=^_^=
Kaden and Christy were born at the same hospital, on the same day, and their families lived two doors from each other. Mom and Cathy met at the hospital’s going home dinner the night before they and their babies were to go home. Except for the day they went home; they were together during their mom’s maternity leave most every day. Born January 9, come January the eleventh, their moms and thus them were at one another’s. Kelli was Kaden’s mom, and Cathy was Christy’s mom. Kelli was a counseling therapist and Cathy was the assistant coach to the college women’s basketball team and an instructor. The women watch each other’s child if one had an emergency, or to run an errand for something. Kaden was more likely to mess his outfit, and ended up in one of Christy’s outfits. Kaden and Christy grew up more like siblings than neighbors.
Christy was the one who spoke, crawled, and walked first. And she preferred Kaden when he messed up an outfit and wore one of hers. Since they grew up together, they were each other’s best friend or sibling.
Despite doing more things first, Christy had health concerns that made her more likely to get sick enough to go to the hospital or stay at home. One such occasion happened when Christy was three and not very well. It had happened when she was one, and Kelli visited when Christy was not so well. Kelli had visited with Kaden in a body pouch. Kaden’s presence lifted Christy’s spirit and sparked her getting better.
Now at three, Kaden was intentionally brought in to see Christy. He would lie next to her, while the moms visited. Christy would wake and see Kaden next to her. She became happy and the hospital learned that Kaden was good medicine for her. Since Christy was grouchy when she was sick, Kaden would give in to whatever Christy wanted. More than once that meant being Kay and playing what Christy wanted. Thus they could be princesses or cowgirls.
By the time they were 4 or 5, that also meant outside. Kaden got used to boys giving him a hard time being a princess or cooking in the play kitchen. Most of the girls and a couple of boys were good friends. They accepted this side of Kaden.
When Christy was four, her mother became the women’s head coach, and it wasn’t unusual for Kelli, Kaden, and Christy to be two rows up, watching Cathy coach and the women play basketball. The players soon got a cheerleading outfit for Christy and two weeks later another cheerleader’s costume was there for Kaden. With his sandy, curly hair he had often been mistaken for a girl, and Kaden didn’t care. The two of them became mascots for the team. He liked grown girls making a fuss over him.
The following year Kaden had a boy’s cheerleader outfit. But was soon called Kay as before, and the skirt would sometimes replace the shorts.
Christy was thirteen when she had another health scare and was back in the hospital. Before Kelli and Kaden went into the hospital to visit her, Kaden put on one of his outfits and played a princess for her. Christy’s friend Marci was already in the room when Kelli and Kay(den) entered. Marci smiled, “Only Christy has a charming princess Kaden.”
Christy was no longer a little girl but a teenager, and she finagled a time to go shopping with Marci and Kaden when she got better. But it was Kay and not Kaden she wanted with her.
By now Kaden didn’t mind being Kay, now and then. He liked the idea of being a girl, but he denied it to his parents and most friends. Christy and her Mom knew but saw it as Kaden’s secret to tell. Cathy had spoken to Kaden a couple of times and informed him, “It shouldn’t be a secret from your parents; I suspect your Mom and sister Karen might not be surprised.” Karen was two years older than Kaden and Christy. Karen said they were cute but teased him for being dressed as a girl.
It was two months after Christy was well and by now the women’s basketball season was over. It came as a great time to go to the mall shopping. Cathy took Christy, Kaden, and Marci to the mall to go shopping.
Stacy, one of her college players went and was to be watching at a distance, but she had momentarily lost them. Christy had taken Kaden into a special restroom, where Kaden became Kay and was a passable girl. Marcie and Kay had some spending money, enough for one or two items. Christy had her birthday money as well as the money her mother gave her.
