Dara expected that the woman who had been glaring at her might either follow her into the restroom to get her claws on her if the woman was angry about her being there. Or seek to put a move on Nathan. The restroom was about to become crowded. Dara couldn’t help but, laugh a little, as it seemed a bit childish. But fortunately, Carla and another woman came in with her. She had used the toilet, then she came out to use the sink to wash her hands and check then check her makeup. It was then the woman made her presence known. “You know we don’t mind new members come into the community. But if it’s solely to try to take away someone else, we seek to make our presence known. Nathan’s a good friend and we’d like you to slow your motor down.”

“I’m Dara, I didn’t catch your name. While I didn’t do anything to cool his interest. It was he who came over to me two times? I don’t want any trouble but we are here tonight and in the area for the weekend.”

“Rose, I hadn’t said it but it’s Rose. I didn’t come in here so we could beat you up or chase you away. If that’s what you and your women friends were thinking. This is a nice place and we’re not about to spoil that.”

She looks me up and down, before saying, “You look nice, nicely put together. I have seen some of the others but not you here before. Am I correct?”

Carla decides to speak up, “She kept herself in the closet and we thought it was time she got out into her world.” A big smile comes on like a light upon Rose’s face.

“Phil hoped, he would be the one to hook up with you and show you a good time.” Seeing my expression change, she said, “And no we don’t know everyone else’s business but Phil was unable to contain himself with the news. He’s like that.”

I asked, “Was it then that Nathan volunteered himself.”

“I welcome you to visit with me as a friend, but I’m not staying in here any longer than I have.” Rose had checked herself and left saying, “A friend and myself will find a table. You, Dara, are invited to join us. I suspect if Nate wants you to be with him, he’ll come over to you. I assure you, he’s not been shy around us.”

Once she was gone, Carla spoke forthrightly, “Dara, we’re happy there wasn’t a problem. You’re not a little girl needing protection or to be directed here or there. Why don’t you take responsibility for yourself? Go with Rose and learn from your kind, or move your booty for Nathan or do whatever you want. We’d like our own time and not see you until tomorrow.”

She hears Nera say, “Remember your overnight bag.” ‘Where did she come from, Dara scratched her head.

We’re walking out at the same time but they’re either walking back to their area or the dance area. I pause enough, looking for Rose and then Nathan. Thankfully he's close to where Rose and her friend are. I begin in that direction. I have a desire to sit with Rose and make friends and learn what makes others like me tick.

‘There’s part of me aching to know how it feels to take someone in me like the woman I feel I’m inside.’

I wasn’t sitting with Rose and Olivia for more than ten minutes and the night bag was brought over to me. All I saw was Elva from behind walking away. But I also saw Nathan now standing closer to me.

Rose had mentioned Nathan and that I needed to get his story from him if he wanted it shared. Olivia a younger twenty beginning transitioning said, “Nate had a love that he helped transition but she left him. He was a ticket to what she wanted.” She was just mentioning how long ago when we were interrupted.

Nate handed me a Pepsi saying he'd get me something stronger if I wanted. I preferred hard stuff but with a sweet taste i.e. a Southern Comfort Manhattan but not too many. I danced with Nathan but as the dance was ending Rose cut in asking for the next dance.

“Are you set on letting him have you?” We talked a little bit as the dance was ending, she said, “Don’t wait until you’re too tired to remember.”

I couldn’t believe it. I’m usually waiting for someone to direct me or make the decision for me. I pick up my purse, “Nate, I’d like to talk with just you whether it’s here or wherever.” We went and sat at a table alone in a corner. I told him, “I’d like to be with you tonight, but I’m not sure how far I’m willing to go the first night.”

Nathan says, “That sounds good to me. You have me excited, I don’t usually do one night stands. Going to my place or a hotel and taking our time sounds good, no forcing expectations.”

I took his hand to help me stand. I can be awkward at times afraid of tripping with the heels. “All I ask is a ride back to the Marriott in the morning.”

He said, “I hoped you might be here for the weekend?” His apartment was within ten minutes of where we were. He showed me his apartment and soon after we’re cozy he slipped his hands underneath my blouse as he hugged me. My bra unsnapped as I was giving him a passionate kiss. I was not used, to being on the receiving end of a man’s affection. However, I have dreamed of a time like this. I felt wonderful, I was already further than anything I thought would actually happen.

I gave him a lush warm wet kiss. His lips were softer than I thought they’d be. Yet there was the firmness of a man as he held me and applied his kiss. I had unbuttoned his shirt, no undershirt. My hands felt his chest and then were loosening his belt and undoing his pants.

