Anna replied, “Your eye in engineering made it a smooth plan from first to last. You bring out our different gifts and talents. I knew early on that Barb was impressed. Just let us know what we can do to keep things flowing.”

They were about their work when Barb sent formal word, “You are requested to meet with me over lunch. You need not bring anything but yourself. We need to talk.” BR.

It was a small conference room where they would meet with him. Alan saw caters leave as he approached, but he also saw Darlene, one of the Board members go into the room with Barb Reeves.

Shortly after he was in the room and the door was closed, Barb asked, “Did Carole tell you that when you first went into the Women’s room Darlene Miller saw you?”

It was one of those questions where they were looking for a non-anxious response. Thus he answered, “No, I’m not sure she would have recognized Ms. Miller. Did they talk?”

Darlene spoke up, “It's Darla for today, and no we didn’t. I wasn’t fully sure until Barb confirmed for me that it was you.”

Barb took off her suit coat and asked Alan to do the same. She said, “Darla and I met outside the restroom and we agreed I was right in our meeting with you. Darla wanted to be with us and so I invited her. I hope you have no problem with what we’ll be talking about.”

Darla said, “I suspect that you were out celebrating as well. Your group made an excellent presentation. All of you are to be commended. You should know it was good to get confirmation of your feminine side. Well as a matter of fact we credit you for bringing that presentation to such a great conclusion. What the final form our appreciation takes has not yet been decided.”

Barb steps forward, “Let’s take a break from business to have lunch and informal talk nothing about business.”

Alan still felt like he was in a fishbowl being closely watched. He used his hands like he was sweeping a skirt under him as he sat; he was that nervous. The look on Barb’s face was enough acknowledgment for him that she noticed. He looked at his hands and knew the signs of his manicure were still there.

The lunch has stuffed crab as the main dish, one of Alan’s favorites. Alan asks, “Is it just perchance that we’re having Cajun stuffed crab?”

Barb said, “I knew you had ordered it in the past, so we went with it. I can see that you are savoring your bites.” She asks, “Do you mind if we ask about your outfit last night, was it yours?”

“Yes, they’re mine, were you thinking I might be dressing in my wife’s clothes? Our sizes don’t quite match, nor what we look good in. It was a nice layered skirt along with my best pink blouse.”

Barb says, “No, I wanted to confirm you have your clothes. It's quite attractive. A nice choice for celebrating your day. Your wife had indicated that you didn’t know about our decision and celebration until you arrived at the Aladdin last night.”

Once we finished eating, Alan asked. “You wanted to talk to me, was it celebratory or about what we need to do next.”

Barb asked, “Do you see yourself as being transgender? And would you be open to coming to work Thursday or Friday in your new position, but as Alaina?”

Alan asked, “Is there any significance in being seen as transgender?”

Darla jumped to the question, “Yes, I suspect you know there seem to be benefits and cautions about many things in the business world today. There are some benefits to having a more inclusive group at the management level? However, a position change would not be based upon you being transgendered; you have proven yourself worthy of the promotion.”

Barb said, “We have been talking about developing another research and development division. We could even extend our services to others. We are planning to expand your team to have 16-20 members with you as the supervisor. I believe your initial crew of six is committed to following you. One question is would it change if you worked as Alaina as well as Alan? I know some have speculated the possibility about this side of you, but I’d like to invite you tomorrow or Friday to come as Alaina either in a dress or skirt outfit...”

Alan was surprised, to say the least, he had been closely listening to every word and thought. He sat down visibly needing to take an assessment of his thoughts. The idea sounded appealing, ‘but if it didn’t work out he couldn’t take back the images his co-workers would have. He’d need to talk to Susan and Anna. Would he end up losing his job? They wouldn’t cut his pay, but maybe future raises would go up at a smaller rate as he feared happened for his female workers. He saw himself as somewhat of being transgender but he was not one for labels. Did he want to be labeled?’

Barb saw Alan thinking and she thought he might need time. She momentarily changed the subject. “Think about that. We want you to plan a celebration for you and your group. You’ll have a budget of
three thousand, and we suggest it to be off sight with a paid day for your workers.”

“Regarding coming dressed as Alaina why don’t you talk to your wife and a trusted co-corker or two? You could do it tomorrow or Friday. If it would be tomorrow, please let one of us know by 7:00 this evening. Do you have a nice pencil skirt, blouse and a vest-like jacket? That would be best for work attire.” She paused and Alan soon understood she wanted to know more about his clothing options.