Kaden was game for trying on clothes, even buying something for Kay, but he wasn’t expecting them to try dresses, other outfits, after another. But Christy forced Kay to enjoy the fun. Kay bought a blue, orange, and yellow print skirt for spring. She didn’t want to buy a white satin blouse, because a bra could be seen under it. Unfortunately, Christy insisted because of the same reason Kay didn’t want it. Christy won as she usually did. Marcie had bought a dress for Easter. Christy had one dress, two outfits, and a bra and panty set.
They went to the food court, and Christy and Marci were admiring the boys there. Christy flirted with some boys she knew. Marci excused herself as her mother was outside waiting for her. Once Marci left, two boys came over; a new situation had arisen. Tyler asked Christy to go to the movie matinee with him, and Chad was to be with Kay.
Kay insisted on talking to Christy alone, and said they shouldn’t. Christy said, “We won’t if you can honestly say you're not a little interested.” Kay paused long enough, she said, “That settles it.”
It was a chick flick with enough action to interest boys enough. With previews, a cartoon, and the movie, they would be out of the theater around four. Kay could handle the time. Chad held her hand, she appreciated that he got her a small diet cola.
During the movie, Tyler put an arm around Christy, she enjoyed that. Chadi, in time, held Kay’s hand. He complimented how nice Kay looked, and they talked a little about the movie. Come the end of the movie, Tyler helped Christy get her coat on, and then kissed her. The kiss was a surprise, but one Christy had not protested. Kay had gotten on her coat, but when Chad handed Kay her purse, that was when he kissed Kay on the lips. She was surprised that it didn’t repulse her, but felt warm and nice. She didn’t intend to, but she thanked Chad and said it was sweet of him. Christy bumped Kay and whispered, “Really.”
Soon they were back out into the mall, and there was a loose dog in the mall. Some boys were teasing it, one threw a rock and hit it hard enough that she fell. Another boy had raised his arm with a rock; then Kay took the lead and knocked him over. She went to the dog and hugged it; hoping no one would throw at it with her there. Chad, Christy, and Tyler came and stood in support of her.
Security was soon there and the bad guys insisted they were just protecting others. Security insisted they would call the police to take the dog away. Kay said, “This dog is hurt and bleeding and no one is taking her anywhere until a vet checks her.” Security insisted that it was the city’s responsibility. She said, “There’s a vet across the street. She’s not going anywhere until a vet sees her!”
Chad said, “I called the vet clinic, and they’d have someone to check the dog.
Meagan, the manager of the larger of the two department stores, introduced herself to Kay. “I want to thank you for the brave thing you did. One of my display girls and I were over there. We saw what you did, and we’re very proud it was a girl who first stood up and stopped the boys.”
Soon the Vet tech was there checking the dog. “She’s been traumatized, probably has a concussion, and a bone was broken and is pressing against her ear.” The security guard started to speak, but Sandy the vet tech said, “She would just be held by the city and not receive the help she needs. She’s a precious dog that’s been well taken care of. She’s going across the street to be treated. She’s been too well taken care of, she probably has a chip that identifies her. Whatever that girl’s hero for coming to her aid and insisting she have help.”
Once Sandy had the dog and it was being taken away. Meagan came back, “I see your skirt has a blood stain. Come with me and I’ll have you pick out an Easter dress; it will be our treat.”
Kelli and Cathy had arrived to take the two girls home. Kay said to Meagan, “No, our rides have come and we need to go home.”
Kelli amused with the situation, said, “Wait, you don’t have an Easter dress; I’ll even pay for half of it.” Kay/Kaden was now confused and looked at his Mom quizzically. Kelli took Kay aside, “I see you were pretending to be a girl, and even kissed a boy. Meagan Rider has offered you an Easter dress; would you like one?”
Kaden used Kay’s voice and said, “I’m not going to our church in an Easter dress. That would be embarrassing.” A woman next to Meagan said, “I’m a pastor at Our Shepherds Church. You’re welcome to our church for Easter, a week from Sunday.”