He moved on his affection and I became momentarily afraid of what he would do when he found my parts. I froze for a moment.

Finally, I forced my hands down onto his butt, forcing his pants to fall to the floor. I was low enough to look and wonder about taking him. Nathan pulled me up. He laughed that I let myself be corseted. He wanted to enjoy me like this for a while. He gave me a wine cooler. I was surprised when he touched my privates and he played with me.

He was larger and more responsive when I softly touched him.

My body was stirring with feelings that surprised me. Little oozed out of me like when I was with Nera. The feelings and sensations were markedly different. My body already was having other expectations.

He on the other hand was like a bull that I could feel building up. Thankfully I had time to position myself. I had taken my time with him in my mouth when he exploded. I found myself sucking him and licking like I knew what I was doing. The first time was gross to my thinking but I enjoyed it way more than I thought. Actually, I had not planned to do it. I guess I was delaying the inevitable.

Now lying there I reached for my cooler to wash what I still had of him down my throat. We continued to kiss and be affectionate. I’m surprised by how his touches arouse me as Dara and that I like him being bigger than me and nicely proportioned.

We laid on his bed exchanging kisses and talking. We were now taking things slowly as we had talked about. The affection, he was showing me, was that of an affectionate and caring man.

It seemed odd that I was content in being with him. I could feel my own nipples were responding underneath the breast forms, I began to wonder. Nera had arranged the evening except being with Nathan was different than her plan. My nipples tingling, had me wondering if Nera been giving me something I was unaware of?

I put that out of my mind and focused on relaxing and enjoying our time together. I was surprised when he mentioned it was three in the morning. I was snuggled in next to him when I soon fell asleep.

When I awoke in the morning he was spooned in behind me. I wiggled my bottom to awaken him. I could feel his breath blowing over an ear.

He asked me, “How do you know so well what to do? You lied to me didn’t you about me being your first.” It sounded like he wasn’t happy about it.

I said, “No, no. It’s true, you are in fact my only experience. Please believe me.” I am sure tears came to my eyes and were heard in my voice, especially as he pulled back. I was relieved when he grabbed a tube and used it on my butt.

When he pushed himself against me, I let out a moan. There was unexpected pain as he pushed even harder to be inside of me. He was both bigger and more forceful than I expected. It was however more of a turn-on and joy he was giving me. I read something about how I was feeling him rubbing against something inside of me that enhanced my sensation and I loved it. It felt like good sex something I had not enjoyed in a long time.

Now Nathan was enjoying me; I could tell that from his sounds. I could feel him moving faster and I was expecting him any moment to explode inside of me. It was at that time everything became much more intensive. He began to climax and I felt him warmly gushing inside of me. His body was shaking as I too felt an orgasm wash over me.

I couldn’t believe it was happening, especially with him being such a stud. He lasted for a while afterward he rolled off of me. We joined together with another passionate kiss. I could have been a teenage girl for the way I made over him and sounded. I had not expected to experience explosive feelings of orgasm. It was different from what I experienced with Nera. I did have some fluid leak from my penis but that was the limit of my male response.

I heard him moan and then mutter, “You are quite the woman. I’m really glad you’re here.”

Exhausted we fell back asleep again in each other’s arms. I spooned myself behind him with my arms around him as we slept.

I awoke when the room brightened from the sun indicating it was late morning. I found my way to the toilet and relief. I was still wearing the top of the satin nightie that I had worn to bed. I looked and found the panty down the end of the bed. It was unscathed from our fun time in bed, so I put it on. A sense of fear came over me. I was now afraid he might be done with me and not want to have any more to do with me.

Nate finally spoke, “I enjoy being with you and hope you enjoyed yourself.”

He wanted more but honored my request not to make out again.

We both knew it was time to get up and that I needed to get back to the hotel. Once I was put together we went into the restaurant at the hotel and ordered breakfast. Then I heard the other girls coming in to have a late breakfast or brunch.

Nera came over saying hello and asking if I had a good time. Not wanting to say much there, I said, “Yes, but let’s not visit here.” Elva glared at me. I took it to mean she was upset with me or with Nera giving me attention.

We enjoyed our breakfast and patiently waited for them to finish their breakfast and long-winded conversations.

When they left to return to the suite I kissed Nathan goodbye and followed a minute behind them. It was me who was to be surprised next. When I knocked and started to open the door. There was my luggage in front of me on the floor.

Nera was soon there smiling as was Elva. “You might as well take your things; you and I are through. You need not get all emotional and make promises you can’t keep. You’ve slept with another man and stayed with him overnight. That is more than enough grounds for a divorce. And regarding our daughters, we’ll work out something. But if your lifestyle affects them we’ll have to stop their visits as well.”

