A New Style of Education: Hidden Gifts©
By: Annette MacGregor

An authorized story, based on the characters and environment of A New Style of Education by Karen Page.

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Part 12 — Wednesday, July 14, 2004

I tried reaching for the alarm, but couldn’t get to it as something was in the way. What is this stuff on my face, SPIDER WEBS! “Aiiiieee,” I said rather loudly. Okay, I screamed. But, then, as I began to wake up, I realized it was my new hair.

I was just getting it out of my face, when Renee came rushing into the room. “Dan, are you alright?”

“I think so,” Then I realized my scream had brought her in. “I’m sorry, Renee. I’m afraid I woke up and forgot some things this morning. I found my hair all over my face, and could only think spiders.”

She came over, and sat down beside me on my bed. “You don’t like spiders?”

“Not really. Growing up with big brothers and sisters, I tried to keep up. Once, I went up into the attic, to see what they did up there. I guess, they knew where they normally went, but, since I didn’t want to get caught and was trying to be sneaky, I crawled behind some of the boxes. I ended up covered in webs, and when I tried to get out, I got into more. I stood up, and banged my head. I’d not totally lost it yet, but then I felt some things crawling on my hands as I was sitting there. I sat there and just screamed. I was in a pretty bad shape when my mom came up and rescued me. I’ve never been good with spiders since then.”

Renee hugged me, which helped me feel better.

“Dan, you need to put your hair into a ponytail at least, if you don’t want it going all over like that. It’s going to be difficult getting all the tangles out now.”

I nodded, only then realizing how little we were wearing. “Renee.”

There must have been something in my voice that got her attention. “What’s wrong, Dan?”

“We’re not wearing much,” I whispered.

She suddenly jumped back, and looked at me. Then, she stopped, and laughed.

“You okay?” I asked in surprise.

She nodded, laughing too hard to answer.

I looked at myself, and not seeing the issue, “Okay, besides my squirrel’s nest,” I indicated my head, “what’s so funny?”

That seemed to just get her going more. “Not that,” she choked out, and pointed at my nightgown.

I looked down. No, the nightgown wasn’t inside out. “What?”

She finally got out. “You wore the same nightgown.” Then, collapsed on the bed laughing.

“It was the one on top,” I responded, not really getting what was so funny.

Eventually she settled down, and explained that wearing the same outfit and such, is a big boo boo for girls, something that some go to great ends to avoid. “I guess, seeing you there in this nightgown, after I was so worried earlier, really struck me as funny.”

“I can see that. Thanks for coming to check on me.”

She moved over, and gave me a hug. “You’d have done the same. Besides, you waking up funny, is becoming a habit.”

I laughed at that, recalling the bump in the wall the first morning. “We’d best get a move on, or we’ll not make it to breakfast. You ordered a light one, didn’t you?”

“Yes, like you suggested.”

We hopped to, and she helped me with my rat’s nest of a hairdo and we got to the dining room just in time to sit down with the year.

“Glad you could join us, Sophia and Renee.”

“Sorry, Keith, I needed a bit of help,” I responded, as we sat down.

“That’s okay, Sophia.” He lowered his voice, “Is there a problem?”

I laughed, “No, I just didn’t take care of my hair properly last night. I’m not used to hair this long.” I tossed it over my shoulder.

He smiled in return. As our breakfasts arrived, I noticed that Pru had, what I was beginning to think was her normal large breakfast.

“Pru, are you doing Judo with us first thing this morning?”

She looked up, “Yes.”

“I’d suggest you cut back on that meal a bit, until you see how much exercise it is. You don’t want to have an accident.”

She looked sorta cross-eyed, “Umm, no. Thanks.”

“My mistake. I told Renee last night, I just forgot to tell you. I’m sorry.” Then, I thought. “Keith, Pru’s going to be exercising with Renee and me shortly after breakfast. Can she just eat part of that, and you reset things so she can get a bit more at lunch?”

