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Part 7 - The Challenge
 
Waking up the next morning was easy as I had no choice. Marcy was standing over me saying, “Get up and ready we are going to the beach.” I tried going back to sleep but Marcy threatened me with a cup of water. I quickly showered and put on a bikini with a halter top and shorts on over them. We were to pack an overnight bag anticipating to stay overnight. I was certain it was a decision already made.

We were on the road within fifty minutes; Marcy and Deb were in the front seats and Lacy and I were in the back seats. Brice’s regular reaction would be to catch some sleep, but the four of us got talking as well as singing. We were using route 70 and heading for the Indian Beach/Salter Path area. Marcy said it would be their last fling of the summer before she and Deb were back to the University.

I was going without my breast forms as Marcy said that would be best for tanning. I would be the smallest up top, that would not be easy on my ego. Marcy told “Bri relax and enjoy yourself. We will stay to ourselves for the first few hours on the beach. It’s the best way to enjoy a girls’ outing.” The others agreed and I was looking forward to getting to know Lacy better as well.

It took us about an hour and a half to get to the ocean and settled onto the beach. Though we would be staying off to ourselves, taking off our shorts and tops did draw a lot of eyes. Marcy pointed out they were not all men who were watching us either. And like us, most of the other women were staying to themselves for the rest of the morning.

I asked Lacy, “So are the other women sizing us up as completion or out of interest?” To my surprise, her answer was simply “Yes.”

When I asked her thought about what she said, “It’s the best barometer you get for how you are coming across. Other women notice more than the average guy and since you get to say yes or no if they have further interest, it’s nice.”

Wondering I asked, “Does that mean you might be interested?”

Marcy coughed and when I didn’t understand, “Unless two women discuss otherwise, the first one she might be interested in is the woman she is with.”

I wasn’t sure what to say at this point but I knew I was turning a bit red and looked over at Lacy wondering if she was interested in me. Lacy broke the ice, “Let us just enjoy the day and plan to be friends.”

I did find myself now thinking and looking with the idea of seeing more fully the people and scenery I was looking at. After our first venture into the ocean, Lacy and I sat on the beach on the edge of the water rolling onto the beach. There were quite a few boats and ski jets out a short distance, and a few ships further to the horizon.

We talked about guys in particular and people in general, about what we liked and found interesting. The more we talked about guys the more of a look came over Lacy, She was thinking about something more. Finally Lacy asked, “Would it be okay if I asked a personal question, it goes back to when you first came and sang with Carrie Underwood?”

I didn’t answer right away but looked at Lacy, looked away, and then back thinking. Finally, I thought and asked, “Would it change our friendship?” I took and squeezed her hand.

“I don’t think so,” was her response and she squeezed my hand back, held it and suggested, “Could we walk down the beach?” We walked and she would quietly look over. A warm expression encouraged me to speak.

I stopped and turned to her, holding one hand, “Please ask me what you want to know.” Lacy smiled back in response and gave me a hug.

“Are or where you a boy; more precisely a boy who really is a girl?” I liked the question; it gave me some thought she was seeing me now as another girl.

She pulled me to sit back down again; this time we were facing each other and tears were collecting in my eyes. She pulled out a small cloth from her bra cup and gave it to me to dab my eyes.

Instead of a simple yes I told her about coming to North Carolina with Pop Pop for Amanda’s wedding and how things happened. “I think others knew before I really did and it took even longer for me to acknowledge. Carrie, Ruth, and Pop Pop were the first to realize it was probably more than I was willing to say. But honestly, I still didn’t believe it. It wasn’t until my Mom gave me permission to be her daughter Brianna.”

Lacy cut into the conversation, “I saw the awkward Tomboy they said you were, and there were some real girl things about you. One time, you were with your Pop Pop and he rubbed his whiskers on you as a grandpa will do to a girl. It reminded me of my grandpa and me, and he held you on his lap like a granddaughter.” I thought back and now I remember seeing Lacy in the Storm’s living room. I wished even then I could have had a friend like her.

“I appreciate you asking me Lacy and I am still in the process, of dealing with trying to be Brynn, actually I amstill be taking time to decide if I wanted to go on as Brianna or go back to being Brice and back to my family in New Jersey.”

“You said you’re still ‘transitioning’ and ‘was to be deciding’,” Lacy asked, “does that mean you have already decided?”

“Yes, I am continuing as Brianna and the Storms are already accepting me into their family.”