He said, “Yes, I have two options, I think of, but I prefer color over the usual black or gray, and I might need to buy a vest or jacket. I’m not sure how the ones I have go with my skirt of choice.”

Barb gave a slight smile, “I will allow you up to a hundred in expenses, and there would be a clothing expense account if you decide to follow through and be employed as Alan and Alaina.”

Alan gestures to Darla as well as Barb, “It sounds like you expect this to work.”

Barb responds, “I could have easily sat down with you last night and comfortably talked longer. Yes, I am sure enough that both management and your co-workers will find it acceptable. You have been showing more of this side of you lately. I’m sure your team noticed. The results of both of you and your team indicated you’re at your best and that accept you as their supervisor. I believe that is true in light of their speculation about your feminine identity.” She spelled it out and he believed she was correct.

Barb and Darla excused Alan and he was immediately texting Anna and Susan, and his wife. “Susan and Anna, I want to visit with you in my office in half an hour.” “Carole, please call me between classes, or better if you have an open period.” He was fairly sure she had an open period on some Wednesdays.

When he got back to his section; he did a quick walkthrough and he saw two maybe three reports in his in-box. He got to his desk and wrote a few notes. Anna was the first he spotted coming down the aisle directly in front of him. He looked down and heard a knock and looked up again; wherever Susan ever came from she was there now.

All three were there, and Alan had trouble finding the right words. Susan began by saying, “We heard from Ned Berger that you’re transgender and that was why you were to lunch with Barb Reeves and Board member Darlene Thomas. I don’t mean to take the wind out of your sails, but Ned wanted to know what our reactions would be. He said his office is near Barb’s and he got the information from them talking… I don’t think they told him, but rather he overheard them.”

Anna said, “During the project, we heard the speculation; I even tried to tell you once.”

He said, “Are you trying to tell me I wouldn’t listen.”

Anna said, “No, you’re a very good listener, but it was a week or so ago, and you were called by one of the higher-ups. You didn’t tell us who, but you quickly left.”

Alan said, “You never brought it up again?”

“Well that aside; we’ll deal with Ned Berger later. But that is what Barb wanted to talk to me about. Carole, Andrea, and I went out to celebrate last night at the Aladdin and we bumped into Barb there. Unfortunately, I was dressed as Alaina. We didn’t talk then, but agreed to talk today.”

Susan asked, “So what was she wanting to say? It couldn’t have been bad; you just proved you’re invaluable.”

Alan says, “Everyone’s replaceable. No, they’re thinking of using us to make a new project and development team. Barb and Darla asked me if I’d come as Alaina tomorrow or Friday and see if you’d accept working with me.”

“Seemingly, you were very acceptable to them; we’ve seen it coming, yet not sure it would ever happen,” Anna commented. Do you have any pictures of yourself?”

Alan stopped to think; he never put any photos online of Alaina, but Carole took one on his phone last night. He took out his phone, searched his photos, and pulled up the one from last night. Susan and Anna were both delightfully surprised, “You clean up well, and we don’t see any traces now. You’ve missed getting all your makeup off a time or two, and once you had a curl not completely washed out.” Anna said, “The curl incident was when I tried to talk to you.”

Alan’s phone indicated a call; he could tell by the ring tone it was Carole. “Don’t go too far we still need to talk.”

He answered Carole’s call, “Thanks for calling back Carole.” She was amused to hear the suggestion. They took twenty minutes to talk. Their talk ended with the decision: “Seemingly, that Ned guy could ruin the timing if you don’t go with it tomorrow. Ask Barb to call me; I’d like to know more about the suit vest or jacket. I’d suggest you go with the pastel coral, not the light blue you’re thinking about.”

“I hadn’t thought of that one,” he said, “But we’d need a new jacket or vest for sure.” He asks, “So are you comfortable with me coming to work as Alaina?”

“I’m supportive of you coming out at work; I just want to make sure, it doesn’t force you to do something you are not ready for. You have my blessing.”

They were soon finished talking and he hung up.

Back to his talk with Susan and Anna. Anna asks, “What does she and Andrea think of Alaina coming out in public.”

Alan, upon hearing Andrea’s name again wondered if he could come out; what would that mean for Andrea? “Andrea, I haven’t thought about Andrea.”

