Safe at First
by Paula Dillon
Safe at First
by
Paula Dillon
Daniel Crane was not the most athletic boy on his high school baseball team; as a matter of fact he was the smallest and almost effeminate. You would never even select him in pickup games during the summer. He was just a hair over five foot and hardly one hundred pounds. If you passed him up though, you would be making a big mistake. He was the best defensive short stop his school had in many years.
He was not a terror with his bat with an average of only .210 but his on base percentage was the third highest on his team, and he had the highest base on balls in the district. He was the bane of many opposing pitchers with his ability to foul off their most effective pitches. It was not unusual for him to make the pitcher throw ten or twelve pitches to him per at bat, wearing them out till he drew a walk.
On base they called him the Road Runner. He was third in the state in stolen bases in this, his freshman year. He was known to torment opposing short stops by flicking out his tongue and going beep-beep. He was the only person in the state to have stolen home and he had done that twice.
Debbie Crane, his older sister hated going to her brother’s home games. It’s not that she hated her little brother but she resented her mother insisting she attend and walk her little brother home after the games. At least her friend Shelley Brooks was watching the game with her this night. Her brother’s team won the game 3-2 thanks to her brother’s base running. Debbie could care less about baseball but she was glad that her brother had the respect of the team. He had been often picked on, called all sorts of names and generally had his life made miserable till he was able to demonstrate his skills. Now he was often carried off the field on the team’s shoulders. As her brother’s popularity rose so did hers.
Debbie and Shelley met Daniel at the locker room door and headed to their home they lived less than half a mile from the school. They always took a shortcut across the recreations grounds next to the school. Debbie always carried her cell phone out when they did this because one never knew. Daniel carried his glove and shoes hanging across his bat as they walked.
Daniel was the first to notice the noise off to the side. It sounded like a muffled scream near the football bleachers. They saw three guys who were apparently raping a girl. Daniel dropped his glove and shoes and carried his bat into the fray, while Debbie dialed 911. The girl was being held down by one guy while another was having his way with her, the third was watching and getting him self ready to take over. Daniel swung his bat like he never swung it before and struck the one standing on the side of his knee. The guy holding the girl down stood and caught the bat in a massive golf swing in the crotch. The guy who was currently indisposed caught the bat to his rib cage, the ribs on his right side crushed. The force of the blow rolled him off the girl and left him in a wreck on the ground.
Daniel surveyed the three. None were making any move to get up, and looked to the girl on the ground. Her skirt had been ripped up the front almost to her belt and her panties and panty hose ripped up. She has high heel boots on and her blouse and bra ripped open. Daniel not knowing what to do reached a hand out to her to help her up. The girl, a high school sophomore, in shock seeing a guy reaching for her raised one of her booted feet and kicked him sharply with the spiked heel of her boot in his crotch three or four times. Daniel collapsed on the ground blinding flashes of pain racked his body and he passed out.
Debbie comforted her unconscious brother as she talked to the 911 operator and Shelley ran to comfort the girl. It was not long before police and ambulances started arriving. When one started to cuff her brother Debbie tried to explain what had happened to no avail. She called her mom and tried to explain what had happened. They would not even let her ride with her brother to the hospital. She explained over and over what had happened till one had actually listened to her and called in to the police riding to the hospital. The detective’s initial assessment matched the stories of the two girls. Barbra Crane Daniel’s mom reached the scene of the crime and picked her daughter and Shelley up and raced to the hospital.
Barbra parked across two parking spaces at an angle and raced to the ER, doors open engine running, Debbie close behind. Shelley re-parked the car, took the keys, Barbra’s purse and locked the doors. They all three met up at the nurse’s station in the ER. Barbra was demanding to see her son. After several minutes of ranting and raising hell she was finally led to her son. Debbie and Shelley had to wait in the waiting room for the time being, where Detectives found them to take formal statements. It was up to Shelley to give the clearest statements at that time, because Debbie was so hysterical that nurses received permission from her Mom and the Admitting Physician to give her a tranquilizer.
Barbra made her way to where her son lay in ER he had two bags of a clear liquid hooked into one arm and one unit of blood in the other. His crotch was a bloody mess. His pants and underwear were cut off. Doctors were busily working in the area sewing up bleeders. Of the five in the ER he had come closest to dying from loss of blood. A cop was stationed near her son but he was no longer cuffed. Three other boys were not so lucky. The doctor gave her a quick assessment of his condition and had her sign a surgical consent form.
Barbra collected her daughter, and headed up to the surgical waiting room. Shelley with her parents Ken and Nina Brooks followed. They were all nervous wrecks as they waited for news about Daniel. Shortly they were approached by another lady.
“Hello are you the parents of that boy who helped the girl that was being raped?”
“I am, who are you?!?”
“My name is Terri Anderson; it was my daughter Gina that was being raped. I am so sorry about what happened to your son.”
“Get out of here! I don’t want to talk to you right now! My son came close to dying because of your daughter. Go!”
“I am so sorry, she didn’t mean to hurt him,” Terri cried as she staggered down the hall.
Ken Brooks headed off down the hall after Terri as his wife Nina comforted Barbra.
“Barbra it wasn’t Gina’s fault that this happened, and surely you can’t blame Terri. You know she had to be in shock from the rape and seeing another guy coming after her she just lashed out. It could happen to any girl. You know that don’t you?”
“I know Nina, but why did it have to happen to my Danny? He is such a good kid. He didn’t deserve this.”
“Neither did Gina, but we have to live with it. We will give you all the support we can, dear.”
Ken came back and said that Terri would be ok and she understood Barbra’s grief.
A doctor and nurse in surgical scrubs came into the surgical waiting room.
"Mrs. Crane?"
"Yes Doctor, I am Daniel's mother."
"What I have to tell you is strictly for immediate family only. Could I recommend the others stay here or go out for coffee?"
"Doctor, I need my friend Nina with me is that all right?"
“Ok would you come with me?”
We followed the doctor to a private office and sat at a table.
"Alright Mrs. Crane; Your son Daniel is in serious condition. He is stable for now; he has received four units of whole blood due to his massive blood loss. We are giving him antibiotics and fluids intravenously. We have given him medication to help ease the pain and have him on oxygen since he had been anesthetized for the emergency surgical procedures. In surgery we found that he had suffered four deep puncture wounds made from a round flat tipped object. This not only penetrated the skin, but also caused deep crushing damage. Both of his testes were damaged beyond repair and had to be removed. His penis suffered two penetration wounds; one at the base near the scrotum and the other, two inches higher. His urethra and many of the smaller vessels were damaged, also beyond repair. Luckily, the major vessel providing blood flow was not severed or crushed. What remains of his penis is receiving adequate blood flow to keep the remaining tissues and nerves alive for now. Now, Mrs. Crane, I need to inform you that your son Daniel needs more surgery and very soon. As soon as later today or at the latest tomorrow morning…
Our first recommendation is for Sexual Reassignment Surgery or SRS. We would take what is left of his penis and form a vagina, his scrotum would form a vulva, and the formation of a responsive clitoris in a procedure known as vaginoplasty. We would then suggest that he start on female hormones and he would develop secondary female characteristics. He will never be able to be a parent. At a minimum I would recommend SRS, it would be his only option if he wanted to engage in sex. Decisions about hormones can be made at a later date. I know that there is a lot on your plate Mrs. Crane but this is something better done earlier rather than later. I strongly recommend against doing nothing.
“When can I see my son?”
“He is in recovery now. In an hour or two we will be moving him to his room. You can see him then. He is really lucky to be alive. If the EMT’s had not come as fast as they had he might not have made it.”
“Barbra let’s go back to ER waiting room it is more comfortable, till he gets a room.” Nina said.
Barbra and Nina joined the others and the five of them, headed back to the ER waiting room. As they turned the corner the waiting room was full. The whole baseball team and their families had shown up with lots of other well wishers.
“Go take her back up there Ken I will go talk to them and tell them the news. Don’t worry, I will be discrete Barbra.”
Ken whisked Barbra and the kids away and Nina headed to the crowd. She recognized the coach John Conrad and got him to calm the crowd down, so she could talk to them.
“Daniel is in serious condition but is expected to recover. He received his injuries while attempting to rescue a girl who was being raped. He is a hero folks. He single handedly took out three older boys who were raping a girl. He is in recovery right now and it is unknown how long it will be before he can receive visitors. That is all I can say right now as soon as we know more I will notify the principal and coach. Thank you for coming, but please go home for now.”
Questions poured out from the group but the coach took charge, thanking Nina and shepherding the team and other well wishers out the door.
Nina saw Carol another neighbor in the crowd. She waved at her and said, “Carol can I talk to you a second?”
“Sure Nina, what do you need?”
“I need to stay here with Barbra can Debbie and Shelley spend the night with you?”
“Of course Nina they can stay with me.”
“Just ask your daughter not to pump Debbie to much, she had to be sedated.”
“Oh of course. I will make sure Arlene knows not to ask too much.”
Nina, Carol and Arlene headed to where the others were. Debbie and Shelley didn’t want to go. Barbra agreed that they didn’t need to be here right now, and that they could see Daniel tomorrow.
A nurse found them and told them that Daniel was being taken to a room. The three of them followed the nurse to Daniel’s room. On the way they saw Terri also being taken to a room.
“Terri please forgive my rudeness earlier, I was so worried about Daniel that I lashed out at you. I know it wasn’t your daughter’s fault that caused this to happen. How is she now?”
“She is heavily sedated and recovering from shock and you know what else. It is going to take a while but hopefully she can put this behind her and go on. Your son is a brave boy I want to thank him when he feels up to it.”
“I am not sure when, but I will be by.”
They were led to rooms that were across from each other. The two women hugged each other and went into their respective rooms.
Daniel was asleep in his bed. Barbra looked at her son laying there. Besides the bruises at the wrists and arms it was hard to tell that he nearly died and how much his life had changed in a split second.
On down the hall at the opposite end of the corridor three other boys were in their rooms. One crippled for life as his knee was destroyed and the bones were pinned together hopefully to save his leg. One was emasculated, forever to be a eunuch with a fractured pelvis, and lastly an athlete who will never be a runner anymore after his ribcage was pulverized on his right side. All three closely watched.
Across the hall Gina Anderson lay heavily sedated since she arrived at the hospital and thankfully unconscious when she suffered the indignity of a rape kit processing.
Around one a.m. Barbra fell asleep in the chair by her son’s bed. She had dream of Daniel, as her son and her daughter. It was not an easy sleep she struggled internally with her demons. At one point she felt that she was bound and could not move her arms. She sat up with start and noticed that she was covered with a blanket. It was six in the morning. Daniel was still asleep. Nina was asleep in another chair.
She got up and put a hand on Nina’s shoulder. She woke and looked up at me. We got up and moved farther from Daniel, and in a whisper, I asked her, “What do you think Nina.”
“I don’t see as you have much choice, Barbra but like the Doctor said the surgery should be done.”
“I know you’re right but I have got to tell him.”
A nurse came in and tried to wake Daniel up. I went to be by his side so he would see me when he opened his eyes. It took a couple of minutes, he was very groggy but he finally opened his eyes.
“Hi Mom, where am I?”
Barbra sat on the edge of the bed and held her son’s hand and stroked his hair softly.
“You’re in a hospital dear. Do you remember what happened?”
“Kinda I think. There were some guys attacking a girl and I fought em off. I turned to help the girl up and the lights went out. She ok?”
“She is just across the hall dear. Honey I have to talk to you now. You know you were injured right?”
“You aint kidding I hurt all over.”
“Well you had surgery to repair some of the damage last night to save your life. You’re going to have more surgery soon dear. Do you know where you were hurt?”
“Between my legs is where I hurt the worse.”
