Luckily for Danica, Mom was a strong-willed person and she knew by the second night Danica should have been there. She confronted Dad to find out what was happening and plainly said it was no time to divide the family.

She could use Danica when she got home the following day or the day after. “I have recently got to see and be there for the daughter I never had. If Danica sees herself as a girl and daughter I for one want to give her the chance to be a young woman and a daughter to me, her mother.”

“She is already known as our niece and I expect when this mood passes on, Carl will be back. So, for now, that will be my compromise and I want her, helping at the house.”

It was 6:00 pm. when I received the call. I had been to school at Middlesex and had a good day with one exception. Learning Mom was in the hospital was the second and I knew I would get over both. With Robert and Dawn’s help, I was to the hospital by 7; the coldness of my Dad and a brother indicated why I did not know earlier. Right now my focus was on loving and visiting my Mom. As a family, we usually did well in uniting at such times.

Mom said she would either be released tomorrow or the next day and she asked if I would be okay helping her. “Mom how can I help you; you should already know I would love to.”

“If you stay a bit late tonight or come tomorrow so a nurse can show you." I looked at Dawn and knew we could stay a half-hour after visiting hours.”

While everyone was there, it came time for a nurse to check her. The nurse excused others and asked me to stay and observe. I guess it made sense but I didn’t know there was a urinal designed for women.

Nor had I known of the scars from Mom's previous surgeries or how beautiful she was despite the scars. I can’t believe it at such a sensitive time, I asked, “Do you think if I remain as Danica I could be as beautiful as you?”

Mom laughed and smiled and the nurse said that was sweet. I guess it wasn’t so insensitive. Mom grabbed my hand, “You are to be a beautiful person one way or the other. Come prom night you should have seen this young lady, I was jealous of her.”

Nurse Jennings replied, “So I guess she does take after you. Danica, if I weren’t trying to instruct you I would have seen that.” She had me rub a skin cream over my mother’s back and massage it in. “Remember like with make-up a little can go a longer way than one first thought.” She checked the drainage site and told me while the tube would be out I needed to religiously check it out and make sure it was clean and not draining.

I was quite humbled that I would be checking my Mom and helping her like this.

The nurse asked me if and what I could cook or do around the house. There are only two of us left at home but my brothers and I learned to cook some and do a lot around the house. It was a joke, we were supposed to grow up and make some good woman a good wife as well as a husband. One would think such a family would be more sensitive to one, like me. I rattled off a list of what I could cook and shared my Mom had a file of recipes for whatever we were to cook.

Nurse Jennings said, “You should call my little sister Mary Skibb and give her some lessons.”

“You’re Mary’s sister, I knew she had one sister two years older but I didn’t know she had an older sister your age. I use to sit behind her and I love her long dark hair. I tried to be a friend but she was way too smart and pretty for me.”

The nurse said, "Yes, I am an antique, nine years older than her, and three years older than your oldest brother. I will need to make sure I don’t speak about who I saw in the hospital. But if you did get to give her a lesson in cooking… You can tell your family they can come back to visit… I will still want to visit for about fifteen minutes after visiting time. Thanks for helping I think you will do fine.”

Dad came back in and had a few questions for me, like when I would move back in and what help I needed. I was told I could help my mother but I wasn’t to be in the bathroom when she was in there if my help wasn’t needed. You know the bathroom is small so don’t be planning on leaving your make-up in there and or do things you can do in your room…

I said, “The room has a desk not a vanity, a small closet, and is designed and decorated for a guy, but I will try to make due. I suspect I will move home tomorrow and I need help moving my stuff after school.” Robert volunteered himself and Dawn, but I knew Dawn had chorus practice for graduation.

Dad said, “I hear you had a good day today with only one problem, what was that?”

“Dad it isn’t a big problem and I am sure you don’t want to hear it anyway.”

I knew dad would ask again and not back off but insist I tell him. “I am sure you don’t want to hear it but insist. The guy who took me to the prom didn’t have anything to do with me today. He heard I need to date another guy before I could date him.” I was right neither my Dad, nor brother wanted to know.

