questions. Is one of your parents home?”

“I...I don't know. I can check though.” Emily turned to the door and tired it. It swung open and she walked in. “Mom? Dad? Are you home? There's a cop who has a few questions out here.”

Their mother walked out of the kitchen, while she heard her father coming from the living-room. He glared at his daughters for a moment, then glanced to the deputy and then back to his eldest daughter. He walked past her and stopped at the door, which was still slightly open. Emily May grabbed her sister and whispered into her ear as her father began talking.

“What's the matter? Did my daughters do something?”

“Not at all sir. I'm following up on a report from the principal of your daughters school.” He said. “Yesterday she received pictures with a threatening note aimed at her, and I need to ask her a few questions about it.”

“This isn’t about the boy in the dress, is it?”

“It's about a series of pictures that have been left at the school. The school is treating them as a threat and your daughter was mentioned in one, as was two other kids. They are of a child in a dress, but I can't say much more then that.” Deputy Kline replied.

“Look, she's not his friend anymore. I wont let my daughters hang out with that type of person.” He began to close the door, but the deputy caught it.

Deputy Kline could see he was dealing with a closed-minded person, just like some of the other deputys, like the ones who passed on the case. So he decided to hit the father where it would do the most good, his children. “Mr. Higgins, you may not want your daughter hanging out with that type of person, but someone is threatening her along with him, so any information I can get from your daughter can help catch the person doing this and hopefully keep your children safe.”

Mr. Higgins thought about it for a moment. His wife stopped at his side and put a hand on his arm. “Let her talk. If she's being drawn into this, I'd rather they catch the guy before they hurt my daughter.”

“Fine.” He said. “Emily, tell him what you know. I'm going back to my show.” He turned and headed into the living room as Mary Beth came back to her sister. Together Mary Beth stood with her sister and Mother.

“Emily, I heard you received those pictures in a class of yours, correct?”

“Yes sir. Mr. Walkley's class. Someone had left them on a desk.” Emily May replied.

Deputy Kline looked to Mary Beth. “Has anyone left you a picture?”

“No.” Mary Beth replied.

“Girls, has anyone threatened you, or made threats towards Troy Patterson that you know of?”

“No, not that I've seen.” Emily May replied.

“Clark Millet was going around saying Troy was in a dress, before Troy got hurt the second time.” Mary Beth stated.

“He was hurt a second time?” The Deputy asked.

Mary Beth nodded quickly. “Yeah, someone tripped him, just before Christmas break. He fell and tore out stitches and hurt his wrist again.”

“I see.” He wrote down a quick note. “No other then that, no one has threatened you?”

“No.” Both girls replied.

“Now, I heard that you were at Troy's house when he received a call and one of you answered it.”

“I did.” Mary Beth answered.

“Can I ask what the person said and do you know the voice.”

Mary Beth shook her head. “I don't know the voice. But he said that Troy was just a fag in a dress and I asked who he was and why he did it and he just laughed.”

“I see. And is that all?”

Mary Beth blushed. “Well, I kinda got mad and slammed the phone down before he could say anything else.”

“Okay. Well I may be back if more questions come up. Till then keep your eyes open, okay?” The Deputy said.

“Umm...Sir?” Mary Beth said. She held out her hands and showed him the picture that their father had thrown away the day before, along with the envelope. “Dad got this in the mail yesterday.”

The Deputy smoothed out the picture, then he nodded, mostly for himself. He glanced at the envelope and sighed. “Thank you girls. Like I said, I may be in contact again, till then, be safe.”

“We will sir.” Both girls said in unison.

~o~O~o~

Vance made his way from his last class to the locker room to get ready for one of the last few basketball practices he'd have that school year. He wasn't the last of the players in, but he was noticed as he came in. Players in varying states of dress all got up, except one, and they all began grumbling and moving away from Vance as fast as they could. Vance sighed and rolled his eyes. Wally Higgins stayed where he was in the middle of a bench, still tying his sneakers.