“Well honey, your genitals were damaged very badly. Parts were damaged so badly they had to remove them. I don’t know how to say this, but you will never be a dad, but you are lucky to be alive and I love you.”
Daniel looked crest fallen and tears started falling from his eyes but he put on his best face and asked, “What else Mom?”
“Well, your penis was damaged too and there is this surgery they want to perform. It is called Sexual Reassignment Surgery. They want to create a vagina with what is left of your penis, use your scrotum to create a vulva and create a sensitive clitoris. Do you understand?”
“It was that bad?”
“Yes Honey, it was that bad. I nearly lost you but now you are back.”
“Am I going to become a girl?” Danny sobbed.
“Only if you want to. You’ll be able to take hormones but that we can talk about later. We will be with you no matter what. Is that enough for you?”
“Is there a choice?”
“Yes, but it is not a good one. You are disfigured down there, but you are alive my.”
“I don’t like it but I guess we can’t have everything. I trust you Mom. Do what you think best. I don’t think I am thinking so clear right now.”
Daniel did not receive a plate for breakfast so Barbra was not surprised when the doctors showed up early. There were three this time a plastic surgeon, urologist and a psychiatrist. They chatted with us for about an hour telling Daniel about all that happened and about what they would like to do. He listened closely to what they had to say. They covered what they called ‘informed consent’ legalities. Daniel agreed to the procedures and I as his guardian singed the surgical consent forms. Daniel would be prepped for surgery in a little over an hour.
The psychiatrist stayed and talked about what happened. Daniel didn’t recall how he had gotten hurt and he showed concern about the girl he helped rescue. She questioned him about all sort of things, school, his friends, Daniel talked freely with her. She even asked how he felt about the surgery, what he understood and about how he is managing with what had happened.
The psychiatrist left and a nurse came in and gave Daniel a shot. Barbra gave him a kiss on his cheek as he was becoming very drowsy and his lights went out. Debbie arrived shortly before Daniel was wheeled away.
Barbra took Debbie for a walk to the cafeteria; this was as good a time to talk to her.
“Debbie, Daniel is alright but he is going back to surgery. He was hurt very severely in his genitals Debbie. He lost both of his testes and his penis was rendered useless. Do you understand Hun?”
“You mean the things that make him a guy are useless or gone?” Debbie asked tears forming in her eyes, her face full of emotion.
“Yes Debbie the surgery he is going to now will finish the job, he was badly deformed. They are doing a vaginoplasty on him now, or giving him a vagina and vulva.”
“Is he becoming a girl?”
“Only if he wants to, but he will have the outward appearance down there of a girl. He is going to go through some major changes none the less dear, and he will need us to protect his secret till he is ready to choose his course. He can either take hormones after he makes his decision. He had very little choice about the surgery due to the severity and location of the damage he had. He will never parent a child and never be fully a male or female. Don’t discuss his surgery with anyone. At least we still have him, he nearly died last night. He will need our support whatever he chooses, but it may be easier if he chooses to be a girl. He is going to need your help also to keep up in school he will not be feeling up to it for a month or two dear. I will need to talk to his school.”
They headed back to the room, flowers, cards and balloons had started to arrive. Barbra and Debbie crossed the hall to Gina’s room, Terri saw her and a smile formed on her face. Gina was lying in bed silently.
“How are you Barbra?”
“I am doing Ok Terri. This is my daughter Debbie she was there also last night. Debbie this is Terri Anderson it was her daughter you three saved last night. How are you doing?”
“Hello Debbie I want to thank you three for what you did for my daughter. How are Daniel and you two doing?”
“We are doing well as can be expected. Daniel had to go back into surgery but he is doing fair. How is Gina?”
“Physically she is doing well emotionally she could be doing better. She will probably be leaving tomorrow. The psychiatrist wants to keep her for another day. How long will Daniel be here?”
“At least another week He is back in surgery, to repair the damage. He almost died. His first concern on waking was how your daughter was. He doesn’t remember how he was injured. That is best for now. He doesn’t need to know, at least until he is better.”
“The police are to interview my daughter today and then the psychiatrist wants to talk to her later. She is awake but tranquilized right now. I think she was more traumatized when she realized she hurt the boy who helped her, than she was by the rape itself.”
“Let her know that Daniel doesn’t blame her. It is not much but it may help her. The police will have to wait two or three days to interview Daniel he won’t be up to it for a while.”
Barbra, Debbie and Terri chatted for a while longer and then returned to Danny’s room to wait.
For Barbra it was a long grueling wait. She was glad for Debbie’s company. She was very nervous but a little afraid to show it. She wondered what Daniel understood about the operation. She knew he heard the doctors, but with his pain meds and such she wondered if he really understood things. Close friends came and went, more flowers and such arrived. Daniel’s room took on the appearance of a flower shop. Detectives dropped by but were unable to see Daniel and said that they would be back in a few days, after assuring Barbra that they were not looking into charging Daniel with anything. Late that afternoon she received word that Daniel was in recovery again and would be back to his room in an hour or so. At eight that evening Daniel was wheeled back into his room.
He looked so pitiful laying there but Barbra was assured by his breathing and the monitors that were hooked up to him. The surgeon assured everyone that Daniel was fine. He came through surgery well, and that the surgery was flawless, scarring would be minimal. He would sleep the night through they were told.
Nina showed up and volunteered to spend the night with Daniel, almost pushing Barbra out to go home. She did look rather haggard she noticed looking in a mirror. So she and Debbie headed on home.
to be continued,
Danni moves on with his life, as he learns to deal with becoming a woman.
Safe at First Ch 3
by
Paula Dillon
Danni passed all her classes she was glad that ordeal was over. Studying at home could be such a drag. On top of that was every thing she had to do in recovery from her surgery. After all the tests were over her Mom, Barbra thought it best to spend the summer at Aunt Michelle’s. Mom and Debbie helped Danni learn to be a girl while she was recuperating at home so when she and Debbie went to their Aunt’s home, Danni started living full time as a girl. Mom wouldn’t be able to join them till August.
Aunt Michelle was Mom’s younger sister, Michelle Webster. Danni had always thought she was a real knockout. Michelle was twenty eight and 5’9”, with a very attractive figure. She lived in a real nice house about 1000 miles away in Florida. Michelle had married and become widowed young herself. Her husband Cliff liked hang gliding and such. He had an experimental aircraft that he built himself and crashed it. He left her very well off, but he left her childless also.
Barbra and Michelle have always been close, so they always spend part of the year with her. Her house is a two story, six bedroom home. She has a Jacuzzi, swimming pool, and tennis court, along with other amenities.
Aunt Michelle was very excited to have the kids over for the whole summer. She fawned over the kids when they arrived at the bus station. She ran to meet them when they stepped off the bus.
“Debbie and Danni how are you two? It is so good seeing you,” she said hugging the two kids.
“Hello Aunt Michelle,” they chorused back.
“How are you two?”
“I am doing ok Auntie, I feel better, and I am starting to get stronger now.”
“I know, Sis and I have talked a lot about you Danni. You are looking good too. How are you Debbie?”
“I am doing fab Auntie, glad to get out of school for the summer.”
“Let’s get you two home, and get you settled in. We have so much to do this coming week.”
They made it home, and got their luggage into their rooms. Michelle helped them get their rooms sorted out. She looked Danni over, “Is that all you Danni or is that silicone, dear?”
“They are silicone breast forms Auntie; I have only been on hormones for a month. They have told me that it will be three to six months before I start to see real results.”
“I know it has been hard on you dear, but I am here to help you in any way I can.”
“I know and I appreciate it.”
Michelle and Debbie began teaching Danni more about being a girl. Danni became Aunt Michelle’s pet project. She took her to an upscale salon and Danni got a shoulder length hair weave, coloring and a makeover. She was really thrilled at the leg waxing she received, thrilled enough to want to put knots on Debbie’s head for talking her into it. It left Debbie and Michelle giggling as Danni would groan and screech in pain as strip after strip of hair was pulled off of her legs. The waxing and brow plucking were her most dreaded features of the make over. Overall though the ladies fussing over her made her feel good.
They also took Danni power shopping. She never really understood before how girls could spend hours shopping and come out with just one or two items or sometimes nothing at all, but now she knew. There were so many different things girls wore, and they required others things to be worn as well. All the colors, fabrics and such, she was just amazed. On top of all that were accessories that went with the various outfits, and shoes galore. Danny just had two pair of dress shoes and four pair of sports shoes, but Danni had tons of shoes flats, heels, sandals and trainers.
Danni had to take this all in spurts. Shop for a while rest for a while. She was regaining her strength slowly. She still was not a hundred percent but she could get around ok now. She did a lot of walking and it would still be a little while before she could do more vigorous forms of exercise.
Danni would walk to a park that had six ball fields and would watch them play. It was hard on her, she wished she could be out there with them, but that was no longer likely. In her mind she would critique the play of the fielders, especially the short stops.
Everybody that knows anything about baseball knows that short stop is the hardest position to play defensively. They have a huge area of responsibility from backing up the second and third basemen to covering 2nd and 3rd bases, relaying throws in from center and left fields. Decisions have to be made in split seconds. They not only have to be fast they have to be quick, and they had to have a good arm. They often have to make fast accurate throws off balance to second, first and home. Short stops aren’t expected to be able to hit, but it is nice when they can. Shortstops make many putouts and assists. When they do get on base, their quickness and speed make many of them savage base runners. Their base running can force defensive errors from pitchers, catchers and opposing short stops, increasing the teams scoring potential.
One particular game made her grimace; neither of the shortstops were worth their salt. Making numerous errors and generally not playing well. It got to the point she had to leave; she knew she was better than either of them. Frustrated she wandered away from that field, she had resolved to head on home when action on another field caught her attention. There on a smaller field was a bunch of girls playing fast pitch softball.
The girls were pretty good, and the games were generally low scoring pitchers duels. Danni was amazed at the speed the ball approached home. She saw a man with a radar gun and watched the display. They weren’t particularly fast from fifty to sixty-five miles per hour, but the distance from the mound to the plate was only about forty feet compared to sixty for baseball. Danni did some quick math in her head and realized that the relative speeds would be fifty percent faster for the same reaction times for a baseball. Damn, she thought, these girls are good. As the number of pitches the pitchers threw went up though, their control started faltering and the offense started getting hits. The girls were good in their mechanics playing defense, they didn’t throw like he had always seen girls throw. She definitely wanted to check this out some more.
Danni looked at her watch and saw that she needed to get home so after the game was over she left the park. The sun was down when she got home.
“Where have you been young lady?” Michelle asked.
“At the park Ma’am, watching baseball and softball.”
“Well you need to call me Danni, if you’re going to be this late. I worry about you. Now that you’re a girl Danni, we have to treat you like a girl. You know a lot of bad things can happen to girls. You need to look out for yourself more now.”
“I know, Aunt Michelle. I am sorry for not calling.” Danni said hugging her.
“I‘ll tell you what, I am going to get you and your sister a local cell phone, so you can call me. So how were the games?”
“Some of em were pretty good, others were dismal. I wish I could get back to playing ball. I watched a girls fast pitch softball game, it was pretty good.”
“Well you have blood work to go to tomorrow and a doctor’s appointment in four days, he should clear you for more active exercise, but you know it will be about two months before you will be a hundred percent.”
“I know. It will be good to get back to running and stretching, again soon. At least I am not sore and hurting like I was. I am still a little tight, but I should be able to work that out. Where is Debbie?”
“She is out with some neighbor girls right now. She seems to have made quick friends. That is something you need to do to.”
“I know but it is so different, looking at it from this side now Auntie.”
“I can’t begin to know how you feel darling, but I am here for you.”