I said, "Brother if you need anything done for Friday or this weekend please makes sure we know by Thursday. I will do what I can but I won’t be hassled and still be expected to be nice. And Judy if there is anything I can do for you please let me know. If Mom, can’t be at the promenade, I will get there and take some pictures of you, but I expect we will manage to get her there and back.

Seemingly Judy accepted me and found me cute, I am not sure if she believed I was a niece or knew I was Carl. Drew was not angry with Judy, but he didn’t like it. Judy shared they would stop at the house before going to the promenade.

Drew spoke up about my moving back to the house, saying he and Judy would be willing to help tomorrow but closer to the prom would be harder. I went to give him a hug for saying he would help, but I paused thinking he might be uncomfortable. Judy came over patted me on the back, then my brother stepped up and gave me a light hug.

We would as brothers hug if it was significant. Judy stepped forward hugged me and whispered, “You feel more like my sister, Carl doesn’t have bumps.” I could not help but laugh out loud. Others asked what was said but Judy winked and it stayed between us.

I was glad when visiting time was over and I could receive the rest of my directions for taking care of Mom. Nurse Jennings also gave me five minutes to visit with my Mom alone.

“Carl, I want you to understand, that being Danica is in many ways is a delight to me. Carl has been precious, so it is an emotion-filled time for everyone. I am looking forward to getting to know Danica and have a daughter.” We did more visiting but it was personal and as much as looks and touches as words. The goodbye and goodnight was a mother-daughter experience, a joy for both.

Robert stopped on our way back to get something to eat as we missed our meal, but he did most of the eating. Danica followed Dawn’s lead eating light this close to going to bed. Aunt Susan allowed me to use some containers and to take all the hangers I needed the next day. I did not realize how many things I had until I tried to get them ready. I knew that would not go over so well with part of my family.

I was following Dawn’s schedule except for gym class. Wednesday had me in home-economics and Dawn was working on a nice skirt and top outfit. The top was about done and the skirt pattern had just arrived. Ms. Larkin asked if I could cut out the pattern and pin it. She could tell by Dawn’s expression she did not want me to practice and ruin her skirt.

Ms. Larkin measured me and then showed me patterns and material she had that would be appropriate if I wanted to try. Since they were extras I could do a skirt for $10. I picked a light golden yellow color. With a little help and having to start over just once, I got a good start on pinning the pattern to the material. Ms. Larkin permitted me to come back in the afternoon while Dawn was at the gym.

I was asked if my mother had a sewing machine and if she could give me some lessons on a few stitches I would need. I told her I'm staying with my Aunt and she is just coming home from the hospital. It would probably be Saturday before she could give me any lessons. "Well let’s see how you do with the lessons before we decide on the lining."

Before school and then again at lunch I saw a guy who looked nice but seemed to be a loner. When at lunch I asked Dawn if she knew who he was.

Dawn thought his name was Mitch but needed to ask Zach. Zach told them he was a senior and a very nice guy but he was quiet and while girls liked him he never seemed to date anyone.

Zach admitted they were friends though not very close, I asked if it might be possible if we could double date. Zach, “Well if you're going out with him you might want to ask soon since he graduates Sunday. Dawn clued Zach in that it would be him asking for Danica. He agreed to do so after school or that night.

Girls in the next class asked Danica if they could call her Dani. So Dani quickly became my nickname at school.

I was excited to get back to Miller’s and to start packing. I wanted to get back home to see Mom, hoping she was already home. I tried calling the house but received no answer. We just started to load the Miller vehicle, when Drew and Judy showed up. Judy came from a very good family and had nice clothes; so when she said she was jealous of my wardrobe, I thought she was kidding or teasing me.

Dawn had to ask why I didn’t say thank you. She told me I was out of line jumping to the conclusion I did. I went up to Judy alone and apologized, and tried to explain myself. Judy smiled saying, “No, I meant someone had really good taste.”

Dawn overheard us and said, “You should see her in the prom dress, she wore last week.”

