Previously

I felt a bit of a tremble which I don’t normally feel any more and Jean was waiting to talk and she said “Carla, what took you so long? I have been waiting for you and I have been listening to the three of you gossiping and inspecting each other. I think that's a bit naughty but I had a look anyway. ''Giggle'' Sam and Jenny were also trembling a bit but didn't say anything.

Jean said “Hello girls. I can't keep this up very long but can you see me?”

Both Jenny and Sam said “Wow!! Yeah, and hear you too.”

Sam said “You are really pretty.”

Jean said “As pretty as my sister?” and Jenny started to get the giggles.

Jean said “That is all the strength I have so I’ll see you.” and she faded till she was gone.

Mummy and Mary were standing at the door and switched the light back on and said “What is going on in here girls?”

I replied, “It is all Jean's fault, she started it.” and we all got the giggles.

Mummy said “Carla, you know I listen in to your conversations with your sister so don’t you act the little 'Miss Innocent' with me young lady.”

We all said, “Yes ma'am sir.”

Mary said, “Ok lights out and go to sleep, the day is over.” We went to sleep in a tight cuddle.

Wednsday 8/7/59.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I wasn't supposed to do much walking, so the next couple of days would be mainly spent watching telly or reading Samantha's books, or Jenny and I talking about how we were going to help Christine become a total girly girl. Jenny was getting excited about going to Sydney and being there for almost a week to see her Gran and go to the Taronga Zoo.

Mummy was busy organising all the travel arrangements for our trip to Sydney. When she finished making all the phone calls she came into the lounge where we were sitting and sat down beside us and said, “Right, we are booked on a flight to Sydney tomorrow morning at ten o’clock and by the time we land, collect our bags and get outside to a taxi rank it will be lunch time. I have also set you two some sums to do so you don’t fall too far behind in your schoolwork.” Jenny and I both let out a sigh, but I also know that exams are coming up so it was time to do some some study. Jenny and I are good at everything but maths so that is what Mummy said we will have to concentrate on. Mummy let us watch telly till lunch and said the rest of the day would have to be spent doing maths.

We were still at it when Samantha came home from school. Sam got herself some biscuits and a drink of milk and helped us with our maths because it is her best subject and she is two years older than us so she showed us where we were going wrong. We studied right up until Mary came home and Mummy said “Ok girls, you can stop now and come and have some dinner.”

I said, “thank heaven for that.”

After dinner we watched a bit of telly and then did our packing for the plane trip the next day. We were dog-tired from the school work and all three of us girls got into the shower together.

I said, “It looks like my period is finished because there was is no blood on the pad.

While Jenny and Sam got into bed, I got Mummy to check my groin area to make sure it was all still ok.

Mummy said “Carla it looks fine, so off to bed with you and get a good night's sleep. There is going to be a couple of long days ahead for you.”

“Yes, good night Mummy.”

“Night darling.”

When I got into Samantha's bed Jenny was already asleep and Samantha wasn't far off going to sleep either, but my mind was racing at a hundred miles an hour just thinking about going into surgery and being cut open to make me look right down there. I did go to sleep but woke up a few times through the night.

We all woke up with a start when Mummy knocked on the door and said, “Up you get girls, breakfast is on the table.”

We dragged ourselves to the table to eat a breakfast of bacon and eggs and toast plus a drink of chocolate milk. Mary was still in bed and Mummy said, “Sam here is your Mum's breakfast. You can surprise her and let her have breakfast in bed for a nice change.”

Sam did as she was told and took the breakfast in to her mother.

Once Mary was up and about she she said, “Carla I will have a look at you and make sure you are ok to fly to Sydney later this morning.”

I replied “Why!! Is it dangerous for me to fly because of the hole in my groin?”

“No Carla, I just want make sure it is not bleeding any more.”

I replied, “Oh there was no blood on the pad this morning but I put another one in my knickers anyway.”

Mary said, “Good girl Carla.”

We all finished breakfast and Samantha was getting ready for school and was already dressed in her school uniform.

Jenny said “Sam, let me do your hair, it is really thick and nice to work with.”

Samantha replied. “Oh good, it can be a real pain to do it when I’m in a hurry.”

When Sam's hair was done Jenny said “Carla sit down and I’ll do yours as well.”

Mary commented “Jenny it looks like you have a good idea of what you are doing with hair, you might go into a hair dressing when you leave school.”

Jenny said “Not in Quilpie I won't.”

Mummy said, “Oh and what's wrong with Quilpie young lady?”

Jenny giggled and said, “Err — um, nothing Aunty Donna, but it is not the city is it?”

Mummy rolled her eyes and said “I hope Carla doesn’t want to go to the city as well!!”

I said, “No Mummy, bushy born and bred.”

Mary gave everyone a kiss and said “I’ll see you all when you get back next week, and Carla sweetheart, you'll be fine so don’t stress out.” She then said, “Come on Sam, I’ll walk part of the way with you to school.”

Sam gave me and Jenny a quick kiss and she was gone.

Mummy said, “Right girls I have a check list, so let's see if we have everything set to go to the airport.”

Once that was done Mummy got the card out of her purse that that funny looking woman taxi driver gave her when she dropped us two blocks from the hospital to here. Mummy rang the number and it was the main depot, and Mummy just said the driver's name and it was obviously relayed to Debbie by two-way radio because she was waiting outside the building when we got downstairs to the front entrance.

Debbie got out of the cab and said, “Good morning ladies, and where can I transport you to this fine morning?” She was dressed in a black skirt and white blouse with a black and white taxi logo on the pocket of the blouse; her hair was quite long but she had it in a loose pony-tail and it looked nice.

I said, “Debbie, I'm sorry for being rude to you the other day, but you looked like you needed a shave.”

Debbie replied “It's ok darling, it was at the end of my shift so there was a bit of stubble there.” She then said, “Sweetheart you said you were like me, but you look all girl to me.”

Mummy took over the conversation and said, “Debbie, we can discuss this on the way to the airport or we will be to late to catch our flight to Sydney.”

“Sorry luv, yes of course.”

We loaded all our things into the trunk of the cab with Debbie's help and were on our way.

Mummy said “Ok Debbie, let me explain about our little Carla and then you will understand what is going on.” After Mummy told Debbie all about me being inter-sexed Debbie said, “Oh you poor little thing.”

I replied, “No, I am loved very much by my family and that is all that matters. Does anyone love you Debbie?”

Mummy said “Carla!! There you go again.”

I replied, “Oops sorry.”

Jenny was having a giggle fit at me and Debbie said, “Yes Carla, as a matter of fact I am still married to the most understanding woman in this world. She even helps me put on my make up.”

I then said, “Will you get the op?” This time Mummy gave up and let me go.

Debbie replied, “Not at this stage luv, it is very expensive and it will take me at least three more years to save up enough money to go to Thailand and have it done over there.”

We were at the airport so my questions came to a stop. We got out of the car and Debbie got a trolley to put all the bags on and Mummy paid her for the fare. Before Debbie got back into the car she gave me a hug and said “Good luck in Sydney luv.” and got in her cab and drove off.

Mummy said, “Did you find out all you wanted to Carla, or did you want more time to interrogate poor Debbie further?”

“Mummyeee!!” All Jenny could do is giggle all the way into the airport service desk.

Once Jenny was finished giggling she looked at me. And I said, “What!!”

Jenny replied, “Carla, you are so funny sometimes.”

I said, “I’m glad you think so.” but also started to giggle and then Mummy said, “Will you two settle down and get serious.” but had a bit of a giggle herself.

Anyway onwards and upwards into the clouds above New South Wales. One and a half hours later we were back on the ground in Sydney, and half an hour later we were in a taxi going to the motel where we were going to stay. We arrived at the motel forty minutes later. The traffic there is really bad and it comes to a standstill every couple of blocks. Anyway we went into the motel and unpacked and went for a walk down the road to where the clinic was to check it out.

It looked like a mini hospital and a very new building with manicured gardens all around the front. We didn't go in and kept walking past until we reached the next intersection and on the corner there was a cluster of small shops which included a cafe with a take-away section.

Mummy said “That's handy to know because there are no cooking facilities in the motel.” but they have a restaurant attached to the motel. We went into the take-away and ordered fish and chips and some orange juice to wash it down. We sat outside under the footpath awning where they had table and chairs set up for their customers.

The fish was alright but the chips were all soggy.

Mummy said, “I'm going to have a word with the management, I wouldn’t feed these chips to an animal.”

I said, “Mummy let it go, we just wont buy any more food here.”

She replied, “Yeah I s'pose your right Carla.” After that we got up and started to walk back to the motel. Once we were back inside the motel room Mummy picked up the phone and started to dial a number and said, “The bloody phone is not working.”

Jenny said, “No Aunty Donna, you have to dial one and wait for the office to give you a line out.”

Mummy replied, “I knew that, I was just testing to see if you were paying attention.” 'Mummy hates to be wrong'.

Anyway she dialled one and got the front desk of the motel and they gave her a line without even saying anything. Once there was a dial tone, Mummy rang the number for Jenny's parents and and waited till it almost rang out but finally Jenny's mum picked it up.

Mummy said, “Hello is this Jan? Oh good. Jan we are at the motel if you would like to come and pick up Jenny now.” After giving Jan a few directions on what street the motel was on she said, “Jenny come and say hello to your Mum.”

Jenny said, “ Hello Mummy how is Gran? Alright Mummy I’ll see you soon, 'bye.”

“Mummy said she will be here to pick me up in about half an hour Aunty Donna.”

Mummy replied, “Ok Jenny, have you got all your things together so you can be ready to go when your Mum gets here?”

“I'll do that now Aunty Donna.” and she put all her things at the door.

Jenny said, “Carla I wish I could be with you when you go to the hospital but I also want to see my Gran.”

I replied, “It's ok Jenny I understand. Don’t worry about me I've got Jean looking out for me.”

Jan turned up in half an hour like she said she would. She was driving a hire car. Mummy and Jan talked for a while and then it was time for them to go. Jenny had tears rolling down her cheeks when she hugged me and said, “I’ll see you in a few days Carla, be good.”

I hugged her back and couldn't stop my tears either and said, “Just go and enjoy yourself.” and said goodbye.

Later we went to the motel restaurant to have the evening meal and then went to bed by nine o’clock. It had been a long day and Mummy and I were worn out. Mummy went to sleep pretty well straight away but I was very restless and was worried about tomorrow and being cut open. I tried to go to sleep but it was not working so I whispered, “Jean are you there”

“Of course I’m here, where else would I be, are you forgetting we are tied together by our dual soul?”

I replied “Sis can you help me get to sleep?”

Jean said, “Sure Carla, just listen to me singing and you will drop off”. Of all the things she could sing she started singing very softly ---

'You are my child of moonlight,
You call the angels down.
There is peace within my heart
Whenever you’re around.

The stars at night they all shine bright.
And darling so do you.
You are my child of moon light
And I'll always love you.

I didn't hear any more and was in dreamland for the rest of the night.

Mummy was stroking my hair away from my face which woke me up out of the best night's sleep I have ever had.

I said, “Mummy, Jean sang me to sleep last night.”

She replied, “Darling, when you asked Jean to get you to sleep, I woke up and looked at the bedside clock and it was past ten o'clock, and then I closed my eyes and saw Jean sitting on the bed stroking your face and singing a beautiful lullaby that I have never heard before. She only had to sing one verse and you were off with the pixies. Mummy said. “Jean kept singing once you were asleep and she looked at me with that angel face and I dropped off as well. Carla we are truly blessed to have this happen to us.”

“Mummy, do think we will all end up together with Jean when we die?”

“Well sweetheart, Jean seems to think so. She keeps telling you as much when she is communicating with you. So yes I do think we will all be together when the time comes.”

It was time to get up and get dressed and wait for Mummy's breakfast to be delivered to our door. Ten minutes later there was a knock on the door and a lady's voice said, “room service.” Mummy opened the door and there was a teenage girl with a breakfast tray, she said 'Morning' and handed the tray over to Mummy. I couldn't have breakfast because of my operation, so could only look on in envy as Mummy ate her bacon and eggs.

By the time she was finished it was eight thirty and we had to be at the clinic at nine am, so we grabbed my over-night bag which had my nightie and toiletries and also a warm dressing gown packed into it, and started to walk the short distance to the clinic. We walked up the steps and into the main reception area and went to the desk where an elderly lady was on the telephone.

She said to whoever was on the other end of the line “I'll have to call you back Tom” and hung up the phone and looked up at us and smiled and said, “Stupid bloody husbands always losing something.”

Mummy replied, “Yeah tell me about it.”

The lady said “My name is Rena and I run all the admin in this place. You would be be Carla” as she was looking at me above her half glasses with a smile.

I said, “Yes and this is my Mum Madonna Croft.” Mummy doesn’t officially became Mrs Croft till September but I have seen Mummy sign things M. C. Croft so I guess it is alright to call her that. Mummy looked at me and said,
“It's ok sweetheart, I have already changed my name by deed poll when you and Rita were adopted by William.”

I said, “Mummy he doesn’t go by that name.”

She replied “No, but he has to sign cheques and other legal things as William.”

I said, “Oh why?”

“Because William becomes Bill just like John becomes Jack or James into Jim.”

“Oh don’t remind me please.”

Rena was having a little giggle to her self and said, “We had better get you admitted young lady. You're supposed to be in theatre at ten thirty so I’ll call one of the nurses to take you up to the private room and get you prepared and ready for surgery.”

A nurse came down the hallway with a wheel chair and said, “Ok hop in and we’ll go for a ride up to your room young miss”

I said, “I can walk you know.” and she replied, “Honey I don't make the rules but I have to abide by them or I won't have a job - now sit.” She winked at Mummy as she said that, there is that stupid winking again, it must be a separate language or something. Anyway onwards and upwards to my room.

The nurse said “By the way I’m Judy, and I’ll be your nurse for much of your stay and I also assist Caroline in theatre so I know all about what we are about to do with you little one.”

I liked her. She was a bit of a bully but in a nice way. We entered the room and I was told to strip and put one of those stupid back to front hospital gowns on, but to have a shower first with some special kind of gel soap.

After I showered I walked out naked and asked Mummy to help me with that gown and tie it at the back. Even when it is tied your bum is still visible. Anyway that done I got up on the bed and tried to sit with my legs together because I had no knickers on.

Mummy giggled and said, “Carla darling, in a half an hour you will be out like a light and and you won't care who looks up your gown.”

I said, “Mummy, will you be in the operating theatre as well?

She replied, “Yes sweetheart, I got permission from Caroline the other day for that. Iwouldn't miss this for anything in the world, because to me it will seem like you are being born again, only this time with the right genitals.”

Just then Judy came in with a tray and some long socks to put on my legs, 'It must be cold in the operating theatre' I thought to myself. Mummy helped me putting on the leg warmers and then Judy said, “Ok darling, I am going to give you an injection to make you feel nice and relaxed but you won't go to sleep till I get you up to theatre.”

I was feeling relaxed alright! As I was being pushed down a mile long hallway and through a set of double doors, the bed thingy that I was on stopped under some real big lights that weren’t turned on. I was lifted onto another table like a bed with arms on the end which Judy called stirrups. You know!! the things you put your feet into to ride a horse.

My mind was going all funny.

I said, “Am I going to ride a horse?

Mummy was holding my hand and said, “Just relax sweetheart.”

“Yes Mummy.”

Judy said, “Ok darling I am going to give you another injection now and you will go to sleep and when you wake up you will be back in your room ok?”

I was looking at my feet up on the leg thingy's and long socks on when everything went black and I was with Jean in that green field again.

Jean said, “Hello Sis, back again?”

I said “What am I doing here this time?”

Jean said, “The doctor is making everything look right so you will look like a proper girl, like you were supposed to when you and I were born.”