Lacy smiled, “I don’t understand being transgender, except it is more than clothes and makeup. What does it mean for you?”

“I didn’t understand who I was or why I was seen as different. When I was a little boy it felt normal to want to play house or with other girls. I liked girls with long hair, wishing my mom would brush my hair. I wanted to wear girl clothes as I saw girls could wear boys clothes, but I knew it was not right for me to wear a dress. I was a teenager and snuck to wear girl clothes and looked up to girls as athletes and someone I admire, I knew I was different.”

"But you’re right I saw things in simple terms and thought I understood. When I dressed as a bridesmaid for Amanda’s wedding I thought I had achieved what I wanted. What I did find out was there's more to who I am.”

“Lacy, if you’re not turned off, maybe you would be willing to help me learn who I am and help me to understand what it takes.” I looked at Lacy as she sized me up. “I am small enough to wear this bikini as well as I now need this top.”

Lacy was now giggling, “You weren’t always small enough, but most didn’t see it because they weren’t looking for it.”

I hoped she was kidding me but I became more self-conscious as we walked back. We were back to being girls when Lacy asked, “Is it really possible that you could call Carrie, so I could just say hello?” It was Jeanette whom I was able to get on the phone.

“Hi Jeanette, yes I am back in North Carolina and I have a special friend, I want to introduce my friend Lacy to you and Carrie.”

Jeanette told me, “Carrie is out to dinner with her husband. Carrie will be excited to know you called and if it were crucial you are one of those I could ring through. You know she will call you back, I just hope Lacy is there when she calls.” Jeanette was happy to know we would be together for the weekend.

Jeanette reminded me of the concert in New Jersey the last weekend of September. She told me they were considering adding a third performance to concerts there as they were about sold out for the two scheduled performances. It was nice to hear from Carrie. They’re offering buses to run from NC for the added performance. It would be a good promotion for Country music in the northeast as well as for Carrie to come back to North Carolina.

Just as we were ready to end our conversation, Carrie called back to Jeanette. It was ten minutes later and Carrie called my phone and Lacy got to speak with her as well as me. She said she would be in the recording studio earlier in September and would send me a cut of another song to learn for the Jersey concert. I was excited about the concert as well as hopefully have my family there.

When we got back to our spot on the beach we took a dip in the ocean and back on the beach and our blanket to sunbathing. But Lacy had us comb out our hair first and then renew our protection with a light sun-block so we could tan. I would have used a timer for turning, but Lacy’s head was even better. Lacy had some romance novels that excited the girl within me.

I would look up and around to see if there were any guys nearby that I could substitute for the story’s characters. I was amused by how my imagination now responded to fit my new life. Lacy’s expression indicated she knew my thoughts as well.

When Deb and Marcy came back to the blanket, Deb mentioned a sign carried over the ocean about a karaoke contest that evening not far away at Morehead. They said it would make for a fun time. We would be able to dance as well as sing. Each half-hour the place would have three or more singers and then dancing. The final completion would be just before Midnight for those who qualified earlier.

I was expecting Marcy and Deb to compete which they did and performed well. During the final hour, my name was announced as one of those selected for the last chance to qualify. Since I wasn’t known there and appeared younger than most the crowd seemed surprised when I sang. Though the song “Jesus take the Wheel” wasn’t strongly received.

Singing about a cheatin’ boyfriend was more to the liking of the crowd as I sang in the final sign-off. We won a free night’s lodging. The hotel was pleased as we were the first from their hotel to win the contest.

Sunday morning I woke to my cell phone ringing; it was Pop Pop calling to see how I was doing. I got into a soft chair and we visited well over a half hour. Pop was tickled to talk to me with my softening voice and the new way of looking at life. Talking on the phone excited me in anticipation of seeing him the coming week.

The last portion Marcy was sitting with me and I was getting a greater appreciation for what Pop Will meant to Marcy and the Storms. I was wrapped in Marcy’s arms feeling like her little sister. I don’t know if there is a greater feeling than belonging

A good while after we hung up with Pop Pop; Marcy and I visited about him. Deb and Lacy had joined us and they enjoyed our sharing stories about him. I knew him since I was born and Marcy knew him the past eight years. He was one of those rare adults who could listen, be there for you and focus on celebrating your life and not fixing you. When I was in his arms I felt like a stuffed animal held gently and loved a lot.