“You bought a prom dress and wore it to a prom. I want to see the dress and pictures.” Moving got delayed over an hour as seeing the gown and pictures lead to my modeling it for her. Drew and Robert had some coffee; I was not sure Drew knew what was going on and I didn’t ask.

Judy asked who picked the gown and how did all this come about. Dawn spoke up, saying the stories were too long and we should get going. Judy told me to turn around and she undid the back of my gown, tapped me on the shoulder, and told me to go and change.

I was in heaven but was worried that my world would come tumbling down. We got the one vehicle loaded and decided that it was enough to take home.

Dawn knew things that were not yet in the vehicle but were essential. She ferreted them out and they were loaded into Drew’s car. Aunt Susan was now home and came instead of Robert.

When we drove up, I quickly knew Mom was home and rushed into the house to say hello and give a hug. Drew brought in Mrs. Miller and Dawn and I reintroduced everyone. Our neighbor Helen was over as well. I was surprised when I turned around and saw my grandmother Nana. My hands went up to cover my face in surprise, I was ready to cry.

Nana smiled, welcomed a hug, and then whispered she knew but my Uncle Tom did not. I quickly knew that meant Uncle Tom had brought her as she no longer drove. “You are very pretty and I am glad you will help take care of my daughter, but you and I will need to talk sometime.”

Dawn’s phone rang and she answered it, then I heard a scream, “You’ve got a date. (pause) That is if you can and want to go”. Drew was not happy but he or anyone else said anything. Mom smiled, I think she can, but we need to talk first.”

The five of us moved things into my room and no one commented much about what or how much was brought into the house. I learned that Uncle Tom planned to leave Nan until Friday, but they were going to change their minds. That was until I said I would stay in on the couch downstairs in the wreck room. Dawn helped me to fix the room and take downstairs what I needed. We checked my Uncle’s car and brought in Nan’s luggage.

The Millers excuse themselves and left. Dawn called later to see if I was going to school in the morning and if I needed a ride. That would mean more than an extra half hour for them in the morning. I was moved that I had such recent friends who treated me special...

Dad joked that I had gotten home too late to get dinner so they would need to go out to eat. I said they could but that Mom Greene should stay home and I would take care of her. Nan agreed about Mom needing t rest and that it was the men who needed the big meal. Mom always had a supply of meals she had frozen for any time when she had to go to the hospital. I found a container of frozen ravioli that she had made and frozen in a sauce. I got those out and set them in the microwave for a slow defrost. Nan would cook up a chicken broth as well as prepare some dinner rolls.

The men left for dinner, Judy drove herself home, as Helen went back to her house, leaving us three women at home. The slow defrost of ravioli gave me time to check my Mom. She had both seeped some drainage as well as needed to go to the bathroom. Nan was surprised to see me help Mom. She took over but then allow me to clean her up and give her a fresh change of sleepwear.

Grandma said, “This was one of the better times your mother has had, coming home and adjusting. Having a group of men who tried, often contributed to a stressful transition home. You are good medicine for your mother.” I expressed thanks and Mom expressed her appreciation. I excused myself to cook up the dinner and see if there was another simple dish I could prepare.

I set the table and put a small pillow on Mom’s chair. She smiled as she ate and I appreciated her expression of thanks, “The best meals are the ones I do not cook; Danica, this truly is a fine return home.”

Nana asked about how all my changes came about and Mom took over the explaining. She was about halfway through when I said it was time to get her back to bed and rest. I helped her to get ready and back to bed including washing her after dinner and taking care of things and helped her to bed.

Nana sat with her and they talked. I cleaned up from dinner and set the dishes into the dishwasher and got that started.

Nan knew better than to ask how I did it all, the big difference was I did it without being hassled to do so. The men were back by 10 and my uncle was on his way back home. Dawn called wondering about the date. I could have said ‘No', but it meant being delayed in seeing Mitch and being able to date Jeff again. So I asked Mom and answered some twenty questions before I receive permission.

I would go to school but I would be an extra 20 minutes late as I needed to help Mom. Dave, my oldest brother, gave me a ride to school at Middlesex. Like my Dad, he was not pleased with what I was doing, he would not say anything around Mom, but his ride to school was an inquisition.