I said “Jean, can't I just stay here with you? It is much nicer here and it is so quiet, and oh look! - I am wearing the beautiful gown again.”

“Carla you are just as funny here as you are back on earth.”

I said, “Where are we if we are not on earth?”

Jean replied, “Well we are sort of on earth but in the spirit realm. It is a bit hard to explain but you don’t need to worry about that Carla.” Then she said “Carla I am going to leave you now and will see you when you are back in your body ok? I love you...”

“Carla open your eyes honey you're all done.”

“Mmmuummeee, I can't see.”

“if you open your eyes you can.”

“Oh it's all blurry like last time.”

Judy said, “You'll be right in a minute Sweetheart.”

I rubbed my eyes and they started to clear. Mummy was holding my hand and I said “Have I been in the theatre yet?”

“Yes Carla, all done, all bandaged up for a couple of days but you will look just like me and Rita and even be able to have babies.”

“Mummy - Mummy it hurts a lot. Can I have something to take the pain away?”

Judy was already getting a needle ready to put into a thing that was in my arm. Mummy said, “Rest now my baby” and I was with the pixies once again.

I must have slept a few hours because the clock on the little radio said it was five thirty. I rubbed my eyes and looked around the room but there was no one in the room with me so I pressed the button that was on a lead and left laying on my tummy. It took no more than a minute for Judy to be there and she said, “Hello Sleeping Beauty, how do you feel?”

I said, “I need to do a pee!”

“Well you have a catheter in so you don’t have to go anywhere.”

“Oh ok, can I have a look at myself now.”

Judy replied, “Not for a couple of days darling, you are all bandaged up but when we change the bandages tomorrow I might let you have a little peek ok?”

I replied, “Am I a complete girl now?”

Judy said “Just like me honey, but without wrinkles and stretch marks”

“Will I get stretch marks too?”

“If you have six kids like me yeah.”

“Wow you have six kids.”

“And four granddaughters.”

I asked, “Does it hurt much when you give birth?”

“I'm afraid it does, but it was all worth the pain.”

Mummy walked through the door and said, “Pain, are you still in pain Carla?”

“No Mummy but giving birth does.”

Mummy looked at Judy who shrugged and said “She asked me if childbirth hurts.”

Mummy replied, “Carla darling, that is a long way off but yes it hurts.”

It was dinner time and the trays of food were delivered to the rooms. They even had some for Mummy which was nice because Judy likes Mummy and said we might as well get our money's worth.

Mummy said “Jenny is coming to visit in the morning as well as her Mum and they will get here by taxi because Don is doing some business on the other side of town and needs the hire car to do that. I will be here early in the morning because I want to be here when they change the dressing and also want to talk with Doctor Stanford.”

I said, “Who is doctor Stanford?”

“Caroline silly.”

“Ohh I didn't know her last name, sorry Mummy.”

”Sweetheart, sometimes when people are talking to you, you go into dreamland don’t you?”

“Yes Mummy.”

Judy came in and said, “Carla, Caroline was going to see you this afternoon but she got called away on a family matter but she will be here in the morning. If you have any questions to asked her write them down.”

Mummy stayed for another hour and I was getting tired so she said, “Carla, you are dropping off to sleep while I am talking to you, so I will go now and let you get some rest.”

She hugged me and kissed me and left to go to the motel for the night. I drifted of to sleep with Jean singing to me once again in her angel-like voice.

“The night wind sings a song to me
In whispered hushes that seem to be lullabies low.
That come and go.
That come and go so gently
Through the trees.
A sleepy song to me.”

To be continued

Next time: discovery, recovery, and home to the outback.

Please leave a comment.

Previously

Mummy stayed for another hour and I was getting tired so she said, “Carla you are dropping of to sleep while I am talking to you so I will go now and let you get some rest.”

She hugged me and kissed me and left to go to the motel for the night. I drifted off to sleep with Jean singing to me once again in her angel-like voice.

“The night wind sings a song to me
In whispered hushes that seem to be lullabies low.
That come and go.
That come and go so gently
Through the trees.
A sleepy song to me.”

Saturday 11/7/59.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Someone was stroking my hair which made me wake up with a start. It was Caroline and she said, “Sorry Carla, I didn't mean to startle you.”

Mummy was also there already and said “Good morning sweetheart.”

Just then Judy walked in with a tray full of stuff.

She said “Good morning little girl are you ready to have the dressing changed?”

I replied, “Will I get to see what I look like now?”

Mummy waved a hand mirror around and said, “This mirror has got a magnified side as well, so you can get a good look at what you look like Carla.”

I still had that silly hose stuck in me to drain my pee into a yucky bag beside the bed.

I asked “How long will that hose be in me Judy?

She replied “That all depends how you look when we get that dressing off sweetheart, and what Caroline says.”

Caroline was asking Mummy how she was coping with staying at the motel and said, “Donna, if you wanted to stay in a relatives room at the clinic it will be made available to you.”

Mummy replied,“That would be great Caroline. I’ll get my things and book out of the motel this morning by ten am and bring all our things down here.”

Caroline said “Good, it will be much more convenient for all concerned to have you close by and keep Carla company for the next five days. I’ll let them know downstairs to get the room ready for you.”

Mummy said “The only thing is if Jenny has to come back to me a little early is there enough room for her as well?”

Caroline replied “Donna, it is a family size apartment so that will be no problem at all.”

Anyway, while they were talking Judy was busy unwrapping me bit by bit and finally I was all unwrapped and all that was left was that hose stuck inside me.

Caroline came over to the bed to inspect her handiwork and said “Wow Carla, you have already started to heal and I think we will take the hose (as you put it so eloquently) out of you and see how it goes, but if you have any problems peeing then it will have to go in again, ok?”

I just nodded and said “Can I have a look now please?”

Mummy held the mirror between my legs so I could see my brand new look. I was looking and started to cry because I had been waiting so long for this to happen, and now all my feelings came to one big emotional event. Mummy put the mirror down and sat on the bed and hugged me and said, “Carla, at last you are whole and it looks exactly like it should.”

I closed my eyes and said “Jean can you see it?” She was there in my mind as always and said, “Carla we are both the same now. I love you.” and she faded as I opened my eyes.

Judy said “Is that what Rose was telling us about the twin talking to Carla?”

Mummy replied “Yes, and it has been recorded on tape and film now several times and believe me it is real.”

Judy replied, “Oh Donna don't worry, I have seen it all before. When my sister passed away years ago she used to visit me in my dreams when she first died.”

Caroline then proceeded to remove the catheter 'see I can say the word', and said, “Ok, this all looks really good but we are going to have to put a light dressing back on the stitches and when you show me you can pee I will leave you in peace for a while.”

I got up off the bed with Mummy and Judy holding me as I walked to the bathroom, but before I sat down to have a pee I wanted to have a look in the large mirror on the wall so I pulled up the silly hospital gown and had a real good look.

I said “Mummy look, my willy's not there any more!!”

Caroline said “Sweetheart, you never had a willy in the first place. It has always been a clitoris but because the opening to your vagina was closed off with skin, it looked like you had a penis and when you were born they just did not look close enough to realise that you were an intersexed little girl.”

Judy then said “Now Carla, don’t be tempted to touch yourself for a couple days because we don’t want you to get an infection do we?”

I said “Ok” and sat down and did my first pee as a real girl and had no problems doing it.

Caroline said “Ok, that all looks like everything is working so we can leave the catheter out, but make sure that Judy or your Mum is there to wipe you dry after you go, understand?”

“Yes ma’am.”

Caroline left to see to her other patients and Judy said, “Right little one, up on the bed and I will put a dressing back on but it will be one that will be easy to remove when you have to have a pee.”

Mummy said “You had better show me how to replace the dressing as well because I will be staying in this room most of the time as I want to give Carla some school work to catch up on as well.”

I said “Mummy do I have to?”

She replied “Yes you have to!!” When Mummy says it like that I just do it. Even my magic eyes wont make her change her mind. Oh well 'sigh'.

Judy also said, “Now Carla you were taking hormones before you had that emergency in Brisbane didn't you?”

I replied, “Yes, but I haven't been taking any since then.”

“Good, you can stop taking anything like that because your little ovaries were kick-started by the oestrogen and that is why you had that first period so quickly. Only problem was the blood couldn’t escape out of your body. You were very lucky that they got to you in time otherwise you would be with your twin sister now.”

I said, “Judy, how long will it be before I will have breasts?”

She replied, “I should think that you will start to develop fairly quickly now that your own body is producing the required hormones. Ok Carla, I am going to leave you to your mother now and will see to some of my other patients.”

Mummy said, “Sweetheart, I am going to go and collect our things from the motel and bring them back here to the relatives' apartment and then I’ll be back to look after you. If Jenny and her Mum turn up before I get back you will have to tell them what we are doing.”

“Ok Mummy, but what if I need to go to the toilet?”

“Carla what is that thing laying on your bed?”

“What!! Oh that thing, it's a buzzer.”

“Well if you need to go you know what to do don’t you?”

“Yes Mummy.”

Mummy went to get the things from the motel and while she was gone I decided to look at what school work she had for me to do. It was mainly reading-type study and only one page of maths to solve. I thought I would surprise her and started to do the maths, but it was really hard to concentrate because my mind kept wondering off , thinking about my future and having babies of my own.

I thought of Ricky and wondered if he would be a good Dad and what he was going to be like with me being a real girl with all the working parts to go with it. I finally settled down and did some reading about Captain Cook and his voyage of discovery in the ship Endeavour, all boring stuff to me. I would rather read about the Red Centre and how the explorers survived in the desert with the help of some Aboriginals showing them how to find water in the desert and live off the land, but most of the early explorers perished in the heat after they had no provisions left. People still die in the desert today, usually if their car breaks down and they start to walk to get help. The unwritten rule is to always stay with your car if you want to be found.

Anyway history lesson over. I needed to pee but Mummy still wasn't back yet so I guessed I had better press the panic button and annoy one of the nurses to come and help me in the toilet. I held the button down and heard a bell go off down the hall somewhere and heard someone running toward my room. Of course it was Judy and all out of breath she said “Hey!! What’s up honey —you in pain or something?”

I replied “I have to pee and Mummy isn't back yet.”

“Oh is that all? Ok, come on than I’ll do the honours and help you.”

I said “I’m sorry, did I take you away from another patient?”

Judy replied “Carla, you are my patient. I was just filling out some boring forms that's all.”

She took me in to the toilet and removed the dressing once more and I sat and did my business.

Judy said, “How does that feel honey?”

I replied, “Ooh it burns a little bit but it feels so good to be doing this like a proper girl without a willy poking out from me.”

Judy said “Carla, remember what Caroline said about that, she said you never really had a willy in the first place and the only reason it even looked like one is because your clitoris couldn’t get inside your body.”

I said “Yeah, it's a pity that the the doctor didn't have a closer look at me when they finally did arrived at the station four hours after I was born and Jean had already passed away.” I was in tears after I said this and Judy had to wipe me clean and take me back to the bed to replace the dressing.

I got back on the bed and had to have a good cry and get it out of my system. Judy sat beside me with her arm around me and said, “It's ok Darling, just let it out. You have had a bad time of it haven’t you?” I finally stopped sobbing as Mummy came back into the room.

She said, “Carla what's happened, why are you so upset?”

Judy replied, “Donna it's ok, the dam just broke that's all. It's a girl thing, you know !!”

“Oh is that all?” Mummy smiled and said, “Join the club little girl” and gave me a hug.

Judy said, “Ok kid, lets get this dressing back on, and we will see what it's like tomorrow and see if we can't leave it off. If it is healing ok we might be able to get away with a sanitary pad instead and then you will be able to go to the loo by yourself.”

It was now ten thirty and the morning tea trolley was being wheeled around the clinic.

The lady poked her head in the door and said “Tea, coffee or juice?”

I said, “Juice.”

Mummy said, “Tea with two sugars please.”

Judy got up to leave and said, “Don’t forget to ask for the chocolate bickies will you?” and she disappeared down the hallway.

Mummy said, “Darling I’m sorry I took so long but I had to come back here to borrow a trolley to put all our things on to bring it all here. There was just too much to carry by hand.”

I replied, “It's ok Mummy, Judy came really quickly when I pressed the button, and I just couldn't help having a cry.”

“Oh Carla my sweet child, if only I had insisted that I go to Charleville to give birth at the time none of this would have happened in the first place. You would have a sister alive and well now.” Mummy was now in tears as well which started me off again too. We must look a sad sight with the two of us sitting on my bed hugging and rocking each other.

Just then Jenny and her Mum Jan walked into the room and Jenny ran over to the bed and sat beside me and started to cry as well.

Jan said, “What on earth has brought all this on?”

Mummy got off the bed and said, “Jan I’m sorry, I just got all emotional when I remembered back to when all this started. I will tell you about it one day.” She said, “Jan lets go for a walk and let Jenny and Carla have a little bit of time by themselves.”

Jenny dried her eyes and said, “I'm sorry Sis but when I walked in I thought that something bad had happened.”

I replied, “No Jenny, it all happened nine years ago on River Downs.” I then said, “How is your Gran doing?”

“Oh Carla she is quite ill and has cancer so I don’t think she will ever go home again.”

I replied, “Oh no, that’s so sad. I’m sorry sis.”

Jenny replied, “Thanks Carla, she is a very old lady so it is expected.” She then said, “I would rather talk about you now. What's it feel like to be complete sis?”

I replied, “Well it stings a bit when I pee but that will go away in a couple of days.”

Jenny said, “Ooh can I see?”

I replied, “Well if you want see I will have to get Judy to come and take the dressing off.”

I pressed the button and Judy was there in seconds and said, “Carla, surely you don’t have to pee again so soon do you? At this rate I will run out of dressings.”

I replied, “No but Jenny would like to see the new me.”

Judy said, “Well I suppose it won't hurt to unwrap you once more, ok than.”

Judy was careful not to ruin the dressing so it could be returned to its place. I lay there with my legs apart and let Jenny have a peek at the new me and all she could say is, “Oh my God it looks the same as mine.”

I replied, “I hope so and when the stitches come out I will look even better.”

Judy said, “Ok, show time over.” and put me back together.

Mummy and Jan came back and Jan was sniffling as though she had been crying and Jenny said, “Mummy what is wrong? You have been crying.”

“Yes Jenny, Donna has just told me the whole story about two little twins being born and how one didn't make it, and why it all happened. Jenny! You are so lucky to have Carla as a friend, do you know that?”

“Yes Mummy I do.”

Jan had to get back the hospital where Jenny's Gran is and get some legal papers signed by her so she said goodbye to Jenny and left.

I said “Aren’t you going with your Mum Jenny?”

She replied “No I'm going to stay with you.” It really looked like Jenny was just in the way, and when Jan left, Jenny sat next to me on the bed and started to cry.

Mummy said, “Jenny it's alright darling, we're here for you, and love you more than you know. Don’t be to hard on your mum. She is under lot of stress at the moment.”

“Aunty Donna, her and Daddy are splitting up and I am in the middle and not wanted, I never have been.”

“Oh sweetheart I’m sorry I didn't know.”

“Aunty Donna, can I stay with you when we go home to Quilpie?”

“Yes of course you can Sweetheart, — can't she Carla?”

I replied while I held Jenny's hands and said “Jenny you are just like a sister to me and I love you , we will be like twins.”

Mummy said “I was wondering why your Mum asked me to look after you for a while, but she didn't tell me about them splitting up, but don’t worry Jennifer, everything will be ok and I will certainly be happy to have you live with us on a permanent basis if need be.”

I said “Jenny you will be staying just downstairs with Mummy in the apartment that is set up to have relatives stay in the complex while patients are being treated, to be close by.”