Danni hugged her aunt and in a very feminine way gave Michelle a light kiss to her cheek.
Danni changed into a very pretty one piece swimsuit; she tried hard to fit in as a girl. She conceded that she did not have the figure to carry off a bikini but this suit was very feminine. The Jacuzzi had done wonders for her she always felt better afterwards. Debbie, Mom and Michelle had helped her so much. She felt confident picking out outfits and her mannerisms were becoming automatic. She realized that she still had a lot to learn though.
Michelle, who was wearing a very pretty pink bikini, joined Danni in the Jacuzzi. They hugged and wrestled playing before settling down to enjoy the warm jets of water.
“I want to go back to the park tomorrow Aunt Michelle. I also want to get a scorebook and softball rule book. The game is a little different from what I played.”
“Ok sweetie, we will go into town and get those things for you. I might just go to the park with you. I use to be a pretty good softball player when I was in high school and college.”
“About a million years ago?” Danni teased.
“Hey no fair shrimp, I am only about fourteen years older than you.” Michelle kidded back, splashing Danni with water.
The warm water and the massaging jets soothed their bodies and lifted their spirits. All too soon though they had to get out and dry themselves off. They donned soft terry robes and went inside. Michelle put together a light meal for them. Debbie came home as they ate and she joined them in the kitchen. They all chatted about their days. This was one thing Danni was really picking up really well. She and Debbie would talk for hours; she picked up girls inflections, intonations and vocabulary. Girls really do speak another language it seems.
Danni was tired, so she left them to get ready for bed. After showering and shaving her arm pits she looked at herself in a mirror. She frowned as she appraised her figure, no change yet that she could detect. She dressed in a silky sleep shirt and slippers as she took care of her skin. Next she braided her hair. She had to take care of the hair weave till her own grew out long enough, to style. Lastly, she used her dilator before going to bed.
Danni woke early this morning. After taking care of her business, this included: dilating, cleansing her face, brushing her teeth, letting out her braids and brushing her hair out. Slipping her satin kimono robe on and her fuzzy slippers she headed down stairs. Her Mom had long ago taught her children to cook their own breakfast, so she got the ingredients for her favorite omelet out of the fridge and set it on the counter. As Danni prepped the ingredients for a Spanish omelet, Michelle and Debbie showed up so she expanded the recipe for all of them.
After a round of mornings and hugs Danni started cooking. Michelle made coffee and toast, Debbie made some frozen orange juice. In a few minutes everything was ready and breakfast was served. They ate at a relaxed pace and went over their plans for today, agreeing to go shopping together that day.
At about nine that morning they all got ready to go shopping. Danni dressed in a powder blue skort, white tank top, white T-shirt bra and pink tennis socks with a pair of deck shoes, she was feminine but comfortable. Michelle and Debbie were similarly attired in shorts and tanks. Together they went to the mall.
When ever girls come go to the mall for almost anything the first thing they shop for is clothes. They hit several clothing shops and a cell phone kiosk before they came to a sporting good store. Danni found a softball rule book and a couple of score books. She walked by gloves, bats and such. Michelle seeing her there, walked over to her.
“Let’s get a couple of gloves and some balls; we can throw to each other. I don’t see where that would be against the doctor’s orders.”
“How bout you Debbie? We could make it a three way,” Danni commented.
“That’s a wonderful idea Danni. How about it Debbie?”
“I like baseball players, but not playing it. You guys know that.”
“Come on sis, there are a lot of girls that play softball.”
“No, I don’t think so.”
Michelle and Danni picked up a couple of fast pitch softballs, got fitted for softball gloves and rubber cleated shoes. Danni loved the feel and smell of the glove on her hand. They also got a couple of visor caps that were popular with girl’s softball teams.
They shopped some more but Danni’s mind wasn’t into it, she wanted to play ball. After they got home and got their purchase. Debbie and Danni set their phones up to charge. They all headed to the park. They went directly to the girl’s field to watch them play. Danni got out a pencil from her purse and setup to keep score.
The game that was fixing to start was for girls 14-15. Watching the pitchers warming up Danni could tell that this would be a low scoring pitchers duel. Danni hurriedly filled in the score sheet as the players were announced. One team was playing in shorts and the other in baseball pants. Danni thought ‘yuck she would hate to play in those shorts; her legs would get eaten up diving and sliding.’
A pitchers duel, to many people, is a boring game. There isn’t usually a lot of scoring. Danni though was thrilled to watch the girls work. One girl had eleven strikeouts by the end of the fifth inning and the other had nine in a scoreless game.
At the top of the sixth, Danni notice the pitcher in shorts Cindy Sloan was starting to falter. Her pitches, when not in the fat part of the plate, were clearly out of the strike zone. She walked the first batter who became the first player from either team to reach base and hit the second batter. That brought up the other pitcher, Carol Wrigley up to bat. She was tall at about 5’10” and she was stocky for a girl. She had long black hair that came to the middle of her back. Most pitchers as a rule can’t hit very well. They just don’t get enough at bats and for them hitting is not emphasized. The first pitch to her was a duster that put the girl flat on her back. A duster is a pitch designed to move the batter away from the plate and to break the batters confidence. Carol got up, dusted her butt off (hence the name duster) and stepped back up to the plate. The next two pitches cut the edge of the plate for strikes. The next pitch was way off speed and was in the fat part of the plate. Carol swung and drove the ball to deep center. The outfielders had played her shallow, so she got on with a stand up double driving in two runs. Two to zip is how the game ended. Carol the winning pitcher was credited with a no hitter, walking two and striking thirteen out in just seven innings. Danni and Michelle both went up to congratulate Carol after the game and the team meeting. She was awesome.
“Hi Carol, that was a great game you pitched today, my name is Danni and this is my Aunt Michelle.”
“Thank you Danni, I am glad you enjoyed it.”
“It reminded me of my college days,” Michelle said.
“You played for which college?” Carol asked.
“Florida State, I was on a half scholarship.”
“I never knew that Aunt Michelle.” Danni said.
“Sure I played first base, for the Seminoles.”
“Not you too, Michelle,” Debbie added.
“That is my sister Debbie, Carol.”
“Hi Debbie, it’s nice meeting you. Well I have to go folks, hope to see you at more of our games, ya’ll take it easy.”
“Bye,” they all chimed in.
At home Michelle and Danni broke out the gloves and started just tossing the ball back and forth. It took some getting use to throwing the bigger softball around but Danni managed to handle it well. Danni was very impressed though with Aunt Michelle, she didn’t throw like a girl at all.
Danni started going to watch the girls play everyday. She started making friends around the field. She found herself accepted by the girls and their families, and her knowledge of play gave her plenty to talk about with them.
Angela, one of the player’s five year old sister asked her, “If you know so much about the game, why aren’t you playing?”
“I would love to Angela, but I am recovering from major surgery and the Doctor won’t let me yet.”
“What kinda of surgery?”
Danni blushed at the girls question, she didn’t want to lie to the kid, but she just couldn’t tell the truth, “Female surgery, Angela.” At least that wasn’t a big lie.
Angela’s mom overhearing the conversation reigned in her daughter, to prevent further embarrassment, and gave Danni a knowing look.
“Hi Danni, I am Heather Jenkins, I am Angela’s and Kimberly’s mom, the Kimberly that is playing right field. Do you live around here or are you just visiting. You accent says you might be from Texas.”
“Yes Ma’am, I am from Texas. My sister, Debbie and I are visiting my Aunt, Michelle Webster.”
“I know Michelle; she is such a dear person. So are you here for just the summer?”
“I am not sure, my Mom and Aunt are talking about me going to school here in Florida and Debbie going back to Texas to finish her last year there. We all might move here when Debbie graduates.”
“That is wonderful, we have some great schools here and I am sure you would get along fine. How old are you?”
“I am fourteen now, but I will be fifteen in August.”
“After the game you must come with us. You’ll get to meet a lot of the girls you will be going to school with.”
“I need to check with Aunt Michelle first, she nearly blew a fuse the last time I stayed out late and didn’t call.”
“And so she should have Danni. You need to be careful girl, and you shouldn’t give your Aunt cause to worry.”
Danni called Aunt Michelle and asked if it would be alright to go with Heather and the girls. Michelle was delighted for Danni, and yes she knew Heather Jenkins. They were good people, she said and it would be good for Danni. She asked Danni to hand the phone to Heather. Heather talked to her Aunt for about five minutes, before ringing off.
“Danni,” Heather said, “You are in my care till I get you home dear.”
“Thank you Ma’am, I appreciate it.”
“Good, let finish watching this game.”
Danni, who had not missed a pitch, started giving Angela a play by play commentary on the game. Angela hung on every word that Danni said. She sat very close to Danni and watched as she made notes and marks on the score sheet as the game went on. Danni loved talking to her about the game; even before her accident she loved kids. Heather just had a big grin on her face as she watched on.
After the game and team meeting on the field the girls left the playing field. Angela ran up to and jumped into the arms of Kimberly, giving her a huge hug. Danni and Heather came over to them.
“Kimmie this is my friend Danni. She is here from Texas with her sister. She know lots bout softball, but she can’t play now cause she had girl surgery, she is coming with us cause her Aunt said she could and she is gonna go to school with you.” Angela said in one breath, her mouth going ninety miles an hour.
Everybody’s head was spinning as Angela was talking.
“Hello Danni, I am Kimberly, please call me Kimmie though. I see you made an impression on my little sis. She is not usually this open.”
“Ok Kimmie, your sister is so sweet and adorable.”
“I see she has you fooled, she can be such a devil at times. So you play softball too?”
“Sorta, I am not doing much of anything right now. I have to be cleared by my doctor tomorrow, I hope, before I can do anything. Ya’ll played a pretty good game today.”
“Thank you. It was a good game. You’ll get to meet the team we are going to a local pizza palace to eat. Let’s go.” Kimberly said as she carried Angela.
They headed to the family SUV. Angela giving a blow by blow account of the game as Danni had explained it to her, to Kimberly. Inside the SUV, Kimmie asked Angela not to say anything about Danni’s surgery; she said that everybody doesn’t need to know about that sort of thing. Angela promised that she wouldn’t tell anybody else.
“Sorry Danni, kids can be so precocious at times. So how are you recovering?” Kimmie asked.
“I am doing well, it has been six weeks, but it will be a while before I get back to where I was physically.”
“It’s good you are doing better, so you are going to start school here, where do you live in town.”
“She lives with Michelle Webster, Kimmie. She’ll be going to your school dear.” Heather added.
“That‘s fabulous, you’ll like all the girls there. They aren’t as cliquish as some of the schools. I am sure you’ll get along fine.”
Further conversation was cut off as they arrived at Olde Italy’s pizzeria. Kimberly introduced Danni to all the players and the coaches there. She found herself immediately accepted by the group. They then talked about softball, boys, school, boys, clothes and boys. Danni fit right in, she was comfortable with these girls. She didn’t talk about her playing much but she showed had a wealth of knowledge.
After they finished eating a few of the girls headed to the ladies room. Danni had needed to go and felt good going with her new friends. She fixed her lipstick afterwards and met up with her group as they were ready to leave. Heather took them to their home and showed her around. This was a somewhat affluent part of town apparently. Heather’s home was almost as nice as Michelle’s. Kimmie and Danni talked some more in Kimmie’s room. All too soon though, it came time for her to leave. Kimmie hugged her and Angela made sure she got a hug before Danni left to go home. The girls exchanged home and cell phone numbers. Heather found she really liked this girl.
The next morning Danni wanted to show the doctors how well she had adapted. She dressed in a mint green bra and panty set, a forrest green mid thigh twill skirt and jacket, a white silk blouse, camisole, tan pantyhose, with black three inch pumps. She was very careful with her makeup going for a more mature look. Pearl drop earrings, bangles and her nice watch. She brushed out her hair and then touched up her makeup before loading her purse and heading downstairs for breakfast. Michelle whistled at her as she came to the breakfast table.