His phone rings again and the tone means Andrea is calling. He answers, and she’s at college. “Dad, Mom thought you’d be worrying about me, don’t. It will be a relief; we all knew it would happen sometime. I was always afraid that I’d be the one to let out that Alaina is my father.” She went on to say, “Mom even told me the outfit you’ll be wearing,” She laughed, “Get a vest that’s a little small so it forces a little cleavage to show; the guys won’t even see your face.”

Alan laughs at his end, and it has Susan and Anna wondering. He asks as he forces himself to stop laughing, “Is that what you really think or are you just being nice so I can come out?”

“Dad, I have to go; I got another class.” …“Yes, I am all in favor; I’ll hug the stuffings when I see you.”

Alaina begins to cry. Susan comes and hugs Alan. “What did she say that has you in tears?”

Alan responds using Alaina’s voice, “She, you, Carole love me enough that I can come out from hiding. Barb is inviting me to come to work as Alaina.”

Andrea was still on the phone when Alaina began to cry; she spoke from the other end and was finally heard, “Dad are you okay? I can take time to talk if needed.”

Susan takes the phone, realizing Andrea hasn’t hung up. “Andrea, she’s just overwhelmed with joy, I think.”

Andrea had seen her father as Alaina longer than others knew. She was six when she realized Alaina was her father. Her parents even told her before but it hadn’t registered. It had been natural for her to love this side of her Dad, but also frustrating that she wasn’t able to tell anyone.

Andrea had three times where she accidentally outed her father. Once, when she was ten years old coming home from her softball game with her friend Chelsey and they were caught in a rainstorm. Chelsey lived another three blocks away. They ran into the house with Andrea yelling, “I’m home!” Alaina came out from the kitchen. Andrea yelled, “Go back, Daddy!” She tried to quickly correct herself. “That was my Daddy’s sister Aunt Alaina.”

Chelsey said, “She looks like your father.”

Andrea quickly said, “I’m sorry Daddy, but Chelsey knows it was you.” From then on, Chelsey was allowed over to play with Andrea upstairs or outside. Alaina was outed to Chelsey’s mother Lynn so it wouldn’t be a secret from Chelsey’s Mom.

A second time came when Andrea was turning thirteen and they were having the family’s birthday celebration a day early. Her father was dressed as Alaina. A friend, Nancy, and her mother, Rose, showed up a day early for Andrea’s birthday party with friends. Andrea had dated it wrong on Nancy’s invitation. They knocked and came in on their own as they heard the birthday song being sung. Carole was bringing the cake out from the kitchen and Alaina went to check who was at the door.

Rose said, “I heard there's another woman who sometimes is here. My name is Rose and we came right in because we thought we were already late.” Nancy spoke up and said, “Mom she looks like Andrea’s Dad.”

Carole and Alaina gave Andrea’s party over to her grandparents with Nancy, while they tried to explain to Rose why Alan was dressed as a woman and called Alaina. Rose told Carole and Alaina, “I had been in an adult key club where women once dressed our husbands as a woman for the night.” She said, “I could have dressed Alaina in my place and Billy Robbins wouldn’t have known who he was with until they were in bed.”

The last time was earlier in the year when Andrea came home crying and she ran into Alaina’s arms. Jasmine soon followed and came into the house, at the same time Carole was coming from the master bedroom. Jasmine called to Andrea, “I’m sorry, but I didn’t mean it when I said a man dressed as a woman is sick. I meant I just didn’t understand why he would.”

Jasmine looked at Alaina and Carole, “Oops, I didn’t know you were talking about your Dad. I thought it was all hypothetical.”

Carole laughed, “My husband is kinda the hypothetical one, but she’s not.” That night the four women went out to dinner together. It was one of the rare occasions to that point that Alaina had gone out.

That day after work Alan came home changed his clothes and put the choral pink skirt in a bag to take with them. Carole had greeted Alan giving him a big hug. “Wow, I am so happy for you!” She was also changing to go shopping with him. Before they could get out the door they could smell something baking in the kitchen. It was Andrea, and she said, “I’ve just pulled a cake out of the oven. I thought we should celebrate Dad’s coming out to others!” She put the cake on the counter to cool, “Should I grab my coat and come with you?”

It was agreed they would go together. Carole and Andrea had a favorite boutique they went to, at times like this. Martha the owner should be there and they knew she would be discrete. They arrived at the St. Ives Boutique and as they were getting out Alaina panicked. “I’m afraid; I don’t know if I can do this.”

“Dad, we got this with you,” Andrea comforted her father. Carole added, “You’ve come this far, but we can do it another time if need be.”