The next five days were spent with me healing up and I only had to have a pad in my panties to make sure that there was no harsh rubbing on the stitches which were to be taken out back home by Doc Ryan in seven days time. Caroline came and inspected her handy work once a day and was satisfied that I could go home on Wednesday morning.

Mummy also had Jenny and I doing more boring school work ''rolling eyes'' but we also talked about the up and coming school holidays and Mummy's wedding with me and Jenny in our pretty gowns.

Wednesday 15/7/59
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everything was packed and ready to go. Mummy had rung for a taxi to be there at nine am to take us to the airport to catch a flight back to Brisbane and then home from there with Rodney and his new twin engine Cessna. Judy and Caroline had one last look at me and gave me a clean bill of health before they left and said goodbye to me. I had one last question for Caroline and said, “Why don’t I have to poke a thing into me to keep me from closing up?”

Caroline replied “I was wondering when you were going to ask me that, — well Carla because we didn't have to do any surgery inside you all we did was to open you up, you are normal girl we just had to cut a bit of skin away and there was your beautiful vagina.” Question answered, we were on our way to the airport in a yellow taxi.

Jenny was tearful and said, “My parents don’t want me. I’m not important to them any more.”

Mummy was sitting in the front seat of the cab and turned and said “Oh sweetheart I’m sure they both love you very much.”

Jenny replied through her tears, “Well I don’t care what they do now as long as I have you and Carla I don’t care if I never see them again.”

Mummy told the cab driver to pull over so she could get in the back with me and Jenny, once Mummy was in the back we both held Jenny's hands but didn't say anything till we got out of the car at the airport. It was really hard for me to say too much because I was close to crying any time I wanted to say something to Jenny, so I just kept on holding her hand.

Mummy paid the cab driver and eventually we were on the plane back to Brisbane. By lunch time we were in Debbie's taxi going from Brisbane airport to Mary's apartment. Debbie had all sorts of questions she asked me about what I had done to me but Mummy said, “Debbie, Carla and Jenny have had a bad day and I don’t think Carla is up to answering to many questions at the moment. All I can say is that all went really well medically.”

Debbie replied “Ok luv, I understand.” Nothing more was said on the way to the apartment.

Debbie pulled up outside of the apartment building and got out of the cab to remove all our baggage from the trunk and then she gave us a hand to carry it all up to the apartment. Mummy invited Debbie in for a cup of tea and to my surprise she said it was a slow day and why not?

I thought 'Oh no, more questions.' but she and Mummy started chatting about Mummy's up and coming wedding, which was a relief because I really didn't want to talk about me when poor Jenny was so down about being told that her parents were splitting up.

Debbie said goodbye and left. Mummy unpacked a few things to tide us over for that night and some of the following day, and she said, “Girls we are going to be going home tomorrow so I wont unpack to much stuff.”

I replied, “What about Rose Mummy, are we going to go and see her before we go home?”

“No, Rose is coming around here with Mary when she finishes her shift and you will see her then ok?”

“Ok Mummy I think Jenny and I will lay down have a bit of a rest we are both tired from all the travelling.”

Jenny and I must have fallen asleep because Samantha came into the room we were in and said, “Hello you two, Mummy will be home with Rose soon so it might pay to be awake when they arrive.”

Jenny and I rubbed our eyes and got off the bed and walked out into the lounge just as the door opened and in walked Mary and Rose. Once we were hugged and kissed we settled down and and were interrogated by the two women.

I answered all the questions and then Rose said “Alright little Carla, let's have a look at the job they did for you.”

I replied “What, in front of everyone?”

Rose said “Carla, if you were in a girl's dressing room what would you do?”

I replied “Well I guess I would have to get undressed and be like all the other girls in the room.”

Mummy looked at me and said, “Well!!”

I said “Ok here goes” and I took off the denim skirt I was wearing and stood there for a couple of minutes, and said, “Ok ok!! I’m doing it.” I pulled my panties down and they still had a pad in them to make sure there was no rubbing occurring on the stitches.

Rose knelt down and had a good look and said, “Wow Carla that is perfect.”

Samantha said, “Will I look as good as that too Rose?”

Rose said, “If you go to that clinic and get Caroline to do the surgery I don't see why not Sam.”

I said, “Can I get get dressed now please?”

Rose replied, “Oh sorry Carla, of course you can and you are a very brave little girl and I am proud of you.”

Just then I could feel Jean wanting to communicate with me and I said out loud “What is it Jean?”

Jean said in my mind, “Carla, do not say anything about what I am about to tell you. It is too early to tell but Jenny's Mum has been hurt. Do not say anything to Jenny till I communicate with you again ok?”

I said “Ok.”

Everyone except Mummy was looking at me to tell them what Jean wanted. I just shrugged my shoulders and said, “She just wanted to tell me she loved me.”

They all accepted that but Mummy gave me a knowing look.

Rose stayed a bit longer and then said she would see me in a couple months, with time to do some more work on the twin study if that was ok with me.

I said, “Yes” and Mummy nodded as well.

Mummy then made a few phone calls and asked Rodney to fly us home tomorrow morning. After she was told what time Rodney would be at the airport she gave Debbie a call and arranged for her to take us out to the airport at nine am in the morning. Later Mary took us out to a restaurant for dinner because it would be a while before we were in Brisbane again and wanted to give us a treat.

We arrived back at the apartment and went to bed by nine pm. Jenny, Samantha and myself slept in a threesome hug all night to keep Jenny from worrying about her parents. Before I went to bed Mummy asked me to go to the bathroom because she wanted to make sure I was healing alright but it was to talk about what Jean had said to me. When Jean was communicating with me Mummy concentrated as well and also heard the message.

She said, “Carla we will be home just after lunch tomorrow so all we can do is wait and see what has happened to Jan ok?”

“Ok Mummy.”

We were at the airport on time and Rodney was checking out the plane for the return flight back to Quilpie. Nobody said much on the flight home. Mummy and I were worried about what had happened to Jenny's Mum and Jenny was worried about her parents break-up and felt hurt. I thought she was going to need me more than ever now.

To be continued.

Next time: Tissues required for this one.

Please leave a comment.

Previously

We arrived back at the apartment and went to bed by nine pm. Jenny, Samantha and myself slept in a threesome hug all night to keep Jenny from worrying about her parents. Before I went to bed Mummy asked me to go to the bathroom because she wanted to make sure I was healing alright but it was to talk about what Jean had said to me. When Jean was communicating with me Mummy concentrated as well and also heard the message.

She said, “Carla we will be home just after lunch tomorrow so all we can do is wait and see what has happened to Jan ok?”

“Ok Mummy.”

We were at the airport on time and Rodney was checking out the plane for the return flight back to Quilpie. Nobody said much on the flight home. Mummy and I were worried about what had happened to Jenny's Mum and Jenny was worried about her parents break-up and felt hurt. I thought she was going to need me more than ever now.

Thursday 16/7/59
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was a smooth flight home. Rodney is a really good pilot and the new Cessna was really comfortable inside and not very noisy like Tom's chopper, but the chopper is more fun to be in. Daddy was waiting for us at the aerodrome when Rodney taxied right up to where Daddy had the Land Rover parked with all the refuelling gear ready to refuel the Cessna for its next flight. As we all got out of the plane Uncle Tony turned up in his new Land Rover to take us home and leave Daddy to refuel Rodney’s plane .

Daddy gave us all a hug and a kiss on the cheek and said he will see us in about an hour.

Mummy said, “Hey mister, come back here and give me a proper kiss or I will have to break your legs.”

Daddy replied, “Oh Donna darling, I didn't see you there.”

“Watch it” said Mummy and grabbed Daddy by his shirt and gave him one of her toe-curling kisses.

Daddy said, when Mummy finished the kiss, “Darling you can break my legs any time you want.”

Both Jenny and I said in unison rolling our eyes, “Please get a room!!”

Uncle Tony also gave us three ladies a hug and a kiss on the cheek and loaded all our bags into the back of his Land Rover and waited for us to get in so he could drive us home.

Tony pulled into the restaurant to pick up some lunch so we all got out and walked inside to be greeted by Rita, Linda, and Alice. Rita come and hugged me and said, “Is it all done little sister?”

I replied, “Yeah I’m exactly like you now Sis and I can have babies too.”

Rita said, “Slow down Carla, you are only nine years old.”

I replied with a cheeky grin, “I've had my first period so I am a woman now.”

Alice and Linda laughed when I said that, and Mummy said, “Carla you might have had your first period but it might take you a bit longer to become a woman.”

I replied, “Yeah whatever.” and rolled my eyes, which set both me and Jenny of into a fit of giggles.

Uncle Tony said, “Hoy!! what about some service over here at the counter?”

Rita said, “Ok–ok, keep your shirt on Uncle Tony.”

He replied, “Never mind about my shirt. Food! is what I need.”

Once the banter was finished, Mummy gave a hand to make some sandwiches for us to take home.

I asked Rita, “Where is aunty Bella?”

“Oh she went to the dentist just before you lot came barging in here demanding food.” while she was looking at Uncle Tony. Don't look at me, they made me do it.” pointing at us. Anyway we got our food and said bye to Rita and the others and got into Uncle Tony's Land Rover and went home.

When we arrived Ginger was so exited to see my she actually knocked me over and started licking my face.

I said, “Yuck Ginger, I love you too but not your big wet tongue.” I couldn't even get up till Mummy grabbed her by the collar and made her sit and behave. Then Jenny knelt down and put her arms around Gingers neck and gave her a hug.

Jenny said, “Ginger, at least you love me, my Mum and Dad don't.”

Uncle Tony looked at Mummy, but she shook her head to give Uncle Tony the message not to say anything more.

We carried all our things into the house and then set about eating a late lunch. Daddy walked through the kitchen door just as we were unwrapping the sandwiches and said, “I hope there are enough sandwiches so I can have some too?”

Mummy replied, “Of course darling, would I not feed my beautiful man?”

Another kiss was in order. Daddy said, after Mummy kissed him, “Wow, twice in one day, I hope this keeps happening after we're married?”

After lunch, Daddy and Tony went back to work, and Mummy said, “We should all have a bit of a lay down, especially you Carla. I don't want you straining those stitches.”

Both Jenny and I replied, “Yes Mummy.”

I think it made Jenny fell better when she was allowed to get away with that and Mummy really didn't mind being called mummy by Jenny because we had become almost like twin sisters anyway. We had a sleep for about half an hour and got off the bed, had a drink and went outside to throw the ball with Ginger because she needs the exercise and there was nobody to give her that while we were away. It was getting quite cold and there was a westerly wind blowing most of the day so that made it even colder. In the morning there would be a white frost covering the last remaining grass in the yard.

I gave Ginger her meal and she went into her kennel but she does not get tied up because she is allowed to come into my room at night if she wants to. Fluffy is her own boss and does whatever she wants, which is sleep most of her days away in the warm sun on the verandah.

It was getting late and beginning to get dark outside so Jenny and I went into the warm kitchen which was always warm because of the combustion stove that never went out and I had to keep the wood box beside it filled up with chopped wood.

Jenny and I helped Mummy peel the potatoes and other vegetables. The meat had been put on at three o’clock to let it cook slowly. It was a topside roast and it was now time to put the veggies in with the roast and in an hour's time it would be ready to serve. Jenny and I went into the lounge to watch some telly till tea time.

Jenny said, “Carla, what am I going to do if Mummy and Daddy don’t come back?”

I replied, “Sis they will, but if they don't, well!! Mummy has gained another daughter hasn't she?”

Jenny had tears running down her face and she said, “Carla I’m scared about what will happen to me.”

I hugged her tight and said, “Jenny we all love you, so stop worrying will you?”

Mummy called out to us and said, “Alright girls, time to set the table - everyone is home now so we can eat.”

Rita and Daddy were talking in the lounge about changing something in the restaurant kitchen when Mummy said, “Don't you two go change anything in that kitchen without you telling me or there will be trouble!!” while she was pointing at them with a pair of tongs.

Both Rita and Daddy said “Yes ma'am” standing to attention and saluting her.

It all settled down after that and we sat down to eat a baked roast, potatoes, and veggies. There was also mummy's home made gravy,- yummy. For desert there was ice cream and tinned pears. It was winter time and the garden was growing cabbage, beetroot and carrots. so no strawberries that night.

After dinner we all helped clean up and put everything away and went into the lounge where Daddy had turned on the kerosene heater to warm up the large room. Before Daddy turned on the telly, Mummy brought Daddy and Rita up to date on everything that had happened over the last week that we were away.

Jenny was in tears when she said to Mummy, “Don't forget to tell them about my Mum and Dad splitting up, and that they don’t want me any more.”

“Oh Jenny I’m sorry, sweetheart.” replied Daddy and he sat down beside her and held her while she sobbed into his shoulder. The sadness effected all of us and the telly didn't get turned on and we all retired to our bedrooms.

I was lying in bed beside Jenny and had my arm around her as she fell asleep. I could feel Jean trying to communicate with me and as I closed my eyes she was in my mind telling me to come to Mummy's bedroom, I gently got out of bed and slipped out of the room, down to Mummy's bedroom. Mummy knew what I was there for and whispered, “Come in to bed with me and Daddy darling.”

I climbed in under the covers and Mummy said, “I think Jean has something to tell us Carla.”

Mummy and I closed our eyes and saw Jean sitting at the end of the bed and she said, “Mummy, tell Daddy to hold your hand and close his eyes and not open them and he will be able to hear me as well.” Mummy did as Jean said and Daddy joined us in this communication with my twin sister.

Jean said. “It is sad news for Jenny but her Mum has crossed over into the spirit world. I had to wait tell you this because the doctors were still trying to save her but failed. I wish I could have done something but she was hurt too badly and passed over. Carla, Jenny is going to need you and me to be close to her.” and then Jean faded as she said, “I love you.”

Daddy lay there in shock and said nothing.

Mummy said, “Carla, go and get back into bed with Jenny and say nothing. We must not try to change the way this is happening, do you understand?”

“Yes Mummy, I understand.” I went back and got back into bed without waking Jenny up, but I did not go to sleep.

It was midnight when the phone rang, and I heard Mummy answer it. “Hello yes this is she, yes her daughter is staying with me. No, that is not a good idea. Yes in the morning. Can I have your number please? Thank you bye.”

Mummy went back into her bedroom and I heard her talking softly to Daddy. I must have dropped of to sleep because it was daylight when opened my eyes. We must have slept in because when I looked at the radio clock it said eight o'clock. We weren’t going back to school till Monday so I suppose Mummy let us sleep.

Friday morning.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jenny and I got up and had a shower together and got dressed in some warm winter clothes and went to the kitchen where Rita, Daddy, and Mummy were about to make Jenny's world fall apart.

Jenny said, “Good morning all, and said why is everyone still here and not at work?”

Mummy said “Jenny, come and sit down beside me sweetheart. I have something to tell you.”

Jenny said, “It's about my parents isn't it Aunty Donna?”

Mummy replied and held Jenny's hands and said, “Sweetheart, your mummy had a bad car accident and was hurt really bad and she passed away last night while the doctors were trying to save her but she didn't make it.” Jenny didn't speak and just stared at Mummy. Mummy kept hold of Jenny's hands and pulled her in close but didn't speak, she just held her tight and had tears streaming down her face as she looked over to me.

I couldn’t stop my tears from coming and put my arm around Jenny who was now shaking but not crying, she has gone into shock. Daddy got up and went to the phone and called Doctor Ryan and told him to come quickly.

Rita was stunned and couldn’t speak. She also had tears running down her cheeks and knelt down and in front of Jenny and took one of her hands.

All of a sudden Jenny let out a loud scream and then started to wail and kept saying, “Nooo---nooo, not dead!” There were no tears, she was shaking and wailing but no tears, Mummy just kept holding on to her and after about five minutes of shaking she finally let the tears come.