“Are you going to a business meeting or to a doctor’s office? You look gorgeous girl, like a very smartly dressed lawyer. Let me go get my pearl necklace dear it will go just right with that outfit.” Michelle said.
“Thank you Auntie, I just wanted to show the doctors how well I have adapted. You really think I look good?”
“They don’t come much better looking than you are right now.”
“Danni you are incredible, I am proud to have a sister as good looking as you are.” Debbie added hugging Danni.
Returning Michelle attached a single strand pearl necklace around Danni’s throat.
They all had appointments today, Michelle, Debbie and Danni would meet with a psychiatrist separately, and Danni also had to meet with an OB/GYN who would check her surgery and hormone treatment.
Truth be told Debbie needed the psych visit more than Danni. She had blamed herself for Danni’s injuries. It was an unrealistic view, as her actions had actually saved his life, but they were the issues that she had to work through. She felt bad because that she had complained about going to his games and having to walk home with him. All of it was unrealistic but none the less, a pain in her heart. Seeing how well Danni adapted though helped her in so many ways. She admitted that she had always wanted a little sister.
While Danni wasn’t really a hundred percent in the head department, she was well on her way. The psych complimented her on her appearance. She gave Danni goals and thresholds for her to obtain. They also delved deeply into the incident, her feelings and hopes. She was very excited to hear about the friends that Danni made. Danni still had to work through the feelings she had inside her, but it was becoming easier.
Michelle was given help to facilitate the two’s recovery. She was there to help keep the kids focused and headed in the right direction. She too had issues but they were minor, very minor.
Barbra back home was probably the worst off, she hid things too well. Doctor Stephanie Thompson knew this all too well and wasn’t about to let her get away, so she kept digging. Being alone both helped and hurt Barbra; she was glad the kids couldn’t see her anger but missed their presence dearly. She hated the boys that had caused this incident. She couldn’t fathom how Danni could just let it go so easily. She felt sorry for Gina, but still blamed her as well for the loss of her son. Stephanie pointed out that she hadn’t really lost her son, he was still there. He was just her daughter now.
The prognosis for the Crane’s and the Webster’s was definitely positive at this point.
Danni then met with the OB/GYN. He examined Danni from head to toe, paying particular attention to the areas involved in her surgery. He checked her blood work results. He had ordered a comprehensive panel including hormone levels. He pronounced her fit, gave her two hormone shots and adjusted her hormone pills a little, and cleared her for more vigorous exercise, warning her that if it hurts don’t do it, but if it is just uncomfortable to ease into it. He told her to warm up a lot and stretch carefully before exercising. He did refer her for four visits to a Physical Therapist to work out an exercise regimen. He set up another appointment for two months. On the way out they stopped by the PT’s office to setup an appointment in two days.
They had lunch at a very exclusive restaurant to celebrate Danni’s clean bill of health. Danni was quite happy and it showed in her walk. She had a very feminine swagger, not overboard or campy but classy.
They enjoyed themselves immensely. They were three girls out to have a good time. They turned eyes everywhere they went. Michelle and Debbie even talked Danni into a bikini. Too late Danni found out that that meant a bikini wax. She pledged to get even with them both. At least the top covered her up enough so she didn’t show her breast forms but it still looked stylish.
At home Danni changed into a pale yellow skort and a powder blue T. Danni loved skorts, they helped ease her into skirts and she didn’t have to worry about flashing her panties. She met Debbie and they went on a long walk together. Debbie and Danni used this time to open up to each other, and the exercise was good for the both of them. They talked about some of the things the psych talked to them about and worked on their issues together. Debbie felt better about things after talking to Danni and hugged her.
Back home, Danni went to the living room. She was by herself so she took off her skort and started stretching her groin area out. She could get two thirds into Chinese and American splits. That was good but she was use to going down to the floor. Sitting on the floor she spread her legs and stretched out her back; putting her head to both knees. She got dressed hurriedly when she herd the door bell.
Aunt Michelle had answered the door. Danni heard Heather’s and Angela’s voices in greeting, so she headed to the door.
“Danni, Danni there’s my Danni,” Angela said running to her and jumping into her arms.
Danni grimaced as if expecting it to hurt as Angela impacted her. To her relief it didn’t.
There was a sigh of relief from the three older girls there as Danni smiled and hugged Angela.
“Danni do you want to come to one of our practices today, Angela wouldn’t get quiet till I came by here.” Heather said.
“It’s fine by me,” Michelle said.
“Sure let me change shoes and get my visor.”
“Ok, we’ll wait for you.”
Danni ran upstairs and changed to her cleats, touched up her makeup, put her visor on, got her purse and cell phone.
Angela latched on to Danni when she got back downstairs. Kimberly greeted her in the SUV and the girls talked as Heather drove. The practice field was like any of the thousands of fields across the country. The girls got out of the SUV and Kimberly ran to where the team was meeting. Danni picked up Angela and carried her to where the families gathered while the kids practiced.
The girls broke up into groups; fielders off to the outfield began taking flies, the pitchers were off to the side loosening their arms and the infielders were at their bases taking grounders and making throws. Danni explained what was going on to Angela as they looked about. Danni got to talking to another of the families there and Angela wandered off. She passed through the open gate and stood on the first base sidelines.
Danni looked over there and saw her standing there and went to get her. As she got near she looked towards home as the coach hit a screaming line drive that got past the first baseman and was headed towards Angela. Without thinking Danni took a quick step and dove for the ball catching it barehanded, a foot away from Angela’s head. She tucked her right shoulder down rolled, came up on her feet, stepped towards home and fired a bullet to the catcher about 90 feet away. The catcher caught it but everyone was watching Danni. She didn’t notice all the attention she was getting because she was shaking her right hand which stung like hell. She took Angela’s hand and turned but she was swamped by people.
Danni found herself in a bear hug, Heather had her in arms wrapped around Danni, half crying.
“Thank you Danni, you saved my little angel from getting hurt.”
She was being patted on the shoulder and the butt by the players, as they congratulated her catch.
“It was nothing folks, it was just a reflex, please go back to practice,” Danni pleaded.
She was starting to get scared, at this point. One of the coaches, Amy Johnson, looked at her right hand and felt all over it. Her palm looked red and angry. She led Danni to the bench and sat her down.
“Bet it hurts like hell,” she said.
“It stings more than anything else right now, but yes it hurts.” Danni said tears falling.
The coach sprayed the hand with freeze spray, “That was one hell of a catch you made there Danni.” She said checking the hand.
“Just don’t tell my doctor, Amy. I was just cleared for exercise today. I don’t think he had diving for line drives in mind when he cleared me.”
“What position did you play, Danni?”
“Huh, excuse me?”
“You heard me, what position did you play?”
“Short.”
“I kinda figured it. It had to be first or short the way you made the move to your right like that, and no first baseman needs to make a throw like that. Why the doctor?”
“I am recovering from major surgery.”
“Well the hand may be sore for a few days, but I don’t think you broke anything, but a couple of nails. Ice it when you get home. What kind of surgery?”
Danni blushed and said nothing.
“Ok, I think I understand. Let me know when you can do more.”
Danni made her way to the bleachers, and found Angela there. Heather had one of her hands in hers. Danni sat on Angela’s right and held the other hand.
“You ok, Danni?” Heather asked.
“Yes Ma’am, my hand stung a bit, but it is numb right now. I am sorry about losing track of Angela.”
“Honey don’t worry about that, I am just so glad that you stopped that ball. She could have been really hurt back there. Angela wanders on to the field occasionally. She wants to be out there with her big sis, right Angela?”
“Yes Mommy, I wants to be jus like Kimmie, and Danni is my friend.”
“Yes Angela, she is your friend.”
“Danni I am sorry, you got hurt cause of me,” Angela said hugging Danni as tightly as she could.
Danni felt proud that she had been able to help her. Danni’s emotions got the better of her and tears started flowing from her eyes.
After practice was over Heather and company headed to Michelle’s home. They all escorted Danni to the door, which she opened and they all entered. Michelle heard them enter and came to investigate. When she saw Danni carrying her hand oddly and the grass stains all over her blouse and skort, she exclaimed, “What happened?”
Heather told Michelle the whole story as they headed for the kitchen to get some ice in a towel, as Danni led Kimberly and Angela into the living room. Michelle put a towel on Danni’s lap and ice in a baggie wrapped in a towel in her right hand.
The door bell wrung and more teammates showed up and within ten minutes the whole team and many of their parents had filed into the house. Pizzas and drinks were ordered. They were all talking about what they had seen Danni do. Those who had seen what happened told the story to those who didn’t see, and blah, blah, blah. The kids were in the living room and the adults in the kitchen. Throughout the evening Angela held on to Danni. It was apparent that the whole team and Angela had adopted her.
When Debbie came in she had a perplexed look on her face at all the people moving about inside their home. Kimberly found her wandering about, latched on to her and told her what had happened. As it got late the girls got together and cleaned up after themselves, the adults followed suit. The first floor and all the bathrooms were actually cleaner than when they arrived. Heather pried a sleeping Angela away from Danni and carried her to their SUV.
“Well that was interesting Danni,” Michelle said. “When are you going to don your cape, red and blue undies and fly around the room?” She asked giggling.
“When you make friends Danni, you go whole hog,” Debbie added.
“I don’t understand it,” Danni said, “It wasn’t such a big deal, cept I ruined my skort and my blouse. I’ll never be able to get the grass stains out.”
“You try to convince a mother, whose child you kept from getting hurt that it wasn’t a big deal. It will never happen. To heck with your blouse and skort, they can and will be replaced. A healthy and happy Angela can’t be replaced. I am proud of you Danni; I heard it was a great catch, and an even better throw home. Coach Amy was quite impressed with you too.”
“I’ll never be able to play with them Auntie, I will just have to settle with being a coach or manager.” Danni cried.
“I don’t see why not dear, you are a girl now.”
“Not really, I am just a pretend girl.”
“Don’t ever say that again Danni, you may not have been born a girl, but you are as much a girl in your heart as Debbie or I am. We all love you Danni, I know your Mom does too.”
Danni cried as her sister and aunt hugged her, she seemed to cry a lot more lately. It was like a pressure relief valve to her. She seemed to feel better after a good cry.
The next morning, Danni woke a little cranky, her chest itched, she couldn’t reach the itch because of the breast forms, and she was a little sick in her stomach. She knew it was because of the hormones. The Doc had told her that she might get that way, but it still didn’t make it any easier to take. Her right hand hurt some and it was a little hard to open and close, but that was to be expected.
Danni gave up trying to put her makeup on with her right hand, and it was worse doing it with her left. Just getting dressed had been an ordeal, especially the bra. She just cleaned the makeup off and went to her sister’s room. Debbie was just getting up herself, she opened her door as Danni knocked, smiled and hugged her, when she saw her.
“Debbie my hand is a little stiff, and I can’t put my make up on can you help me?”
“Sure Danni just let me get my own on.” She led Danni over to her vanity and had her sit next to her as Debbie worked on her own face.
She put on just a trace of makeup; neither of them needed very much, just a little mascara, a touch of powder, blush and lipstick. Debbie had taught Danni very well how to use makeup back home. That had been a fun time for both of them. After that they were both made up they went downstairs. Michelle was on the phone talking. So they made their own breakfast, or at least Debbie made breakfast. Danni felt sicker at the smell of food. She rushed into the downstairs bathroom.