Lacy and I were sitting on one sofa with our hands cupped around hot cups of tea. I looked at Lacy’s face and I saw the same soft eyes and lips I saw when with Carrie. We really were ready for the ocean which was across the road. For some unknown reason, we got up ran across the road and down the beach and into the water. We can both attest now that there are things about night clothes that are not made for the ocean. Our bottoms had trouble staying up and our tops were a bit more transparent when wet. Luckily Deb and Marcy were watching out for us and brought over some towels as well as shorts and swim tops.

I had seen girls get dressed with towels wrapped around them and today I would gain that experience. But first Marcy and Deb would have fun, not getting any closer than fifty feet from the ocean. Holding ones bottom and covering one’s top for that distance was humbling, red-blooded American boys were more than willing to come over and be our audience.

With shorts on and tops in place, the morning on the beach once again was fun. Lacy set her site on one stag and I set mine on his friend. Within five minutes they were hooked and we only hope they enjoyed the time as we did. Dean was not only nicely built; he had a good head on his shoulders. Even nicer the two of them were from Clayton a mere 20-25 miles from Garner.

It is nice to have a guy who is taller and swims well when one is out in the water. He’s like a floating rock with padded shoulders. Come to noon Dean and Joe would take us to lunch, but unlike being a guy, wet sand in my shorts begged a quick shower and change. I had changed to my light blue two piece suit with shorts and a light cotton top. Light on the make-up and my perfume and I were quickly ready as was Lacy. We brought money and our purses as Lace said, “To be treated by a boy is nice, and to be stuck with a brat is not.”

I got a cantaloupe slice covered with berries for lunch as well as a peach smoothie, figuring right that Dean would get a burger, fries, and cola. I wanted some fries but not a full order. This was ideal for a person who loved taste without all the calories.

Lace got up to use the women’s room, and I heard a fake cough when I forgot to get up and go with her. It was good as it helped to check my makeup and quickly talk about the guys away from them. Lace smiled, “He really likes you so don’t think you need to give him the ‘candy store’. Let him become a friend; if I am right he will travel to see you.”

The trip back to the beach became quite telling. Dean and I were sharing a very warm kiss. I had leaned over and when we were done my hand fell into his lap. He was embarrassed and I accidentally got Lacy’s attention when I said “Ou.” My hand started wrapping my fingers around him before I pulled back.

When we got back to the beach and parked I wanted to help him in the worse way but did not want to establish a reputation especially the possibility of one like that. Dean had fixed himself the best he could and carried a towel that he threw down just before he ran into the ocean. I waited on the beach until he waved me in.

I couldn’t believe I was suddenly a fourteen-year-old girl who would like to have this seventeen-year-old guy. I know I can’t even when I can’t get pregnant. I remembered a time when I found a brother shaking like a leaf. His girlfriend was late with her period and he was now scared she might be pregnant. A week later I asked him what happened; he told me, “She said she finally had her period, but seeing her expression I wasn’t sure what happened, all I knew I wasn’t there for her.”

Marcy came over to me and Dean in the water and I pounced into her arms. She asked me what was up. I wasn’t in her arms more than a minute and she dunked me and said, “You two should go play Frisbee or miniature golf.” She whispered in my ear, “Bri cool down or I am taking you home right now!”

We stayed in the water for a while but I was kind of in control of me and that was enough. I didn’t want to stop feeling what I was experiencing, and just enjoyed the day for coming this far.

We took a long walk on the beach and we went to a dance that night. I found I liked slow dances where I could sink my hands into his back pockets and lean my head on his shoulder. I guess I sang along with one of the songs. He complimented, “Joe and Lacy, you should hear her voice, it’s as pretty as she is.”

Lacy started to speak, but then she thought the better of it. I thanked her later, “I appreciate your not mentioning about Carrie. I want him to like me for being me and not someone’s friend. Nor do I want a lot of requests pressing on our friendship. We knew he or others would find out sometime, but hopefully after they knew me better.

I had noticed a guy who had been hanging around most of the day; first at the beach and nowhere. “Dean, do you know the guy over at the counter?” I indicated who it was and Dean hesitated to respond and then finally acknowledge “Rob’s a friend.” I suggested he call him over.

Dean was actually with five friends, but Rob seemed to be the odd person out. His long hair wasn’t that unusual for a guy but it was better-taken care of and so were his hands and nails.

I wasn’t going to do my nails, but I reached into my purse and pulled out my pink nail polish. When Rob bit his lower lip I knew and asked him, “Would you mind if I did your nails?”

