This book, in it's entirety, is available on my Patreon. BCTS will get weekly postings on Mondays to complete it here. Patreon Free Members can read my new complete book by chapters, Things We Do for Love

Chapter 5: Sanctuary Secrets

The morning light filtered through the vintage dress shop's windows with unusual intensity, casting long shadows across the hardwood floors as Kiki arrived earlier than usual. The previous day's confrontation with Margaret Thornfield had left her restless, and she'd found herself unable to sleep past dawn. Rose's wisdom about courage echoing in her mind, she'd decided to channel her nervous energy into productive work.

Rose was already in the shop, moving with her characteristic grace despite the subtle signs of fatigue that Kiki was beginning to notice more frequently. She wore a stunning 1950s day dress in deep navy with tiny pearl buttons, her silver hair pinned in its elegant chignon, but there was something different about her posture today—a careful deliberation that suggested she was conserving her energy for something important.

"Good morning, dear," Rose said warmly, her eyes brightening at Kiki's early arrival. "I was hoping you'd come in early today. There's something I've been meaning to show you, something that's been part of this shop's mission for longer than you might imagine."

Kiki felt a flutter of curiosity mixed with concern. Rose's tone carried the weight of significance, the careful cadence she used when preparing to share something meaningful. "What is it, Rose?"

Rose moved toward the back of the shop, gesturing for Kiki to follow. "It's easier to show than to tell," she said, her voice carrying a note of gentle excitement. "And I think it's time you understood the full scope of what we do here—what you'll be doing here."

They passed through the workroom where Kiki had spent so many hours learning restoration techniques, but instead of stopping at the familiar workspace, Rose continued toward a door Kiki had noticed but never seen opened. It was painted the same cream color as the walls, almost invisible unless you knew to look for it.

Rose produced an old brass key from her pocket, its surface worn smooth by decades of use. "This has been my secret for fifteen years," she said, turning the key in the lock with practiced ease. "Well, mine and Ada's. But it's time to expand our circle of trust."

The door opened to reveal a narrow staircase leading down into what Kiki had assumed was simply a basement storage area. But as they descended, the sound of soft mewing and the scent of clean litter and fresh air suggested something far more significant than storage.

The basement had been transformed into a sanctuary that took Kiki's breath away. Soft lighting illuminated a space that had been carefully designed for comfort and healing. Cat trees of various heights created vertical territories, while cozy sleeping nooks lined the walls. A dozen cats of different ages and conditions moved through the space with the relaxed confidence of creatures who knew they were safe and loved.

"Rose," Kiki whispered, her voice filled with wonder. "This is incredible."

An older woman with silver-streaked brown hair and gentle eyes looked up from where she'd been cleaning a feeding station. She wore practical clothes covered by a volunteer apron, and her face lit up with obvious affection when she saw Rose.

"Ada, I'd like you to meet Kiki," Rose said warmly. "Kiki, this is Ada Morrison, my partner in this particular mission. She's been helping me run the sanctuary since we started."

Ada's handshake was firm, her smile genuine. "Rose has told me so much about you," she said, her voice carrying the same gentle authority that Kiki had learned to associate with people who worked with vulnerable creatures. "She says you have a gift for understanding what needs healing."

Kiki looked around the sanctuary with growing amazement. Every detail had been carefully considered—from the ventilation system that kept the air fresh to the separate areas for cats with different needs. Some spaces were clearly designed for socialization, while others provided quiet retreats for more timid animals.

"How long has this been here?" Kiki asked, watching a tabby cat approach her with cautious curiosity.

"Fifteen years," Rose replied, settling into a comfortable chair that had obviously been placed there for her regular visits. "It started when Ada found a pregnant cat in the alley behind the shop. We couldn't find a no-kill shelter with space, so we made our own."

Ada nodded, her expression growing serious. "The need has only grown over the years. We've helped hundreds of cats find homes, and we provide a safe haven for those who need more time or specialized care."