Daddy came back into the room and went straight to Jenny and picked her up and carried her into the lounge and lay her down on the couch and said, “Jenny, Doctor Ryan will be here in a minute and give you something to calm you down ok?”

Jenny sat up and put her arms around Daddy's neck and and cried into his chest.

Daddy just said “I know it hurts darling. It will be alright, I am here for you.”

Jenny's sobbing slowed down as Daddy held her and gently stroked her hair. Jim Ryan was there and came over to where Jenny was being held by Daddy and said “Jenny sweetheart, I am going to give you a needle to relax you ok?”

Jenny just nodded and the doc gave her the needle. Daddy didn't let go of Jenny and just sat there rocking her till she fell asleep in his arms. Daddy's face was now also wet from tears and his nose was starting to run so I got some tissues and kept wiping his eyes and nose He is my special Daddy and I love him.

Doctor Ryan gave Mummy some pills for Jenny in case she couldn't settle down when she woke up. I was beside myself and really didn't know what to do next.

Mummy could see I was in trouble and came and hugged me and said, “Carla sweetheart, you are going to have to be really strong and help Jenny cope with her grief. If you need help ask Jean to tell you what to do. We will get through this one way or another.”

“Yes Mummy I’ll be strong.”

While Daddy stayed with Jenny, Mummy rang Sydney to find out what had happened. Jenny's mum was hit by a large truck head on and it was found that she was on the wrong side of the road. I asked Mummy later, and it looked like Jan had done it on purpose. Rita got a taxi to go to work. Daddy stayed home so he could be there for Jenny. He probably remembered his son Paul doing the same thing.

When Jenny woke up she was calm because the needle that the doc gave her still effected her, and Mummy even got her to eat something. None of us had eaten any breakfast so we were all hungry. Jenny came out into the kitchen and started talking normal again and she said to me, “Carla you knew didn't you?”

I didn't know what to do so I just told her the truth and said, “Jean said your Mum is on the other side and that is all I know Jenny.”

Jenny replied, “Yeah, well it should have been Daddy - he made mummy do it.”

I said, “Jenny, she was on the wrong side of the road.”

Jenny said “Now I know why she wanted me to stay with you.”

Jenny's Dad rang and said he was going to come home and sort out the funeral arrangements. Jan's remains would be flown to Charleville and then brought to Quilpie by road from there. He wanted to talk to Jenny but she said “No” and she will never talk to him again. This was really hard for me. Every time I tried to talk to Jenny the lump in my throat just got big and I started getting tears in my eyes so I ended up just giving her another hug.

Mummy said “Just be with her Carla, you cant do any more.” Jenny was now just staring into space and not saying anything.

I went to get a drink and Mummy said quietly, “Carla it is part of the grieving process and she will have to work through it, so don’t make her talk but be with her. She will get angry and cry, but it has to come out if she is going to survive this.”

The rest of the day I stayed with Jenny constantly. We both cried and laughed at the same time, and then at four in the afternoon Jenny said. “Carla I need to be by myself for a bit. I will go and sit on the verandah, I just need to think, I'll be ok now.”

I replied, “Jenny, please don’t shut me out. I want to help you through this and I love you.”

Jenny said, “Carla,- sis — I -I - need to think but I will not shut you out - ever.”

I replied, “I'll just be inside ok?” I walked inside and the dam broke. I had to run to the other side of the house and out the back so Jenny couldn’t hear me.

Rita came looking for me and found me out in the backyard on my knees sobbing and praying to God asking what this is all about.

Rita said, “Carla, you have to be strong for Jenny. You are the closest person to her, so have your cry and get back and stay with her.”

I replied in between sobs, “She - w–aa--n-nts to b-e-e alone.”

“Go back and hold her and talk to her. Tell her everything will be ok. Don’t let her out off your sight. We don’t want her running of somewhere.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and went back out to where Jenny was still sitting staring into space.

She turned to me and said “Carla thanks, I love you too and I will get over this.” She then said, “Carla you said something earlier that Jean told you Mummy was on the other side. Does that mean I will be able to talk to Mummy through you?”

I replied, “I don't know Jenny, but we can try if you want.”

We went and told Mummy what we were about to do and Mummy said, “Come to the bathroom first and I will wash your faces with some cold water. Your eyes are that red from crying it's a wonder you can see out of them.”

Mummy said, “Jenny, do you want me to be with you while Carla tries to make contact with your Mum?”

“Yes Aunty Donna please.”

It was already dark outside so we went to my bedroom and the three of us lay down on my Queen sized bed. Mummy was in the middle holding both our hands.

I said, “Here goes, close your eyes.”

Jean was already there and said, “Jenny, I am sorry for your grief and pain but your Mummy is here with me to say goodbye to you.”

Jenny's mum was wearing a beautiful white gown and said as clear as day, “Jenny sweetheart, I am ok. Don’t blame Daddy for what has happened. I love you.” and then she faded.

Jenny didn't have a chance to say anything before her Mummy was gone but Jean said, “She will find happiness here Jenny.” and then Jean said, “I have used up all my energy and will have to go now” and she faded as she said “I love you.”

Jenny said, “Carla, do you think I will see Mummy again?”

I replied, “I don’t know Jenny but probably not for a while. It must have taken an awful lot of energy for Jean to have done that.”

Jenny said, “Carla, did you see what Mummy was wearing? It was the most beautiful gown I have ever seen.”

I said, “Yeah, I bet they don’t make them to look like that here.”

Jenny smiled for the first time that day and said, “Aunty Donna — Mummy.” and Mummy just said “It's ok Jenny darling, you can call me Mummy if you want.”

Jenny's Dad came to talk with Jenny and wanted her to come home with him but Jenny flatly refused and said she would stay with us or she would run away. Her Dad then had a long conversation with Mummy and Daddy and left.

The funeral was held on Wednesday the twenty second of July at ten am. Most of the town was there. Jenny and I had three red roses that we put on the coffin as it was being lowered into the ground and we both knelt down and said the Lords Prayer. A lady was singing 'Amazing Grace' as the coffin went down into the earth and Father Brian started to say a prayer Jenny was not crying but held onto Mummy's hand as we walked away from her Mothers grave.

Author's note: This has been a hard chapter to write and has brought back sad memories of my childhood. My friend Jenny ''not her real name'' still keeps in touch with me after sixty years.

Jean

To be continued.

Next time: life and school goes back to normal. School, school holidays and the wedding getting close !!

Please leave a comment.

Jenny's Dad came to talk with Jenny and wanted her to come home with him but Jenny flatly refused and said she would stay with us or she would run away. Her Dad then had a long conversation with Mummy and Daddy and left.

The funeral was held on Wednesday the twenty second of July at ten am. Most of the town was there. Jenny and I had three red roses that we put on the coffin as it was being lowered into the ground and we both knelt down and said the Lords Prayer. A lady was singing 'Amazing Grace' as the coffin went down into the earth and Father Brian started to say a prayer. Jenny was not crying but held onto Mummy's hand as we walked away from her Mothers grave.

There was a wake at Jenny's house but she refused to go, so Mummy, Daddy,and Rita came home with Jenny and I. Jenny was very quiet and went to the bedroom to lie down.

Mummy said, “See if you can get Jenny to have a sandwich, and go and lay on the bed with her and just be there when she wants to talk.” I was hugging Jenny when she said, “Carla, I don’t want to leave here and go back home or live in Sydney, I just want to stay with you.”

I replied, “Sis, I think your Dad has already spoken to Mummy and Daddy and has agreed to let you stay with us anyway.”

Mummy came into the room and said, “Come on out to the kitchen and have some afternoon tea.”

Jenny said “I’m not very hungry Mu-- err —Mummy.”

“It's ok Jenny, you can call me Mummy. I don’t mind, it just means I have three daughters now.”

Mummy said, “Girls, you can relax for the rest of to day, but in four days time you two will have to go back to school and you need to do some catching up with your studies, so I am going to ring your teacher and find out what he wants you to catch up on.”

Jenny and I both groaned and said “Do we have to?”

Mummy replied, “Yes you sure do, I don’t want a pair of dummies living under my roof.”

I said, “What about Jean, doesn't she have to catch up too?”

“Carla don’t be silly, and get your bum out to the kitchen now!!” “

“Yesss Mummy.” Jenny and I held hands and walked to the kitchen with our nose in the air with Mummy having a giggle at our antics.

The next four days were spent doing boring school work, taking Ginger for her walks and visiting Aunty Bella and Uncle Tony. Jenny seemed to be feeling ok so we decide to go for a walk on Sunday after we had been to church, to the cemetery and visit the grave without any one else being there. When we got there we knelt down and started talking to Jan as if she could hear us and Jenny said, “I love you Mummy, but I now have a new Mummy as well so don't worry about me.” and then the dam broke and she sobbed while I held her in a tight hug for at least half an hour.

When she had cried herself out she looked at me and said, “Carla, I’m done crying.” and gave me a big smile through red eyes.

I smiled back and said, “Ok lets go home sis and see what's for lunch.”

It was near on lunch time when we got back. It is quite a long way out to where the cemetery is and it took us almost an hour and a half to get back home. Ginger was waiting with a wagging tail to meet us at the gate. Poor Ginger, she has not had us around for a couple of weeks but now we were back we would start spending more time with her. Mummy had done a roast for Sunday lunch and because Aunt Bella and Uncle Tony were there, the gravy for the roast was a special treat. It was Aunty Bella’s secret recipe !! but Mummy knows how to make it too because she watched aunty make it at the restaurant.

We did some more study after lunch, took Ginger for a walk to the park and just happened to ring Ricky before we left in the guise of asking him about what subjects were on at school in the morning. Billy was staying with Ricky while his parents were away in Sydney so it was double pleasure for two nine year old girls visiting the park. It was three o'clock when we reached the park on our bikes with Ginger following close behind. The boys were there already and greeted us with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Because Ricky and Billy were at the funeral they did not mention anything to Jenny about her Mother which was good because Jenny needed to move on now and all her friends would need to help her through the next few weeks. There was no grass left on the ground in the park and the prickles which we call 'bindi eyes' were really bad so shoes have to stay on

The four of us were the only ones at the park this afternoon, so no one could tell on us if we were being a little bit naughty and having a kiss while we were sitting on the park bench.

Ricky said, “So Carla, do you have to have any more surgery now or is it all done?”

I replied, “Ricky, I am all girl now and can have babies and everything!!”

Ricky looked at me and made big eyes and said, “Wooa!! Carla, too much information.” That set Jenny and I off on a giggling fit.

Billy looked at Ricky and said, “Well mate, women do that you know.”

Anyway we talked a bit more and thought we had better get back home before it started getting dark.

Billy kissed Jenny on the lips and she closed her eyes when the kiss ended and said “Mmmm that feels nice.”

Ricky said, “Carla may I kiss you like that too?” (Ricky is a real gentleman.)

I replied, “What are you waiting for?”

He said, “Carla, last time I kissed you on the lips Jean gave me an electric shock.”

I closed my eyes said out loud, “Jean, let Ricky kiss me without the zap from you please.”

I heard her giggling and she said, “Ok, only a little tingle than.”

Billy looked at Ricky with a funny look. Ricky said, “It's alright Billy, she does that all the time. She and Jean are connected to each other, you'll get used to to Carla and her sister in time.”

Ricky put his hands gently on either side of my face and gave me a toe curling kiss. I could feel the energy flowing from Jean through me right into Ricky. He pulled back still holding my face and looked into my eyes and said, “Carla, Jean I love you both.”

He then sat back and said “If I get to marry you Carla, I get Jean as well won't I?”

I replied, “We come as a package, so yes it will be a double wedding.” We had another quick kiss and walked hand in hand to where our bikes were and said bye till tomorrow and rode home all tingly from kissing.

It was just on dark when we got home and Daddy was just about to get in the car and come looking for us because we had no lights on our bikes.

Daddy said, “Girls, please keep an eye on the time next time you go out on your bikes, you know how much I worry about you kids.”

We got off our bikes and gave Daddy a two way hug and both said, “Sorry Daddy.”

He shook his head and mumbled something that sounded like, “Bloody hell!! How am I ever going to survive two nine year old girls?”

We ran up to him and held a hand each and pulled him up the front steps while Mummy was looking on with a smile on her face saying, “Get used to it darling, you are surrounded by women.”

Daddy replied, “Heaven help me.” rolling his eyes while he said it.

There were left-overs for dinner so there was no real cooking to be done other than to heat everything up.

While we were eating Rita said, “I hope you girls were behaving yourselves at the park this afternoon. I heard you talking to the boys before you went. There was no kissing was there?”

I am not allowed to tell lies or God will punish me, so I just said “Just one little one.”

I thought 'I wonder what what a big kiss would feel like?' Jenny was going red in the face when Rita looked at her, but Rita must have seen the look on Jenny's face and decide not to push it any further, much to Jenny’s relief.

Mummy said, “Ok girls, I want you to have a shower tonight ,so there's not a big rush on the bathroom in the morning.”

We replied, “Yes Mummy” and went and got our winter pyjamas and went to the bathroom to have a shower. Daddy was kind enough to have put the kerosene heater on so to make it a bit more comfortable being naked in the middle of winter, and yes he does spoil us rotten. I don't even have to use my magic eyes to make him melt and do what I want. Mummy says that is why she fell in love with Daddy because he is so gentle with us.

We got undressed and got into the warm water of the shower and we soaped each up. When the water was washing all the soap off us we just stood and looked at each and had a wet hug. We both had more than a little breast growth and when our budding nipples touched it was electric.

Jenny said, “Holy hell, that that is going right to the tip of my toes.”

I replied, “Jenny, I think we are being a bit naughty but you are right it feels fantastic and is sending shivers down to my new thingy.”

We almost fell over in the shower we giggled so hard.

Mummy knocked on the door and said, “Hoy!! don't use up all the hot water in there.” We both jumped in fright and got out dried ourselves off and put our winter pyjamas on. We forget to bring our woollen slippers so we had to run back to our bedroom over the icy cold floor boards.

We got our slippers and warm dressing gowns on and went to the kitchen to say good night to everyone. Mummy was just finishing ironing our school uniforms and told us to have a warm drink of milk and we could take the uniforms back to the bedroom with us. We had our milk and Mummy said, “I want you two to have your breakfast in the morning before you put your uniforms on. I won't have the time in the morning to iron any more clothes for you lot.”

We took our uniforms and got a kiss on the cheek from everyone and we made our way to the bedroom, careful not to drop our clean ironed uniforms. We weren’t long falling asleep and we both dreamed of kissing our future husbands.

Monday 27/7/59
~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was nice and warm cuddled up in bed, but we had to get up and have our breakfast which Mummy had ready for us to eat. Daddy and Rita were already finished and said bye to us after they gave us quick peck on the cheek.

Daddy almost did the same to Mummy when she said, “Where are you sleeping tonight darling?”

Daddy replied, “In our bed, where else would I sleep?”

Mummy said, “Not if I don’t get a proper kiss you won't.”

Daddy said, “Shit, sorry darling,I could always stay home today and we can make whoopee!! for the rest of the day.”

Mummy replied, “Not in front of the children, William.”

Daddy said “There’s that name again.” and he gave Mummy a proper kiss on the lips and went quickly out the door telling Rita to hurry up or they would be late for work.

Mummy said, “I do love him. he is a funny gentle man and I hope you two will be as lucky and find some one like your Daddy to marry when you grow up.”

Jenny and I looked at each other and could hardly contain ourselves from giggling at what Mummy had said. As far as Jennifer and I were concerned we had already found our future husbands, whether they knew it or not. Girls are allowed to do that 'cos we control the world. We got dressed in our uniforms and then Mummy had two daughters that needed to have their hair done, so she told us to comb each other's hair and she would put it into a loose plait with the school ribbons in it to hold it all in place. When she was finished we looked in the full length mirror and did some twirls and were satisfied that we looked ok. Mummy said she wanted to see our teacher and would drive us to school this morning but we could start riding our bikes tomorrow.