Debbie was confused but Michelle, who had seen everything put her hand over the phone and whispered “Morning Sickness” to her. Michelle hung up the telephone, and explained to Debbie. “Until Danni’s body gets use to the hormones she might suffer from morning sickness from time to time and when ever they change her dosage she could be sick. She mustn’t show this to other girls they might think she is pregnant. By the way we have just been invited to a barbecue after the softball game Friday afternoon. She is crying a lot more too lately, have you noticed?”
“She sure has, Danny use to never cry.”
“That too, is hormonal Debbie.”
“Danni’s skin is getting nicer; I helped her with her makeup today. Her pores are finer, she is softer and smoother. I just love that Michelle, she is taking better care of her skin too.”
Danni came into the room. Michelle got her to try some toast; she managed to keep it down barely.
“I know you feel horrible now Danni, but it will get better. It is your hormones doing it Danni.” Michelle said.
“Yes Doc told me this might happen; it was probably those shots I got yesterday. My tits are itching and I can’t get to them to scratch em under the breast forms.”
Michelle sympathized with Danni, she knew what he was going through, “Yes Danni, we know what you mean about itching; it is good you can’t scratch them, it wouldn’t do any good anyway. How is your hand by the way?”
“Sore, but I will live.”
Debbie and Danni grew closer together than they ever were before; they got together and went out for a morning walk. Debbie taught her all sorts of things she needed to know, especially how girls and guys interact. They tried to do things together everyday. Danni liked being with Debbie and Aunt Michelle.
Danni joined the team at practices and games now. Amy got her into helping the team. She assisted the coach, at workouts and took care of all the equipment. She became a favorite of the players, always encouraging them. When they weren’t on the field Angela could be found at her side. She loved going to their games and watching.
Away from the field, her new girlfriends would go shopping, trolling the malls, and going out to eat. She went to their houses and they came over to hers. Aunt Michelle’s swimming pool and Jacuzzi were popular sites for the girls. Michelle would invite the team over for sleepovers. They always treated Danni with respect.
The parents loved Danni too, on top of her relationship with Angela, she baby sat many of their children she seemed to have a way with even the most difficult kids.
Danni started working out more and her fitness was approaching her previous levels. She got a new bike and rode it during the day and she would swim on days her friends weren’t playing or practicing. As she worked out it was easy to see she had lost some strength, but she was as quick and fast as she had been. The PT gave her some upper body exercises to strengthen her, they her helped a lot. The coach asked her when she could start playing again, but she deftly avoided that question.
Danni was a little frightened but decided to be open with the coach. She invited her home and asked her to come by herself for a talk. Danni got some news clippings and things ready. Michelle joined Amy and Danni in the sitting room as they talked.
“I know you are wondering why I am not going to play Coach Amy. Please don’t tell anyone what I am telling you, but I owe you an explanation about it. You see I wasn’t born a girl. I sustained an injury back home and as a result of the injuries I was basically castrated.”
Danni gave Amy some news clippings from the paper for her to read. She read them without comment till she finished. “your not one of the three boys were you?”
“No I was the boy who rescued the girl being attacked, The boys who attacked the girl, have all plead guilty to sexual assault and are serving their sentences in prison after they are released from the hospital.”
“In the hospital, what happened to them?”
“I happened to them. There were three boys, two seventeen and an eighteen year old; I took out a knee, hit one in the crotch, and shattered a rib cage, with my bat.”
“What happened to you Danni?”
“I went to help the girl who was attacked and took a stiletto heel to the crotch four times. I nearly died from blood loss but they saved me. They just couldn’t save my boy parts. After we talked to the doctors we decided it would easier for me to become a girl. Back home I use to play short stop for my high school baseball team Amy. I was pretty good at it too.”
“I bet you were good. So Danni are you on hormones now, since you don’t have any boy parts left?”
“Yes Ma’am, I have been on estrogen and other hormones for close to two months now. I am going to go to school here so I can be a girl full time. It would have been too hard to continue school back home as a girl.”
“So why can’t you play softball?”
“I am not a girl coach Amy.”
“As far as I am concerned you are. I will check district rules, but if you live as a girl, you look like a girl and you certainly act like a girl; to me you are a girl. I would never have guessed otherwise. You are a little bit of a tom boy, but you act feminine enough. I also coach the girls high school team Danni and unless I find out otherwise I want you on my team. You can work with the team though and practice with us. No need telling anybody else on the team either.”
Danni started working out with the team in late July. She took fielding and batting practice. She was a little rusty and the bigger ball took some getting use to. Batting gave her the biggest problem as she got use to the speed the balls approached home; she was fouling off more balls.
Danni and Aunt Michelle visited the school she would go to. Coach Amy met them there and took them to the Vice principle Myra Kingston’s office. They sat and talked for a couple of hours. Danni told her the reason for her transfer, not wanting to hide anything. Danni’s new legal identification had come in from Michelle’s attorney, along with Michelle’s legal guardianship, so Danni was officially registered as a girl for the fall.
Much to Danni’s dismay, the Vice Principle requested that Danni start as a freshman, instead of a sophomore. She said it would help Danni’s socialization to start as a freshman. She also told Danni that without any prohibiting medical condition she would be expected to take all the courses any other girl would take. That would mean taking PE or other substitute courses. She stated there would be no mention of my previous status as a boy: or even any documentation of that fact in official school records. As far as anybody is concerned Danni is and always has been a girl.
Ms. Kingston and Coach Amy asked Danni a few questions and started working on her schedule of classes for the fall. They helped Danni choose her math, history, English, science, music, home EC and PE. Danni cringed at home EC but they convinced her that it would help her get along with the other girls. They hand picked her teachers getting her into classes with the better teachers.
With school registration taken care of, Danni was informed that this school requires uniforms. They were given a list of vendors and their locations. Girls could wear selected Polo shirts, blouses, skirts, jumpers or slacks, in school colors, plus white, khaki, navy or black. No shorts except in PE and skirts no shorter than three inches above the floor when kneeling. There was no room for individuality but they strove for decency and civility. For the legs, knee socks, or pantyhose and tights, no fishnet stockings allowed. The allowed shoes trainers solid white or black colored piping allowed as long as it is not extreme, oxfords, Mary Jane’s as long as no heels over two inches, no sandals. Girls are allowed makeup as long as it isn’t extreme.
Aunt Michelle and Danni went out and got a good selection of the allowed items. Debbie giggled when she saw what was allowed, the school she would be finishing at wasn’t as restrictive in dress.
Debbie and Danni were excited to hear that their Mom would be arriving for three weeks vacation. Michelle took both kids to the beauty parlor and shopping to get them ready for her arrival.
to be continued
Danni and her family come to grips with all the changes that have occured. Along the way she even has the opportunity to help Gina.
Safe at First Ch. 4
by
Paula Dillon
Danni and Debbie were excited as they headed to the airport. It had been a long two months since they left Mom to visit Aunt Michelle. Michelle was also excited to see her sister and was anxious for her to see her children. They both had matured very nicely Michelle thought.
Danni had insisted that they dress to the nines when they went to pick up their Mom. All three had gone to a salon and had their hair done; Danni and Debbie looked so precious. Danni’s hair was done in a French twist with lots of tight curls hanging from it, she looked like she was fit to go to a prom or formal dance but it looked good on her. Debbie’s hair was done in a French braid that stylish but very mature. Michelle had a soft wave permanent that left her hair full of body and shine in a page boy.
Their clothing was outstanding. Danni wore a two piece suit in a black pin stripe; the skirt was fitted and hit her at mid thigh. Danni seemed fond of suits instead of some of the flashier teen clothes she could have picked. She also wore off black pantyhose that made her legs look simply divine and black patent leather pumps with a three inch heel made her look older. Danni had done her own makeup, she had gotten very good at it, and she looked very nice. Her eyes were simply beautifully done as she had blended her eye shadows, added mascara, eyeliner, tweezed her brow in a feminine arch and touched them up with a pencil. She looked twenty in many ways. Her nails were professionally done and made her hands look dainty and very feminine.
Not to be out done Debbie was dressed similarly, she wasn’t as suit crazy but her dress fit her nicely. It was her little black dress that had spaghetti straps a square neck and an inverted-V hemline. It was a little more risqué than Michelle liked, but she looked good in it and after all she wasn’t going out with a guy looking like that. Debbie wore pumps with only an inch and a half heel, but they were so pretty on her feet.
Michelle dressed in a suit also. She often wore them to meetings and such and she fit in nicely with the kids. She was very happy at how they all looked.
Danni tried so hard to fit in. It was easy for her to see the changes the hormones had done to her body. She still needed the breast forms but her waist, hips, face and skin texture were showing the changes she was going through.
They parked in the short term lot at the airport and made their way to terminal. Watching Danni walk it would have been hard to believe that she had been a boy in April. She had a very feminine walk, not overstated but nice.
They checked the monitors and found the gate Barbra would be arriving at. They went as far as security would allow them to go and waited for her to appear. They were about fifteen minutes early so they had to wait as passengers from several other planes deplaned. They gave each other a once over to make sure they all looked good.
The wait was unbearable as they watched the passengers come down the hall. Everyone held their collective breath as another group of passengers come their way. It seemed like it took forever and then they saw Barbra coming their way. Danni ran to her Mom when she passed the security gate shouting, “Momma!”
Barbra heard her shout and it took a few seconds to realize that the person shouting was her Danni, and shouted, “Danni!?!” She dropped her carry on and bent down to catch her daughter. It didn’t take long for their makeup to be streaked and smudged but they were elated. Debbie and Michelle joined in the group hug. They were all like little girls meeting their long lost friends.
It took them several seconds before they realized that a camera flash was going off and they turned to see that Stephanie had come too and was taking everybody’s picture. Danni saw her and ran over to her and hugged her also.
“Dr. Stephanie! It is so good seeing you too.” Danni said. Her eyes sparkling as she looked at her friend.
“It is so good seeing you to Danni, you look great girl.”
“Thank you Ma’am you look super too. I have missed you and Mom so much but I have learned so much.”
“I can see that, now go back to your Mom, she has missed being with you so much.”
Danni did that. They all cried as they were so happy to be together again. Soon they all gathered their composure and got Barbra’s and Stephanie’s carry on bags. They headed to the luggage carousel after stopping off at the ladies room to take care of their business and to fix their faces. It took quite awhile as Danni’s face needed a lot of work. The girls just stood there watching her as she made herself gorgeous. They all applauded her work.
“My, how you have grown so much,” Barbra said.
It was true Danni had grown an inch and a half in height and the hormones were putting flesh on her in all the right places.
“Yes she has hasn’t she, and she looks so happy too Barbra,” Stephanie added.
“You two won’t believe how much she has changed,” Michelle said.
“I am glad to hear that, I was so worried about her. She seems to have done a good job down here. It might have been so hard on her back home but she has really blossomed here. Don’t you think so Barbra?” Stephanie asked.
“Yes she has. I have missed her and Debbie so much.”
Finally presentable, they all left to pick up their luggage and headed to Aunt Michelle’s car.
“Why did you come here Dr. Stephanie?” Danni asked.
“I wanted to have one group session with all of you and your current doctor. I also wanted to ask you to do a favor for me, Danni. Plus this is a great vacation for me too. It’s a working vacation that I can deduct as a business expense.”
“You're staying with us, aren’t you,” Danni asked.
“I haven’t planned on it. I don’t want to intrude.”
“You must stay with us Stephanie,” Michelle insisted, “I have plenty of room in my house. I insist and it will give you a better opportunity to observe everybody.”
“Ok, you have talked me into it.”
With Stephanie’s acquiescence, the car full of women headed to Michelle’s home. The kids told their Mom about everything that had happened since they had been down here. Stephanie made mental notes of what was said and what she heard as she listened.
“Oh my, you certainly do have plenty of room,” Stephanie said as they drove up to Michelle’s home.