Candace, owner of Curls and Style, spoke up, “I’ll throw in an appointment with us on the Saturday before Easter Sunday, along with a manicure.” Mom said, “I’ll pay for a pedicure, if she’s up to it.”
Meagan took Kay into the store and showed her the Easter fashions. She soon realized she was offering something special. She was showing me the best of the best. The dress, Kay was attracted to, was pink, yellow, white, and had a red ribbon. Meagan asked, “It’s a beautiful Easter outfit. Will you want pink or white stockings? Will a small clutch purse do, or would you like to pick one?”
When Cathy asked about their day, Kay and Kelli were riding home with Cathy and Christy. Chrissy talked about shopping and meeting the boys at lunch. Marci had left, and Cathy had first accepted being invited to the movies.
When Cathy didn’t volunteer about the kisses, Mom said. “Cathy knew to refresh her lipstick; you did not.”
To be continued…
=^_^=
We were no sooner through the door when my sister called, “Hurry up, you’re on the news! They say Kaylene's a hero. I like the picture of you holding the dog and insisting on a Vet look at her.”
“I could ring Christy’s neck for getting me to dress as Kay and flirting with those boys,” Kaden said.
“But you’re the hero brother.”
Kaden said, “I only knocked down the next boy, and shielded the dog. Stacy was there; she forced the boys into submission. Why isn’t she the heroine?”
“But you’re the pretty girl holding the dog, and insisting on getting your way. What an adorable girl you make. And I love the dress and shoes you chose. I wouldn’t have expected you to choose ankle boots.”
“It was a better choice than 3” heels.”
Karen said, “Give it a break; Meagan saw an opportunity and you’re the beneficiary.”
Mom called upstairs, “Kaden, are you presentable, you have a visitor?”
“Tell the person no, Mom, I need to change.”
There’s a knock on the door and Christy comes in, “We’re sisters, you can’t say no to me. I have pictures of your Easter dress. I bet you didn’t show them to your sister yet.”
Karen sees the first photo, “Gee Kay, this is beautiful. And the ankle boot has at least a 2 ½” heel, probably three inches.” She sees a photo, where I posed.
Christy asked, “Your Mom told me a Pastor Ramona invited you to Our Shepherds Church on High Ridge for Easter. That’s supposed to be an up and coming church. Now we know it’s a welcoming church as well. Would be alright for my Mom and me to go with you?”
Kaden said, “We do so much together, why’d you think this would be different?”
My Mom called to my room, “Why don’t all of you come down, Cathy has news all of us should hear… This is not to be told elsewhere until it's commonly known.”
Cathy said, “You know you’re like family to us. While you were out shopping, I got a call from UNI and the University called me to be their new Coach for their Women’s Basketball team.”
Kaden looks to Christy, I knew Cathy had applied, but so had over thirty other coaches. Kalen hugs Christy; I hope you can stay here until the end of the school year.” Everyone heard what she said, Cathy said, “That needs to be worked out. We need to be at the University tomorrow.”
Cathy smiled, “We’ll make it work, we'll go to church Easter Sunday here.”
I asked, “Is Stacy Joens going to UNI?”
“That’s Stacy’s decision. Camille at Senior High will be invited to go as well,” said Cathy. “Kaden, you’ll be welcome most any weekend.”
It was a busy two weeks to Holy Week; by then the Easter dress had been fitted and a seamstress made the alterations. I had been Kaden so far this week; being Kay going in to for my final fitting had me nervous. Christy, Marci, and my sister were there along with my Mom and me. Meagan met us and introduced them to Constance, my seamstress.
The curtain was drawn to give me privacy as they helped me with the dress. Already Meagan said it was “beautiful”; Constance complimented the selection of the gown. “Any girl would be thrilled to have this dress, but it is you who needs to be pleased the most.” I felt electricity running down my body with the first touch of it coming down over me. It was guided over my head and down my arms. The dress was shimmering down my arms, sides, and legs. Mom and Constance were buttoning the back and checking my sleeves. Then I saw the dress coming together in the mirror, and others showing from the back and side.