He was going to say ‘No’, but I interrupted him. “If I do then I and maybe Lace could dance with you without others getting jealous. We girls dance together all of the time.” I already had a hold of one hand and he relaxed as a coat of pink went over his fingernails. He was Joe’s younger brother, but neither acknowledged that until after Dean told me.

“I am glad you guys have Rob along,” I was telling Dean. I hope some time if or when you come to see me, he can come along.” Dean gave me a hug and a kiss. I was happy to be with that kind of guy. Rob and I dance twice and Lace, Rob and I dance another time. People were not generally seeing Joe’s polish though I believe several groups of girls did.

The late night ended with the four of us talking and then Lace and me. Lace asked about my time with Dean at the beach. It stirred again my desires as a girl, my juices were stirred. During our discussion my nipples were again aroused; even between my legs, I was feeling something. I had planned against it but I broke down and told Lace how bad I wanted Dean. She giggled but gave me a hug so I wouldn’t be offended.

When we finally lay down to sleep, Lace was lying down behind me. She had me explore myself, repeating the thought, “Being me is beautiful, being a girl stirs inside me.” Come morning are arms and legs were entwined and the waking moment was wonderful. Marcy knocked on the door and was inside before we could respond.

“So are you just good friends” she smirked.

The ride home was even more enjoyable than when we came. Marcy drove just a short distance out of our way to see the town of Dean, Joe, and Rob. We were teased some, though we enjoyed every minute of it.

It was nice to be home, ha, this is home. Marcy was packing some stuff for college as I was eyeing the time I would soon have her bed. I also helped Marcy to take stuff over to the apartment she would be sharing with Deb and another friend. I looked forward to being invited over. But with Faith, I knew I was second in line.

Lace, Faith, and I liked shopping for new school clothes. I was growing to like shopping therapy more and more. While buying is the ultimate, window shopping and trying on outfits are neat unto themselves. I don’t have all it takes to pull off a naughty girl look or overly sexy, but it is fun to pretend.

Ma Storm isn’t big into society and social outings for her girls, but she does like them to be well rounded and know how to carry themselves in various setting. The Belles and Gentlemen’s Ball in the Tri-Cities in the fall is one such gathering. Faith gets to take part in this year as well as next. I need to wait at least a year and two if a Gentleman doesn’t ask me. But looking at dresses as well as learning southern etiquette and dances should begin this year according to Mom and Lacey agreed.

I remember being a Jersey Yankee and watching old movies, I was taken by the cinched waists and lavish southern gowns. Mom liked taking me to the doctor and seeing the maturing of my body. I was seeing Dr. Jayne Phillips now as my Gynecologist and Transitioning Doctor. She was part of the University Hospital at Chapel Hill.

On Thursday it became a confirmed decision that I was transitioning to become a woman as well as formally Brianna Grace Storm. I had my moments of tears joyous as well as grief. Pop Pop was bringing legal documents from my Jersey family. I would miss my father and brothers, but I couldn’t go back to who they wanted me to be. I was glad they could legally be cited as Uncle and cousins with the possibility that someday there might be understanding or acceptance.

Tag came over as well as Lacy; I liked seeing Tag again and gave him a kiss and hug to emphasize it; but why don’t boys call ahead. I don’t like being put on the spot. But I knew it was the way Brice would have done it if he had the nerve. Mom was having Lacy go with me to the school to check my schedule for the coming year.

Garner Magnet High School is unlike many, it has an International Baccalaureate Program as its premiere offering. I suspected I would need to work hard to get into the top program within a year. I had already relieved myself of that expectation for this year. Mr. Williams greeted us to show me the schedule he had worked out and one scheduling problem still to be worked out.

I would have German with Fraulein Schmidt; I was picturing what she probably looked like. I also had Algebra, U.S. History, Women in Literature, Biology, in one credit classes I would have Band/Orchestra, choir/voice, Dance and Art and Life Skills.

They wanted me to take one more major class. Students at Garner usually had another language they had already started. They were hoping by my junior year I would begin my third language. I suggested a class in German studies: to understand the culture, customs, and history of the German people. I knew several of my ancestors had come from Germany and knew some of their struggles.