Alaina took her time to consider going back or summing up the courage to go in now. She thought, ‘If not now then sometime; never isn’t my choice. I might as well do it now.’ She looked at her wife and daughter, smiled, and got out of the car. It wasn’t without some trepidation, but they went in together.

Once inside Alaina walked around surveying the store. She was happy with what she saw. Carole was visiting with Hanna Cooper. She had taught Andrea when Andrea was in third grade and came out from teaching to help start the boutique. She was cheery and warmly greeted the three. “I hear you are looking for a jacket or vest to go along with your pencil skirt?”

Alaina took out the skirt and let it unfold. Hanna took it from her and asked, “Is there an occasion it is for?”

Alaina looked to Carole and Andrea, “Yes, I’ve been invited to come out at work. I’m a supervisor so I want something attractive but not flashy. Something worthy of a woman supervising others.”

Hanna repeated the words, “‘Come out’ so what is the change?”

Alaina realized that Hanna did not yet understand, “I’m Andrea’s Dad and I usually present myself as Alan.”

Hanna’s hands go up to her face, noting surprise! “Oh my, well you present well.” She looked at the skirt again and said, “We have the option of looking for a vest, or a jacket. or a combination of the two. We recently discontinued carrying the skirt, though I could order it again. I have two of the vests that went with it. We could look at that, or other vests, or a nice linen jacket.”

Andrea speaks up, “I was thinking of a vest that corrals her bosom.” The suggestion embarrasses Alaina a little but she likes the thought and stays silent. Hanna looks to Alaina, “If that would be alright with you; it would be good because the remaining vests are small and medium. I think the medium would be snug like Andrea suggests, it could be adjusted a little.”

Alaina says, “That would be good, but I’d like two or three possibilities to consider along with it.”

Hanna says, “That is always a wise choice.” She found a white vest that she suggested wearing with a pastel yellow blouse. Carole found a blue paisley vest with coral running through it. And Andrea picked out a yellow jacket that would allow Alaina her choice of blouse.

Alaina first tried on the vest that went with the skirt and was tempted to stop there. It was very nice, and everyone agreed it would be a great choice. Walking out to the three-way mirror Alaina spotted a vibrant blue blouse and near it a cream vest. She quickly asked while she had the courage, “What would you think of this teal blouse and the cream vest?”

Hanna said, “Let’s find them in your size and have you try them.” They had the needed sizes with two blouses giving a choice of differing sleeves. The combination with the skirt was great. She soon decided she’d get both the cream one and the matching coral vest.

They thought they were done when Hanna suggested, “You other women should find something and I’ll give it all a 15% discount.” Once Andrea and Carole were looking, Hanna suggested, “Alaina now is a good time to get your second outfit be it for Friday or next week.” She showed Alaina an area of pencil skirts, and she put her clothes over near the register.

There was a nice bluish-gray skirt that had a matching jacket. Near the mannequin, there were choices of reddish-orange, white, or black blouses. Alaina already tried the white blouse and came out wearing the reddish-orange blouse. Andrea came out wearing a new little red dress. Carole was already at the three mirrors checking over her outfit. Andrea and Carole were pleasantly surprised by Alaina's second outfit. “Wow, Daddy!” Carole, “You look like you’re ready for another day at work or a casual night out.”

The shopping spree was not inexpensive, but the fifteen percent discount made it all possible.

Hanna suggested, “All you need now are manicures for the three of you.”

Carole called around and they had appointments for 7:30. It allowed the time to pick up Thai food to go and to change out of nylons and into flip-flops.

There was no trouble getting Alaina’s nails to match her outfit. The crescent moons were an extra. Carole and Andrea were amused by the appointment concerning Alaina being with them. None of the manicurists either noticed or didn’t make mention of Alaina being different.

The cake dessert was enjoyed after 9:00 that night. Carole and Andrea helped Alaina hang and put away her new clothes. Hanna had given me a package of seamless pantyhose until Carole confessed as we were going to bed that she bought them.

Carole woke Alan at 5:15 in the morning; she justified it, saying, “Getting ready will take longer this morning. You will also want to double-check everything. He had on his vagina gaff, and after his outfit was on; he checked and observed no panty line under the clothes. he was about to bite a nail until he looked at them and was proud of how well they looked. He had a cup of tea and a toasted bagel with cream cheese.

Once he got to work, he was about to enter when he heard Barb inside. “I almost didn’t recognize you Alaina is it? If you didn’t come in early like usual, I’m sure I would have missed you. Your outfit is a little better than the norm, but it is fitting for you.” She greets him and walks him to his section. “I will have a new name tag for you momentarily. I’ll make it to fit the upper vest pocket.”