“Yes, my husband was in aerospace stuff. He died in an experimental aircraft he built for himself, four years ago and left me well enough off.”
Michelle got everyone situated in their own bedroom. The kids took their Mom in the bedroom nearest Michelle and Stephanie in a bedroom further down the hall.
Michelle then asked, “Would you two like to rest before dinner?”
“That sounds very nice.” Stephanie said.
The kids gravitated to their Mom’s room.
“Danni, I can’t believe how well you look and adjusted dear. What has been happening?” Barbra asked.
Danni gave her a condensed version of what had gone on. Barbra was impressed with her candor and openness; it was so unlike the old Danny. They talked for about thirty minutes.
“Mom, I am going to check on Dr. Stephanie, I will leave you with Debbie.” Danni said sensing that her sister needed some Mom time too.
Debbie and Mom hugged Danni, as she left to go to Stephanie’s room.
Danni knocked on Stephanie’s door. She opened it and invited Danni in. They sat on the bed and had a long chat about things; Stephanie was very interested on how Danni was doing.
“Danni, I would like you to do me a favor. I know you are going to go to school here this fall but I want you to come back with me for a few days and talk to Gina. Things have been hard for her. I want to show her that you have come out good. I am not suggesting that you come out to everyone but I think it would help her to see that not everything turned out so badly. She needs a reason to keep on going right now.”
“How is she Doc?”
“She is better than she was right after the attack, but it seems like she just wants to give up on life Danni. She still worries about what she did to you. It would really help her if she saw that she didn’t ruin your life.”
“If it is ok with Mom and I get back before school starts. I guess it would be good.”
“Thank you Danni, I know this has all been so hard on you, but you are really shinning now girl.”
The phone rang and Danni was the first to answer. “Hello. Oh hi Heather, sure I can watch Angela if she can go out to eat with us. My Mom and a friend came down and we are going out to eat. Sure she can still go with us. Just get her in a nice dress. Ok, your welcome.”
“I need to go tell Mom and Aunt Michelle that Angela will be going with us.”
“Who is Angela?”
“Oh you’ll just love Angela; she is Heather’s six year old daughter. She is such a sweet kid.”
Stephanie just had to smile as Danni left. She had turned out so well. She was just a typical teenage girl in so many ways, but more mature in other ways.
Danni, Michelle and Barbra were at the door as Heather dropped off Angela. Angela ran to Danni and jumped into her arms. She was dressed in a pretty pink, white and blue party dress. Heather talked with Barbra and Michelle as Danni took Angela to the TV room.
“Hello Heather, I am Barbra; Danni and Debbie are my children.”
“I just love your children Barbra, especially Danni. She is such a sweet girl and Angela loves her a lot.”
“I can see that, Danni is special but I love both my children.”
“I know what you mean; I wouldn’t trade any of my kids away. Kimmie, my other daughter is just as important to me as Angela. Well I got to get on the road I have a meeting to go to and I hope you don’t mind keeping Angela for me?”
“No, if Danni wants her to be with us then it is ok with me,” Barbra said.
Danni was having fun with Angela. They were watching a cartoon movie on TV. You couldn’t get a piece of paper in between the two and Angela’s face was beaming with a smile as she was held.
Soon Michelle informed them that it was time to get ready for dinner. Angela went to Danni’s room to help her get ready. Danni was still nicely dressed from earlier and just needed to fix her face. Angela watched as Danni cleaned off her old makeup and redid her face. She even put a spot of makeup on Angela just a little foundation, powder, some pink lipstick and some pink nail polish. Danni put the pink lipstick in her purse along with her coral blush lipstick and they met the others by the front door.
Barbra fawned over little Angela. “Such a pretty little girl you are and I see you like my little girl too.”
“Danni is my friend; I love her lots and lots.”
Danni told her, “I love you lots and lots too Angela.”
They all climbed into Michelle’s car and buckled up Angela in the back between Danni and Stephanie. They drove to a very nice restaurant. Danni told Angela that she had to be on her best behavior and act like a little lady. Angela promised that she would.
They had a wonderful meal Barbra was mesmerized by how both her children had matured and how well Danni and Angela got along. They chatted amiably away while they ate. Angela imitated everything that Danni did at the table, trying to look proper. It was easy to see the child adored Danni.
“Angela you are such a pretty and proper little lady,” Barbra said.
“Thank you Ma’am, I try.”
“Yes you are, and you’re doing a very good job. Danni she is so sweet.”
“She has a big sister named Kimberly; she is on the softball team I am working with. Angela is like the mascot for the team.”
“Tell me Danni, what are you doing with the softball team?” Stephanie asked.
“Well I help out as an equipment manager and also help in practices, you know mostly fielding, throwing and hitting the ball for them, oh I keep score sheets for them too. I am only about 90% recovered now but I am doing better.”
“How are you getting along with the other kids Danni?” she asked.
“Great, I was surprised at how things went. Angela was responsible for a lot of it weren’t you.”
Angela frowned a little, “I said I was sowwy Danni.”
“I wasn’t complaining dear, I was just explaining how you helped me make friends with the whole team. You see Stephanie, she wandered on the field during practice. I went to get her so she wouldn’t be hurt and the coach hit a screaming line drive that would have hit Angela in the head. I dove for the ball and caught it bare handed and threw the ball home.”
“Danni dun weal good,” Angela said smiling and giggling.
“I say she did Heather, Angela’s Mom, whom ya’ll already met, brought Danni home. Her hand was red and sore. Minutes later my whole home had thirty, forty, I don’t know maybe fifty people in it. Everyone was saying what a hero Danni was. They ordered pizza and drinks and we sort of had a party,” Michelle added. “They even cleaned my home before they left. What Danni left out was she caught the ball inches away from Angela’s head; she rolled and threw a bullet home. It was like she was playing in some big league game.”
“Oh my, I can see why the people love you here,” Barbra said.
“I see a pattern to you Danni, I am glad I got a chance to get to know you,” Stephanie said. “You see a problem and without thinking about it you react without concern for your own health, to help other people. Would you say that, that is an accurate assumption?”
“I guess your right. I just do what needs to be done.”
“Yes you do Danni. Yes you do.” Stephanie said.
The women finished their meal and headed back home. Danni and Angela went to finish the cartoon movie and the rest went to the kitchen for coffee and conversation. Stephanie told the rest what she has planned for them. She had been in contact with Dr. Valerie Tanner, everybody’s psychiatrist down here about having a group session with everyone present to go over issues that each person was facing. She also talked about Danni coming back for a few days to see Gina before school starts. Barbra wasn’t thrilled about having Danni come back to visit Gina, but Stephanie persuaded her to allow it.
“Michelle does Heather know about Danni?”
“No, but Danni told Coach Amy and Vice Principal Myra Kingston knows. Danni told them basically everything.” Michelle said. “It doesn’t look like there will be any problems. In fact they seemed to have made things easier.”
“That is good, the fewer people that know the better. She shouldn’t have to explain herself or to justify herself to everybody. I am impressed with her recovery so far.”
Heather picked up Angela and everybody went on to bed.
Danni rose first the next morning. She got dressed in a skort and blouse, and went downstairs to fix breakfast. She whipped up some pancake batter and cooked sausage for pigs in blankets. Debbie came down, started the coffee and OJ. Michelle came down, set the table placing strawberry preserves and real maple syrup on the table. Lastly Barbra and Stephanie made their way down as Danni finished cooking. Everyone dug in and had a wonderful breakfast.
“I have a surprise for everyone,” Michelle said, “Including you Stephanie if you like; I have three day passes for everyone at Disney World. It is only an hour drive from here, so we can go there, get three rooms and have some fun.”
“I think that is wonderful,” Stephanie said, “I have never been there, but you have got to let me pay for myself. I can use it for a business deduction. When we get back we can have our little group session.”
The others agreed that it was a good idea. They all pitched in cleaning up from breakfast and headed to their rooms to pack their bags for a trip. Danni called Heather and told her she would be out of town with her Mom and Sis. In an hour all the arrangements were made. Michelle got her Suburban out of the garage. They packed it with all they needed and hit the road.
It was good to see Barbra letting go with her kids. She began to realize that things would really be ok with her family and her world really hadn't come to an end. This trip was a real healing experience for her. Debbie and Danni really got along well. They interacted a lot seeing that they soon would be separated at least until Christmas. They all found out that Stephanie was a bit of a prankster and an instigator. She fitted in so well with them.
In three days they went on about a hundred rides, caught four shows, and played about a thousand games it seemed. They swam, they played and they all let loose. They were more of a family than they had been in ages. It seemed like they were five kids rather than two kids and three adults.
It was a completely tired group that headed back to Michelle’s home. Everybody retreated to their own rooms for a nap before dinner. Stephanie made a couple of calls before she laid down for her nap. She called Dr. Tanner and arranged for her to come here for a group session the day after tomorrow. She also called her personal answering service to check for her messages. She was very pleased with all that had gone on down here so far.
The time they all spent together went by rapidly. They were a big family again. Michelle loved being with her sister and all the love and affection that Barbra received lifted her spirits. It almost seemed like it never happened except for the present makeup of that family.
Dr. Tanner showed up early on the date of their session. She and Dr. Thompson were together comparing notes before the group session. Valerie was very impressed by her colleague’s impressions and the stories she related of their mutual vacation. When they were both satisfied they went to get the others together.
They all met in the living room. Valerie started the session by explaining what they were trying to accomplish. They wanted each person to basically tell the rest whatever they wanted them to know. What they felt, what they believed, what they wanted in life and such.
“Danni, since you are the main character in this drama, I would like you to start by telling us what you remember from the incident and we will go on from there,” Valerie started.
“Well it started as me, my sister Debbie and a neighbor Shelley were going home after a ball game. As we were crossing a field I heard a muffled scream coming from behind the bleachers. I saw three boys, one was holding someone down, another was you know I don’t really want to describe what he was doing. Is that ok?”
“He was raping a girl, that is all we need to know Danni.” Valerie said.
“Yes and the third one was standing, getting ready to switch places, I think. I ran over there taking my bat. These guys were big; a lot bigger than I was, but for some reason I wasn’t afraid. I don’t know but it seemed they were moving in slow motion and I was in hyper drive. I hit the guy standing first. I hit him with the bat at his knee. I could hear the bones crushing when I hit him. He went down fast.”
“The second guy I hit was the one who was holding the girl down. He started to stand after I hit the first guy. I swung the bat like a gold club and caught him in the crotch. I remember his expression as my bat hit; it was horrible. I still see his face sometimes.”
“The third guy was in a bit of a fix. His pants were at his knees and prevented him standing too fast. He looked pissed that I had interrupted him. But I turned and caught him with the bat in the rib cage. I felt the bat hit him and sink into his side some and heard his ribs crack.”
“I looked around at the boys lying there, they weren’t moving much so I dropped my bat. I looked over to the girl lying there. It was Gina Thompson but I would never have guessed it was her. She was bleeding from the nose and her clothes were all ripped up. I wanted to help her but didn’t know what to do, so I walked over to her and reached out my hand. I wanted to help her stand.”
“I don’t remember much after that until a few days later. By then everything was over with and my life had taken a drastic change.”
“For a long time I hated everything that happened to me. I hated what I became and how I now looked. I know that nothing will ever be like it was but I have begun to accept how things will be.”
“That was very good Danni. Tell us how you feel about all the people involved, the guys, the girl, your sister, and your Mom?”
“I hate the guys who started all this happening. I can’t help it but I hate them. I know what happened to them and I can’t feel sorry for them.”
“I was a little mad at Gina. I didn’t really understand why she did what she did, but I don’t blame her so much for what happened. I know now that she was in shock and only reacted to the things that were happening around her. She just saw what she thought was another threat and reacted to that threat. I guess.”