I had never thought of myself as a beautiful girl until then. I’m not perfect, but the way the dress hugged me and it was perfect for me. The partition was pulled to the side and Christy, Karen, and Marci were in awe of what they saw. Christy, “Kaylene you are beautiful!”
I stepped out of the changing area and was led to a three-way mirror in the main sales area. I was embarrassed as people applauded and complimented me. Photos including for the area newspaper were taken.
Mom knew I didn’t want my picture to be taken and shown, especially in the newspaper. Mom said, “By the time most see you in the newspaper on Easter Sunday, you will already be in church and they won’t know where you are until later.”
Karen held my hand, “Please, enjoy this moment and again Sunday morning.”
Mom had sent pictures to my Grandmothers. Grandmother Martin called, “It’s just Grandma Martin calling to say how beautiful you are in your dress.”
“Thanks Grandma, but I hope it’s not embarrassing, that a bit of Christy has rubbed on me for years?”
“This part of you has been bubbling under the surface; it's time for it to surface. I want you to know we understand.”
I asked, “Whose we, Grandma?”
Grandma said, “All the family, plus your sister knows Morgan, a high school boy; he lives in my neighborhood. Morgan saw your picture and wondered if he could take you out on a date. Morgan is a wonderful boy, but you should meet him beforehand. I suggested he come with me to the Easter Service at the church. We would sit two of three pews away from you. If you wanted to meet him, you could come over and say hello to me and I’d introduce him.”
“But Grandma, it would be rude if I didn’t say hello to you,” Kay said. “Plus that would be me at my prettiest. Would he know I’m a boy?”
Grandma said, “He has a older cousin who’s a transwoman. His cousin has knowingly been a woman for ten years. She’s accepted as normal in their family. Morgan knows your sister and considers her a friend, though they’re not close friends.”
Kay realized she knew Morgan, and thinks he’s an okay guy. “Grandma, did you already invite him to the Easter service we will go to?”
Grandma answered with a question, “Karen said you might already know who he is. Would it be okay with you if I invited him? Karen didn’t see a problem with his coming.”
“She has good judgment, so I guess it would be okay. But I wouldn’t have much time to visit. Christy’s Mom will be back. Time with Christy will be at a premium.” Kay thought, “We will both have the day after Easter off from school.”
Mom asked after everyone was gone, “Did you agree to say hi to a boy at church, and again the next day at Grandma’s?”
“Mom, I agreed she could invite him to church with her. And he might not want to see me the next day.”
Mom said, “I didn’t know as Kay, you would be interested in meeting with a boy.”
“I don’t know either. I thought it sounded like a safe way to find out”
Mom, “This is an interesting step for you, Kaden, as Kay.”
Kaden’s voice surfaced, “Mom, right now, I’m not certain myself, but I need some experiences to help me understand myself.” Kay sat with her Mom, the others were there. She wrapped an arm around her Mom, “Mom, this is different. I see myself as your daughter. Somehow, I feel unusually warm and loved in your arms.”
Mom said, “I sense it too, I love you Kaylene.” Mom thought, I shouldn’t have said that, I don’t want to lead her on. But it is a beautiful feeling; Cathy said, something about Kaden changing.
Soon it was the Saturday before Easter and Kaylene had her salon appointment. Kay wanted a simple hairdo, Christy insisted she needed it styled with curls. “My hair’s not that long.”
Christy said, “Remember that style you liked, Candace said, ‘The style would be a very pretty look on you. Please, you know I wouldn’t steer you wrong on this.” Kay looked to his sister Karen, she smiled and shook her head yes.
Kay revisited the pedicure, but after Wanda started, Kay’s feet became putty in Wanda’s hands. Kay whispered, “Can boys have pedicures?”
Wanda said, “Yes, but you enjoy this time. I hear your ankle boots are open toed. This will add enough color to make you beautiful head to toe. The other women will notice.