“Look out, he'll try to touch you while you're changing.” One of the boys called out.

“Hey, Vance, do you wear panties like your sister?” Another asked.

“That ain’t his sister, it's his fag brother!” A third chimed in. Vance ignored them and went to his locker, worked the combo on the lock and tossed his pack in and pulled out his gym clothes and placed them on the same bench Wally sat on. As he pulled off his shirt, one of the boys spoke again.

“Better move Wally, he's gonna butt-fuck ya.” The first boy stated.

Wally finished tying his shoes and stood up. “says the guys who are naked and huddled in a corner together.” He stood up and quickly looked away. He was still unsure of the feelings he felt, but he knew that now wasn't the time to explore them.

This caused the boys to spread out, but none of them got close to Vance. He looked over as he began to strip out of his jeans. He stopped , raised an eyebrow and asked. “You all going to change? Or are you just getting off by watching me strip?” He moved so he was blocked by his locker door and stripped the rest of the way out of his clothes, then he pulled on his gym clothes.

A few of the boys hadn't moved yet and the coach walked in. He sighed as he looked at the assembled boys. “What are you waiting for? Practice starts in five minutes.” Wally walked past the coach as Vance pulled on his shirt, then locked his locker door.

“They all think Vance is going to attack them.” Wally said with a shake of his head as he headed outside. Vance began tying his shoes as the coach sighed, then shook his head.

“I don't care what you think. Vance is a member of this team, A member who helped us win the past few games, so instead of acting like little children and playing the cootie game, get dressed and get your backsides in the gym.” He turned to head out the door, pulling a bag out basketballs out of a closet “Patterson, take these to the gym.” He turned to the rest of the boys. “Last five of you there are running an extra ten laps, got it?”

Vance took the bag and threw it over his shoulder, then he did his best to chase after Wally who was almost to the office doors that led to the cafeteria. Normally he would have walked with some of the others, but he decided to go on his own this time. As he got close he smiled at Emily's twin. “Thanks.” He said and the two boys went in and headed to what served as a cafeteria and a gym. Wally just smiled in reply. Vance put the bag of balls down and opened it up and pulled one out. “Here.” He said, passing the ball to Wally, who caught it, then started practicing his dribbling.

After the team had come in the drills began and Vance gave it his best. Halfway though the practice, the trouble started. While running down the court, working on his dribbling, one of the other boys tripped him, causing him to hit the floor and skid.

Vance was barely able to keep from getting up and punching the kid. He got up and was running down the court when a pair of hands hit his back causing him to stumble. Once he got going again, someone else slammed into his side, causing him to stumble again. A few minutes later, another foot tripped him, this time a whistle sounded in the room and everyone froze. “That's it! Everyone take a knee, now!” The coach called out as he stormed over.

“Okay, I have had enough of the tripping and shoving. I don't know what your problem is, but it needs to end today. We got one more game to play and I want to go out with a win.” He began to pace back and forth as he scolded them. “I want to know what happened to my team? We're sixteen and three. Where is that great teamwork that we've practiced all season long? Anyone?”

No one spoke up again and not a head moved. “Boys, I don't care what pictures you saw around this school. I don't care what rumors you've heard about other students. When you're on my court, I want teamwork. Remember, there is no I in team. To win our last game, we have to give it our all. We start falling apart now and we may as well just stay home next week. Is that what you want? To show the school that none of you can truly work together? Or are you willing to get over your problems and start giving me you all on this court?”

This time he got a few nods of the head. “I don't know what you have against Patterson. He's been on this team since tryouts. Without his playing, I doubt we would have won our last two games. Face it, the last game, it was his last second throw that caught us the winning points. None of you had a problem with him then.”