We arrived at the school and were greeted by our class-mates at the gate and were inundated with questions about every thing that happened to us in the last couple of weeks. Brenda and June were the most excited, They were at the funeral but didn't get a chance to talk to Jenny and I because we did not go to Jenny's home after the funeral, so we had a lot to catch up on. Mummy came back from talking with Peter Taylor and said, “I’ll see you girls this afternoon ok?” We said bye, and it was time to go to morning assembly on the parade ground.

Carla and Jenny

To be continued;

Next time: school holidays, Brisbane exhibition and getting closer to the wedding!!

Please leave a comment.

We arrived at the school and were greeted by our class-mates at the gate and were inundated with questions about every thing that happened to us in the last couple of weeks. Brenda and June were the most excited, They were at the funeral but didn't get a chance to talk to Jenny and I because we did not go to Jenny's home after the funeral, so we had a lot to catch up on. Mummy came back from talking with Peter Taylor and said, “I’ll see you girls this afternoon ok.” We said bye, and it was time to go to morning assembly on the parade ground.

27/7/ 59

Not a lot had changed; same pep talk, different things happening and talk about the August holidays coming up. We all filed into our classrooms and started our first lesson for the day. It had to be maths didn't it? Oh well life wasn't meant to be easy was it? The morning went fairly fast and lunch was a welcome break from the classroom. Of course Ricky and Billy had lunch with me and Jenny and we resumed our conversation from this morning. Ricky was interested in football. Billy played it too but he was more interested in the school choir and we started talking to Ricky to see if he would join the choir as well because we would be able to spend more time to together that way.

Ricky said, “I will join only because I would see more of you.” 'How sweet is that?' but I have heard him sing in church and he has a really nice voice so he will make a nice addition to the choir.
Billy said, “Great, the four of us will have a lot more time together and we can also practice after school.”

Ricky replied, “Lets not get carried away Billy, there is still footy you know.”

“Yeah, but girls are more interesting than footy any day Rick.”

“Well maybe but I still don’t want to give up my football either.”

Jenny said, “Ricky no-one is asking you to give up your precious football are they?”

“No, but.”

I was getting sick of this conversation and said, “Ricky, stop worrying about giving up football, the choir is at a different time anyway.”

“Oh is it? Well that's ok than.”

The bell rang and it was time to go back to the boring classroom and more of the same. It was really good to have Brenda and June sitting behind Jenny and I, because we could pass little notes between us as long as Mr Taylor didn't catch us doing it or we would end up being split up and that would never do!!!

The afternoon went fairly quickly. Us four girls walked out to the main gate and were gossiping when Ricky and Billy came and and asked us if we were going to the park this afternoon.

I said, “No Ricky, we have to do our homework before Mummy will let me and Jenny go anywhere.”

Ricky replied, “It was just a thought but you are right, me and Billy have home work to do too and seeing my Dad is the school principal I had better be good. Besides, Peter usually helps when we get stuck with a sticky maths problem.”

I said, “Don’t talk to me about maths, it's a dirty word.”

Billy replied “Yeah tell me about it.” Brenda and June both giggled at that and June said “I don’t know what you lot find so hard about maths, it's elementary dear Watson.”

We were all laughing when Mummy came walking across from the other side of the road where she had parked a brand new red and white Holden station wagon.

Ricky said, “Wow Mrs Croft, is that yours?”

Mummy replied, “Yes Ricky, do you like it?”

“Yeah, I wish Dad would buy a wagon like that.”

Mummy said, “Well Ricky, I needed to buy something to carry a lot of stuff in for the restaurant when I get stuff from the transport depot and railway yard.”

Ricky replied, “Yeah fair enough.”

We said bye to our friends and walked across the road and got into the new car which smelt of leather from the seats.

Mummy said, “Carla and Jenny, you have a little visitor at home that I want you to be extra nice to alright?”

“Who is it Mummy?” said Jenny, and I said, “I bet I know who it is.”

“Ok smarty pants who is it?”

I said, “Jean just told me ,so there.”

Jenny said, “Hey that's not fair sis.”

Mummy said, “Alright, it's a girl that is a boy that is a girl.”

Jenny looked at me and I nodded and said “You guessed it, it's Christine.”

Mummy said, “Jane has let her dress as a girl when she is not at school and she wants to ask you a few questions Carla.”

I said, ”Mummy, is she the same as me or is she like Samantha?”

Mummy replied, “I think she might be like you darling because Jim Ryan is sending her to Brisbane next week and because the school holidays start a week later it will give the doctors more time to spend with her doing all the same tests that you had done.”

“Ok Mummy” both Jenny and I said, and Mummy started the new car and drove home.

When we got home there was another car parked in the driveway and I said, “Mummy that’s Christine's Dad's car.”

“Yes well it would be would be wouldn't it? David and Shirley are here to thank you two officially for doing what you did on the river a few weeks ago or don’t you remember that far back?”

“Mummeeey!!! don’t be mean, all the things that have happened since then has made us forget some other things.”

“Ok, granted both of you have been to hell and back , all the more reason to be there for another little girl with gender problems.”

”Mummy, they are not gender problems, just plumbing problems.”

“Ok Carla you win.”

Mummy parked the new station wagon next to the much older Ford and we got our school bags out of the back of the wagon and went up the front steps to be nearly knocked back down by an over-active Ginger. I patted her and gave her a hug and Jenny did the same.

Mummy said “Don’t get your school uniforms dirty girls.”

“Yes Mummy err no Mummy.” We walked inside to the lounge and were greet by Mr and Mrs Jackson and a girl that looked a lot like she was a twin of Kenny. Trying to be funny as per my usual self I said, “Where’s Kenny? Are you his sister?”

Christine sat there with a grin from ear to ear and said, “It's me Carla, Kenny”

I said, “No Christine, it is you always you, not Kenny.” and I went and gave her a hug.

Then Jenny did the same and said, “Hi sis, I like what you are wearing.”

Christine's Mum and Dad just sat there with tears forming in their eyes and David Jackson said, “I told you they were two angels sent to us from above didn't I?”

Mummy said, “I don’t know about angels, but they can take Christine to their bedroom and get changed out of their school clothes.”

Before we left the lounge, Christine’s Dad gave Jenny and myself a hug and said, “When you have changed you clothes I need you to come outside and see something.” We looked at Christine and she just shrugged her shoulders and walked past us on the way to our bedroom.

When we got to our room Jenny and I pushed Christine onto the bed and started to tickle her but Mummy was at the door and said, “I knew you two would do that and no, she is not allowed to tell you anything so let her up of the bed you monsters.”

“Yes Mummy.”

“Christine, don't tell them anything. They will just have to hurry up and get changed and we will see you in a couple of minutes ok?”

“Yes Mrs Croft.”

Mummy left and we said “Christine, we owe you a good tickle ok?”

She said, “Ok, but you will have to run pretty fast. I won the last race at school sports the other day.”

We got changed into jeans and long sleeved tops and we pulled the school ribbons out of our hair and let if loose which felt good. Jenny’s and my hair was really long now and it was getting a bit of chore to comb and get ready for school of a morning so Mummy usually put it in a plait and that lasted for about three days till we had to wash it, but I didn't want it cut because Ricky liked it long and so did I and I wanted to have it long for Mummy's wedding the next month.

Anyway we went back to where the adults were discussing what they were going to do to help Christine with her little problem but all went quiet when we entered the room.

Christine’s Dad said, “Oh you're back! Ok then, lets go and see what the surprise is girls.”

Christine grabbed Jenny's and my hand and we went out into Daddy's shed. We walked into where the Jackson's boat was still parked which they were going to tow home today.

When we walked around the other side of the boat there was something under a tarpaulin. Christine pulled us over to the tarpaulin and lifted it up and pulled it back in one go. Both me and Jenny stood there with our mouths open looking at two brand new Malvern Star bikes with three speed hubs and handle-bar brakes. It was a rare sight to see gears on a girl's bike so it must have been a special order.

“Wow!” said Jenny and me at the same time.

Christine said “I got one too and it's also a girls bike.”

I said, “Yeah so!!”

She replied “I wont be able to ride it yet till I get all my paper work sorted out by Father Brian and that could take a couple of months yet because I have to go for some tests in Brisbane.”

I replied, “Yeah tell me about it, but don’t wait till you have a period like I did.”

Christine's Mum said, “Carla, we don’t know how much like you Christine is but we are going to find out in the school holidays, and if all goes well we can make arrangements to have any surgery done after that.”

Mummy interrupted and said, “Carla, she hasn't been on any hormone treatment like you were, so she hasn't been speeding up her puberty like you did.”

I replied “Oh I didn't think of that, sorry.”

Christine's Mum said “That's ok dear, now how about you and Jenny get these new bikes out of here and try out the gears?”

Before we did that, both Jenny and I gave Mr Jackson a double hug. We thanked him and said he didn't have to give us new bikes for saving his life.

Mr Jackson replied “The fact remains that you two did in fact save my life, and these bikes are the least I can do. Besides, you can go riding with my daughter as soon as we can sort out some of the legal and medical problems that are in front of us.”

Mummy said “David, if Christine is the same as Carla than there should be no real problems medically or legally especially if Brian is handling the legal side of things.”

Anyway we left the adults to carry on with their conversation and got the new bikes out to try out the gears, Christine grabbed one of our old bikes and joined us for a ride down the road. The bikes had lights and everything as well as a little tool bag hanging off the seat. The lights would come on when the dynamo thingy was clicked onto the bike tyre. There are no real hills in Quilpie but it is still nice to have gears on a bike so we tried out all three gears and found that number two gear is the most comfortable one to use.

We didn't go too far because it was getting late and we still had home work to do before dinner time, so we turned around and went back home. We put the bikes back in the shed and went into the house where all the adults were in the lounge. Daddy and Rita were home as well.

Mummy said, “Well! How are the new bikes girls?”

I said “We'll be able to ride for hours without getting tired with those gears.”

Jenny said “Well one hour anyway.” Everyone laughed at that, and Jenny said, “What'd I say?”

Christine replied, “Jenny you are almost as funny as Carla.”

I said, “Hey watch it. I still owe you a good tickling don’t forget.”

Mummy said, “Right girls - homework!! and take Christine with you because she has her school books with her as well, because she and her parents are staying for dinner tonight. Now off you go.”

“Yes Mummy.” Jenny and I replied. “Come on Christine, how much homework do you have?”

Christine said, “I only have a bit of reading to do it shouldn't take very long.”

Jenny and I had some maths homework and when Christine saw what we were doing she said, “Maths is my favourite subject. I can give you a hand if you like.”

She was one year older than us and was in grade six., so she was more advanced than me or Jenny and we were both lousy at maths, so I said, “If you can help us you can move in with us if you want.”

At that we a had a giggling fit, which brought Mummy to the door and she said, “I hope you girls are not just mucking up and doing your homework, because dinner will be in about ten minutes ok?” We stopped giggling and finished our home work with Christine's help.

Christine said, “I'm going to hate switching back to boy's clothes for school tomorrow but I guess I’ll have to be careful or I might get bashed up if I go to school looking all girly.”

Jenny said, “Well it's only another week and it's school holidays so hang in there girl.”

Rita came to our bedroom and said, “Ok you lot, time to come and have dinner so go wash your hands and come into the dining room.”

We usually ate at the kitchen table but when we had guests we ate in the dining room where there was a big old oak table that would seat ten people. It belonged to Daddy's parents and was at least a hundred years old. Dinner was steak and kidney pie with veggie’s on the side. Mummy had brought it home from the restaurant so all she had to do was the vegetables and it was done. Desert was custard slices with fresh cream and cinnamon sprinkled over the top.

''Yummy!'' Christine said, “Wow Mrs Croft are all your meals this good?”

Daddy replied, “You betcha kid.”

Anyway after dinner Christine and her parents went home and we all helped to clear up and went to into the lounge. Mummy, Daddy and Rita were going to watch a movie on the telly so Jenny and I said good night and went to our bedroom. Jenny and I weren’t ready to go to sleep yet so we decided to make contact with Jean.

I said, “Ok Jenny, you know what to do.” so we got under the covers and held hands and closed our eyes.

Jean was already there on the bed with us and I said, “Jean, I didn’t have to call you at all. Are you now ready any time we want to talk with you?”

Jean replied, “Yes sister of mine, and as long as you keep your eyes closed you will see me as though I am right here with you, but my voice is still only in your mind but you can speak to me with your normal voice.”

Jenny then asked, “Jean, where is my Mummy now?”

Jean replied, “She is not on the same spirit plane as me but she is happy where she is and she sends her love to you Jenny.”

I said “Jean, are you with me all the time now time?”

”Yes I am Carla, and you can't do anything without me knowing so you are stuck with me for life. Now why don’t you two go to sleep? I need to rest too you know.”

“Ok Sis, goodnight,” and the image of Jean sitting on our bed faded as she blew us both a kiss. We were asleep within seconds. I thought Jean could control a lot of the things that I did, so I better behave my self or I would get zapped.

The rest of the week went by fairly quickly, and it was Friday afternoon when we had just ridden home from school when we saw Christine sitting on the front steps of our house dressed in her girl clothes with her new bike leaning up against the wall. She was wearing a denim skirt and a long sleeve pink flannel shirt and her hair was not as long as ours yet but it was long enough to be put into a short pony tail which she had put a pink ribbon in. I thought she must be another pink freak like me.

We rode our bikes right up to where she was sitting and I said, “Christine what are you doing here, didn't you go to school today?”

She replied, “Yeah, but I had an appointment with Doc Ryan at lunch time and by the time that was over it was two o'clock so I decided to come for a ride to see you two, and Mummy said that I could stay for the weekend if it was ok with your Mum.”

I said, “Is Mummy home, because if not I will give her a ring at the restaurant and ask her right now.” I should have looked in the shed because the new station wagon was parked in there so she must be home. Duhh!!!

Christine giggled and said, “Sorry, I should have said it was ok with your Mum, because I have brought a bag with me with clothes for the weekend and also my school homework so we can do our home work together again.”

Jenny said, “Great, more bloody homework.”

Mummy said from inside the house, “Hoy, I heard that young lady. No swearing thank you very much.”

“Sorry Mummy, it just slipped out.” By this time Mummy was at the door and said, “Alright Carla, Jenny, out of your school clothes and Christine you come with me and we'll make some pancakes while they are changing.”

We all ended up in the kitchen having pancakes with treacle spread in between two put together, and hot chocolate milk to wash them down. While we were all talking at once, Mummy said, “Ok girls, quieten down for a minute and let me get a word in edgewise please.” We were all quiet and looked at Mummy to see what she had to tell us.

Mummy said, “Jenny, we have all the paperwork back from Father Brian and it is all signed ready to be mailed to the government department for us to be your foster parents. What do think about that young lady?”

Jenny got up and practically fell into Mummy's arms with tears in her eyes and said, “Does that make you my new Mummy now?”

Mummy replied, “Well legally I am your guardian, but you can call me Mummy any time you want sweetheart.”

After we finished cleaning up the mess we made making the pancakes, we got on our bikes and went for a ride before it got dark, and Ginger enjoyed running along behind us. Christine wasn't going back to school now till after the school holidays because she was going to Brisbane to have all the necessary tests done to sort out her little problem. I thought we might also be in Brisbane the first week of the holidays for the Brisbane exhibition which lasts for a whole week. We would probably stay with Samantha and her Mum again. It would be fun to see Sam again, she was a good friend and was also transgendered but not intersexed like me, but she was all girl just the same.