I held my ground and was not deflated, “This is me, live with it or stuff it.” He gave me a second-hand compliment as I walked away, “For a sister, you are at least a good looking girl.”

It was fun talking to other girls at lunch; they enjoyed my insights to guys; they were a big learning curve for me in becoming a girl inside and out. Dawn used my help in getting ready for a test and helped me in preparing for exams I needed to take. While she was much smarter than me, math was a problem for her and my strength. We had fun helping one another with papers and getting ready for exams. During the class, I was called out of class. My schedule for taking my special exams was given.

On my way back I bumped into Mitch emptying his locker and we talked. He’s a shy guy, but smart and easy to talk too; we were both excited about the date. His mom walked up behind us and Mitch introduced me. “You are as pretty as Mitch said. I would hope if your date goes well you will join us in celebrating Mitch’s graduation. It would be nice to have someone like you to share in his day. His Aunt Betty has… never mind… though she’s my sister, I wouldn’t mind if she ate some crow.”

I wasn’t sure how to respond and was glad in a way that my Mom’s health gave me an out. “I am discovering
Mitch to be a special find and I do expect we will have a good time on our date. But with a sick mother, I can’t easily say what I can or will be doing Saturday and Sunday.”

The Principal came through saying hello to the others and that I needed to get back to class. I kissed Mitch on the cheek and said he should call sometime.

Dawn’s locker had a taped note “For Danica… from Ms. Stephanie Johnson”. The note inside said she was an old friend of Ray’s and my sister, Michelle. When she knew Danica from way before the Prom Dress. It sent shivers up my spine.

Michelle was adopted and some three years older than Dave, but estranged from the family for reasons I never understood. It was taboo to ask about her and other things I never figured out. Except for Michelle, I never thought much about it. I was told they had nothing to do with me. Michelle lives some five hours away the last time I heard, but it might have well been 5000 miles.

Dawn informed me that Steph Johnson was a High School Teacher and was a chaperone at the prom. “I bet she has a picture of you from the Prom. I remember her taking some photographs. When I got home and told my Mom about the note. Her facial expression changed and she told me, I was not to mention the note or her name to anyone.

She said she would talk to me later. I needed to help her, then shop for food and make dinner. (Carl had a traumatic episode in his life that is known to some and may soon again be known to me.)

We talked about our day, Mom with her mother and Dave and Dad stopping back in. She did take it easy, going out on the porch once. She was more comfortable having me home for the rest of the day. I added a feminine touch with a bit more strength and stability than her mother. While it wasn’t all pleasant work or things I naturally did before; the mother/daughter relationship made being there for her very gratifying.

I shared my day at school and my project of working on my skirt. Mom’s work with me on her sewing machine paid off and the skirt was nicely taking shape and with Ms. Harkin’s help, I was even doing the lining. Mom encouraged me to put in the slits up the sides making sure they did not go up too far but would help the skirt in the front to lie down and not rise. Mom said, “It is better to leave things to a guy’s imagination instead of a clear view.”

“Mom, how can you say that to your daughter?”

“I have four sons and Carl knows all too well what I am saying.” We both laughed as I blushed. I told her about bumping into Mitch and then his mom and being invited to things for his graduation if I enjoyed our date. I told Mom I felt caught a little. As Danica, I likely would enjoy the date and him. I'd possibly even enjoy being seen as his girlfriend, but I know I'm needed to be at home with her.

“You are right that I will still need you sometimes these coming days, but you are not going to be hiding behind me, to avoid decisions you need to make. You have decided to be Danica for now. If you want the family to make decisions for you, you will be back to just being Carl. That will not be a bad decision if it is your decision.” We talked some more before I decided I would choose to help Mitch on Saturday from 10:30 — 3:00. Even going to his graduation reception probably could be arranged.

Thursday evening went well until Dad got heated up hearing Michelle’s name and about my note from Teacher Stephanie Johnson. Dad insisted he was not willing for his family to go through those experiences again. I thought things were quite unfair as the fuss concerned me, but no one would tell me what happened. By the time I went to bed I was relieved I had an appointment with doctors Myrt and Deb tomorrow.