The coach took a few steps, then he turned and paced back the other way. “This is a winning team and you should be proud of yourselves, all of you. But I find it hard to be proud of you when you act like first graders with the name calling and pushing. You're all teenagers. Almost adults, so start acting like it. Ten laps of the gym....Plus an extra ten from the people who got here last.” No one moved at first, then he gestured to the walls. “GO!”

~o~O~o~

Maggie and Tracy were back in their own kitchen, getting ready to make dinner for Vance and William. They still had an hour before her father was due to get off work and Vance was catching a ride with him after the team practice, but they wanted to have a nice, big meal when they got there. So they had started after they got back from her grandparents. Tracy still wasn't happy that the Sheriffs department had seen the pictures, nor did she expect much help from them.

Their work was interrupted by the ringing of the phone. Maggie patted her daughter on the shoulder. “I'll get it, you call if you need help.” Her mother didn't have to say what they were both thinking. They were both thinking someone had decided to pick on Vance and she was finally getting the phone-call.

“Patterson's.” She heard her mother say into the phone. Tracy looked at a clock on a shelf near the stove and realized it wasn't about her brother when her mother spoke. “Hello Mom!” As Maggie spoke this caught her daughter’s attention. She turned to look out into the living-room, but she couldn't see her mother in her seat. Her other grandparents rarely called. Her mother’s parents lived several states away, somewhere in the state of Wyoming. She could still recall a visit to their farm when she had been seven. But they normally only called around Birthdays and the major holidays.

She peeked her head out and looked at her mother, raising an eyebrow. “It's okay, I'll be in there in a bit.” Maggie said. “No, not you Mom. We're making dinner. No, Well Vance is at school still, but we had to take Tra...” Maggie had grown so used to having a daughter, that the word Tracy seemed to come faster to her lips then Troy did. She had been forcing herself to remember, but she still made the slip. As Tracy's eyes went wide, Maggie covered herself. “Troy out of school. I'm Sorry Mom, I'm trying to do several things at once.”

Tracy stood there, unsure if her grandmother bought it, so she waited, listening to the conversation as her heart pounded in her chest. “No, we're not sure if it has to do with the attack. Someone started to call the house with threatening messages and they are leaving pictures in several classrooms all aimed at Troy or his friends. We talked to the Sheriff earlier today, but I'm not sure what all they can do for us.”

Tracy slowly stepped back into the kitchen, now afraid of what would happen from her other grandparents. She knew her paternal Grandmother had been okay, but it had taken her being attacked to change her grandfathers opinion. She just wasn't sure how the other Grandparents would react.

Tracy began working on the food prep, doing her best to ignore her mother, for fear she'd hear another slip. After a few minutes she heard her mother hang up the phone and come back into the kitchen. Tracy scowled at her.

“I can't believe you slipped like that!” Tracy snapped.

“Baby, I'm sorry, but I doubt your Grandmother caught it. She never questioned me so don't worry.”

Tears filled into her eyes as she began to stick out her lower lip. “Mom, it isn't the first time. You slipped in front of Mr. Harper, too. Why do you do that?”

“Tracy, I don't mean to. I have a hard time not calling you Tracy.” Maggie moved to her daughter, then she pulled the child into a hug. “I don't mean to keep slipping, but it's so hard not to tell people about my polite, pretty daughter.”

“I just...what if they hate me? I already got some asshole calling me, what if they hate me worse then Grandpa did?”

“Language, young lady.” Maggie scolded. “But we don't have to tell them.”

Tracy was quiet for a moment and she went back to making dinner, finally she stopped and looked at her mother. “What did they want?”

“Well, it looks like that vacation they had planned this summer is being changed. Your Grandfather wanted to retire early, so they are getting out of Wyoming while the snow isn't bad. They may stay a week or two, then go visit your aunt Alice in LA. Then they'll go see your uncle Dan in Arizona.”

“So I gotta be Troy for as long as they are here?

“Well, Mom said they're bringing their camper, so you should be fine at night.”

“But it's a week of boy’s clothes.” Tracy whined.