I was sure she expected me to curl my tail under me and slither away. “Don’t go rushing to thinking you’re getting your way on everything. I’m sure you two have been an item way longer than me and my night out last night,” I said. “Plus I’ve done a lot of the work for your business. I don’t think Elva can do it all or as well, and I know you don’t want to do it.”

That riled Elva which was part of my purpose. She broke her silence, “You bet we’ve been together longer. If my husband had been alive and healthy maybe we could have traded partners.”

“Teresa and Katie won’t want to be with you. You’re not their Mommy, never will be.”

“So then you won’t mind if they have a say in how often they’re with me,” I said? “And our day and time look more favorably on a transwoman. It shouldn’t be hard to get a job and make my own way. You Nera have been the breadwinner, so maybe it will be you who pay alimony and support.”

Nera and Elva as well as the others are surprised that Dara/Heath is speaking up. Where did this strong will come from? It had long been suppressed.

Heath spoke up in his male voice. “I’ve seen this coming for over a year. I have enough set aside to see me through the near future. I need to find my new self, thanks in no small part to all of you. Needless to say, you’ve helped Dara become visible and even helped me to be a better woman than I would have on my own.”

“Now if you don’t mind, I’ll get a room and then get a luggage caddy to help move my belongings.”

Dara/Heath went down to the registrar’s desk and got a single room for another night. She had text Nathan about what she was doing. Nathan offered for Dara to stay with him. And though she might end up doing that later tonight she took the room. Heath was wanting to keep his head clear. While on one hand he was excited by all that has happened; he also sought to be cautious about what he was doing and to take time finding himself. There was no way he wanted Dara to be a one-weekend wonder.

Nor did he/she want to risk the children, now that it was known what Nera was up to, divorcing him was no surprise. He had even set up accounts and had a private mailbox that Nera had not known about.

Today Dara would do some shopping and use their joint account. There was the rental of a nice car, the purchase of luggage, and much of the clothes would be for everyday wear. She got a new tablet and computer as the old one had most of Nera’s business accounts on them.

Buying clothes it became apparent that the saleswoman recognized Dara for being transgender. Bethany was happy to help Dara and Dara more than once leaned on her for her perspective.

Bethany dared to inquire, “I know when I’m shopping like this I either had or was planning a good night.”

Dara responded, “Both”. Bethany said, “Good for you. Is it with someone you have known for quite a while or just recently met? Oops, I’m sorry that isn’t my business.”

“I met him last night, but much of the joy has to do with just being myself.” It was when she was checking out and Bethany spoke of seeing her yesterday buying some things with a bunch of women. Dara says, “I think, they were setting me up for a big fall from reality. I surprised them by liking the evening and being out on my own.”

Bethany smiled, “That’s a healthy way to look at things. It looks like you can take care of yourself.”

“I’m not quite as confident about that. Day makeup and night makeup and which colors or tone works for me? There’s a lot of learning I need and no one to help me.”

Bethany helped me as I finished buying clothes as well as selecting a pair of dressy 3” black heels. When I finished checking out she asked if I would talk with her.

She said, “I checked with my girlfriend Terri and we’d be willing to help you get ready for tonight if you wanted. We both need to help though for our own safety,”

“I don’t know what to say, you working were would seem to guarantee my safety.” Bethany smiles, “I hadn’t thought of that but true.”

“I think, I have enough clothes and makeup. I just wish there were others I might be able to relate to and not only Nathan. I know that probably sounds like I’m ungrateful. Before I got a chance to be on my own as Dara. It wasn’t about sex; often I’d be wanting to be with other women and more of a relationship than sex.”

Bethany says, “If you’re sincere about that I know a woman who’d love to meet with you. I can’t promise she wouldn’t seek some heat with you, nor could I promise she’d be interested.”

I gave Bethany my number and the hotel asking her to call. I text her later that I wanted to be ready by 9:30 and she text me back that Terri was willing to help and they’d be there a little before 8:00 p.m.

I took my clothes back to the hotel and rented a car there, first to go to lunch and then look around the city. Where I saw a community-building advertising a handwork show of knitting, painting, quilts, and crocheting. I thought of my mother who protested when I got into a knitting bag.

I decided to pay the nominal fee and go look around. Once inside I felt at first to be in forbidden territory. As I went around to different displays, I found myself looking closely to see the different stitches. One woman asked, “You are looking very closely. Do you knit yourself?”

Automatically I said, “No, my mother forbid her sons from doing it.”