Kay was in awe as Candace shampooed and conditioned her hair, “Your hair will glisten tomorrow. Have you ever had it styled like this?” Kay realized, the people at the salon, at least Candace did not know she was a boy.
When the rollers came out and the brushing and combing were almost done, the hairstyle was almost done. Meagan from Von Maur’s came to see her, and Kay waved her close, “I don’t think they know I’m a boy.”
“No,” Meagan said, “I realized that when you came in for the dress. You know, no boy is showing and won’t be tomorrow.”
To be continued…
I eagerly arose Easter Sunday; I was restless since four in the morning for sunrise to appear through my window. I quickly showered, making sure my hair was protected. Mom allowed me to wear her good dressing robe. She insisted I eat an English muffin with a little preserve to have something in my tummy. It was good with the hot tea that I sipped. I wiped my face, making sure it was clean, before I started my makeup. My hands were shaking, which was alright for putting on the dots of makeup and smoothing it over my complexion.
Karen saw my trembling fingers and stopped me there. She took over using a makeup triangle to make sure it was smooth and even. She outlined my lips, brushed on some blush, and then did the first color of my eyeshadow. She suggested I wear the silver aspen leaves for my earrings. They were a great choice.
She went back to my lips and asked me to fill in my lips with a glossy red lip-gloss. Good Kaylene, “Now I want you to do the top of your eyelids with a light dose of the silver shadow. Very good, I couldn’t have done better.” A smile came to my face and I began to relax again.
I stepped into my Easter dress with Mom and Karen helping me. Mom buttoned up the back of my dress. I was in front of the mirror as the look all came together. Karen had me purse my lips on a tissue. My lips still glistened. My eyes sparkled, as Karen handed me a small purse with a silver chain.
Mom only allowed me to wear two inch heels. I didn’t remember Mom and Karen getting ready. Time was swirling as soon we were all ready.
The doorbell chimed and Christy and Cathy came into our house. Compliments made their way around, and all were deserving. Christy asked, “Did you see your picture on the front of the social section of the newspaper?”
Mom said, “No time for that.”
Going into the church, a girl Marcia said hello to Kalene and Karen complimenting on Kaylene’s Easter dress. Marcia said, “I hope you don’t mind my asking, though you are much prettier today; you look like the girl on TV a little while back that protected the dog that was hurt at the mall a couple of weeks ago. Are you her?”
Kay said, “We’re wanting to focus on getting seats and the Easter service right now. Can we talk after the service?”
Marcia said, “I just wanted to know if the dog is okay?”
“It was a bad wound, but the clinic was able to help her.”
We were barely able to find seats together, we were half way back on the left side several seats in Christy, her mom Cathy, Dad John, and brother Sam were in the row behind us. Grandmother Ava Martin and her neighbor Morgan Fox were closer to the back on the right side.
Karen said, “You know you let her know you’re the girl who was there and was invited to church this Sunday.”
Kaylene responded, “I suspect more than she has figured it out who I am. I just didn’t want students from school to know right away.”
Soon Pastor Ramona came to close to where we were seated; she got our attention and said, “I see you Kalene and Christy were able to come to this service. I wanted you to know there’s a fellowship time after this service in the building to the left of the sanctuary. I hope you will have time to visit a little longer.”
Mom turned to the Ohrts, “How does that sound for you? Kaylene needs to say hello to Grandma Martin after church.”
Christy said, “I’m sure Marcia and others will want to talk more too.”
The service soon began, the music was a mix of traditional and newer Easter songs. During the reading of the Bible some women walked up front, a large stone was rolled away, and from the opening of the tomb Angels had talked to the women.
The message was mixed that Christ Jesus was Risen, and that the hope of Christ was for all people today as well. Ramona emphasized that women were the first to bring the news of Jesus’ resurrection. That they were not women in pretty dresses, but ordinary women who had gone there in grief. The good news often comes and fears diminish when we expect bad news.