“I still got to talk to your father, but if I say no, they may wonder what's going on here.”

~o~O~o~

Vance sat at the table after dinner and dishes, working on his homework. He reached into his pack for a notebook and came across the note that he had moved from his pocket during the day. He looked at it, then recalled his talk with Emily May. He looked up to see his mother and sister at the counter, working on making cookies.

“Hey Tracy?” he said. She looked over at him and smiled.

“No, the cookies aren't done yet.” She said without looking up.

Vance chuckled and then shook his head. “No not that, I mean I still want a cookie, but I got this for you today.”

Tracy took a step closer, looking at the envelope he held. When she spoke, her voice had a wary tone to it. “What is it?”

“It's a letter from Emily May and her sister.”

“Oh.” Tracy bounded over and snatched the envelope from him, then she tore it open and began reading the note.

Dear Tracy.

I'm not sure how to break this to you, but our father found out about you. The person who left you those pictures, sent one to my house with a note that the girl in the picture was a boy. So we've been grounded for going over to your house. Mary Beth is fuming about it. She wants to know who it is so she can kick his butt.

Dad thinks you're doing this and being our friend, just so you can rape us. I know, as does Mary Beth, that he's stupid, but Dad hates everything. He's going to be calling each house we go to, when he lets us, so getting over to your place may be a bit hard.

This isn't the end of our friendship. My dad can take a flying leap. We are still your friends, we'll just need to figure out how to meet up again. But this is why I don't want him knowing about me. I'm afraid of what he'd do if he found his daughter liked girls and not boys.

Well, I hope to figure out a way to see you soon. We both loved being at your place the other day and want to do it again.

Love, your friends
Emily May and Mary Beth

P.S.

Mary Beth had a great idea. Ask Vance if he'd mind us sending letters through him, it's one way to keep in touch.

Tracy folded the letter as frustration welled up in her and she blurted out, before her vocal filter could catch it. “God Fucking Dammit!”

“Tracy.” Maggie scolded. “I don't allow that type of language in this house. I'll let it slide this time, but you're not too old to wash your mouth out with soap.”

Tracy blushed from embarrassment. “Sorry ,Mom, it's just this letter.”

“What's it say?” Maggie asked.

“Whoever took those pictures sent one to Emily May's dad. He won’t let them come over here, cause he thinks I'm going to rape them.”

“That's...Total bullshit.” Maggie said as she rinsed her hands in the sink, then she dried them off and took the letter from her daughter and read it.

Vance stopped his homework again and looked up. “I told her to get that picture and take it to Mr. Harper. He may be able to do something else. Isn't the mail watched by the FBI?”

Maggie looked at him, raised an eyebrow, then smiled and nodded. “I think it is. Hopefully she can get it to him.” Once she read the letter, she gave it back to Tracy. “I'm sorry he's doing this to you sweetheart.”

“It just su... .” She stopped and looked at her mother who began to raise both eyebrows. “I hate it I mean. What did I ever do to the person who took those pictures?”

“I don't know, Baby.” Maggie gave Tracy a quick hug, then went back to mixing the cookie dough. “I'm sorry it's being done though.”

Tracy read the letter again, then sat in her seat and smiled at Vance. “Vance? You know you're the greatest big brother ever, right?” William walked past his two children and stopped long enough at the bowl of cookie dough and pulled out a bit of the uncooked dough and popped it in his mouth. As he reached for a second bite, Maggie playfully smacked at his hand.

“I am?” Vance asked.

“And I love you lots, too.”

Vance began to study her features, trying to figure out what she was getting at. William laughed. “Watch it boy, she's buttering you up.”

“Daddy.” Tracy said in that whiny voice, then she smiled at Vance. “If I give you letters for Emily May And Mary Beth, could you give them to them? And maybe bring theirs to me?”

“Sure I guess.” He said with a shrug.

William laughed again. “What's wrong with you boy, barter for something.”