“You know about that function, do you? Under the circumstances, I believe I can.” He turned to Pru. “I’ll reset your meal selection for the day, if you mark what you actually eat, you can use the rest of the calories in lunch and dinner.” He turned to the rest of the table. There will come a time, when you need to have a much better reason than “I forgot” to get a reset. You’re not there yet, of course and Pru’s reason is valid. However, in the future, if you have an athletic event scheduled following a meal, you should take that into account when you set up your meals.” At everyone’s nod, “Okay then, let's all tuck in.”

As Pru and Sally had the duty, Renee and I waited for her, so we could head off to Judo together.

“Thanks for waiting, guys.” she said to us. “I’ll see you at history, Sally.”

“Have fun, and don’t let them hurt you, Pru.” Sally said over her shoulder as she headed off.

“You two shouldn’t get hurt, much anyway, at least today. You’ll mostly be learning how to fall down so you don’t actually get hurt. I’m sure that Mr. Smith, or whoever they’ve found to teach you, will be very careful. Falling is one of the most important early lessons.”

They nodded in agreement, and we all realized we weren’t getting anywhere. At once, we all headed for the door. I did feel a little strange, being the only one in a skirt today. But, I wasn’t going to ask them to continue to do so, just 'cause I was. I mean, yesterday was nice and all, but I was the one doing this to learn something.

“Now, remember, when addressing the Judo teacher, you refer to him as Sensei, unless he tells you something else. That’s what Mr. Smith asked me to call him, so it probably goes for you two as well.”

“Okay, Da — Sophia. Do you think he’ll teach us too?”

“I don’t think so, Pru. He said he had another teacher in mind for Renee, and I figure that applies to you as well.”

“Okay. Won’t it be confusing with all the guys named Sensei running around?”

I laughed, then, “Sorry, I’m not laughing at you. I just didn’t explain clearly enough. The Sensei is the head teacher, if there’s more than one.”

“Oh, that makes more sense. Sorta like we only have one headmaster.”

“Exactly. Now, if today’s anything like last time, we’ll change into our judogis. But, we should follow Sensei’s directions.”

“Judogi?”

I could hear the question in Pru’s voice. “That’s the white uniform with a belt you’ve probably seen in movies or on the tube. No, you call it the telly–the tube is what you call the Subway in London, isn’t it?”

“Ohhh, those things. I thought they were just Gis.”

“There are differences among the various arts, but, I can answer more later. We need to go in so we’re not late.” With that, I opened the door, and we went in. Mr. Smith was waiting for us, as was an older student. I wonder if she’s going to be the one I have to spar with, or if she’ll be teaching Renee and Pru. At least she’s got a Brown Belt. She can teach under supervision. I can’t believe Mr. Smith would let her wear it if she’d not earned it.

“Well, come in. This is Shelly Wright. Her primary art is Jujitsu.” That explained the slight differences in the gi.

“Shelly, these ladies are Renee, Prudence and Sophia.” He indicated each of us in turn. “You’ll be sparing with Sophia some this morning, so you can experience a different tradition. Sophia, you and Shelly have similar skill levels, but in different traditions. I’ll work with both of you, and you’ll have a chance to work together. Now, I want all three of you to go and change into your kit.” He indicated three piles. I was pleased that he’d put a brown belt with the judogi. That meant he confirmed my attainment.

I bowed, “Yes, Sensei.”

Renee and Pru were quick to follow my cue, and also bowed to him. We quickly took our uniforms, and went to change. Pru hesitated to follow us.

I whispered, “There are separate changing booths inside, Pru.”

“Thanks,” she returned.

Once we were all done up, I helped both of them make sure all was adjusted properly, so their uniforms fit properly before we went back out.

When we came out, I could see Mr. Smith working out with Shelly. “We stop at the edge of the mats, and wait, if he runs it like my last Sensei ran his dojo.”