Mr. Williams, not wanting to say “No” had called Frau. Schmidt as she was in the building. He hoped she would break the bad news to me. When Frau. Elisabeth Schmidt came into the office she disarmed both of us. She was a 29-year-old teacher with great academic credentials as well as a warm personality. She would not turn down my request; saying “It is a wonderful idea but you need to know with me it would be very demanding. It would be an independent study that I would invite five to eight other students to consider.” She did quiz me to make sure my understanding and interest was not limited to Nazis Germany and was glad I truly did have a broader understanding.

She was quickly taken by my interest when I said, “Most of my knowledge of German ancestry and history comes from a male perspective in a male-dominated society. Many of my great-grandmothers have usually been known by first name and minimal background. I would like to learn if they saw coming to America as a source of freedom for them as well.”

She, Frau Schmidt, asked me to take a German name for class purposes of staying in character. I asked not knowing if it was German or not, but the possibility of Sophia as sisters Sophia and Elisabeth had come from Germany in the mid-1800s. Their mother Marguerite was believed to be a woman of Greek ancestry married to a German man. She gave me a warm hug, “I can see you will be a wonderful student if you live up to your potential.”

“You do not think I am up to the task,” I asked?

“I do well to serve you notice, I would not have said yes if I did not think you can do it. But I am German and can be a hard taskmaster. I do not want you to hide behind your looks any more than I would.”

Mom said, “Touché, she is challenging you, young lady. Let me see you sing your way out of this?”

“This would not be Bri Connors the country singer via New Jersey nine,” Elisabeth Schmidt spoke up.

“No, I have trouble singing American songs. Please do not be unrealistic and expect anything in German,” I sadly said.

“It is just that I am getting married next week and received word last night our singer cannot make the wedding now.”

“It would be an honor but I am sure you know others that you could and should go with. My Grandpa is coming either tomorrow or Saturday to visit and I am not sure how long he will be here. Time with him is precious.”

“I understand and would not press you to sing; I had thought of Marcy and wondered if she has ever accompanied you with the two of you singing or if she and Debbie Hach played together for a wedding.”

“Ms. Schmidt would you please contact Marcy and ask her directly about your wedding,” I asked? “I would be willing to help if she says yes. She knows better than I about her capabilities as well as mine.”

Counselor Williams was now excited about my taking an independent study and arranged several of my study times so times Miss Schmidt might have more choices for setting meeting times with students for that study.

Grandpa called late Friday afternoon after he stopped for the night in Virginia. I was excited as Brianna was very much now and permanently his granddaughter. Mom Storm had been sending him pictures so he knew how girly I was actually becoming.

Tag and I went out that evening with Lacy and her date. Like with Dean, I found myself enjoying being with a guy and no longer feeling that I was another guy. The tag showed me around North Carolina State University. He liked when I turned to him to hear him better. He would pull me close and whisper in my ear. Then it became nibbling and frenching my ear.

That night Ma Storm and the next day Pop Pa asked about my date and I found myself keeping some information to myself. It was not so much of feeling ashamed as I was growing up as a young woman and one does not any longer share all information.

I did give Pop Pa a big hug and kiss. Making sure he felt my beautiful head of hair as I felt his rough face. He asked me to sit next to him, “It won’t be long and you will be too big to be held on my lap. You might already be too big, but I enjoy so having a memory of my granddaughter. …Your Mom tells me you might be taking part in another wedding next week. You will be even more beautiful than before if you do.”

“Thank you, Grandpa, I think you know how special it is to hear you say so. Do I still look like Grandma Grace?”

Grandpa looked with a smile on his face and a tear in his eyes saying, “Even more so.”

Marcy came downstairs to greet Grandpa Will. “Grandpa, Bri and I have been invited to sing at a wedding next Sunday. The Bride Frau Elisabeth Schmidt has invited you to the wedding and reception to see you, granddaughters, can you come?”

“Let us talk about that tonight as I take all my granddaughters out for dinner, and I know that includes one grandson by marriage. I hope your older sisters can help Bri look extra good for her Grandpa Will,” Poppa said.

“Grandpa Will,” Faith chimed in, “we won’t have to help her much she’s naturally pretty and becoming more of a regular girl on her own.” Faith came over to Grandpa Will and gave him a big hug and greeting. It dawned on me, how much, my brothers and I had been taking my grandfather for granted, but to my Sisters and now me he was always special.

Marcy said, “Grandpa, you should have Faith and Bri put on a fashion show of their school clothes.” Grandpa agreed and we were sent to each model three school outfits. One was to be a regular school day, another a special occasion and the third was our choice. Along with a change of outfits a change of hairstyles would also be required.