On the way out of the Sanctuary at the end of the service. Ramona greeted me with a hand and drew me in for a hug. She whispered, “When people learn, be it today or another time. Don’t worry, you will come through it for the better. Remember that strong person I first met in the mall.” I had to move on, and no Ramona did not seek us out in the fellowship time.
I recognized one student, Tom, from our school. But when our eyes met her turned away. I didn’t see him again.
Marcia and others greeted Christy, myself, and our families. Marcia introduced me to Carrie, Deb, and another girl. Cassie, a daughter of Ramona, introduced herself and her girlfriend Melinda. She saw my surprised look because they looked like they were college age. Cassie explained, “Mom adopted me off the streets when I was 15. Mom walks what she preaches; I’m proof of that. That was six years ago, I’ll make, through college, but I’ve had a lot of help.”
I said hello to Grandma and Morgan, we talked a little bit, and I agreed to meet him tomorrow. I didn’t make any promises.
I sought to find Cassie again, and did. “Cassie,” I said, “I think you know more about me than you’re saying.”
“I’m not to say, but Christy’s best friend was said to be a boy. You don’t present as a boy.”
I sighed, “I’m relieved someone knows. I’m not advertising it to the world, but I know it will become known to more.” Cassie and Melinda embraced me, Cassie handed me contact info.
Marcia giggled as she stuck herself in with us, “I also know who you are. I play against Christy sometimes and I’ve seen you before. You dress up amazingly well, but like all girls, Kaden, you’re not perfect.”
Christy saw Marcia find me and came to be with us; she wrapped her arm around mine. Cathy asked, “Marcia, I see you’ve met Kalene?”
Kalene said, “She called me Kaden and said I wasn’t a perfect girl.” Christy giggled, “None of us are.”
Cassie and Melinda started to back away, Kalene said, “I appreciate you saying hello and thanks for the info.” The crowd dispersed and people were coming for the next Easter service.
When we got back to our vehicle, Cathy Ohrt said, “John has a reservation for all of us at Colby’s.” It is a modest restaurant a mile east of Shepherd's Church.
Once there and sitting down to eat, Cathy gets visits from former players and others who recognize her. Younger people recognize Kalene; one even brought a copy of the newspaper asking for my signature.
The restaurant manager made an announcement, “I would like to ask those eating to refrain from visiting others while they’re eating.” It didn’t stop everyone, but we ate in relative peace until we got back outside. Three girls and a boy followed us out; Christy, “Kalene, we want to say how pretty you are.” We visited a while longer once they confirmed I was also Kaden. Rae said, “Kalene, did you like your salon visit? I can tell your complexion is different.” A worried look must have come on my face, Rae responded, “Don’t worry, it’s a nice change. See you at school Tuesday.” She blew a kiss as she and the others left.
Once back in our car, Mom asked, “Do you want to window shop in the mall?”
“Sorry, but I don’t need any more attention. I vote to go home.”
Karen said, “Maybe we could go home and change. I wouldn’t mind shopping.”
Karen teased, “I thought you were just with her?”
Once at Christy’s I had to sit with Christy and her Mom as they were visiting. They were talking to Christy’s sister via an internet connection Connie was at the University of Colorado playing softball. Connie must have seen me as she said “Hi, Kalene, I hope you’re enjoying your Easter experience. I hope you don’t mind sharing my sister with me.”
I took that as a cue to go up to Christy’s room to wait for them. The problem was I fell asleep on Christy’s bed. It was three p.m. before Christy found me sleeping. Christy woke me up and I began to cry about losing her. “We’re forever friends Kay.”
I cried, “Whether it’s at the end of the school year or the end of summer, I’m going to lose you.” Christy hugged me until I settled down. “It will be a two-way event Kay, but we can do it every night and we can each spend a weekend visiting the other. It is what girls do. Or are you going back to just being Kaden...”