The week-end was spent with us three girls having a lot of fun dressing in all the different clothes that Jenny and I now had hanging in an overcrowded closet. Christine was a year older than Jenny and me but she was the same size as us so she could pick anything that took her fancy and try it on. Christine's Dad picked her up on Sunday night and we said we would probably see her in Brisbane a week later when we were at Sam's place.

Monday 3/8/59

Back at school for one more week and then yippeee two weeks off, and going to the show in Brisbane. This would be my first time at the show.

Jenny said, “Carla, you will love it. There is so much to see and the rides are wild! There is one that is called 'The Octopus' and it whirls around on these long arms and the thing you sit in spins as well. I was sick last year when I got off and threw up all over another kid. The kid's Mum didn't think it was very funny though.”

The week dragged on till Friday and then it was time to pack and get ready to fly down to Brisbane with Rodney and his new plane.

To be continued.

Next time: Back to school and getting ready to fly to Brisbane for the show.

Please leave a comment.

Monday 3/8/59
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back at school for one more week and then yippeee two weeks off, and going to the show in Brisbane. This would be my first time at the show.

Jenny said, “Carla, you will love it. There is so much to see and the rides are wild! There is one that is called 'The Octopus' and it whirls around on these long arms and the thing you sit in spins as well. I was sick last year when I got off and threw up all over another kid. The kid's Mum didn't think it was very funny though.”

The week dragged on till Friday and then it was time to pack and get ready to fly down to Brisbane with Rodney and his new plane.

Friday 7/8/59
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mummy rang Samantha’s Mum, Mary to tell her that me and Jenny were coming down to stay with her for a few days and she would come herself a couple of days later. It was the last day before the school holidays so you can imagine that there was not a lot of learning going on, but I don’t think the teachers were too worried as long as we didn't muck up too much!!!

We got all our school books and stuffed them into the bags and went to where our bikes were kept and Brenda and June were there and said they were going to Cairns with their parents for the two weeks, so we all hugged and said our good byes. As we were walking to the main gates pushing our bikes because we were not allowed to ride on the school grounds Ricky and Billy were there waiting to say goodbye to us because they were not going anywhere for the holidays.

Ricky said “Carla, can you bring me back a couple of show bags?” and Billy asked Jenny to do the same for him. We both agreed to bring back a bag each for the boys, but we were only allowed to have so much stuff to bring back because there is a weight limit on a smaller plane.

We walked down the road a little bit still pushing our bikes. When we were out of sight of the school we stopped and leaned our bikes against a tree that had a bench under it, and all four of us sat down to say bye properly. We were holding hands for a bit and Ricky said, “Carla, I wish I was coming with you to Brisbane, but Mum said maybe next year when she has more money saved up.”

He looked at me with his beautiful blue eyes and said, “love you Carla.”

I pulled him into a hug and kissed him right on the lips and could feel Jean putting some sort of energy between us. It gave me and Ricky a tingling feeling all over.

Jean said in my mind, “Tell him the tingling is from me sis.”

I opened my eyes and saw Ricky had tears in his.

I said, “Ricky I will always be yours, and Jean said the tingle is from her.”

All Ricky could say was, “Wow Carla, life with you will be special won't it?”

While this was going on Billy and Jenny were having fun off their own saying 'goodbye'. Just as well there was no one else around or we would have some explaining to do. Once we were finished with our goodbyes we got on our bikes and rode home with weak knees from kissing the boys. We both giggled and were wondering what the boys felt like after we kissed them.

We got home, put our bikes in the shed and went inside to put all our school things away for the two weeks and change out of our school uniforms. No one else was home yet so we made ourselves some pancakes and sat in the lounge and turned on the telly and Bandstand was on with Little Patty and the Bee Gees.

We didn't have long to wait and Mummy was home and had us cleaning up our bedroom which was getting untidy, with us pulling out all the clothes when Christine was over. We let her borrow about half a dozen outfits as long as when she started getting her own wardrobe together we could start swapping outfits with her. With the three of us being the same size apart from Christine who had no breast development yet, it would give us a big range of clothes to chose from. Anyway we hung all the clothes back where they belonged so Mummy wouldn't be cross with us.

Mummy said. “Right girls, I want you both to get out your travel bags and pack enough clothes to last you for a week and make sure you pack your jeans because it can get quite cold in Brisbane in August with a westerly wind blowing. You will be flying down in Rodney’s plane with Christine and her mother.”

I said, “Is Christine going to the show too Mummy?”

She replied, “I doubt it, seeing you will not get to Brisbane till lunch time on Sunday, and then have to take a cab to get to Mary's place.”

I said, “Where is Christine staying?”

“She and Jane will be staying with you at Samantha’s place because it is so close to the Mater, and Mary offered to put them up while they were in Brisbane so you will be able to support Christine, at least for the first week but she will be down there at least for two weeks.”

“Mummy do you think that they will do any surgery on her?” asked Jenny.

Mummy replied, “No sweetheart, there are a lot of tests to do before any surgery can take place. Just ask Carla, I’m sure she can fill you in on what Christine has to endure, after all she went through it all to be complete.”

I said, “Yeah, but I hope she doesn't have a wild ride to the hospital like I did.”

Mummy replied, “Oh Carla that reminds me, you are due to have another period any day now so I want you to make sure you are not caught short and have a pack of pads packed ok?”

I replied, “Oh yukky, I don’t like them Mummy, I hope I don’t get any more of those horrible cramps.”

Mummy replied, “I don’t think that is going to happen this time darling. Don’t forget you are now a complete girl so you should not have any problems.”

Jenny said, “When do you think I will have my first period Mummy.”

“Well darling I don’t know, but the only reason Carla got hers was the extra hormones she was taking, so you might not have your first period for another couple of years, I didn't get mine till I was twelve years old.”

Jenny said, “Oh but my breasts are growing as fast as Carla’s so I might get them while I'm in Brisbane too.”

Mummy replied, “Well if that happens, you and Carla can complain about it to each other can't you.”

Mummy said, “Enough talk and start packing so we can have productive day tomorrow.”

Jenny said, “What about Mrs Blake? We really should go and see her and make sure she is ok and do her shopping for her Mummy.”

Mummy replied, “All arranged Jenny, we are going there at nine in the morning and while you two girls do some house work for her I will take her to the shops to do her grocery shopping, and by the way you will have a little extra help because Christine is going to stay over tomorrow as well.”

I said, “Is Christine coming over tonight?”

”Yes, she'll be here soon. Her mum will be dropping her over to leave all the travel gear for the trip to Brisbane. We'll get your Uncle Tony to drop you all out to the aerodrome on Sunday morning, because I want to get some extra cooking done at the restaurant before I join you in Brisbane.”

I said, “Where is Daddy going to be on Sunday morning?”

“Daddy is going over to the Lutheran church to help with a stall selling second hand tools and things to put some money into the Christmas charity box fund.”

I replied, “Won't Father Brian be upset with that?”

“Carla, Father Brian is only with the church till they find a replacement for him, so no, he wont be upset with your Daddy doing charity work for the church that he now belongs to.”

“Oh ok then Mummy, Daddy likes to help other people doesn't he?”

“Yes sweetheart, I think you have infected him with your personality, but he is a very caring man, that’s why I am marrying him, and he also loves you kids to bits.”

Ten minutes later Christine's mum pulled up in the driveway got out of the car and opened the trunk to bring all the bags into the house.

Christine was half way up the steps when her mum said, “Hoy girl, come back here and carry some of this stuff to the house.”

Christine ran back to the car and said, “Sorry Mummy.”

By this time Jenny and I were there as well and helped carry the travel luggage into the house. Christine was so excited to be going to Brisbane that it was hard for her to be still for any length of time.

Mummy was watching her and said, “Christine sweetheart, slow down or you will bust a poofo valve.”

Christine's Mum said, “Donna she'll slow down when she sees the the needles they use to draw some blood from her arm.”

Christine's Mum left and would be back on Sunday morning.

Mummy said, “Girls, take Christine to your bedroom and make sure the three of you have everything in the bags for the trip. I’ll call you when dinner is ready, now off you go.”

We spent the next hour talking about Brisbane and the show. Christine said that she would be able to go to the show on Peoples' Day because it is a public holiday for Brisbane and there won't be any test to do at the Mater hospital.

We were dancing and having a group hug when Rita came into the room and said, “What is all the excitement about?”

We all said in unison, “The show.”

Rita said, “Oh is that all, well dinner is ready so come out to the kitchen and we can eat.”

We had our dinner, watched a bit of telly and all three of us went to have a shower. We all fitted into the shower and then Christine wanted to have a look at what I looked like now that I am a regular girl between my legs.

I said, “Sure Chrissy, I hope they find that you are the same as me and you have all the girl bits inside.”

She replied, “Well I know that I don’t have any testicles down there and my willy is no bigger than my little finger.” and she was crooking her little pinky at us and we all had to sit down in the shower because we were giggling that hard.

Daddy said outside the door, “Hey kids, leave me some hot water will you!!

“Yes Daddy we''ll be out in a minute.” We stopped giggling and wrapped towels around us and ran into our bedroom, and put on some winter pyjamas and got into my large queen size bed. We put Christine in the middle.

Jenny said, “Carla, Christine hasn't seen what we can do with Jean,-- will we see if she can also see Jean like I can when I hold your hand and keep my eyes closed?”

I replied, “Ok, lets get under the covers and cuddle up close and hold hands.”

I said “Christine, you have to keep your eyes closed and don’t let go of my hand or it wont work, ok?”

Jean was already sitting on the bed in her beautiful gown smiling and said, “Hello girls, this is getting easier every time we do this.”

Christine almost let go of my hand but I tightened my grip and said, “Christine can you see my twin?”

Christine replied, “Which one is which? You both look the same”

Jean said, “You can obviously see and hear me if you are seeing double.”

“Wow this is unreal.”

“No Christine it is completely real, who do you think helped save your Daddy?” replied Jean.

Christine was getting the same tremble in her chest as Jenny did when she first saw Jean so we had to cut it short and Jean blew us a kiss and faded till she was gone.

Christine said, “Carla she looks exactly like you and even sounds like you.”

Jenny said, “Well they are identical twins after all.” We talked a bit more and went to sleep in a three way cuddle.

We were up bright and early and had breakfast.

Mummy said, “Seeing it's only seven am you should go for a ride on your bikes and take Ginger for a run because we won't be home for the next week and she needs the exercise.”

We didn't need to be told twice, so we were on our bikes and riding down the road in the icy cold morning. There was a heavy white frost on the ground and it made everything look pretty, but another hour and the sun would melt it all and then all that is left is the dead winter grass. We got back and had a cup of hot chocolate milk before we went with Mummy to Mrs Blake's house.

When we got there the yard had all been mowed and I said to Mummy, “Has someone else been coming around to help Mrs Blake out?”

“Yes Carla,--you know that man you call Daddy, well he is a bit like you sweetheart and has a heart made off sweet gold.”

“Yes Mummy I know and I am so glad that I have his name now, and after the wedding will you want to have a baby with Daddy?”

Mummy replied, “Darling I can’t have any more babies. Apart from being too old, after I had you and Jean I went to Charleville and had my tubes tied.”

I said “Well that's alright Mummy, me and Ricky will have at least six babies after we get married.”

Jenny and Christine were giggling and Christine said “I hope I’m like you Carla and can have babies too.”

Mummy said “Ok girls, enough talk about babies, lets get out of the car and see what we can do for Mrs Blake.

Mummy took Mrs Blake to the shops and we three girls did the house work that was required and put a couple of loads of washing in the machine and hung the clothes on the line. When Mummy came back we helped put away all the shopping and said goodbye to Mrs Blake telling her we will see her after we come back from Brisbane.

She gave us a hug each and said with a tear in her eyes, “You girls are little angels and Carla, I am so sorry that that boy of mine attacked you, I just hope they can straighten him out.”

Mummy pulled into the restaurant and said, “Seeing you girls have got everything ready for tomorrow, you can help me in the restaurant kitchen for a few hours so we can give Rita and Bella a break. Linda and Alice have the day off so with the three of you helping it will make it a lot easier for me to get things done.”

Mummy gave each of us a different job to do and after two and a half hours said, “Ok that's it - we're finished.” just as Rita and Aunty Bella walked in from going to the hairdressers.

Rita said, “Well that's good timing isn't it Aunt Bella?”

Mummy said, “Well Rita, we'll leave you with it and I’ll get these girls home and something to eat and they can have a rest for the rest of the day.”

We got home and were all tired from all the work that we had done. Mummy made us some sandwiches and after we ate them we went and laid down and had a nap which lasted till three o’clock in the afternoon. We spent the rest of Saturday watching some telly and looking at the brochures of the Brisbane exhibition that Mummy got sent in the mail.

Sunday 9/8/59
~~~~~~~~~~~~

We had to be at the aerodrome at eight thirty so we had to get up, have a shower and breakfast by eight am. It wasn't a problem, we were all set to go by seven forty five when Christine's Mum and Dad turned up. Mrs Jackson only had a small bag with her because most of her things are in the bags that she brought over on Friday afternoon.

Mr Jackson got out of the car and went and knelt down to give his new daughter a hug and said “Christine angel, I wish I could be in Brisbane with you but there are some things that I have to see to here at home, but you have your Mummy and two little angels there to support you.” Then he kissed Christine on both cheeks and it looked like he was about to cry when Christine said, “Daddy I love you and we can ring you every day.” He gave Mrs Jackson a kiss and got in his car and drove off getting his handkerchief out to wipe his eyes.

Uncle Tony turned up and got all our stuff stacked into his Land Rover and said, “Ok lets get this show on the road.”

Mummy gave each of us girls a hug and a kiss and said, “I will see you in a couple of days so be good for Jane and when you get to Brisbane be good for Mary too.” We waved and were on our way to Rodney's plane, and Uncle Tony helped load everything into the planes cargo hold

We got on board and Christine was a bit nervous because she had never been in a plane before, and she said, “I don’t know how these things stay up in the air - it looks awful heavy.”

I said, “Don’t worry Christine, Jean will be there to greet us if we crash.”

She just made big eyes and grabbed my hand and said, “Carla that's not very funny.”

Rodney heard what was going on and said, “Carla you mustn’t scare my flying public like that.” with a wink and a grin on his face.

Jane said, “Christine darling, they are all just pulling your leg. We are probably safer in Rodney's plane then in a car on the highway.”

Jenny said, “Yeah, Mummy died like that.” Another five minutes and we were air born and on our way to the big smoke once more.

To be continued.

Next time: the show, more on Christine, and back home to get ready for the big day!!

Rodney's twin engine Cessna

Please leave a comment.

We got on board and Christine was a bit nervous because she had never been in a plane before, and she said, “I don’t know how these things stay up in the air - it looks awful heavy.”

I said, “Don’t worry Christine, Jean will be there to greet us if we crash.”

She just made big eyes and grabbed my hand and said, “Carla, that's not very funny.”

Rodney heard what was going on and said, “Carla you mustn’t scare my flying public like that.” with a wink and a grin on his face.

Jane said, “Christine darling, they are all just pulling your leg. We are probably safer in Rodney's plane then in a car on the highway.”

Jenny said, “Yeah, Mummy died like that.” Another five minutes and we were air born and on our way to the big smoke once more.

~~~ooooo000000oooo~~~~

Christine was amazed at what the earth looked like from high up and how far you could see into the horizon. I was sitting beside Rodney and he let me take control of the plane. I want to eventually get a pilots licence but I had to wait till I was fifteen before I could officially be trained to fly, but whenever I flew with Rodney he always let me take over the controls so by the time I am fifteen I’d be really good at it and would pass my tests real easy. He said that apparently I had the feel for the plane. Mind you he kept a close eye on me while I had control. Archerfield came into sight and Rodney radioed the control tower and got permission to land. The landing strip was gravel and when the wheels hit the runway it was quite noisy and bumpy till the plane started to taxi to where the buildings were.