“Debbie she saved my life. If she had not called 911 when she did things could have been a lot worse for me, or so the doctors told me. I love her a lot.”
“Mom did what she had to do. I know she had a lot of hard choices to make and not a whole lot of time to make. I sort of remember being in a daze and people telling me a lot of things. I think it was at this time that I first saw Stephanie but I am not sure, and I sorta remembering telling my Mom that I trusted her decisions. Now I am thankful for the choices she made.”
“Tell us what you remember from your recovery Danni?” Valerie asked.
“Well like I said, it was several days later before the fog my brain was in lifted. My first recollection was I hurt. Then I saw Mom and Debbie there. They looked awful. I could see the worry in their faces and I tried to be strong for them. That is when I really remember Dr. Stephanie also. I liked her very much. Everyone was so much help to me; the doctors and nurses and everyone else. It was amazing seeing all the flowers, balloons and such all over the room.”
“Even Gina came into my room. She looked like death warmed over. I could tell she was afraid of me and for me. It was like she took two steps forward, one step back. She apologized for what she had done. I learned that it was Gina who had done the damage to me. I tried to be strong for her, but inside I was pissed at her too.
“It seemed that I was in the hospital forever, it was only ten days, they told me. A whole bunch of people were at my home when we arrived there. The whole baseball team my friends and neighbors were all there. It felt great that they all came there for me. I was glad that they didn’t know all that happened to me. I was afraid of how they would react if they knew. Nobody did though and they were all great.”
“Lots of kids came by my house. My teachers did too. They all helped me catch up on my school work and helped me pass all my classes.”
“When and why did you decide to transition to being a girl?”
“Well it was during one of my talks with Dr. Stephanie. She emphasized that I needed to be on hormones either male or female to continue to grow and such. I was never a big guy. The doctors told me that I was pre-pubescent. Is that right Stephanie?” Danni asked.
Dr. Thompson nodded her head to Danni’s question.
“I would never be a normal guy. I couldn’t even shower with guys anymore at school. Dr. Stephanie and I went over the pros and cons over and over again. It seemed that the only way to have a normal life would be to become a girl. It wasn’t my first choice, but I guess it was my best choice. I cried a lot before and after I made that choice. I hid it as much as I could but I know my Mom and sister knew it. We had a family meeting with Dr. Stephanie there and I told them what I wanted. We talked for hours that day. I wasn’t sure about it even after I said it but looking back I know it was right. Now I am legally Danni Marie Webster.”
Everyone but Valerie and Stephanie was crying by this time. Michelle had made sure though that there were plenty of boxes of tissues there.
“Okay that is enough form you for now Danni, we will get back to you though. Now Debbie it is your turn.
Debbie started the story from her point of view. “I was pissed at having to be there for my brother. I don’t like sports at all, but Mom always insisted that we come home after Danni’s games together. Shelley and I sat in the bleachers at the baseball field while the game was going on. That was the only thing that made it bearable to me. Shelley is my best friend back home and our neighbor. We met Daniel at the door to the locker room and left for the walk home. We heard the noise a muffled scream and Daniel was off. I always walked home with a cell phone in my hands. I had 911 on speed dial. Mom insisted that I always carry my phone. Well when he dropped his glove and shoes before heading over to where the noise came I hit my 911 speed dial. I told the operator that I thought there was a rape going on under the bleachers by the football field. He kept me online as he notified the authorities and while my brother was doing his thing. I nearly came unglued when I saw Daniel go down. I ran to him while I was talking to the operator. I don’t know what happened, I think I threw the phone down to help Daniel. He was out cold and I couldn’t see well enough to tell he was bleeding.”
“The police and the EMT’s arrived fast. They started checking everybody. I really came unglued when that stupid cop cuffed my brother. I don’t know but I believed I started beating on that cop. They wouldn’t listen to me and I was livid. They wouldn’t let me ride with Daniel in the ambulance. Finally a detective came and listened to my story. He called the other cops on the radio and told them what he thought. Somewhere in all that I found my phone and called Mom, I told her what happened. She came and picked me and Shelley up and drove us to the hospital. Mom raised total hell with the nurse at the desk till they let her back to where Daniel was. I wanted to go too so I screamed and shouted till I was given some kind of injection and wow I didn’t know what was going on for a while.”
“What do you feel about what has happened Debbie?” Valerie asked.
“I blamed myself for a lot of what happened. Daniel getting hurt, him being cuffed too and him having to go through all that surgery.”
“Do you think it was realistic, that this was all your fault?”
“No, but I can’t help the way I felt. All though he was my little brother and he was a pain in the butt at times, I still loved him. When he got hurt I felt that I let him down.”
“How do you feel about all the changes that have been made?” Valerie asked.
“At first it made me feel even worse although I tried not to show it. It seemed like he had a little reluctance to the changes at first. It showed in the little things he did. He tried to act strong but I could tell he was in upset over the changes. It hurt me that he was being forced to do something he dreaded.”
“It wasn’t to long though I think he started to accept those changes and I felt better. I did everything I could to make him feel accepted by me and my friends. I even twisted some arms of people who he wanted to see but were a little afraid too.”
“When he started on female hormones I tried to teach him all sort of girl things. He soaked it up like a sponge and I could almost swear he liked it. It was at this time I really started treating her as my kid sister instead of my brother. I can’t believe how close we have grown and how much she has matured since then. I love Danni so much and I am glad she is my sister.”
“Thank you Debbie. Now I want to hear from Michelle since she has also been seeing me about this. Then I will let Dr. Thompson work with Barbra for a while. Now Michelle, tell us what you know?” Valerie asked.
“Well I guess it was about a week after it all happened, before Barbra called me. I wanted to drop everything to come up there to be with her but she talked me out of it. I feel I should have anyway. She went over what happened to Danni and how she felt. I just let her cry to me over the phone. It was so hard to be so far away when I realized how my sister was hurting. We talked almost daily after that for the next month or so. You should have seen my phone bill. I at least made her call me collect or I called her most of the time. I think our chats made her feel better. I guess it was the middle of May when I called her and she told me that Danni was going to transition.”
“I knew the implications of a boy becoming a girl in the community he grew up in. I started planning for Danni to come here and to start school here the next fall. She didn’t say it out loud but I think that was on Barbra’s mind too. She was just afraid to ask it. We both wanted to protect Danni as much as was possible.”
“I finally broached the subject with Barbra. She admitted that she wanted that to happen she just didn’t know how to ask it of me. I love both of her kids and would do anything for them. They usually come here once a summer for a vacation lasting two or three weeks. I talked her into sending them here at the beginning of the summer. It would give Danni the greatest chance of making friends with the kids she would be going to school with. I had two bedrooms cleaned and painted in girl’s fashion and had furniture that was appropriate for girls their ages. I had everything ready for them when they got here.”
“I was excited when I saw the kids. It was easy to see that they were both scared and hurt when they arrived but they were also happy to be here. Poor Danni he really was like a boy in a skirt when he first got here. He tried hard though and as the meds did their work on his head. With your help and a whole lot of love Danni began to blossom. I talked with Barbra almost daily although she only talked to the kids every few days or so. She wanted to know everything the kids were doing. She was so excited when I told her about what happened at the ball field and about all the friends that Danni had made that day.”
“It was after that that we made plans firm plans for Danni to go to school here. Barbra thought though that it wouldn’t be fair to Debbie to make her change schools in her senior year. I had to agree with her. It would also make Danni have to stand on her own two feet for Debbie to go back to Texas while she went to school here. I think that is right also.”
“I will do whatever it takes to help Danni, Debbie and my sister Barbra.”
“Ok Dr. Thompson, your turn.”
“Ok Barbra, we have heard from your children and your sister. I know this is hard on you. It was harder on you than the others know, but we need to hear from you.”
“I will remember that day for the rest of my life. I had had a hard day at work and I was relaxing at home when Debbie called. She was awfully confusing at first. I had a hard time understanding her, she was shouting in the phone. What I did understand was Daniel was hurt, there was a rape and he was being cuffed. I finally got Debbie to tell me where she was and I went and picked her up and drove to the hospital. There were several in the area and it was only luck that I drove to the one where Daniel was. I came close to tearing that nurse a new… Well I won’t say the word I was going to say but to say the least I was very upset the nurse wouldn’t tell me where my son was and let me see him. When I got a chance to see him my heart almost stopped. They had him on an exam table and his feet were in stirrups. The doctors were feverishly trying to stop his bleeding. It was then that I realized how close Danni came to dying.”
“I remember getting on Terri Anderson’s case when she came up to me. It was her daughter Gina who had hurt my Danni. My claws came out if you know what I mean. I was mad at the world. I could have killed the boys who raped Gina. It was their fault all this had happened. It was good I didn’t see Gina until I had a chance to cool down. It was like my whole world was ending for a while.”
“Doctors talked to me about things but I was in a daze too much to intelligently speak about what they said. I just know that I had to make decisions that affected my children’s lives and none of us were really equipped to make those decisions at the time.”
“Everything seemed to be going in a direction I had no control over. I was just an observer not a participant. I had failed as a parent to protect my children. I wasn’t worthy of the responsibility of my own children. I wanted to die for a while.”
“I grew old in a hurry but I also grew stronger. I realized both of my kids would need me to be there for them. My boss was great. He gave me as much time as I needed before I came back to work and he still paid me. Since their father had died two years ago I have been very protective of my kids and I realized that they needed me more now than ever. That is what kept me alive. I couldn’t die and not be there to help my kids.”
“Since they have been here in Florida it has been very hard on me I still needed to work. Work was good for me. It got my problems off my mind for long periods of time. I was overjoyed to hear from Michelle. She was my life line; she gave me strength to go on.”
“I know now we are going to make it. Debbie is going to go home with me and Danni is going to go to school here. Next summer I am going to sell the home in Texas and move here. Hopefully Debbie will come here to go to college. Michelle and I are working out the details right now. Michelle has been so good to me.”
They all continued talking. They went on for about four hours. When Stephanie and Valerie finally called an end to it, the four girls had a big group hug and cried on each others shoulders. It had been a good session and both doctors were pleased with the way things went.
Stephanie and Valerie went out and had a drink so they could decompress and share notes. Most people don’t realize how draining a session like that is to their psychiatrists. Many of them see other psychiatrists to share their loads within the limits of their professional restraints. They were good together and for each other.
It was late when Stephanie got back to Michelle’s home. Danni was there to let her in even before she could knock. Danni just hugged her and said thanks as they walked hand in hand towards Stephanie’s room. Danni kissed her cheek before she left her at her room.
The next day everybody made plans to go back to Texas. Michelle refused to stay in Florida while the others returned and she made everyone’s travel plans. What good is money if you can’t spend it to help your family?
Michelle thought it best if everyone stayed in a hotel for Dr. Thompson’s next plans. Stephanie had to agree with that idea. They didn’t really want to alert the whole town that Danni was back. It was agreed that the kids’ closest friends could be notified and invited over after they had had their session with Gina and Terri. Michelle planned for her and Danni to spend three days there to get what they wanted to bring back and say their goodbyes, before they returned to Florida.
Finally, they were all packed up and a limousine came to pick them up. They headed to the airport and caught their flight back to Texas.
Stephanie had to leave them at the airport in Houston. Her Jag just couldn’t accommodate them all. Michelle rented a Lincoln Towncar and drove them to their hotel. They shared two rooms. Michelle and Danni were in one room and Barbra and Debbie in the other. Tomorrow morning they would meet Terri and Gina at Stephanie’s office. They were all exhausted, so they went to bed early.