“Oh, yeah....” Vance looked to the cookies that his mother was making. “I want the first cookies out of the oven.” William chuckled and shook his head.

“Okay.” Tracy agreed, knowing full well that each of them would have some of the first batch.

“Then, yeah, I'll take your letters to them.”

“Thank you Vance.” Tracy said.

As William headed back to the living-room, he put a hand on his sons shoulder. “Son, we need to teach you have to wheel and deal with women.”

Maggie patted her shoulder. “You want to write out a note now, or wait till tomorrow so we can do the cookies together?”

“I'll help with the cookies.” Tracy said with a smile. “I'll write a letter before bed, so I don’t forget.”

~o~O~o~

The cookies were done and Tracy was ready for bed, wearing a nightgown for the first time since the pictures came out. She was still scared, but she realized that no one would see her this late at night, and she missed the feel of it. She sat at the table, pen in hand, trying to think of the best way to respond to her friends. A part of her was hurt that they couldn't come over anymore, but she knew it wasn't their fault. She knew many people would hate her for what she was. She tapped her pen against her notepad a couple of times, then she started to write.

Dear Emily May and Mary Beth,

Thank you for the note. Vance says he'll run the letters back and forth for us. I'm glad too, you two are the only girls I am friendly with here in town. I wish that Sage and the others lived up here, but what can you do? I am sorry about your father. I wish he wasn't a jerk, but once again, what can we do.

We talked to a Sheriff’s deputy today, he doesn't seem hopeful, so Mom is thinking of changing our phone number and making it unlisted. If she does, I'll have Vance tell you the number.

Tell Mary Beth that I'll miss being in class with her. I wish this hadn't happened. But I really wish I could be myself and people would just let me be.

Well, before I get mad, again, I'm going stop writing. I hope to see you both soon.

Love, your friend Tracy

She put her pen down and read the letter again, then once more. As she was tearing the paper out of the notebook, she heard someone walking into the kitchen. She stopped and looked up to see her father smiling at her. “You okay in here?”

“Yeah, Daddy.” She replied.

“I'm sorry about your friends. I know there's some small minded idiots out there, but to take away two of your friends, it hurts.” William said.

“Yeah.” She agreed again, this time nodding. “It hurts, but I don't want them in trouble.”

“They're probably hurting too.” William put a hand on her shoulder. “But you never know what tomorrow will bring. Their father may let them come over again.”

“I hope so, or it's going to get lonely here.” Tracy shook her head. “I wish that we lived closer to Rachel and Sage too.”

“I know. If I had my way, you'd have an army of friends and never be lonely again. But I don't have that magic wand to wave.”

“I know Daddy.” Tracy wrapped her arms around him. “It just....I hate this. What did I do to this person? I haven't hurt anyone by wearing what I want?”

As she leaned her head against him, he could hear her start to sniffle. “I know baby. Like I said before, some people get off on hurting others. It's not you, but them.”

“It's them, but I still get the nasty end of the stick.” Tracy stated, making sure to leave the swear words out.

“I know.” He patted her back. “While I got you talking, are you going to be okay if your Grandparents are here for a few days?”

“I don't know Daddy.” Tracy replied. “I'd have to be Troy while they're here. I guess I could still be in my nightgowns at night, but what if they see me? What if they hate me like Grandpa Conner did?”

“We won't know that till they get here.” William stated. “Are you wanting to let them meet Tracy”

“Maybe?” Tracy shrugged. “What if we wait and I show them Tracy before they leave?”

“That's a possibility.” William nodded. “Why don't you get to bed and we can think about it over the weekend when we've rested, okay?”

“Okay.” Tracy stood up and hugged her father once again. “Thank you Daddy.”

“For what sweetheart?”

“For being the best Daddy ever.” Tracy said with a grin.

Yay, Friday the 28th is over!!! Now to move the story on again. Will more of the brown stuff decorate the fan? Or is life going to look up now?