He was in his section, checking yesterday’s paperwork when Susan and Anna walked in together. ‘Oh and wow’ were the expressions on their face. They encouraged him to go down to Barb’s office for fifteen minutes so the regular staff were all in when she came back. The other workers were notified something would be different, which Anna said started the run of wild expectations. Only one was close to suggesting Alan change his appearance. Most of the speculation had to do with bonuses or promotions. They said little would have an impact on them.

Only this morning did Barb suggest that the new large conference room would become their new research and development area. CEO William Dupree and Charles Higgins the Chairman of the Board had approved your change before it was offered. You will automatically get a $7,500 raise with your new position, but that should only be temporary until the stated amount is formalized. Mr. Dupree will be down to meet you or call you to his office.” Anna, Susan, and Aubrey Whitney are to be directly under me with Aubrey heading up IT. Aubrey was one of the extended staff that Alan had coopted for his expanded team. Chloe was a long-time secretary approved to work for Alan/Alaina. If Alaina approved all of the previous extended staff as they hoped it would make it a team of eighteen. Alaina spoke up and asked, “I would like to change two of the extended team members. I would like interns Kayla Robins and Sydney Jones offered positions with the team at terms above average. Barb knew that would give William Dupree something concrete to talk to Alaina about.

Alaina knew that Sydney had a serious girlfriend who had another year at their university. Alan had already talked to her about a position and she would be pleased to have it with terms being good.

It was time to go back to her present department and Barb was going with her to make it formal. Once there and everyone was accounted for; Barb stepped forward, “You heard rumblings at the end of work yesterday that there would be announcements today. I am here to confirm two. You have been speculating with others about Alan Hart. Well, your department will take over the large conference area you drew up in your project. You will need to draw up new specs to suit your department, as well as design a new large conference area into the plan. Your working team will be approximately eighteen in number and it will be headed up by (she paused) by Alaina (pause) /Alan Hart.” They applauded Alan’s promotion, and a few verbally asked Alaina who? “Let me introduce to you, Alaina Hart.”

Alaina stepped forward and so did the department members. “Wow, Alaina,” said Susan, “We wondered about this side of you, and I am still delightfully surprised.” The delight for Alaina was echoed numerous times as they took turns personally congratulating her.

When Aubrey came into the room, Alaina quickly had the team settled down and introduced Aubrey formally as the head of their Information Tech group. They knew Aubrey and she had worked with them on their project.

Alaina said, “You were told to plan a celebration at the close of work. You will be my guests at Biggio’s for dinner at our expense. That includes you, a spouse, a friend, or a significant other for those not married. It will be the last of my celebrations together with you. The three supervisors will be responsible for those things.”

CEO William Dupree decided to have Alaina come to his office. His Administrative Assistant announced Alaina, and William stood and came around the desk to welcome Alaina Hart. “Thanks for coming over, and I hope we haven’t rushed you too much. We wanted to make this change in light of your group's work on the project. We have been noticing you since before your group got the project. I am personally glad with your appearance; it should make the change a bit easier… I know you were told of a preliminary $7,000 raise. It will be a $10,000 raise plus added benefits. Carole is welcome to social events as are other spouses. New for us will be a one-time $5,000 clothing allowance. You will also need to make Alaina an official part of your name. You can be Alan or Alaina but we desire that it not be back and forth, willy-nilly.”

Once William sat down in a chair, Alaina sat in one across from him. Her legs were crossed at the ankle and the hem of her skirt cupped her hands. William continued the conversation, “We have for a good while been impressed with your work and your crew. You handle people quite well. Barb Reeves told me about your request for interns Kayla Robins and Sydney Jones. That is a very astute request. We have usually waited a little longer, and have lost some of those interns.”

Alaina said, “We already know their abilities and how well they work with our group. A few workers might be upset or feel slighted because they will not be positioned as beginners. If that means a few will quit or transfer, so be it.”

William Dupree said, “I admire a manager who can make good decisions like that.” They talked a while longer, but Dupree had a full schedule. Alaina was relieved that she made it through their first meeting. William had informed Alaina she would be introduced to the working council and the Board of Directors.

Once back to her office, she met and confirmed the celebration preparations. She worked with Anna, Susan, and Aubrey about the division of assignments and who was working with whom. Kayla Robins had come to work for the celebration. She said, “I was just informed that I’m being hired for a full-time job; who is this Alaina Hart that I can thank for the job?”