Once again taking care of Mom and saying goodbye to Nana had me late in getting to school. I saw Jeff and thought it odd that I had a conflict of emotions between seeing him, Mitch, and what I was beginning to feel about guys in general. Under my breast forms and between my legs, I was experiencing sensations I hadn’t noticed before the last few weeks but now they were growing.

It was a relief to be going to the doctor. Mom was well enough to go to the visit with me. Aunt Susan gave us a ride. Part of me felt embarrassed while part of me was excited to be in the waiting room of my Gynecologist. The nurse called me back and showed my Mom and Aunt to Dr. Myrt’s office. I was pleased that I had lost four more pounds, but the nurse did not share as much as before but wrote things down for the doctor. Dr. Deb examined me and treated me very well but she too was a bit more reserved than before.

Dr. Deb did take much more time visiting with me and asking a lot of questions. Some I knew were medical, some were to hear and understand my experiences. She seemed more interested in my ability to be or give up being Danica. The concern seemed to have more significance than I was being told. Yet she was quite sensitive. if I cried.

I got dressed again and we went to Dr. Myrt’s office to visit more formally there. I was asked more directly by Dr. Myrt about whether I wanted to be Danica or Carl. I became defensive and shared I did not think I was ready for such a decision. I thought it was unfair and surprising that they would be pushing for such a decision.

They acknowledged that it was not fully their desire either but two things were making such questions and related decisions more important. Dr. Myrt calmly asked what I remembered from earlier in my life. Then said the time I didn’t remember was more significant to me that others had let on. My feelings of identifying with girls and liking their things did not just begin to grow in significance since I was 10 as I thought.

Before the Prom Dress and before Danica; I saw myself as Carl/Jasmine and that I was hurt badly when I was seven and people decided then I needed to focus on being Carl. Dr. Myrt did not say much more about that but changed topics. They explained that my body had delayed puberty but was now trying to begin. That they needed to decide whether to delay it or to aid its development.

I asked, “What if I as Danica am not ready for Carl’s voice and body to change?”

Dr. Deb spoke up, “It may not be Carl’s development we are worried about? You have spoken of some sensations you are feeling and the mood changes you are experiencing. That indicates your body may be developing more like a female.

Dr. Myrt spoke, “It is not just whether it is your female organs or your male organs that are developing, but that for you puberty is coming late and your development may need medical assistance to properly function.”

"To complicate the situation, this is stressing your family situation and it might help if you went to live with the Millers or with someone else for a while. I was overwhelmed and broke into tears at this point; I was not easily consoled. Mom, Aunt Susan, and Dr. Deb surrounded me to console me. I felt guilty as I was not ill in the same way my mother was. I felt a strong sense of will and stubbornness welling up inside of me.

“I and others may need some space and maybe there are things that are out of my control, but I am not just going to be pushed here or there. I am not going to abandon my mother or give up my opportunity to be here for her as her daughter. I am not a yo-yo, or guilty of being me. I am very upset that something happened to me that I don’t know about.”

“If Aunt Susan is here because someone thinks I need to go there. It may happen but not today, I will have this weekend to be there for my Mom and she for me. Pardon me but you will see one ugly ‘B * h’ in a moment!”

Most everyone went silent including me for a moment then it was my Mom half smiling and half crying that broke into laughter hugged me and said, “Your wisdom amazes me young lady and I am glad you are my daughter.”

Mom said, “Yes it might be helpful if not essential you stay with the Millers for awhile. But I too want you to be with me the next few days and my daughter always.”

Dr. Myrt had been to see other patients and was now back in the office and was being updated her Intern Deb. She seemed to be relieved but stated we still have a ticking clock regarding Carl/Danica’s development and the use of blockers and/or hormone therapy. Regularly Danica would be too young for female hormone therapy. Dr. Deb’s research convinces me we may have a young woman who could be harmed more by delaying our helping her.