They followed me out, and we watched the sparring. This is NOT going to be easy. Some of the moves are very similar, but some are just enough off that I may have some issues. Well, I guess it’s probably a good idea. I wonder who’ll teach Renee & Pru? Could still be Shelly, but I’d hoped they would be learning my discipline.

Mr. Smith stopped things with Shelly at that point, and indicated we should come onto the mats and approach. When we got there, and bowed, he started. “We will start with Shelly and Sophia teaching the two of you how to fall.” At my startled look, “Yes, of course, Sophia, you have demonstrated that you have the skill to wear that belt, and Mr. Tanaka said you’d done some basic instruction before.”

“Yes, Sensei.” Okay, deep breath, this is just falls, which I’ve instructed before. Maybe once they get advanced, he’ll have a better teacher for them. Yeah, that’s it.

The next twenty minutes were spent working on teaching them how to fall. I was working with Pru, and Shelly was taking care of Renee. Splitting us up this way made sense to me. While I don’t think I’d have gone easy on Renee, it’s better to not take a chance.

Then they got a break while Mr. Smith had Shelly spar with me, while they watched. It was as difficult as I’d thought it’d be, but I also did better than I’d expected. There were a few times where I was glad the breasts and wig were glued on.

Mr. Smith then had us stop, and come together on the mats. I was pretty tired, and Shelly looked that way as well. He indicated we should kneel. I moved slowly, so Pru and Renee could watch me.

“Very well done, all of you.”

Shelly and I bowed as we kneeled.

“Prudence, what was the most difficult thing for you to do today?”

She looked startled to be singled out, but I guess she’ll get used to it. Every teacher I’ve had would call out students. “Learning how to fall,” she said, with some trepidation.

“Really, you’ve never fallen before?”

I kept my sigh to myself. He’s already pushing for accuracy in responses. I hope she does better.

“Sorry, Mr. Smith,” I couldn’t help myself cringe at that. “I mean, Sensei. Yes, I have fallen down before.”

“Then why was falling down today difficult?”

“I misspoke, Sensei. I should have said, ‘learning to fall down without hurting myself’, was hard.”

“That is a skill, but didn’t it require you to do something else before you could learn?”

She stopped to think. I knew where Sensei was going. I’d flubbed the same question during my first lesson. I hope she can think of the answer. I glanced over at Renee, and could see a questioning look on her face. I suspected that Shelly also knew where he was going, but wasn’t going to turn my head enough to look for confirmation.

“I don’t know, Sensei.”

“That is acceptable. Recognizing when you do not have the answer and admitting it is better than attempting to make one up.” He turned to Renee, and I hoped she would be able to guess.

“Renee, I have the same question for you. I presume you’ve been thinking about it.”

She quietly answered, “Yes, Sensei. Before your remark to Pru, I would have said the same thing. But, now, I’m not really sure. I think, it was trusting that Shelly knew what she was telling me to do.”

“Why was that any different than any other teacher here at the school? Surely you don’t need the headmaster to tell you that they are good teachers.”

I could see her freeze up, and look over at me.

“Would you like your study partner to help you with the answer? Here, that is appropriate. Sophia, what do you believe to have been the most difficult thing they had to learn?”

“To trust, not just what we were saying, but that we would not have them do something that would get them hurt. When I was showing Pru how to fall, she kept banging her knee or elbow into the mat, even when I was trying to help her. Once she trusted that I wouldn’t let her drop, and relaxed, she allowed me to ease her into the fall. This is different from our other teachers, as, so far anyway, what they’re teaching us doesn’t tend to have such painful feedback, so perhaps it’s easier.”

He was nodding. “Shelly, do you have anything to add?”

“Not really, Sensei. Trust was the key. They both have to trust that those directed to teach them will do so, and do it well. The sooner they can, the easier things become.”

Did she sound like she was speaking from experience? Hmmm. She’s certainly smooth now; I wonder if she had as much trouble learning to trust, as I did originally.

“Prudence, Renee, do you agree with their suggestion?”

They both nodded agreement; I figured I’d talk to them later, to make sure they really understood where he was trying to get them to go.