Alaina spoke, “I’m Alina and I’m the head of our new department with Alan.” Kayla looked to Alaina, “Wow, you went and did it. I’m glad they were smart enough to promote you. Susan said you’re fortunate to have the wife you do.”

Alaina said, “You’re to finish your internship, and upon graduation, you'll be in our new division you will work under Susan's supervision. You and Sydney did a great job of being flexible and understanding our system. You have brought fresh thinking as well as being able to adapt to working with an established crew.”

Alaina said, “Anna, I hope you don’t mind, I’m going to put Sydney with Aubrey.”

Anna said, “It makes sense. I agree about the two that won’t continue with us. I hope that Patricia and Lena will be on my team again.”

They were at Biggio’s where there was first an informal gathering, and then the meal. Carole and Andrea were both there. Alaina thought Andrea’s presence would be good for Kayla and Sydney. So they wouldn’t be the youngest there. Near the end of the evening, Alaina took Susan and Anna aside. She said, “I hope this won’t be too forward of me. I will remain your boss, but now as Alaina, I hope we can become a girlfriend, as well. Even if there comes a time you each get promoted; I want to be girlfriends. It is one thing I’ve always wanted since I was a teen, even younger. Susan rushed to hug Alaina, “That is the best new I’ve heard this evening…

To be continued… (2 of 3)

It’s to be an exciting time as our expanded crew was now its own research and development department. We coopted the rooms we had used on the previous project. We’re charged to bring two production lines into production while only taking one offline in sixty days. Alaina and crew believe it is a doable assignment, but not by doing it as advised. They are presently clearing adjoining land moving earth and compacting land where they believe a new foundation needs to be laid. We widened the area within the boundaries of the land. We planned to put both production plants side by side, yet with their areas.

Meanwhile, Alaina who is working today has a meeting with staff and the board of directors who are less than pleased with her identity and the position she has been given. While, it means government grants and tax credits That is a corporation concern not hers, though it is linked to her job and position.

Though life philosophies and belief differences with Board member Gary Price are substantial; he’s not Alaina’s big concern. Alan and Alaina’s office has blueprints and spec sheets spread out or rolled up on an oversized draftsman’s desk. Gary is very conservative in his thinking and he’s upfront about it. Alaina welcomes Gary and shakes his hand in greeting them. They have been friends ever since Gary took notice of Alan’s work.

Gary says, “I’ll be honest with you; I was pleased with the results of your last project. I’m still not in favor of you or an all-woman crew. And I’m upset that they’re allowing you to work as a trans member of management for our company. I’m not out to cause problems but I need to be upfront with you that I’ll be watching closely.”

Alaina asks, “Do you have some men you’d like to suggest I hire?” Alaina smiles, “Oh, by the way, I met your daughter Tess came; one of her classes visited here two months ago. She has a good head on her shoulders and presents well. I suggested she hire one for the summer. I know she’ll get a good number of scholarships and stuff. I just sensed she does exceptionally well learning as she does things.”

Gary perks up, “You think, I’d let her work with your group ahead of working for our company?”

She responds, “I didn’t think she’d take it, or that you’d allow it; I just thought it would be a great opportunity for her.”

“How do you see it as a great opportunity for her? asked Gary, thinking Alaina wouldn’t have a good response.

“It sounds like she has a good working knowledge of how you do things. Seeing our system would be good knowledge on how else things can be done. You have done a good job, but you and her older brothers are all guys in a male-dominated company. I talked to her, but it was Susan and Anna and the other workers that she took a liking to. They were to be here half of the day, which would have been more than enough for us. But she talked her teachers into extending it instead of moving on.”

Gary interrupted, “I heard you wined and dined them, while they were here.”

Alaina laughed, “Assorted Pepsi products, vita water, and our cafeteria. There were eight or nine of them, the teachers and the driver. She’s the daughter of a Board member, and it wouldn’t tax the cafeteria. It was an easy decision on our part. I didn’t think she would tell you anything special.”

“But now you’re out as transgender and I suspect someone on the crew is a lesbian. You thought I’d be excited about that?”

“She’s going to the state university with one of the better engineering majors in the country. You would have cloistered her away in a safe environment if you thought she’d be happy with that… I’m not here to debate you about what she’s going to do. You and Glenna have done a fine job raising her.”