They went on to explain that it appeared I would over time develop more like a woman than as a man. Without proper attention now my hormone development was too weak to help me to develop to be a functioning woman.

I asked to meet with Drs Myrt and Deb alone. I told them, “I am afraid, by living with the Millers I would lose Danica’s best friend. I needed support and guidance that would strain their family with me. It does not call for a decision today. I liked the idea of finishing the school year as Danica and just being me for a while. But sometimes something will need to be done.”

Dr. Myrt said she understood, but didn’t think a traditional foster or group home would be good and a good situation would take time to find.

We met with my mother and agreed to begin a light regiment of female hormones now. It was also agreed that I would begin seeing a psychologist to be dealing with my emotional and mental well-being as well as my transgender issues. It was a Dr. Sara Stanz, whom she was recommending and an initial appointment was set for the Tuesday after school was out.

I felt bad as we were riding home and I took out my phone to call Dawn and Mitch to cancel our double date. Mom interrupted me and Mrs. Miller agreed that it would probably be good for me to go out and relax. It was early enough with only a little rush I could help my Mom, prepare dinner, get a shower, and ready for my date.

Poor Mitch came to the door to pick me up and was given a cool greeting by my father. Mom was quickly present and made the atmosphere a bit warmer. My outfit was cute, even if it was I saying so. Mom and Mitch said the same. The skirt was slightly above the knee but would slide up nicely when I was seated.

Mitch agreed to take care of me, have me home on time, and treat me with respect. Gruffly my father said, “Whatever.” Mom chimed in for us to have an enjoyable time.

Zach was driving, he and Dawn helped Mitch to relax by the time we got to the diner. We decided to go to the later show and just get a small bite and visit. It was helpful for Zach and Mitch to have been friends. Zach kind of guided the conversation with Dawn’s help.

Before we left the diner Mitch and I were visiting pretty well. When we got to the car, I kissed Mitch on the cheek to say thanks for the dinner. He greeted me with a warm hug. He apologized for being too forward. “A warm kiss on the lips might have been forward, but I think I would enjoy it.” With that said he spun me back, hugged me, and kiss on the lips, with a hand softly touching my chin.

Mitch was not strong like Jeff, and his touch and warmth were very pleasing. The movie had a good blend of romance and action that everyone found enjoyable to see. Fortunately, Mitch’s warmth and attention caused me to miss a fairly good part of the movie. I felt myself getting hot and felt a sense of joy that deep down it was the birthing of the girl in me. I knew Mitch had become excited as well. I did all I could from getting too forward with him too fast.

Unfortunately, I was picked up last and dropped off first. It was over an hour before Dawn or Denise would reply to me texting them. We each took turns talking about how our nights were. Dawn praised me for being a good girl. I was amused as Denise, Dawn, and I was on chat together. I could sense their affection for one another as well as show their interest in the others' night with their date.

Mom had left a note that Dr. Deb had called and asked if I would like to go biking sometime. I ended up agreeing to a short ride of five miles at 5:30 a.m. I was up and enjoyed myself with Debbie as she asked me to call her apart from work. Her idea of a leisure ride and mine had to do more with the fact she was in good condition and I was not.

We stopped by a bike shop on our way home, and the owner was there for a bike club that met there. He and Debbie showed me a few bicycles: lightweight, 24-32 gears, there was more information than I understood. I found a bike and helmet I loved and Debbie and I took it for a spin. We ended at my house and I found out my boy’s bike had been traded-in.

My bicycle was an inexpensive bike four years ago, and the new one cost over $500 before the helmet, warranty, and taxes. Debbie said it was her sanity money as she was now finished med-school and had income coming in. She asked if we could go to the graduation reception the next day as cousins or friends because I needed a ride.

I would end up enjoying both and felt like Deb was more like a big sister. She was a close friend; someone I could confide with about things that I didn’t even ask Dawn about.

I found out Debbie did have a boyfriend. He would come with us to Mitch’s reception and he was a good-looking guy, but as she said a better company than a long-time love.