Kiki knelt down as the tabby cat approached, allowing it to sniff her hand before gently stroking its head. The cat began purring immediately, and she felt the familiar sense of connection that came from caring for vulnerable creatures.

"This is why Margaret Thornfield's accusations stung so much," Rose said quietly. "She questioned our commitment to preservation and care, not knowing that we've been quietly preserving lives down here for years."

Ada's expression darkened slightly. "And now we have Harold Pemberton breathing down our necks. He's been making noise about zoning violations and health hazards, threatening to shut us down."

Kiki felt a surge of protective anger at the thought of anyone threatening this sanctuary. "What kind of violations?"

Rose sighed, her fatigue more apparent now. "Harold claims we're operating an unlicensed animal facility in a commercial district. He's technically correct—we never went through the formal permitting process because we were afraid of exactly this kind of scrutiny."

"But surely the city would support a rescue operation," Kiki said, though even as she spoke, she realized how naive that sounded.

Ada shook her head grimly. "Harold sees this as a public nuisance. He's been lobbying for stricter animal control ordinances, and he's using us as an example of why regulations need to be enforced."

Rose watched Kiki's face carefully as she processed this information. "This is why I wanted you to see this place, to understand what's at stake. The vintage dress shop is important, but this sanctuary represents something deeper—our commitment to caring for the most vulnerable."

Kiki felt the weight of responsibility settling on her shoulders. "What can we do?"

"We fight," Ada said simply. "But we fight smart. We get the proper permits, we document everything we do, and we build community support."

Rose nodded approvingly. "Ada's right. And that's where you come in, Kiki. You have skills we need, your ability to connect with people, your understanding of how to present our work in the best light."

Kiki felt overwhelmed by the trust they were placing in her. "I don't know anything about advocacy or dealing with city officials."

"You know about caring for things that need healing," Rose said gently. "Whether it's a damaged dress or a frightened cat, the principles are the same. You approach with patience, respect, and determination."

Ada moved to a filing cabinet and pulled out a thick folder. "We've been documenting our work for years—medical records, adoption records, volunteer schedules. We just need to organize it properly and present it to the right people."

Kiki accepted the folder, feeling its weight both literally and figuratively. "Where do we start?"

Rose's eyes twinkled with the strategic thinking that Kiki had learned to recognize. "We start by making sure Julian understands what's at stake. His museum connections might be valuable, and his documentation skills could help us present our case."

The mention of Julian's name sent a complex mix of emotions through Kiki. Their relationship had become strained after Margaret's confrontation, but the thought of working together on something this important felt both appealing and terrifying.

"Do you think he'll help?" Kiki asked, trying to keep her voice neutral.

Rose's knowing smile suggested she understood exactly what Kiki was really asking. "Julian cares about preserving important things, and he cares about you. I think he'll want to help once he understands what we're trying to protect."

Ada began showing Kiki around the sanctuary, explaining the daily routines and the specific needs of different cats. Some were recovering from medical procedures, others were working on socialization, and a few were permanent residents who would never be adoptable but deserved a safe, loving home.

"The key to running a sanctuary," Ada explained as they watched a group of kittens play, "is understanding that every creature has its own timeline for healing. You can't rush the process, but you can create the conditions where healing becomes possible."

Kiki felt the wisdom in Ada's words resonating beyond their immediate context. "That sounds like what Rose has been teaching me about restoration work."

"Same principles," Rose confirmed from her chair. "Whether you're working with vintage silk or a traumatized cat, you need patience, skill, and respect for what came before."

As the morning progressed, Kiki found herself falling in love with the sanctuary and its mission. The cats seemed to sense her genuine care, approaching her with increasing confidence. Ada shared stories of successful adoptions and challenging cases, painting a picture of dedicated work that had saved countless lives.

"Harold Pemberton doesn't understand what we do here," Ada said as they prepared to head back upstairs. "He sees problems and violations, not the lives we've saved."