“I can show you where we are in the planning stage. The Directors or those above us have questions or change our direction fine.” Alaina says, “So far, I think we’re heading in the right direction. What would you like to see?”

They went over the plans and reasoning for what’s likely to be changed. Gary was pleased; he said, “You know, I won’t fight you doing a good job. You’re exceeding expectations and you are barely started.” Gary shook hands which was as excited as he gets. He hasn’t usually done that when he’s not pleased.

Harry Cheswick was meeting with Alaina during the afternoon, now that was a problem case ready to happen. One thing in Alaina’s favor, he was a loose cannon and not very popular. He was given a position on the Board at the request of a banking company he works for. Alan hadn’t been on Cheswick’s good list; the Company, William Dupree, CEO, knew Alaina’s job would be a sore point with Cheswick.

Harry Cheswick jumped on Alaina as he was coming through the door. He said, “Where do you get off changing things and preparing construction ground before you get the Board’s approval? I didn’t see the CEO’s okay on the changes.”

“Mr. Cheswick please calm down and I’ll explain what you want to know and why we’re doing it,” Ms. Hart said.

He said, “I won’t settle down, you’re hiding behind the skirt you're wearing. Others might be nice in butting heads with you and gloss it over with nice words, but I won’t.”

“Mr. Cheswick, no one would dare try to sneak something past you. What we’re doing is in the planning stage; that’s where changes should be developed and assessed. Regarding preparing the project sight; has the knowledge and approval of Mr. Dupree and his associates. It is something that would need to be done either way. The projected saving of time and money is ahead of prior forecasts.” She asks him to be seated, and once he does, she states, “I think the bigger problem you have is with me. And I’m in the process of changing and I’m not going back. The Board and Mr. Dupree have the power to get rid of me, but I hope they won’t. We’ve proven we can do the work assigned to us. It was Board members and staff sought me to make the change in light of my personality. If you will calm down and check the project information and plans here; I think you’ll find them in order.”

Harry Cheswick is up on his feet moving for the door. “You’re an abomination That needs to be eradicated and I’ll launch the drive to get you out.”

“And nice to see you, Mr. Cheswick.” Alaina thinks, “And how his daughter Martha is turning out is beyond my thinking.’

That night and the next day calls, emails, and social media as well as Facebook postings started. The next two weeks were difficult for Alaina working under a microscope at work. It was a bit of hell for the family at home. Alan complained, and though Cheswick was ordered to cease his harassment as a board member of a bank employee; the harassment just went to his house and with the help of like-minded people.

Alaina finally spoke up stating Cheswick had gone too far and was still seen as a representative of the Board and his bank.

Marvin B. Lange, Chair of the Board of Directors called and set up an emergency meeting. Cheswick despite his connections was removed from the Board of Directors. CEO, William Dupree praised Alan Alaina Hart. He updated the Board about the planning underway and suggested changes with the noting of savings and better-end projects. There was also an update on the previously approved project. It was moving along but not too quickly.

Come the close of the meeting Gary Price sought out Alan and asked, “Is a summer position for our daughter still a possibility?” The question was coming from Tess Price.

“I’ll have to check, but I believe it is possible. Did she ask to work with anyone in particular like Aubrey or Anna as they’re the youngest of our supervisors?” Alaina paused hoping to hear a response.

Gary said, “She’s interested in working with the top engineer.”

Alan responded, “Not if I’m going to be working with you closely watching. It wouldn’t be fair for her or our company.”

“My company pays her, but there would be no strings or anyone watching over your shoulder,” assured Gary.

“She’d have to be working for and paid by the company; that's the only way it would be allowed,” Alan waited again. It was agreed upon but Alan said, “Alaina will be back tomorrow and the next few days at least. I’d like her to come in after school and for us to get an agreement.”

William Dupree and Board President Marvin Lange questioned Alan’s plan to hire Tess Price, however they would allow it if Hart still wanted to do it in the morning.

Cheswick was not only removed from the Board; the bank he worked for also let him go. Cheswick was a non-story within two days.

Carole had filed a judgment for personal damages to Andrea and the family against Cheswick, the Board of Directors, and his Bank. All would be settled out of court but it took time and even then not all the settlement was probably forthcoming.

Alaina was there when Tess Price came after school to be interviewed. Alaina was honest, “You would be doing a lot of errand running and seeing the engineer in me directing others to do the work. And sometimes I will be pairing you with Susan to work under a natural woman, and to see engineering being applied. The boss has a lot of boring time waiting for different stags to be reached.”