That morning Dad apologized for how he was acting and thanked me for being there for Mom. He tried to say more, but could only get a phrase out and then stopped and could not go on. I sensed he felt angry, a bit guilty, and hurt about a thing that happened or would happen. I wasn’t sure if I was thankful or angry that he tried.

I excused myself and helped mom with a shower to begin her day. Dr. Deb checked my Mom as well as watched how I cared for her. “Your Mom has made remarkable progress. I am sure that has to do with your care, along with your mother’s strong constitution. Mitch was over by 10:30 and I was ready to get out of the house.

Mitch’s mom, Dorothy was very warm and welcoming; Mitch’s dad was out playing a round of golf. The house was already very clean. We were doing a lot of the extras, getting coolers, and giant tubs, as well as tables and extra chairs ready. Part of the time I worked with Mrs. Klein; I enjoyed her talking about Mitch. She was quite happy that he and I were dating.

Mitch and I worked together a fair portion of the time. He had quite a sense of humor that I was getting to appreciate. He too was on the school’s baseball team. While he was not considered a star he was considered an important player and contributor. I guess, I unlike others equated his quietness, computer geek nature to his being discounted as an athlete. Half of his full-ride scholarship to college was for baseball. Monday, their team had one more game they needed to win to qualify for the state playoffs.

I missed playing sports this year, but my life was busy learning to be a girl.

Mitch’s Mom bought us sub-sandwiches for a late lunch and shared we were about done with their projects. I could tell by Mitch’s expression and Dorothy looking at other things it was not true. I saw her look repeatedly at the windows.

Windows are low on my welcomed list of chores, but I did have an idea to make them more enjoyable. I volunteered to do the downstairs windows as long as I could if Mitch was willing to clean the outside windows upstairs and down. Dorothy was relieved, and Mitch was willing though not presently happy. Dorothy would help me with our windows which cut our part in half. It was almost the bewitching hour of three when I needed to get home.

I had just finished my last window of the day and raced outside. Mitch had finished the upstairs windows and was working on the main floor. I came around to find the hose and first teased Mitch and then gave him a good squirt. With any luck, I would have my first wet shirt and bra experience. Mitch was too much a gentleman and wrestled away the hose, despite getting wetter.

I needed to go to plan B and grabbed his water bucket and began to charge him. He gave up being nice and hosed me down. I did succeed in getting him with the bucket of dirty water. Happily, I was soaked from my top up. I got to wear one of Mitch’s baseball jersey’s home. We exchanged kisses in the car. I raced into the house for my room but stumbled. Dad complained, “You must have gotten a bit indecent, besides wasting my time, you should be ashamed of being out like that.”

Mom told Dad to stop and be quiet. I began to tear, “How can you be so cruel, when I love you and Mom?” Mom wanted to help me to my room but it was I who needed to be caring for her. “Let me change and collect myself, then I will be out to help you and I'll prepare dinner.”

I was making fried chicken, potatoes, gravy, and a vegetable. Tonight I had Mom at my side and I was her little girl this time. Mommy was letting me cook and she gave directions as I carried them out. It was funny how much Nana and Mom differed in cooking, though they often used similar recipes. Mom measured everything and Nan used a pinch of this and poured in ingredients knowing what a cup was without measuring it. They both kept a close watch over their meals and taught me to cook having everything prepared within five minutes of the other dishes.

I wanted to change the meal as it was a favorite of Dad’s. I didn’t want to be pleasing to him. My oldest brother with his wife and daughter showed up unannounced and Dad quickly invited them to dinner. Frying more chicken, adding potatoes, and cooking more vegetables was not a hard fix.

I was steaming and my mother noticed. Was my wanting him to ask if we had enough food was unreasonable?

Mom told me she prepared many meals angry at me or another person in the family. It might take away her appetite, but she tried to make the meal just as good.

The dinner went well; but I didn’t need to worry, as dad wasn’t pleased, “It isn’t like what your Mom makes, not even close.”

Mom said, “Danica, you did good, it’s too bad Nana is not here to enjoy it.” I was disappointed others did not speak up, though everything was eaten. I had baked an apple pie before I started dinner. I wanted to save it for Sunday dinner, but they chose to have it tonight. I ate my piece in the kitchen and then went to sulk in my room.