“Very well. Good session, all of you. You’ll find future sessions in your PDAs. Shelly, you and Sophia may work out together if you wish, but make sure someone else is around in case of an accident. Renee and Prudence, do not try to practice what you’ve learned on your own. If you’d like to do more practicing, you may ask either of these girls for assistance.”

Wow, that feels strange, to be referred to as a girl. I guess that’s what everyone’s sorta been doing since yesterday. Still ...

He then stood up, and made a hand signal, that I interpreted to mean to get up as well. As he didn’t correct me, I continued. I could see both Renee and Pru getting up as well. He then bowed to us all. “It has been a pleasure, ladies. Good day.”

We bowed in return, and then when he turned away, stood quietly a minute, then the four of us headed for the showers.

“I’m glad you’re here, Sophia. It’s nice to finally have someone other than Mr. Smith to work out with.”

“Thanks, Shelly. You’re good!”

She chuckled. “You work out with Mr. Smith or one of his friends every week, and you’ll get better too. But, you’re already at least as good as I am. What was that you did to get Pru to trust you so fast? I was busy and didn’t see it.”

I’m sure I turned a bit red with her compliment, but then I laughed. “That’s something I learned away from Judo, when we lived in Italy. A whole group of us kids were new to the area, and nobody would talk or anything. So, our instructor decided to show us that we could trust each other.”

“Yeah, but what was it?”

“Sorry, He called in the smallest teacher in the school and told us all he’d show us how easy it is to trust. He was big … I mean, he was really BIG. But he turned around with his back to her, and when she said she was ready, he just let himself fall backwards and she was able to keep him from getting hurt. It was amazing, really. I mean, she wasn’t any bigger than I am, and he was bigger than Mr. Smith!”

“Okay, so he trusted her, how did that help all of you?” interjected Renee.

“Do you want to tell them Pru? After all, you did the same thing.”

“That’s what that exercise was for? You didn’t explain it as clearly when we were on the mat.”

“Sorry Pru, but yes, it was to help you trust me.”

“He just had me play the man’s part, and fall, making sure I didn’t get hurt doing it.” She laughed a little sheepishly. “It took me three tries before I believed him and actually trusted him to keep me from falling, then was easy.” Turning to me, “I still think learning to fall was really hard, and I’m not sure I’ll remember it next time we try.”

I laughed. But before I could continue, Shelly interrupted. “Pru, you must try to remember that Sophia is a girl. No, don’t worry, it’s just something we all have to learn during our first year here.”

I nodded. “Why is that so critical? I mean, when we have visitors, they cancel things like Mix-up day.”

“Some of us are transitioning. A few didn’t start until they got here. Imagine you’re out on a field trip somewhere, and you refer to another student in a dress using male pronouns, or even a male name.”

All three of us were quiet then. “They might get hurt, or at least embarrassed,” said Pru quietly.

“Exactly. So don’t take it badly when you get corrected now and then.”

“Thanks, Shelly.”

“Back to the question you were asking, though. Learning to trust the person teaching you is the hardest. Without learning that, you’ll eventually hurt yourself, or someone else. You trusted me today, but do you think you’ll be able to trust me as well next time? Or, trust Shelly the same way? Or, do you think you’ll have to work yourself up to it? I mean, if I were to ask you to let me catch you right now, would you?”

“Of course not, there’s no mat.”

“See what I mean? There’s no difference. The mat wasn’t what kept you from getting hurt.” I looked around to make sure it was safe. “Shelly, you’ve heard how I described what happened. Do you think you could catch me?”

She hesitated a moment, “Probably. But, since I didn’t see how you were doing it, I’m not sure. How about we trade, and you show her that you can catch me.”

I nodded and she turned her back to me. “Ready?”

“Anytime.”

And with that, she just fell backwards. I was expecting something of the sort, since I knew she could have kept herself from getting hurt even if I missed, but I caught and eased her to the floor in one motion.