The next morning Danni got up early and started working on her appearance. She didn’t usually dress frilly, she liked a conservative look but today she wanted to look as feminine as possible. She was excited and scared about what was going to happen today. She fixed her hair with tons of curls and fullness. Then she got herself into her green satin corset, nude color stockings and a matching panty. Then she dressed in a Kelly green chiffon dress with ankle strap pumps with a three inch heel that matched the dress. It was not really appropriate for wear this early in the day but she looked really great in it. Her makeup was impeccable, she had used every trick she had picked from all the girls who had helped her to look great. She added accessories as she deemed appropriate, a heart shape locket that had a picture of her Mom and one of her aunt, her sister and herself in it, a misty green translucent scarf, a few gold bangles, heart shaped drop earrings, and a couple of rings.
She woke her Aunt with a kiss to her cheek and a soft hug.
Michelle woke and rubbed the sleep from her eyes before she looked closely at Danni. She had a big smile on her face as she focused in on her. “Oh my, Danni you look gorgeous dear, you have really set the bar high for the rest of us girls,” Michelle said, “Thank you for that sweet wake up.”
“Your welcome, Auntie. I liked doing it.”
The hotel rooms the four shared were adjoining rooms and had a door connecting them. Danni then went into her Mom’s and Debbie’s room and gently woke them with a hug and a kiss.
Everyone got up and started getting ready for the day. Michelle asked Danni to call room service and order breakfast for everyone. She found the hotel menu and made selections for everyone. She had learned well since becoming a girl what everyone’s favorite breakfast was. Before the changes she'd never really paid that any attention, but now it seemed important to her. She had learned to pay attention to details like never before.
Their food arrived to Michelle’s room as the rest of the family was finishing getting ready. They praised Danni on her thoughtfulness as they sat to eat. They took their time eating; Danni had to eat slowly because of the corset. That was one benefit to wearing it, other than the nice figure it gave her, her posture and the enhancement to her bust. She really cared how she looked now, and finally understood what her Mom and sister went through to look nice.
Her good looks seemed to bring cheer to the rest of her family, too. They understood that she accepted that this was a part of her and that she was happy like this.
They finished eating, fixed their faces, and checked their appearances before heading out. It was Danni’s first time out in her home town dressed as such. She knew she would be running into people that had known her as Daniel, but she didn’t let that bother her. She was as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs, but she went out proudly and held her head up high. The four of them grabbed lots of attention. Barbra and Debbie even got calls of recognition from the people they passed. They would stop and be pleasant, Barbra would introduce her sister and niece to them and then they would move on. Nobody saw a boy pretending to be a girl.
They made it to Stephanie’s office; her receptionist led the foursome right in to see her. Stephanie was too stunned to speak at first. She had wanted Danni to look nice, but she was beyond description.
“Danni you look great. I never expected you to look this good.”
“Thank you Ma’am, but everyone here looks good too, even yourself.”
“Thank you Danni. I want ya’ll to move into the other office and wait there. Gina and Terri will be here shortly. I want to talk to them for a few minutes and then I will bring Danni in and then the rest of you. Ok?”
They all followed Dr. Stephanie into another room. It was comfortable but a little plain compared to her office. They sat patiently and waited for the call. Danni picked up a copy of Today’s Girl and started thumbing through it. She wasn’t really reading it but she used it to keep her mind occupied.
After about twenty minutes the tension in the room was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. They were about to despair that they would be in there forever when the door opened and Dr. Stephanie entered. She spoke briefly to them, telling them that it was time. Danni and Stephanie entered her office. Terri and Gina sat in front of the desk.
“Gina I told you I had someone I wanted you to meet. I will let her introduce herself.”
Gina had a strange frightened look on her face, not one of recognition. Terri just looked confused.
“Hello Gina, I know you might not believe it but we do know each other. I don’t know how to say it any other way than except to say that I am Danni.”
Terri realized first who it was that stood before them. She gasped before her breath caught in her throat. Gina looked more confused for several seconds.
“Yes Gina, I am Danni Grant. I use to be Daniel.”
“Is this some kinda sick joke Dr. Thompson,” Gina shouted.
Gina’s face was filled with rage and anger. Everyone included Terri was shocked at her outburst except for Danni.
“No Gina, it is not a sick joke,” Danni said, “This is what I have become and I am happy with who I am now. My injuries were so severe I had little choice but to become as I am. I hold no ill will to anyone over it; not even against you Gina. I wanted you to see that I am well and that I am ok with what I have become. I wanted you to know that you can become whole too, to go on with no regrets in life.”
Gina sat and looked at Danni quietly for several minutes. Danni just smiled at the girl before her. The silence was deafening as seconds went by like hours. Finally Gina broke into tears and jumped up and flung herself into Danni’s arms. She cried on Danni’s shoulders for several minutes in a hug that made the corset seem too loose. Danni just let her cry. She could feel her let go of her hate, fear and anger.
Terri was amazed; her daughter was more animated than she had been since before her attack. Gina had seemingly crawled into a hole and pulled the hole in behind her. Now Gina seemed to be emerging from that hole. This remarkable person, Danni, it seemed had saved her daughter again. Stephanie moved the two girls over to her couch and had them sit down. Gina still clung to Danni.
Dr. Stephanie brought in the rest of the family. Terri and Barbra hugged and looked upon their daughters. After what seemed like an hour but was really only about fifteen minutes, the two girls started talking. At first their conversations seemed a little stilted, but as time went on they became more comfortable talking together. They talked like no one else was in the room. They began to sound like teenage girls talking.
Soon the others started talking. Danni had to relate to everyone what she had gone through and how she felt. Then Gina started telling everyone what she had gone through. It was like a veil that had lifted from Gina. She still needed more work, but at least she was now headed in the right direction. They parted with a promise from Terri and Gina not to reveal what Danni had shared till she was ready to come out to everyone.
Stephanie let them get themselves together and compose themselves before it was time for them to leave.
It was early in the afternoon when they finally hit the streets again. The four of them got in Michelle’s Lincoln and drove to a nice restaurant. That interview session left them all famished.
“Eat light girls,” Michelle told them, “After something as emotionally draining as that was we need some chocolate therapy.”
“Chocolate therapy?” Danni asked with a little incredulity in her voice.
Michelle leaned close to Danni’s ear and whispered, “It is a girl’s most secret thing to do when emotionally stressed.” She said that as if she was letting Danni in on something that was ultra top secret.
“Yeah Danni, girls get a lot of emotional support from anything chocolate,” Debbie added.
The restaurant was very nice, Mom had never taken the kids to this place before and after looking at menu’s Danni understood why. It wasn’t exactly the most expensive food Danni had ever seen, but it was close to it.
They all looked the place over, Debbie and Barbra even saw some people they knew here. It seemed though that everyone was caught up in their own groups.
Everything at the restaurant went smoothly till it came time to leave. Then Debbie and Danni had gone to the ladies room afterwards to take care of business and fix their faces before leaving. It was there while Danni was still in a stall that she heard.
“Hi Debbie. Are you and your Mom back in town now?”
“Oh hi Christy. Yes we just got in last night. We are staying at the Broderick.”
“That is great. How are ya’ll and how is Danny?”
“We are all doing great. Uh… Danny is doing good, he is still with relatives, and he is still recovering, but my Aunt Michelle Webster and my cousin Marie Webster came back with us for a few days.” Debbie said.
Danni realized that Debbie had used her new middle and last names. She finished getting herself together and exited the stall. As she washed her hands and started to fix her face Debbie exclaimed.
“Oh Marie, you have got to meet one of my friends from high school.”
Danni already knew Christy, she had always been a little aloof from Danny when they were at school but she seemed genuinely interested in meeting Marie. “Hello, you’re Christy right?”
“Yes Christy Allan, Debbie, Danny and I went to school together. We were all so shocked when he got hurt and we couldn’t understand why he had to leave to recover. I have to say I really miss him.”
This was news to Danni she didn’t think anyone would really miss Danny.
“My Marie, but you are hot girl. I love the way you look.”
“Why thank you Christy, I just love that dress on you. You look beautiful in it. Where did you get it?” Danni asked. Christy really did look good in that dress.
“I got it at Nieman Marcus; Mom got it for my birthday. As a matter of fact that is why we are here today.”
“Oh I didn’t know it was your birthday Christy.” Debbie said.
“It is not really, my birthday is this Saturday, but Dad is going out of town for business, so we are celebrating today.”
“Well happy birthday, Christy,” Danni said, “We are in a little of a hurry, but it has been really nice meeting you.”
The girls all hugged and air kissed, before parting.
“You handled yourself well Danni, I think she genuinely likes you,” Debbie said.
“You did ok too, Cousin Debbie.”
“Well it was our cover story for while we are here.”
“She said, she really missed me. She was always so aloof when I was around.”
“Silly that is the way some girls are around someone they like.”
“It is news to me Debbie.”
Barbra and Michelle were waiting patiently for them when they finally showed up. As the four of them were leaving they had to say hello a few times to people they knew and make introductions. Danni passed beautifully with these people. Nobody suspected that she had been a boy.
On the way home they stopped at an ice cream. It was a really retro turn of the century appearing shop. The ice cream was really good there and the waiters and waitresses really hammed it up. They had lots of chocolate. It was good that Danni had the corset on or she would have really had to work off all the weight off. Danni had gained more weight since becoming a girl than she had in the previous year, a product of the hormone therapy.
After ice cream they caught a movie at the local theater. Danni use to like action flicks but now her tastes had changed to more chick flick type films. This left Danni a little confused. She had not really thought about her sexuality yet and she still liked girls. She just didn’t know if it was in the same way she used to feel about them. She also realized that she was starting to notice guys too. It was all so confusing to her; she made a mental note to talk to Valerie about this. Valerie and Stephanie hadn’t brought this up with her yet, Danni guessed that they were waiting for her to broach the subject.
They went to sleep early that night. It had been an emotionally draining day. Tomorrow would not be much better. Several of Debbie’s and Danny’s friends that they agreed to be open with, would be going to spend the day at Six Flags Astro World. Barbra had already talked to the families and informed them how things stood and they had all agreed to keep the secret. There would be Shelley, Paul, Brenda and Arlene. They were mostly Debbie’s friends except for Paul. He had been on the baseball team and was Danni’s closest friend. Danni had also liked Shelley; he had liked her a lot, but had never told her so.
The next day they all dressed comfortably for a long day at the park. Even then Danni looked good. The families all came very early that morning to their hotel rooms for a meeting, a sort of ice breaking session. Danni had been fearful of how they would respond, but they had chosen which friends to tell, a few had actually figured things out themselves.
After the initial introductions had been made and such the kids and olds separated. The kids totally accepted Danni, the parents for the most part did too, but a couple of them were obviously not as comfortable about it as the rest of them. At least they understood the why and they truly seemed like they would do Danni no harm.
Shelley and Paul both seemed to latch on to Danni. She felt very comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time with their attention.
Everyone left for Houston at about nine. They all met up outside the main gates before entering. After receiving money and instructions from their parents the kids went one direction and the olds another.
Danni couldn’t remember having so much fun with these kids before. She was passed among them and had to ride some ride with each of them several times. Paul at times seemed very affectionate, but at least he had made no overt passes nor did he make any inadvertent intimate contact with Danni’s person. They just seemed to fit in well together.
Paul was actually in hog heaven. Here he was with “five world class babes” (his words). He had readily accepted Danni as a girl. That statement brought giggles from the rest.
The kids and the parents met at one of the restaurants in the park for a late lunch before separating for some more fun. Then after dinner there too and everyone thoroughly exhausted, they all called it a day.
The next day Michelle and Danni took Barbra and Debbie home. Danni picked up some things she wanted to take back with them. After a long tearful goodbye, Danni left her old life behind and prepared to begin her new life.
(to be continued)