“All that sounds good to me,” said Tess, “But I do hope you will watch me more closely. I am a smart girl and I want to be treated like one.”

Alaina said, “Thanks, I am glad that you are strong enough to speak up for yourself. I’ll consider that, but come the final decision, I don’t want you second-guessing me in front of others. Do we have an understanding?”

Tess asks, “Does that mean you’ll hire me for a summer joy."

Alaina had noted with Cheswick and then with the Board that she was undergoing changes, but they were not elaborated upon in detail. It was a personal thing that Carole had suggested. It was something she knew Alan had dragged his feet on. Alaina had used Carole’s GYN and an endocrinologist to begin seeing specialists at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. It was scheduled there to be away from where the corporation might be checking for her. Surgeries we scheduled to begin when their planning stage was over and the Council and Board of Directors needed to approve the project or send it back.

While revisions were possible if not likely; Alaina was confident that approval was a matter of time and refinement. She would have things ready for Susan, Anna, and Aubrey to handle in the first stages or building and transition. She was already scheduled for breast augmentation to be performed. Alan/Alaina had desired a B+ implant it was changed to a C cup at Carole and Andrea’s urging.

Tess was hired and the alterations in the project with the laying of the foundation for two production lines were approved.

The construction for the previous project was already behind schedule; that was despite all the preliminary work that Hart’s group had done. This meant Hart’s research and development team, would continue in their makeshift area.

There were attacks that their crew’s activity was making others look bad. Hart’s group used union workers like others, but Susan and Anna had routinely got on schedules ahead of time. They also made use of unions

It was near the end of her third week that Tess asked, “Alaina, I heard someone say you have a strong faith, but how do you justify your lifestyle work with your faith?”

Alaina said, “I do believe I have a strong faith; I have shared with the Lord who I am. The difference you and I have is more a matter of religious beliefs versus faith. I may not be as religious according to your church’s doctrines. I have little to no trouble taking things to God in prayer, or seeking wisdom, caring about the people of this crew or my family.”

“I respect you and your dad as religious people, and I analyze the beliefs and practices of your church or those of any of my workers.” Alaina paused, “Can you point out where my faith has come into play against how we’re doing our jobs?”

Tess replied, “You’re answering in ways I didn’t expect. And part of me expected you to get angry and threaten me.”

“Tess, I think your questions are as sincere there, as they were when you asked about the stress levels on the steel we were projecting for a machine we were evaluating. I can handle that. I hope you can respect my abilities and what we’re doing as a crew?”

Tess said, “They say there’s a celebration for the crew at the end of work today, but that you’re not going. I was wondering whether I should be going or not?”

“There will be some drinking, and I wouldn’t want you to be drinking alcohol. But there are other things to drink and a limit of two drinks per person. Susan will watch out for you if you go. It is another side of your fellow employees that you’ll see. The decision is yours.”

Tess hugged Alaina for treating her as an adult and apologized for giving the hug.

Over an extended July 4th, weekend Alaina had her breast implants with no fanfare and had missed three days of work after the Fourth. Alaina had legally changed her name to Alaina Alan Hart though only two commented on the change of the name plate.

Aubrey being on the crew and handling a lot of the behind-the-scenes work had helped a lot. Everyone knew their part of the crew was making good progress. And they were worried about the others possibly lagging behind. It was nearly August when Susan approached Alan on a rare day he was visible. “My part of the crew is wondering with their progress; are there going to be cutbacks on their hours?”

Alan said, “Your crew is doing well; your only concern will be how they will do when the four of us to meet for three days apart from them next week. We need to check and analyze the project and begin bringing the plans and proposal together. Different from the last project, I want the project to stay with us through its completion. But I want you to know between the planning and taking over the project I will be taking a minimum of four weeks for SRS, the surgery so my outward appearance matches how I see myself as Alaina.”

Carole asked after work, “So did you go through with telling Susan about your next big step?” Alan was changing clothes and hadn’t spoken. “Did she ask what I thought of your operations?” Alan nodded his head, “Was she surprised when you told her?”

Alaina was showering, and Carole was in with her. “Yes you know she would have been, and I needed to repeat what I said. She thought I was joking, that you were the first to plan on the change after we determined there wasn’t going to be any more children.”

Carole was serious but ready to giggle. “That I had been a lesbian and I would enjoy us being women. Your being transgender was better than any plan I could have imagined. You fully becoming Alaina works perfectly for me.”

The End (3 of 3)