The regular school day included a minis-skirt, camisole with a button down blouse mostly open over it. I had a new rose pink satin gown Mom wanted me to wear to the Junior Teens Social. Marcy helped me pin my hair up and do my makeup, I chose the jewelry and other accessories, with a nice pair of 3” silver heels with a matching purse. When I was all the way out I twirled and went into a slow dance moves. Poppa lost his breath saying he saw a glimpse of the young woman he took out and married. The last was a denim skirt, with a white peasant blouse with flowers brochette across the front. My hair was into a high ponytail and I was wearing a nicely fashioned pair of riding boots.

Faith and Marcy knew that Grandpa would give five dollars for each outfit modeled and usually gave an extra five or ten dollars for an, especially good show. We got the ten dollars for was he said was a great fashion show. I kept on my last outfit as I plopped into Grandpa’s lap. I first felt him touch and run his fingers through my ponytail, and then used his hands to lightly touch my face and skin. We were both making up for the granddaughter he had longed missed.

Brice didn’t feel at all bad as I knew; I too had a special relationship with Pop Pop. Brianna was making it okay for Grandpa to move on. Brice was still there but happy that I now appeared as Bri.

I didn’t know a Grandpa could celebrate his granddaughter’s life so much. He showed me some pieces of jewelry, most of which I recognized from my mother. Some I had never seen but knew were special pieces a ring, necklace, and bracelet. These had belonged to your Mother, Grandmother, and your Great-Grandmother Gussie, Augusta. Gussie’s father was a jeweler so these pieces are special in more ways than one.

One ring that Grandpa had me put on was especially old and beautifully crafted and when Grandpa put it on it fit like it was made for me. I cried as Granddad told me it was given to my great grandmother by her father on her tenth wedding anniversary. “Great-great Grandpa Mager gave it to her then so he could enjoy her having it.” I was crying for joy by this time afraid I would forget but knowing I never would.

Everyone came around us and “Ou and aah” were heard round about us. Lacy had come over some time during the fashion show, but it was not until now I heard her and felt her hug. Grandpa told us, “My mother believed her father made the ring while he was still in the old country which meant it would have been before 1860. A jeweler told your mother he too believed it was an old world ring because of hits set.”

Poppa handed me an old pouch with drawstrings saying it was what his mother used for jewelry safely put away. “Poppa would it be okay for me to wear it to dinner tonight,” I asked? He drew me to him and kissed me on the forehead, “I think that would be very appropriate. I would suggest you Momma hold on to it most of the time.” I smiled at my mother in agreement.

Mom suggested outfits for her girls wear mine being the one I wore to Mandy’s rehearsal. I am not sure if Mom did it intentionally for me to learn how much I have changed in a short time. The dress fits nicely as I now filled out the hips and the dress now flared very differently from before. Mom was happy for me as I came out and twirled in front of her. “It is so much nicer looking now, don’t you agree to mommy.”

Mandy and Rick stopped at home, saying it was Grandpa Will’s order, so we wondered what were the plans. Grandpa was dressed to the T’s, better than I had ever seen him. When he sat down all four granddaughters were buzzing around him like bees. “Grandpa Will… He was in his element with the attention and more so when the Limo driver knocked at the door.

We were quickly whisked off for Margaux’s in Raleigh; my sisters said it would be a good night out. I was sitting next to Grandpa as he complimented my getting into the limo and sitting down. Faith spoke up, “Yes, she has quickly picked up the ways of a fine woman.”

Grandpa lifted up my hand to see the ring, noticing how much more it was glimmering. “Yes, Momma cleaned it gently while I got dressed,” Mandy asked me to lean forward and to lower my head as she came across the limo. First with the point of a comb repositioning some of my hair, she pinned a fine piece of jewelry in my hairdo.

“Mother Storm said it would work well. What do you women think,” Grandpa asked? I would need to wait until I was near a larger mirror. I was always anxious to hear Marcy’s opinion but she paused, waiting for Mandy and Faith to respond.

“Grandpa Will it is exquisite; is that from her Great-Grandmother too,” Faith asked? “Brianna seems to blossom in a special way to be connected to her Grandmother and Great Grandmother.” I felt a tinge and goosebumps as though my grandmother or Great Grandmother’s spirits stirred inside me. Grandpa wrapped his arm around me and I nuzzled into him.

“You look fantastic Bri, but be careful you don’t smear your make-up,” Mandy said. She took my hands to comfort me. “My little Bridesmaid how precious you have become.”