I could feel her eyes looking more closely at me. Finally, she introduced herself, “I’m Jackie, would you like to sit down and try it a little.” I looked her in the eyes to ascertain if she was serious. She smiled and motioned to a seat. She had a piece of linen in a frame with a needle and colored thread. I picked up the framed linen and looked for the outline of a pattern. It was of a long-stemmed red rose tied in ribbon.

I became nervous, looked up, and said, “I can’t.” She cupped her hands on mine, “You can this is a great hobby to calm one being anxious.” She asked, “So what is your name?”

“Dara.”

“Well Dara, make a ¼” stitch and then go back over it and follow the stem all the way up.” She praised me when I did it right, or even reasonably well. She stopped me once in the middle of pushing my needle through. “Do you really want to do that?” I looked and I was getting ahead of myself and pulled the needle back out.

When I told her where I was from, she asked, “Would Somerville be too far to come for our knitting club?” I was surprised that she would ask me. “I can think of at least one member besides myself who’d love a chance to help you to do well and enjoy knitting. Plus we sip wine and enjoy getting to know one another.”

I couldn’t believe it but I left the show after spending over an hour. I even came away having exchanged phone numbers about joining a knitting group. It was evening before I got back to my hotel room and quickly into the shower.

I laid out my outfit on the bed and was picking which bra and panty to wear when there was a knock at the door to my room. I quickly put on the yellow panty/bra combination and put on the hotel’s robe. That would cost me, but it helped me to get to the door.

Because I was late getting to the door, Bethany said, “I was afraid you were canceling out on us.”

Looking down at myself in a robe, I said, “I’m running late and you’re early.”

Bethany, “Your voice Dara.” I was embarrassed as she introduced Terri.

“Hi, Terri, thanks for your help,” I said, regaining my voice. “You won’t believe it but I was at a handcraft show.”

Terri said, “I think I saw you doing some knitting, but you were clothed and seated at the time. …I guess you’re serious about liking to be a woman.” She picks at my robe, “So did you shave your legs to keep yourself presentable?”

She opened up my robe to see what she had to work with. “Please don’t mind me but I work with models and actresses all the time in the city. I’m still putting in my time by working here, there, and wherever I get a chance to do my craft. This will be my first working with a T-girl.”

Bethany says, “I like the lace. The outfit is a bit conservative for a night out, but then I’m not sure what choices you have.”

Terri agrees, “That’s a nice outfit for tomorrow or Monday. Why didn’t you choose this short blue skirt with this top? You can even wear this lace camisole underneath your blouse. You’d still be quite presentable but looking more appropriate for a night out.”

It is getting close to 10:00 p.m. when we enter the Rainbow lounge. Some of the restaurant customers have joined those already in the dance/bar area. A woman name Cortney has come over and Bethany introduces her and me as Dara.

Terri tells Cortney, “She met Nathan Gibbs last night and will probably be with him some tonight. She says last night was new. She generally sees herself identifying more closely with women.”

Cortney says, “I like what I see and I kind of have good vibes with her. Hey Dara, could we use a slow dance to know each other better?” She flicks me a little pill, “If you wouldn’t mind I’m not excited to see that other parts come alive.”

I hesitate as I don’t want to commit myself to be with her. “If we leave here together, I hope you will have taken that pill. But you’re right, you’re a big girl and can decide that for yourself.”

We stayed on the dance floor for quite a few dances. She quite a dancer and has a lot of energy that feeds my energy as well. I didn’t think I could keep that pace in heels or dance this nice. Cortney just shows me a few steps and movements and I’m soon doing something new.

I saw Nathan and later Nera and company. Hey however have either stepped out or gone elsewhere. I’m sipping my Southern Comfort Manhattan taking my sweet time. I’m enjoying being with people like Dara.

I text Nathan not to stay away. He comes and I introduce him to the others. There is a little uneasiness but I thought ‘Heck, I’m uncomfortable this is new to me. They can decide if I’m worth their effort.’

I took plenty of time with both Nathan and Cortney. I think I could enjoy being with either one but it was around midnight that Cortney decided to leave. “I would really like it Dara if we could be together tonight.”

I said, “I took the pill about an hour ago in hope that we could be together.”

Cortney says, “I’m glad. Have you ever made love as another woman before?” I told her that I had kind of done it with my wife. “Well, I will be going out of my way to help you have a good time with me.”

I was surprised when we got to her apartment building, she said, Bethany and Terri also live in this apartment complex. “I hope we can have some quiet time for a little while. But I wouldn’t mind slipping out of my pantyhose and getting cozy together…