Rose stood slowly, her movement careful but determined. "That's why we need advocates who can help others see what we see. Kiki, you have a gift for helping people understand the value of preservation and care."

Kiki felt the weight of expectation, but also a growing sense of purpose. "And the next steps?"

"We document everything properly," Rose said. "We prepare a presentation that shows our impact and our commitment to proper procedures. And we build a coalition of supporters who understand our mission."

Ada nodded enthusiastically. "I've been keeping detailed records, but we need someone with your communication skills to help us tell our story effectively."

As they climbed the stairs back to the shop, Kiki felt a fundamental shift in her understanding of her role. She wasn't just learning vintage clothing restoration—she was being prepared to carry forward a legacy of compassionate care that extended far beyond fashion.

Rose locked the basement door carefully, then turned to Kiki with an expression of quiet satisfaction. "Now you understand why this work matters so much to me. The dresses upstairs tell stories of women who found courage, and the cats downstairs represent our commitment to protecting the vulnerable."

Kiki nodded, feeling the connections between all aspects of Rose's work becoming clear. "It's all about preservation and care."

"Exactly," Rose said warmly. "And now it's time to teach you how to fight for what matters."

The brass bells chimed as the front door opened, and Julian's familiar voice called out a greeting. Kiki felt her heart skip at the sound, but also a new sense of purpose. The sanctuary had given her something concrete to focus on, a mission that transcended her personal anxieties.

Rose's eyes twinkled with obvious satisfaction. "Perfect timing," she murmured to Kiki. "Some conversations are easier when you have a clear purpose."

As Julian approached, carrying his usual documentation equipment, Kiki felt the weight of the sanctuary folder in her hands and the responsibility Rose had entrusted to her. The vintage dress shop had become more than a workplace—it was the center of a mission that required courage, advocacy, and the willingness to fight for those who couldn't fight for themselves.

Rose watched the interaction between Kiki and Julian with her characteristic knowing smile, recognizing that the sanctuary's revelation had provided exactly what both young people needed—a shared purpose that transcended their personal uncertainties and professional boundaries.

The morning light continued to stream through the shop windows, illuminating not just the vintage dresses but the beginning of a campaign to protect something precious and irreplaceable. Kiki felt herself standing at the threshold of a new kind of courage, one that would require her to step forward not just for herself, but for the vulnerable creatures who depended on the sanctuary's continued existence.

Kiki felt good about the time that she and Julian had spent together in the sanctuary. With the mews of cute kittens filling the space where they were working brought a calming effect. This project didn't have anything to do with vintage dresses, historical preservation or 'Margaret'. Their personal connection deepened here in the basement away from being observed. Kiki felt hope that their connection was still there, but also trepidation that it was born in secrecy with their isolation separated by a few stolen moments together. For now, it would have to do but Kiki, wanted more.

In the afternoon Kiki and Julian parted ways since he had to go back to the museum for a meeting and to perform needed work there. As they parted at the shop's front door with Julian assuming again his professional distance, Kiki could barely hold back a flood of tears to see Julian off. Rose's touch on her shoulder brought her after the door closed and they were left alone was all she needed in the moment, a shoulder to cry on.

"There, there, Kiki. let it all out. You've come all the way over to the feminine as those hormones course through your body and release your ability to fully express yourself". Kiki finally cried herself out and the shoulder to cry upon changed into a loving hug.

"Does love ever get easier, Grandmother?" Kiki asked as the two broke the hug and she stood looking at grandmother's eyes for the pool of wisdom within.

"Love is never easy but always worth it with the thrill of small victories and the agony of imagined defeats. The truth is somewhere in the middle between those two extremes."

"Thank you, Grandmother, you always know the right thing to say that I need to hear. I feel better now."

"Kiki, I want you to take the rest of the day off. Your mother phoned moments ago, and she has some news that she said was best shared in person. You deserve some time to take care of yourself. You know you must take care of yourself in order to take care of others. Kiki, go now."