“She just trusted you that easily?” There was wonder in Pru’s voice. “You just met Sophia, how could you trust her so easily?”

“A lot of reasons actually. The first, is that she’s a fellow student, and we should always trust each other. You’ll come to understand this better, after you’ve been here a while.”

I nodded in agreement, thinking about how much I trusted Renee, and the school in general with what I was attempting to do, and their support of Fran.

“Other reasons include that brown belt she’s wearing. If you decide to continue in the art, you’ll come to appreciate what the colors really mean. Since Mr. Smith didn’t question her right to the belt, I assumed she’d earned it. You’ll come to understand that if someone with a high degree belt says they can do something, they really can; even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. Is that what you were trying to show them when you asked me to trust you?”

I nodded. “That, and the trust itself.”

“Well, we’d best get a move on, or we’ll have to go to our classes in our gis.”

That probably got the laugh she’d intended, but we all got a move on. Shelly pulled me aside. “Good luck, Sophia. Kelly’s the greatest!” Then she gave me a quick hug and disappeared into her shower.

I thought about that and other stuff while cleaning up. I wonder, did Mr. Smith ask Pru first, to give Renee a chance to work things out, or was he seeing if I’d explained things to Pru while I was working with her? Well, if he was testing me, I probably didn’t do as well as I should have. Nothing to do but work harder in the future.

As it turned out, we had plenty of time. On the way, I asked them what they thought about the session, and both expressed interest in continuing, which was a relief. I remember half of the kids that had started with me dropped out after that first lesson.

The remainder of the morning was uneventful, and I was looking forward to lunch. It certainly didn’t disappoint. I could see the others chowing down as well. Sally was talking to Pru about something, and I think Fran was listening in on it. I guess she decided to do more than listen.

“Sophia, do you think others could still get into the lessons?”

“I don’t see why not.”

“What kind of lessons?” chimed in Mark.

“Judo. We started learning to fall today,” replied Pru.

“Well, I’m surprised you needed to learn. I mean, I can fall just fine. It hurts though, so I avoid it all I can.

Most of us laughed at this, and before anyone could correct him, he continued, “It’s like flying. Flying is easy. You just throw yourself at the ground, and miss.” He didn’t pull off the innocent act he was trying, but it was funny, and we all laughed anyway.

“No,” I said through my laughs, “They were actually learning how to fall without hurting themselves.”

“Ahhh,” he responded, trying to sound superior. “That is a skill not to be laughed at, though not falling at all might be a better one, don’t you think my dear?”

“Oh, thank you for bringing that to our attention, oh wise sage. I’ll be sure to suggest that to their teacher next time we meet.” My rejoinder was messed up a little as both Renee and Pru laughed even louder. The rest of the year looked at them like they were loonies.

“Okay, so he,–I mean she–got me back, but it wasn’t THAT funny, or am I missing something?”

“Sorry,” Pru choked out, and then taking a big breath to settle down, “Sophia sees our teacher every day,” she paused a little while to be sure she had everyone’s attention, then continued “when she looks in the mirror.” And she let out another laugh.
“You’ve got to be kidding. There’s no way another first year should be teaching.”

Before things could get out of hand, I interrupted. “Pru wasn’t completely accurate when she said I was teaching. I was instructing, under Mr. Smith’s guidance. You shouldn’t be teaching on your own until you’ve earned your black belt.”

“But, you’ve done some Judo before, so he drafted you, sorta as a class aid?”

“Something like that.” I kept things simple, not wanting to confuse the issue or to sound like I was bragging.

“Okay, that sounds better.” He paused, and sounding surprisingly serious, “Maybe I should look into this Judo thing.” Then he mucked it up. “I mean, that’s where half of the girls in the year spend time,” and then looking at Fran, “and if I’m not mistaken, it may soon be more than half.”

“Ohhh.”

At this point Kate interposed. “If you do take the lessons, I’m sure you will learn something. Probably something about yourself you didn’t know, and also more about some of your mates in the year.”