It was eleven forty five by the time we were outside the building with all our bags and waiting for a taxi to take us to Samantha's place in the city. I had given Shirley the phone number of Debbie and she made the call while we were still in the building so it wasn't to long before Debbie pulled up in her black and white cab.

She got out and said, “Hello Carla, it's nice to see you again, I take it you will want to go to your friends place again?”

I replied “Yep, sure do Debbie.” I then introduced her to Christine and her Mum Shirley, she already knew Jenny from our last trip.

We all got into Debbie's cab and Debbie asked, Carla what about your Mum? Why isn’t she with you this time?”

I replied, “She'll be down in a couple of days, you'll probably get to take her into town as well.”

We arrived out front of the apartment building that was getting to be familiar to me. Jenny and I went to the main entrance and pressed the buzzer up to Samantha’s flat so she could unlock the security door that led into the main foyer into the building.

The intercom crackled and Sam's voice said, “It's open Carla, come on up.” That was our cue to grab our bags and go through the doors into where the lift is.

Christine said, “Wow this is a classy place, it has a lift and everything.” Jenny replied, “Chrissie there are also stairs if you prefer to walk but it is three floors up.” and then we got into the lift.

When we arrived at the door of Sam's flat she was standing out in the hall ready to greet us with a big hug and a kiss. She kissed me a bit longer and it gave me a tingling feeling down my spine much the same I get when Ricky kisses me like that, I could also hear Jean say, “Wow Carla that was nice.”

We walked into the apartment and Mary was in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on shepherd's pie.

I said, “Aunt Mary, this is Christine and her Mum Shirley.”

Mary replied with a big smile and said, “Samantha's been talking all week about you coming, - I’m pleased to meet you. Make yourselves at home and I will get Samantha to set the table and we can all sit down and have some lunch.”

The shepherd's pie was delicious and we even had ice cream and strawberries for desert. We girls put our things into Sam's room. Because there were four of us, there was a camp bed set up in her bedroom and there would be a short straw contest to see who slept on the stretcher that night.

Christine and her Mum went for a walk with Mary down to the Mater to fill out some paper work to save a bit of time tomorrow, so we decided to catch up on what had been happening in Quilpie and talked about the upcoming wedding because Sam and Mary would be there for the weekend. When the others came home it was getting late and Mary said she would order in Chinese take away.

Once we were finished our evening meal we watched a bit of telly till it was time to go to bed. Tomorrow would be quite full on all day because us three girls were going to the exhibition by ourselves.

Christine drew the short straw and had to sleep on the camp bed. We talked into the night and I was in the middle between Jenny and Sam. I was spooning Jenny and Sam was spooning me. I felt Sam’s hand on my now growing breasts and it felt really good so I just let her keep doing it.

I started to feel a strange tingling in my groin and thought that I should not let it go any further because a girl on girl thing wasn't what I wanted so I grabbed her hand and gently pulled it away from my chest even though it felt nice. I think I would rather have Ricky doing something like that to me. Once I removed her hand she just went back to a normal cuddle, Jenny didn't notice anything that was happening and we were soon all asleep.

Monday 10/8/59

In the morning when I got up to go and have a pee, Sam followed me out and said, “Carla, I’m sorry if I upset you last night by touching your breasts. Please don't be mad at me.”

I replied, “Sam it felt nice, but I am not into girls that way.”

She replied, “Ok Carla, it wont happen again. Please don't tell anyone that I like girls in that way.”

We went back into the bedroom. I love Sam as a friend and always will. One day she will find someone that will be the same as her, but I am only interested in being with boys that way. It was still only early so we crawled back into bed and went back to sleep.

When I woke up I was in bed by myself and also didn't feel that well and had stomach cramps. Oh no!! I didn't want my periods yet. Damn!

Mary poked her head around the door and said, “Hello sleepy head, do you want some breakfast? The others have all gone for a walk.” I

said, “Aunty Mary I think I have got my period coming because I’ve got those silly cramps again.”

She replied, “Oh well, it happens to the best of us Carla. Pop into the shower and take some pads in with you and then you can have some breakfast.”

I felt a bit better after the shower and I certainly needed the pads, yukky. Four days of this and going to the show. Oh well, such is the life of a woman. I got dressed in a denim skirt and warm top and put my hair into a pony tail. I didn't feel like doing much at all really but I’ was there so I had better make the best of it.

I went out into the kitchen and Mary had made me a plate of porridge and she said, “Cheer up girl, you're not sick. tThis happens once a month for the next forty years and the only time you wont have to put up with periods is when you fall pregnant.”

I replied, “Well I don’t want kids till I can fly a plane so I don’t have to stay in the bush and lose a baby like Mummy did with Jean.”

Mary replied, “Carla you are funny sometimes with how you put things. I can just see you with a big tummy and getting in your own plane and flying yourself to the city to have your child.”

I said, “Besides, I will have Ricky to look after me. He is such a gentleman around me Aunty Mary.”

She came and gave me a hug and said, “Sweetheart, don't ever change will you!!”

I replied, “No, I will just get bigger but I won't change.”

The others come back from their walk and Jenny said, “Oh my god she is up!”

I said “Don't you start or I will let take over with these periods for a week.”

She said, “Oh no, will you be alright?” which made Mary and Christine’s Mum laugh out loud and Jenny said, “What!!”

Mary said “Never mind Jenny, she is not sick, periods are not a sickness it is just normal living for a girl.”

I said, “Can we please change the subject now.”

Jenny said, “Sorry sis, I wont mention it again.”

Christine and her Mum had to be at the hospital to see Doc Rose at ten so they had a cup of tea and went on their way. Mary started her shift at the hospital at eleven, so me, Jenny and Samantha got yourselves ready to go to the show. We all wore sand-shoes so we wouldn't get sore feet from all the walking around the show grounds. We took coats as well because it was August and the Westerly wind was blowing as usual. We went down to the street and waited for the next tram to come along. It took only five minutes and we were on a tram and on our way to the exhibition grounds.

Mary had got us all free passes so it didn't cost us any money to get in. I wasn't really that interested in going onto many rides because I really wasn't feeling up to being hurled around in a hurdy-gurdy, so I talked the others into looking at all the displays in the pavilions instead. We saw all the animals that won first prize in their category. I liked the chickens and birds the best. Jenny and Sam liked the lambs, and then we went to where they had the wool display because that is where the fashion parade was taking place every couple of hours. We sat through a couple of those and had enough for the day so we caught a tram into the middle of the city and looked through the shops.

There were school kids everywhere because it was school holidays and the kids that didn't go to the show went into town to look at the shops. By the time we looked at more clothes shops I was feeling the worse for wear and said to Sam “I need to go home and lay down” because I ended up getting a headache so we caught another tram and went home. I felt like a bit of a stick in the mud but I really didn't feel well at all.

We arrived back at the apartment and Christine and her Mum were back from the day spent at the hospital getting tests done, Christine had little band aids on her arms where the vampires stuck their teeth in to make her give gallons of blood. She was just as tired as me and said she just wanted to lay down for a while.

Sam and Jenny turned on the telly but Christine and myself went into the bedroom to have a rest. I asked Christine what she had found out so far and she replied, “Carla they did a lot of tests and a lot of pictures were taken and also some funny thing that they rubbed over my tummy and it had a screen that showed some sort of distorted image. It just looked like a lot of lines to me but Doc Rose said that it looked the same as what you looked like.”

I replied, “Chrissie, join the club girl.”

She said, “Do you really think I am like you sis?”

I replied “Chrissie, if Rose says you are like me then that is what you are, and you will have to go to Sydney to be opened up so you can have periods like I am having now.”

She said, “Wow, that means I will be able to be a mummy as well doesn't it?”

“Yeah I suppose so, but Chrissie, don’t go on about it in front of Sam because she is not like us. I mean she is, but not intersexed so she hasn't got the inside of a girl like we have.”

“Oh I see what you mean Carla, ok I’ll watch what I say in front of her.”

I then said, “There is one more thing you should know as well sis.”

“Ok, what is that?”

“Well it's a bit hard to explain but she likes girls.”

“Yeah so do I.”

“No sis, she likes girls!!!!”

“Oh!! Um, but what happens now?”

“Nothing, I just thought I’d warn you that's all.”

“Ok well, she is still our friend though isn't she?”

“Yes of course, it wont make any difference to our friendship. There are plenty of girls that like girls in that way, I’m just not one of them. Ricky is the one for me and one day I will marry him and have babies.” Christine and I didn't have a sleep but just lay there on the bed chatting till it was time for dinner.

Later that night when it was bed time Sam said she would sleep on the camp bed so she would not embarrass us. She had already told Jenny about what happened between us this morning and didn't want to ruin our friendship because she was a lesbian. We had a group hug and all was well.

Tuesday11/8/59

Christine had to spend some more time at the hospital; Mary went to work, and we decided not to go to the show today because Mummy was turning up by lunch time and she would take us clothes shopping that afternoon when Christine was finished at the hospital. Apparently the test would be finished by midday so there would be plenty of time for us to go to the shops and help Christine's Mum spend some money on her new daughter.

Sam decide we should do some baking, so we got busy and baked about five dozen cup cakes and we topped them with icing and sprinkled them with hundred and thousands. By the time Mummy arrived we had lunch all ready as well.

The buzzer went to open the main door and Mummy's voice came through the intercom speaker, and she said, “I hope you have lunch ready for five more people?”

Sam said, “What!!?” but Mummy was already on her way up. There was a knock on the apartment door and Sam opened it. There was Mummy, Helen, Ricky, and Billy standing in the hall with big grins on their faces.

I squealed and and so did Jenny. We both raced out into the hall and practically knocked them over hugging them and of course we made a mistake and kissed them on the lips when Mummy said, “Ok girls, hugs would have been enough.”

“Yes Mummy.” Ricky and Billy didn't know what to say and just kept hugging us when Helen said, “Isn't young love great Donna?”

Mummy replied, “Yes but we will have to keep an eye on this lot.”

It worked out that Helen decided to come down to the show after all and bring Ricky and Billy down to have some fun with their girlfriends, ''um friends''. They were going to stay at a motel just a couple of blocks away. Five minutes later Christine and her mum arrived back from the hospital so it was a bit of a squeeze in the apartment. Mummy and Helen had brought some take away with them, so there was plenty of food to go around. Jenny and I decided to go with Christine to the shops and help spend her Mum's money and see if Mummy was going to spend some on us as well.

Jenny's Dad has given Mummy quite a bit of money to look after her, so I think that was half the reason that Mummy has come down to Brisbane as well. Sam, Ricky, Billy and Helen were off to the show while we went shopping in the city department stores. Tomorrow was a public show day holiday for Brisbane so no shops would be open then, and I thought we will all go to the show on People's Day.

Mummy, Shirley, Jenny and I took Chrissie shopping, as a girl!! She has to learn that shopping is more important than going to any show! By the time we were finished we had too much stuff to go back to the apartment by tram and had to call Debbie to take us home.

Debbie turned up in her black and white cab and got out to open up the trunk and said, “My god ladies, did you leave any stock in the shops?”

Chrissie had a big grin on her face and said, “A girl needs to have a brand new wardrobe.”

Debbie replied, “Does that mean what I think it does?”

Chrissie looked at me and didn't quite know how to answer that, so I just said, “Debbie, she is one of us.”

Debbie replied, “Oh ok darling, join the club.”

The others were still at the show when we got home so it was fashion show time and as Chrissie was the same size as me and Jenny less a little bit in the chest, we tried on all the clothes that were bought. The others had their food at the show so there was no need to do any extra cooking. Sam was dropped off and the others went to their motel for the night .

We waited for Mary to come home from work before we set the table and had our evening meal. Later Shirley explained all about what the results of the tests so far had revealed and Chrissie was in fact like me and intersexed which meant she was ninety nine percent girl and with a little bit of surgery she would be complete like me.

Wednesday 12/8 /50

Peoples Day at the show is ok, but it means that all of Brisbane and half the state of Queensland are trying to squeeze into area the size of one city block, and being the bushies that we are we didn't last any more than four hours before we went back to the apartment out of the noise and dust. Even the boys had had enough and came back with us on the a tram. Chrissie had two more days of tests and she could go home. Rodney’s plane could accommodate us, because that made it five and the pilot plus luggage. If Rodney thought the luggage was too heavy it could come back with Helen and the boys the following week. They were staying a bit longer to do some sight-seeing, Billy had never been to Brisbane, so this was his opportunity to see the big bad city. Mummy had some things to buy for the restaurant, so for the next couple of days we went to see a couple of movies and did a bit of sight-seeing with Helen and the boys.

Saturday 15/8 /59

Mummy, Jenny, Chrissie ,her Mum and I were taken to Archerfield by our favourite lady cabbie. Rodney looked at the luggage and had to literally weigh it to see if he could take it with us on this trip, but it was all bulk and not as heavy as it looked so on it went, much to Chrissie's relief . In the clothes that were bought there was a girls school uniform, and if all went well and Father Brian did his thing, she could turn up as a girl when school started again.

The flight home was uneventful and we touched down in Quilpie at eleven thirty. Daddy was there with Chrissie's Dad in Daddy's mini bus so we would all fit in. Uncle Tony was there with Mummy's old Land Rover ready to refuel Rodney’s Cessna. He was thinking of buying a second plane because the business was growing really fast and Daddy was interested in going into partnership with him and Tom Granger. Anyway Mr Jackson greeted his new daughter and virtually carried her to the bus and she had to say, “Daddy I can walk.”

He replied, “Oh sweetheart I'm sorry, I’m just so happy to have my little girl home.” and he put her down.

She replied, “Daddy you wait till you see all the pretty clothes Mummy has bought for me.”

Everything went back to normal; back to school. Even Chrissie went back to school as a girl without any real trouble. Time went by quickly and it was time for the big day for Mummy and Daddy to get married, which was on Saturday the fifth of September in a weeks time so panic stations all round.

Next time: "The Wedding"

Please leave a comment .

Everything went back to normal; back to school. Even Chrissie went back to school as a girl without any real trouble. Time went by quickly and it was time for the big day for Mummy and Daddy to get married, which was on Saturday the fifth of September in a weeks time so panic stations all round.

Saturday 29/8/59
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We were all in a panic, Daddy was worse than us ladies and that's saying something. Daddy still had to sort out a new suit and Uncle Tony and Father Brian all had to have matching suits. Mary from the dress shop had it all sorted weeks ago because she measured them all up and the suits were all at her shop. Mummy rang Mary and organised the three men to go into Mary's shop to try the suits on and then bring them home to hang up in the ward robe till needed next Saturday. There was no flower shop in Quilpie at that time, but there were old ladies that loved gardening and it was really easy to grow roses in that climate, so we would all be wearing a rose, the ladies in their hair and the men in their suit buttonholes.

Shoes for the men were easy, and we all had matching shoes to go with our gowns when we sorted all that out in Mary's shop weeks earlier. So why we were panicking I really don’t know, but I guess it is just that the worry about things going wrong on the day plays on your mind! Once we realised that all was in order the panic mode dissipated.

The reception was going to be held in the Lutheran church hall which is used for a lot of weddings because of the catering facilities and it was big enough to have at least two hundred people at tables, but there will only be one hundred and twenty at Mummy's wedding.

The Minister's wife Shelly and us girls were going to prepare the church for the wedding on Friday. Jenny , Chrissie and myself would wag school on the Friday to get all that done. Rita, Jenny and I would be bridesmaids and Chrissie would be a flower girl. Samantha decide to let Chrissie take her place as a flower girl which was really nice of her. Chrissie, Jenny and I had become like sisters and we were very close. Ricky's Dad the school principal had organised the school choir to join with the church choir to sing at the wedding ceremony and sing 'Amazing Grace' and 'Ave Maria' while Mummy and Daddy were signing the register.