"I will Grandmother, thank you." Grandmother Rose picked up from a table, Kiki's purse that she had retrieved after the phone call and handed it to her. Kiki started out for home, walking with a purpose, The scenery around made an impression as her smiling face showed her anticipation for the news that Mother would share with her when she came home.

~o~O~o~

"I'm home, Mother" said Kiki as her mother greeted her with a hug. "What's the news?"

"All good, darling daughter. I've made tea. Let's sit down in the kitchen and I will explain everything."

Kiki followed her mother into the kitchen and sat down to their mugs placed where they usually sat. Kiki's mother poured the tea from the kettle on the hot pad on the table and filled a mug for each of them.

"Kiki, the initial surgery to put right which once went wrong, is a simple outpatient procedure your vagina is already there connected to your uterus. All that needs to be done initially is to snip that layer of skin off that covers it. That will open things up so that any discharges have a place to exit without causing problems for you. You can kickstart your development by starting HRT then. Later on, there will be another surgery to create your labia and make your vaginal area like any other woman's, they'll also work on your clitoris to restore it to the way it should be."

"That's wonderful news, Mother. I'm already having hormone surges from my ovaries so the sooner the better."

"You left in such a hurry that you didn't have breakfast at all, did you get anything at work?"

"No, Mother, I spent the morning with Julian. I came right home after Grandmother Rose said you wanted to see me. So, no, nothing to eat at all since we had that snack watching that movie last night before I went to bed."

"That's my girl! When Grandmother Rose told me that she would send you home, immediately, I called the hospital, and they scheduled your surgery for 3 pm. I've laid out some scrubs for you to wear after your shower with the antibacterial beauty soap in the box by the sink. Once you do that it will be time to report to the hospital at 2 pm so they can get you ready for the surgery."

"Thank you, Mother, for always taking such good care of me. I'll go up and do as you instruct."

It didn't take long for Kiki to do the things to get ready for her surgery. She received a phone call from her mother after getting ready.

"My daughter come out and get into the car with me. I've just been out to the drugstore to get something you'll need."

"Of course, Mother." Kiki went out to the care and joined her mother in the front seat. In between them was a bag from the drugstore which Kiki looked inside to find out what she would need. Out came a plastic packaging bag of hospital maxi pads.

"You'll need those to protect your clothes from drainage after the surgery. It's also what the hospital recommends you wear for your first period."

"Thank you, Mother. You are so good to me." The grin on Kiki's face showed her mother just the way she felt.

~o~O~o~

Kiki woke up from the surgery in the recovery room.

"Welcome back, sweetheart. Everything went perfectly and you'll be able to go home, soon"

"I'm hungry, could I get something to eat."

A nurse with Janice on her name tag brought Kiki a tray of soft foods and beverages. "Hi, I'm Janice your surgical nurse back again. The Doctor says that you are to eat these things and be under observation for an hour after you finish eating. If all goes well, you can go home afterward. Your mother has your post-surgical care instructions and will be taking care of you. In the morning, you'll be able to resume normal activities with a ten-pound wight restriction. Any questions?"

"I'm good... and hungry. This tray is just what I need now. Thank you, Janice"

~o~O~o~

As her mother tucked her in bed wearing her favorite silk nightgown accompanied by matching panties with the hospital maxi pad attached to them, she kissed her forehead and whispered, "Good night, Kiki, my good girl."

The sleepy girl was able to catch hold of a burst of energy with a huge grin on her face, "Congratulations, Mother. I'm a girl!"

"Oh, you! Sleep tight, sweetie. Don't let the bed bug's bite!" Kiki's mother turned out the light and sat in the darkness in the big comfy chair in the room watching over her darling daughter who had such a monumental day. Soon she saw Kiki's cute, relaxed smile as she slept. She thought, " I live for days like this."