I wondered why Ingrid was being so quiet. So far she’d not contributed to the discussion and generally, she seemed to be in the thick of things. Maybe I should chat with her later.

Lunch reverted to something more normal at that point, which was a relief.

My appointment with Dr. Bill was shortly after lunch, which gave me time to get a little studying done with Renee before rehearsal. I was still a little concerned about why I needed to see him, and hoped … I stopped that thought, there was no way that would be happening. I shook my head, then taking a breath, went in and talked to the receptionist. I was a little surprised to see her, as she’d not been there yesterday. She explained that she’d had the day off to visit her sister.

About then, Dr. Bill came out. “Come in, Sophia. I didn’t expect to see you again so soon–and certainly not on the topic Becky indicated.”

We went on into his office, and I responded to his implied question. “I guess she was worried about my voice breaking, making it harder to learn to be a girl like we discussed yesterday.”

“Ah, yes, I see.” He waited a bit, as if he was hoping I’d add more. “This discussion is normally instigated by the student’s support staff, but since two others recommend it, that should be good enough. You see, Sophia, pharmaceutical intervention is possible, but it IS a big step.”

I shuddered. Pharmaceutical–that means drugs. They want me to take drugs?

“Doing anything in this area is totally your decision, and it will not happen without a lot of discussion, and certainly not this week. Under normal circumstances, you’d have quite a few discussions with Dan after this meeting. These would be to insure that you fully understand all of issues, so we are all satisfied as to what the right answer for you.

“Thanks, Dr. Bill. I don’t know that I need anything now, I mean, I’ve not started puberty yet.” Why does he think I’d want to anyway? I still can’t say that respect for Fran and others like her is part of why I’m doing this. Do they think I am a girl, too? “I don’t need them to be a girl, do I?”

“Well, eventually, it’s quite likely. Once you do start puberty, your body will start to develop in ways that would make it more difficult for you to be the girl you want or need to be.”

I must have looked a little concerned to him, or something anyway. “Looks like you do need those chats with Dan. None of these steps should be taken lightly, and while in the short term they are not dangerous or permanent, they can become so.”

“What steps?” I figured I may as well find out what he was talking about. Maybe Fran would want to hear, without actually asking of the shrinks.

He described some of the procedures that might be available, stressing the age limits that were imposed. At this, I added a few things together, what he’d said, and what I’d learned in health at my old school.

“Wouldn’t waiting that long be unhelpful? I mean, the kids would have already matured physically the other way.”

“Yes, that’s very astute of you, young lady. The later in life intervention occurs, the harder, and the more that’s needed to help the individual achieve their goals.”

I wondered why they were telling me at this age, if they couldn’t do anything until I was sixteen. I knew I’d wondered earlier in the discussion whether they thought it applied to me. Then, it occurred to me that they must have a way around the rule. “So, you’re able to provide medications that help the students get where they need to be before they go through all the changes of puberty?”

He nodded confirmation.

“What about kids whose parents didn’t approve?”

“This school is all about what is best for the students. We’re serious about that, Sophia.”

He didn’t directly answer me. That’s the first time he’s avoided one of my questions. “So, if a kid, student, who was trans, um, transgendered started to enter puberty, you’d give them something that postponed things?”

I could see him thinking hard at that. “Since you are in our care for the next five years, all of your parents or guardians signed releases allowing us to dispense any medications needed to meet any of your health needs.”

I looked at him. He’s still trying to hedge his answer.

“I thought so, but wasn’t sure. I’m glad you can help.” I sat quietly for a minute thinking. “That’s another thing you don’t want the parents to hear about, isn’t it?”

“Quentin was serious when he said you picked up on things. Rather than have you figure out half of it and get some wrong, I’ll answer your implied question. Yes, we do provide medications, when needed.” He paused again, “And should word get to the wrong people, the school would have difficulties helping those and future children.”