Sunday was spent cleaning every nook and cranny in the big old Queenslander because there would be people wanting somewhere to stay for the weekend and the motel, and hotel were all fully booked. This always happens when there is a wedding in an outback town like Quilpie. We were all dog tired by dinner time and Mummy said we would all invade the restaurant to have our evening meal.

Linda,Alice and Aunty Bella had a table all set and ready for us when we arrived. There was eight of us but that was not a problem at Mummy's restaurant where there were big gatherings quite often. Rita and Mummy helped serve the meal and then we all were glad to sit down and eat. There wasn't a lot of conversation we were all to tired from all the hard work that was done through day.

Chrissie's mum let her stay over with me and Jenny till after the wedding because she was part of the wedding party. We three girls loved it because we could all be in my big bed and gossip till Mummy came and told us to go to sleep. Even Jean was getting in on the gossip, which was great because she could stickybeak in places we couldn't but that was a bit naughty.

Anyway we had to go to school till Friday. Chrissie was going to transfer to our school next term so we three girls could be together almost all the time. As it was we were getting the nick name of the 'Three Musketeers', and we almost always wore the same outfits and had our hair done the same way.

Jean was now with us pretty much as much as we wanted her, and she could communicate with all three of us at the same time. If we wanted to see her we had to keep our eyes closed, so that was mainly done in bed at night.

Friday
~~~~

We were up early and all three of us got into the shower. Chrissie really didn't look a lot different than me and Jenny and in a couple of months time she was going to have the same procedure done that I went through, so she would be complete like me. She couldn't wait, and she was also starting to show budding on her chest. Jenny and I had small breasts now and with a little bit of padding we look about two years older than we really were but the boys liked it!!!

Anyway enough of that, we had lots to do that day. We got Daddy to drive us to the church so we could do all the flowers and bows tied to the ends of the pews, the prayer books and the wedding books that people would take home.

At ten o’clock, Miss Alcorn and Miss Frost were getting ready for the two choirs to have a practice session, with all the kids except Jenny and I because we were in the wedding party and couldn't take part in the singing. While all this was happening Mummy and Aunty Bella were helping the caterers organise the kitchen in the reception hall. Mummy was supplying all the food and all the caterers had to do was cook and serve. People who knew Daddy from the caravan park were going to do the waiting and cleaning up after it was all over.

We spent most of the day getting everything done at the church while Daddy and Brian organised the two wedding cars for the following day. Brian was not the priest any more and had opened up his own law practice in town. Late in the day Pastor Jeff Miller got us all together and went through the ceremony a couple of times so we all knew what was expected the next day. Daddy was a bit fidgety the second time round and I thought he would be glad when it was all over. ''Poor Daddy''

Once we were finished in the church it was back to the hall and sort out where people were to be seated. Mummy didn't tell me before so I didn't freak out but my birth Dad James and my brother John were going to be there. James apparently joined AA and had not had a drink since he met a lady that he was now with and John was also in a different frame of mind.

I said, “Mummy I hope you know what you are doing. He could spoil your whole day?”

She replied, “No Carla, I don't think so. I have spoken with Joy on the phone and she seems a real down to earth lady and says that James is really sorry for some of the things he has done and would just like to see his two daughters.”

I said, “Mummy does Rita and Daddy know?”

“Yes darling, I told them a couple of days ago and Rita said that as long as he behaves himself she will cope with it because she wants to see John again too.”

I said, “Mummy you could have told me too you know!!” I now had tears in my eyes and Chrissie and Jenny both came running over and hugged me and asked me what was wrong.

I replied through tears, “That stupid James and John are going to spoil Mummy's wedding tomorrow”

Mummy said, “Sweetheart come and sit down here with me and let me tell you why I am letting James and your brother come back into our life.” She continued “Darling, James was a good husband and father at first and then things went wrong between us. He then started drinking and gambling and John unfortunately followed his example, but every one deserves another chance in life. He is not asking to become part of our daily lives, he just wants to see you and apologise for all the hurt he caused. He also knows that you were never a boy but an intersexed girl, Carla. Please give him a chance to see what a lovely little daughter he has.”

By this time Rita was sitting next to me as well and holding my hand and she said, “Carla, sis, I know you never wanted to see them again after that episode in Charleville, but I agree with Mum - every one deserves another chance so how about it sis?”

I replied, “Well I suppose so, but I'm not happy about it, and neither will Ricky be.”

I did think about it and after a while I decide to get used to the idea but there better not be any trouble or I will get Jean to do some nasty things to them. I heard Jean giggle at the thought of of what she could do.

Everything that could be done today was done and we went home to relax till dinner time. When we arrived home there was a car parked out on the road with some people in it.

Daddy looked at Mummy and said, “Oh well, here we go than.”

Who should get out of the car but James, John and a really nice looking lady.

I thought 'That must be Joy. Silly lady if you ask me.'

Jean said in my mind, “Sis, give our birth dad a chance and be strong. I am right here. Remember I am half of you sis.”

The lady came over first and said, “Hello, I'm Joy Carter. I hope you will give Jim and John a chance to make amends.” She looked at me and said, “You must be Carla. My god!! How could anyone have even thought of you as a boy? You are a very pretty little girl and I wish you were mine.”

I just looked at Mummy and she nodded. As I was going to shake her hand she gave me a bone crushing hug and had tears in her eyes and said “Sweetheart, please give Jim a chance. He is hurting inside for the things he has done.”

I replied, “Alright, I’ll do it for you.”

She let me out of the hug and James and John walked over to where I was standing. I backed away a little but Jean was there and said, “Sis it's alright, he is hurting and is about to cry so let him hug you.”

I didn't know what I felt but I could feel James my birth father hugging me and he was shaking with sobs and said, “Oh my dear sweet girl, will you ever forgive me for what I did?”

For some reason I didn't cry and I looked him in the eyes and saw a broken soul and then Jean was in my mind, and said, “Daddy James, if you can hear me just nod.” To my surprise he had his eyes closed and nodded.

Jean continued, “Daddy, I am Jean and am the other half of Carla's soul and also your daughter. You have changed, but Mummy, Rita and Carla have a new life. You can look but you must not try to change their lives or I will have to intervene. Is that understood?”

James just nodded and opened his eyes full of tears.

I silently said, “Thank you sis.”

She replied, “It's ok Carla, he wont cause any trouble. He has become a weak man dominated by the person that hugged you earlier.”

I thought 'Wait till I tell Mummy that!'

Jean said, “Too late sis, I already did.”

Mummy gave me a wink just as my now six foot brother John picked me up like a little kid and hugged and kissed me on the cheek.

I said, “Ok John, glad to see you. Now put me down please.” I still wasn't all that friendly towards them and who could blame me?

After all this, Joy and the two men she was boss of went to stay at the caravan park. Apparently they had their own van and it was parked there.

'Good' I thought.

“Now now” said Jean with a giggle.

With all the excitement over we went inside. Mummy and Rita got dinner on the go; Daddy got on the phone to Brian who was his best man for the second time, and sorted out what had to happen with the cars tomorrow. Jenny, Chrissie and I got our gowns out and tried them on and also made sure that we tried the new bras on. Jenny and I had small breasts and only needed a bit of help but Chrissie needed a bit more help. When we decide that Chrissie could be a flower girl we went back to Mary and she had a gown made that matched mine and Jenny's. so we could look like the three angels that we were!!!.

Mummy and Rita came in to the bedroom and looked us over and said “We'd do” (!) and “Get those gowns off before you get dirt on them” and to make sure that they were hung up so they didn't get crushed.

We went and had dinner and talked about how James had changed when Daddy said, “Well that's what a good woman will do for a man.”

Mummy and I just giggled and winked at each other and Daddy said, “What's so funny?”

Mummy replied, “Just a private joke Darling.”

Jenny said, “Mummy, where are you going for your honeymoon?”

Daddy looked at Mummy and said, “Well Donna, we can go anywhere you want but I'm happy to do whatever you want.”

Mummy said, “In answer to your question Jenny, we will just stay here and go on a holiday later on, once Rita can run the restaurant on her own.”

I said, “Mummy, Aunty Bella is there - why can't she just show Rita what to do?”

She replied, “Carla, your Aunty Bella is not a spring chicken any more and I don’t think she wants to do any more than work in the kitchen.” Then she said “It's not as though your Daddy and I haven’t been together is it?”

Chrissie and Jenny were giggling at that and Mummy said “Well it's true - we have been living as husband and wife so what's the big deal about a honeymoon anyway?”

Daddy said, “Whatever you want darling, you're the boss.”

Mummy and I broke out in giggles and Daddy said, “What is it with you lot? Every time I say something you two start to giggle.”

Mummy said, “Carla do you want to tell him I will I?”

I said, “Well Daddy we really should let Jean tell you, but she said that Joy has dominated James and John to the point where they do anything she tells them to.” That got every one laughing and the night ended on a happy note.

We went to bed and it wasn't long before the whole household was asleep. It was spring and the weather was warming up, so Ginger was sleeping out on the verandah again so the possums had company those nights.

Saturday 5/9/59
~~~~~~~~~~~~

I was the first to be awake and jumped up with a start and made the other two jump as well. I got out of bed and pulled the blankets off Jenny and Christine so they couldn’t go back to sleep.

Jenny said, “What's the time it must only be midnight?”

I said “No it's six am on the big day, so get up and we can have a shower before anyone else hogs the bathroom. Jenny and Chrissie crawled out of bed and grabbed a towel each and we walked down to the bathroom. It is spring and the mornings were cool but not cold, it was going to be a glorious day for a wedding.

We had a shower but didn't bother washing our hair because we all had appointments with the hair salon at nine am in town. It was a waste of time doing anything with our hair so we just put it into ponytails for now. Mummy and Rita did the same. Mummy and Daddy were already in the kitchen preparing breakfast as well as Rita. Us three girls just kept our dressing gowns on till Mummy told us what to do about clothes till it was time to get dressed for the wedding later on.

Mummy said “As you girls have had a shower, breakfast isn't quite ready so go and get dressed in Jeans, t-shirts and thongs so we can get down to the hair salon nice and early.”

We had breakfast and got into Mummy's car. Daddy was already gone to play with the wedding cars that had to have dolls and ribbons put on them. When we arrived at the salon it was still only eight forty five but Jill the owner and her two helpers Jane and Cleo were there ready to work on the wedding party and others as they came in, but we took priority over any other customers. Us three girls were being done by Jane and Cleo, and Rita and Mummy had Jill doing theirs. The styles were all the same, a loose but teased outlook to make it look a lot fuller and the roses would be put in just before we got into the cars to be driven to the church.

Us three girls had our make-up done and were told not to touch our face or smudge it because everyone would be busy and wouldn't have time to retouch our make up if we messed it up. Before it was done, Mummy made us have something to eat so we wouldn’t be eating after we were done.

We left the salon and went home to get ready. Dressing in the gowns was easy because you step in and pull them up, so our hair and make-up was safe. Aunt Bella and Chrissie's Mum had the job of helping us girls getting dressed and they fussed over us like we were little babies, and it was rather funny having them pull and tug on the gowns to make every thing look just right. Of course we had extra padding in our bras to even give us some cleavage, ''The boys will be pleased wont they!!'

Mummy and Rita were ready and we all went out into the garden to have the first of the photos taken by Mary the dress shop owner. It was an absolutely beautiful spring day with a clear blue sky and the sun shining bright as ever.

Just as we were finished with the photos Samantha and her Mum Mary turned up in a taxi. Sam came over to give us a hug but we put our hands up and I said, “Air kissing only!! - make-up!!” so we all giggled and air kissed like they do in the movies.

Mummy and Rita looked beautiful.

I thought 'Daddy is a very lucky man to marry someone as pretty as my Mummy.'

The wedding cars pulled up in the driveway. They were two new Holden sedans that were loaned by the local dealer and the drivers were two young guys that worked for the dealer as well. They looked uncomfortable in the suits that were made to wear, but they looked really handsome and we three girls thought they were hot till Rita said, “They are far too old for you lot and have all got girl friends, and beside what would Billy and Ricky say if you were looking at other boys?”

Chrissie said, “But Rita I haven't got a boyfriend yet so can I look at them?”

Rita said, “Look but don’t touch Chrissie. You are too young I tell you!! Now behave so we can let them chauffeur us to the church.”

Jenny said, “Where are the men? Aren't they coming with us?”

Mummy said while she was laughing, “Jenny sweetheart, hopefully they are at the church waiting patiently for us to arrive.”

Aunt Bella now said, “Right, time to put the roses in your hair and check your make-up.”

We were helped to get into the cars so we didn't crush the gowns getting in. Rita and us three girls travelled in one car and Mummy was in one on her own.

The cars pulled up outside the main gates of the church, and we got out first so we could give Mummy a hand to get out of the car, and then make sure she had no wrinkles in her dress and her hair and make-up was perfect before she started to walk down the aisle. Tom Granger was at the door and offered Mummy his arm because he was giving away the bride today.

Daddy and Brian were at the front of the church waiting, looking very handsome in their suits with the yellow roses in their suit lapel button holes. The people all looked around to see my beautiful Mummy walk down the aisle to marry my beautiful special Daddy. Rita, Jenny and I followed with Christine a little further back. She was not a bridesmaid but a flower girl. Mummy and Daddy and Daddy's best man Brian stood at the altar and Pastor Miller started the ceremony.

The choir was standing assembled behind the altar to one side and when Mummy and Daddy were signing the register they sang 'Amazing Grace.' Then one of the older girls in the choir sang 'Ave Maria' solo with Miss Alcorn playing an electric organ. When Mummy and Daddy walked out to the front of the church everyone had a handfull of rice and threw it over them, Pastor Miller doesn’t allow confetti to be used because it is too hard to clean up.

Mary had the wedding party assemble so she could take the all important photos for an album. That took about an hour to accomplish and then it was a walk across the churchyard into the reception where most of the people had already found where they were seated and what relatives they would have to put up with! The main table had Mummy, Daddy, Rita, and Brian, and Jenny, Chrissie and I sat at the next table with Ricky, Billy and Chrissie's new friend Alan. Samantha and her Mum were at the next table and Sam was sitting next to her 'girlfriend' named Sandra. Sam looked happy so that was all that mattered to me. She will always be a special friend.

The band were people that Daddy knew from the caravan park and it consisted of a girl that played the banjo and did the singing, another girl that played an electric organ, and an older man who played I think what is called an Irish whistle. The music they played sounded incredible and when they started to play it was time for the bridal waltz. Mummy and Daddy are really good dancers. They danced a few minutes and then other people joined in including us girls and boys. Rita was dancing with Peter when James asked her if he could interrupt and continue the dance and to my surprise she said '”Yes.” I guess he just wanted to talk to her before he left. John did the same with Mummy. It was nice in a way to see that all the hostilities seemed to be gone. I still kept my distance though.

While I was dancing with Ricky, Jean was in my head having a ball and I could feel her trying to guide my body which made me feel like I was dancing on air. Ricky said “Carla is that Jean I can feel in my chest?”

I replied, “Yeah Ricky, you will be marrying two women”

He said, “Bigamy!!” Jean gave him a little jolt and Ricky said, “Only joking Jean.”

The day was at an end and we finally made our way home to the big old Queenslander that we called home.

Authors note

This is where I will leave 'The Girl inside the Boy'. It is the end of Book One. When the story continues it will be called 'Carla's Journey' and starts seven years on from the wedding. The boy is gone, and was never really there in the first place. I thank all the people that commented and gave me private messages - it made it all worthwhile to tell Carla’s story. My thanks also to Bronwen for editing the story.

There will be a small break and I will start writing the next stage of Carla’s life which will be titled 'Carla's Journey'. Please watch out for it.

Hugs to all, Ronnie