We arrived at Margaux’s but had to wait to be let out by the chauffeur. I put one foot out the door as he offered me his hand. I and my sisters waited and escorted Grandpa into Margaux’s. Marcy and I had wraps that the maitre de helped us with. Marcy took me over to a large mirror to see the jeweled hair pin. It was definitely not inexpensive nor a recent piece. Two couples came in after us and the women noticed my jewelry. “Well young lady, can we take a closer look and admire your jewelry,” one asked.

“Grandpa, is she wearing a family heirloom?” the other asked as they looked closely at the hairpin and noticed the ring. “Margaret, did you see this exquisite ring? Young lady these are very fine pieces and if they are family that makes them so much. It looks like they were given to someone who appreciates them.”

“I never got to know either of them; it is like I have pieces of them. My Great-great Grandfather was a jeweler and made the ring. It is nice and means more than you imagine having your interest.” We gave each other hugs and women’s kisses before we went to our seats.

Another teen girl came over to our table asking, “Are you, Brianna Connor?” She wanted my autograph and her mother took a picture with us together. The Maitre De asked us not to sign autographs while dining, but then asked how we were known. When they found out I had sung with Carrie Underwood and Olivia Newton-John they had their own interest in talking to me.

“We are having dinner with our Grandfather let us do it is peace, and if I get a request I want to respond to I will go outside with them. I wouldn’t want to disturb anyone.”

I asked, “When did each of you think I might actually become or be Brianna?”

Marcy, “When you agreed to sing with Carrie I first thought it and then come to the wedding rehearsal I told Mom you would be Brianna even when we went to the shore.” Mandy broke in, “Every time I saw her the week of our wedding, I saw another part of Bri as a real girl. More Brianna and I walked around and talked and the more I tried to bring out Brice, instead, I heard Brianna talking to me as another girl.”

Grandpa enjoyed the discussion, “I want to thank my Storm Granddaughters for the good hands I have put Brianna into. I think Bri is going to enjoy being a Storm and growing as a girl.”

“Bri, I am also proud that you already have given back to your family here as well as making your Grandma proud.” I was smiling as I was enjoying the idea I was connecting with my grandmother as well as my new family. ‘Bri’ was now ‘Grandpa’s little girl’.

Faith spoke, “So Grandpa Will, will it be like having your first granddaughter or your fourth granddaughter?”

“She will be my first granddaughter by my children and I am glad I’ll be there when it becomes official,” Poppa said.

Poppa noticed my expression and smiled, “Your doctor here has scheduled Monday for your surgery and Tuesday or Wednesday has been set for you to become officially a Storm, Miss Brianna Grace Elizabeth Storm. And I am here to be part of your extended family,” Pop Pop said. With his saying that my ring gave a soft glow and each of us looked to the other, to see the reaction of 0others. But everyone saw it; Grandpa quickly said, “I think it’s your Grandmother being overjoyed to share her name with you.” No better explanation could be given for the phenomenon.

I was deeply moved, it marked a moment I was now so ready to be officially Brianna and be part of the Storm family.

The Chauffer was ready and greeted us when we came out. And when we arrived home Ma and Dad Storm greeted us as their new group of daughters. Ma knew that I would be wanting a Mom/Daughter time. She gave me a hug but also took me around back to sit and share in the coolness of the summer night.

Seeing Lacy’s house, I knew I wanted to call her but needed my time with Mom first. “Do you mind if my Grandmother Connors is here for the procedure Monday and you officially coming into the Storm family?”

“She had already felt with you two having the same family name that she’s your great-grandmother. And she wants to get to know you and have a chance to spoil you.”

“Are you serious Mom, she accepts me and wants to know me,” I asked?

“Your Great-Grandmother has always been a free spirit and more so as she doesn’t care what others think.” I didn’t realize when Marcy came out with us or when she started to massage my shoulders, but soon after that she escorted me to our bedroom and helped me get ready for bed.

I was becoming more of an emotional person and some days as today; I was finding myself with a different feeling of being tired. When Marcy gently pushed me into the warm shower, I felt like warm butter relaxing. I cared for my hair and skin and changed into a nice summer nightgown and Marcy tucked me into her bed to sleep that night.

I was asleep before she came into bed, but come morning I found I was snuggled in her arms as I woke. Come Monday we went to the University Medical Center. It was like a new life or chapter was beginning.
 

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To Be Continued...