I nodded. “Thanks for confirming that, Dr. Bill. I’ll not say anything.” I thought about Fran, and what she’d said about her father. No, he wouldn’t take kindly to what he perceived as interference. I imagine some of the other less supportive parents would raise a BIG stink. I don’t see how those kids can ever go home, not that they had much home to go to. I wonder how Fran will deal with her dad when she’s done. If he loves her as much as she does him, I guess they’ll figure something out.

“I guess we’ll all learn there are things we don’t talk about when we go home after graduation.” No, I don’t think my folks would go after the school if I came home like this and was happy. But, I’m sure a LOT of questions would be asked.

“Having something happen at boarding school that student’s don’t talk about, except among themselves, is nothing unusual.”

“I believe that. I overheard some of the embassy guards saying things like that about missions, and even when serving away from families.” I nodded. “Though, I doubt most boarding schools go quite as far as this one!”

“Perhaps. Is there anything else we need to clear up?”

“These drugs, the ones you give. Can you turn them off if a person changes their mind?”

“It depends. Some of them taken for a short time by a healthy person could have no long term affect. Others might just postpone puberty. But, most, very shortly, have effects that may well not be reversible at all or, if not monitored, have serious health consequences. For these reasons, this is never taken lightly.” He paused a bit, and looked at me intently. “There’s something you’re not telling me, isn’t there?”

I nodded, not wanting to lie, but also not sure what would happen.

“Sophia, it’s REALLY important that you be completely honest to me and the staff. Failing to do so, could have disastrous long term effects on your health.”

I was worried now. Was I going to get into trouble?

“Here’s an example that came close to happening a few years ago. One of our students had an allergy and was getting sick, but not telling anyone. The student’s study partner was aware that the student was getting sick. However, the student told her partner that help wasn’t needed and that it was just a cold. This finally came to a head when the student got sick in the dining room. I don’t know what would have happened had the allergy continued to go on undetected and untreated. It could have killed her.”

I’m sure my eyes were getting wider as his story went on.

“So, if you’re not telling me the whole story to protect someone, you may well be doing them a bad turn. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir.” I replied quietly.

“I want you to think about this, Sophia. Talk to Dan, or if you can’t talk to him, to one of the other support staff, or even me. But talk to someone. Don’t keep things bottled-up inside. The stress of keeping things suppressed can affect your health, too.”

I nodded. I’ll have to talk to Fran I guess, to get permission to discuss things more openly with Dan and the other shrinks.

“All right, young lady. I’m glad you asked that last question which brought this out, but do make a point of talking to Dan. He WILL be expecting you to call him.”

Yeah, I’m sure you’ll send him a note to expect it. I sighed, “I will, sir.”

“Sophia, I’m not too angry with you. You just need to learn to trust us, so we can help. I’d best ask if you have any MORE questions, since that last one was a doozy.”

“No, sir, you’ve given me a lot to think about. If I have more, I’ll be sure to look you up.” I smiled, recognizing a dismissal, even if he’d not meant that to be one. This topic, at any rate, was finished, …well, finished until I had to talk with Dan.

I waved to the receptionist as I was leaving the office, and stepped out into the hall, closing the door behind me. As I turned to head down, I saw Dan coming down the hall toward me.

I wonder why he’s here, unless his office is near here too. Yeah, that’s probably it.

I waved, “Hi Dan.”

“Oh, hello, Sophia. I thought your appointment with Dr. Bill was yesterday?”

“It was; I had another today though.”

He looked surprised at that, “Do you have a few minutes? We’ve not had much time to chat since you got here, unless you count those text conversations,” he said, smiling.

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Author's Note: I want to thank Karen for allowing me the pleasure of continuing this story and I hope you all get as much pleasure out of reading it as I've had writing it. I also want to thank the individuals that proofed and commented on the story as it developed and moved toward what you see posted here (Karen, Penny, Gabi and Holly). Their comments and criticisms helped immesurably! Any problems remaining are mine and not that of any of these remarkable ladies.

Comments are greatly appreciated!