I wanted to text Denise to update her on what was happening, but I was required to help Drew with the dishes. My niece came to visit while I was drying the dishes. She was disappointed I did not have girl toys from when I was younger. Drew laughed and shared he knew where a box of Michelle’s toys was. But they couldn’t come out today and have our niece ask about Michelle.

By the time I was back to text Denise or Dawn they were out for the night, and while they would respond, it was not an ongoing conversation. I helped Mom with a few things and then got into shampooing her hair and redoing her fingernails. My niece Jamie liked what I did and we soon had permission to do her nails. This included doing her toenails in two shades of pink. She and I wanted to do it a bit wilder, but they did look cute and better for Sunday.

Mrs. Pfister called around 9:00 pm. to see if we were going to church and if Danica could help by sitting with her and her children. Mom called me and had me talk to Mrs. Pfister. It would be her first time back at our church. It was a chance for me to go to church and see a lot of people I knew and allow my Dad to be reasonably comfortable that I was there as a niece sitting away from them with Mrs. Pfister.

It was already a very warm morning so I wore one of my sundresses and carried a wrap I could slip on if the AC was too cool. It was like a warm mini-reunion seeing the Pfisters. Jane, the eldest daughter said, “My daddy had come home for a visit and he would be living at home again soon. Mommy said you know daddy sometimes wears dresses but we should not be talking about that around other people.”

I asked Jane if she had seen her daddy dressed like a woman? She told me “Yes, but she looks better since mommy helped him. He’s to dress as himself when we go out and most of the time we are home.” We were no sooner seated and Jane and little Drake said they needed to go to the bathroom.

At two, Drake was wearing big boy underpants that needed help in pulling down. We hurried to the women’s restroom a distance away. I needed to take Drake into a stall and help him with his underpants and get him on the toilet. I was outside the door until he said he was ready. Luckily he only peed and I did not need to wipe his butt.

Jane was ready and waiting as I helped Drake to wash his hands and brush his hair. We were back just before worship began. It was just before the Gospel reading and Caroline began to act up and I grabbed the diaper bag and Caroline. I first tried to give her a bottle there, but it was obvious she would need to be changed as well.

After worship Mrs. Pfister visited with my parents (Aunt and Uncle), Dad expressed a deep appreciation for his niece helping her Aunt. I would have been really hot if I was not so close to tears. I was thankful I could walk away with Caroline in one arm and Drake holding my hand or wrapped around my legs.

We went out for dinner and I did not have to cook. When we got home I needed to attend to Mom’s needs, get her to rest. I got ready for Debbie to pick me up for Mitch’s graduation reception. Debbie’s Les was driving and I am sure he saw and knew me only as a girl. I had text Mitch that I was on my way. Zach was on the road to direct us to a parking spot saved especially for us.

Dorothy’s Sister Leah was quickly over and gave a snide compliment saying she was delightfully surprised such a cute girl was showing up. I returned the compliment with my own zinger. “Aunt Leah, it is an honor to meet you and you are as beautiful as Mitch said, I am surprised as I did not know you were twins.” In reality, Dorothy was just over two years older than Leah. I was pulled away by Debbie and she required me to apologize to Mrs. Klein and if she felt helpful to Aunt Leah.

I apologized to Mitch’s Mom and was encouraged to go my way and spend time with Mitch. I don’t think I ever had so many pictures taken of me. Mitch’s friends, guys, and gals were complimenting me, saying Mitch deserved someone pretty like me and I was a smart young lady.

Come 7:30 Mitch was ready to get away and visit receptions of fellow class members. I had Deb’s permission to be out until 9:00 and to call her to let her know where I was to be picked up. Mitch drew a lot of attention at other receptions and was enjoying his time in the limelight, finally recognized as someone special.

I called Deb and was picked up and told while I would get to say goodnight and check on my Mom, my stuff was already moved to the Millers where I would be sleeping tonight.

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To Be Continued…