Author’s Note: This is another of my Jane Thompson ‘what if’ stories that’s been hounding me night and day, demanding it be written. The issues within this story are much darker than in any of my previous stories, told by a seventeen-year-old boy who witnessed the horrible treatment of the children by two families, if said children made it known they would not participate in any forced marriage. Reader beware: While what takes place is not told in great detail, it nevertheless can be disturbing. Also, there are flashbacks throughout the story, which may seem a bit confusing at times. ~ Jamie Lee ~
The Webster and Dorman families were first brought together when the oldest son of the Dorman family rescued the oldest daughter of the Webster family. Then two years later, the then oldest son of the Webster family rescued the then oldest daughter of the Dorman family. Love developed between each couple in the ensuing months, which led to marriages when they each turned eighteen. Because the families were brought together by the first two marriages, more love interests developed between the children of the two families, which led to more marriages between the Webster and Dorman families when the children reached their eighteenth birthdays. But a little over one hundred and fifty years later, the then head of the Webster and Dorman families believed everything told of those first marriages to be lies. They were lies because no one married because of love, only opportunity and obligation. So those first two marriages had to have been forced. And it was at that point the love that had blossomed as a result of two rescues, that had brought two families together, was perverted, and a little over one hundred years of hell began for children of the two families. A hell that was Family Punishment for any Webster or Dorman child who failed to comply with The Family Obligation of marriage when they turned eighteen. And love be damned.
Seventeen-year-old Stephen William Webster and his nanny, Better Wilcox, finally blow the whistle after the murder of thirteen-year-old Rachael Dorman because she refused to be forced into a loveless marriage. Stephen and Betty must be hidden because people from the Webster and Dorman families are hunting him, thinking he is running away from a forced marriage. Betty makes contact with three of her former University sorority sisters, and together they formulate plans to hide Stephen at the one place unknown to either the Webster or Dorman families, the Winsome Girls’ School for Wayward Boys. Jane Thompson’s home.
It was a pleasantly warm morning, with the suggestion of a breeze, a clear blue sky, and the sun was between its rising and apex positions. Station workers were busy getting ladened carts into position so their contents could be quickly loaded onto the 10:50 when it arrived; they would then quickly unload everything from the 10:50 destined for the station.
The platform was awash with people, some waiting to board the 10:50 when it arrived, and some waiting for those arriving on the 10:50. Most were standing around by themselves or in small groups, or going in and out of the station. Some were even sitting on the benches placed up against the wall of the station. One man sat alone on one of these benches, his knapsack by his side. Nothing about him wouldn cause anyone to take a second look his way. He was polite when addressed, but otherwise, left alone. Everything about the man had been planned, even the name of Chester Thorton.
He was clean shaven, and his auburn hair and beard were neatly trimmed, both streaked with gray. This they decided would make people think he was in his mid to late 50s or early 60s. His skin was tanned and weathered, hopefully making others think he spent his time exclusively out-of-doors. It was clear his clothing was faded, but clean, so others might think his wardrobe was limited. Even the knapsack beside him showed years of use, with faded and dirt stained canvas and worn straps. His shoes also had the look of being worn for a long time. It had all been planned to make him seem invisible, to hide the seventeen-year-old boy actually under the facade, one Stephen William Webster, the oldest son of the Webster family. He and the oldest Dorman daughter would be forced to marry when both reached their eighteenth birthdays, a marriage, as all the marriages between the Websters and Dormans for a little over the past one hundred years, of The Family Obligation. And love be damned. But running away from a forced marriage wasn’t why he was hiding behind Chester Thorton, his reason was much more serious. His reason was to save his life.
As he sat patiently waiting for the 10:50 to arrive, he constantly scanned the crowd of people on the platform, hoping not to see any of those he knew who were hunting him in order to take him back for Family Punishment, and his death. He and his nanny, Betty Wilcox, were being hunted because the families believed they’d left so Stephen wouldn’t be forced to marry the oldest Dorman daughter when she reached her eighteenth birthday. The families didn’t know the truth, thankfully, that Betty and Stephen had left because Betty had turned over fourteen years worth of videos, on thumb drives, to the one person she trusted in law enforcement, Judge Ruth. They had taken Family business to Outsiders and had broken a family law of never revealing Family business to Outsiders.
A muted air horn, caused by distance, sounded, bringing Chester back to the present. Chester looked at his watch, it was 10:45, same as the clock on the station wall; the 10:50 would be on time. Upon hearing the muted air horn the crowd on the platform started to separate into two groups, those waiting to board the 10:50 and those waiting for those arriving on the 10:50. Even though it would be five minutes until the train arrived, it was enough time for Chester to think back to the day Chester Thorton came into existence, and the look on Betty’s face when she realized who was really sitting and casually talking to Venessa Lancaster, a world renowned makeup artist. The thought made him chuckle to himself.
After Stephen and Betty had witnessed a recent brutal Family Punishment, they started talking when they returned to Stephen’s education room and decided it was time to get the authorities involved, knowing they were breaking the Family Law of no Outsiders being involved in Family Business. During their talk they also realized once their videos had been handed over to a trusted law enforcement person, they could not return to the Webster home or their lives would become extremely short lived. After suffering through Family Punishment.
Stephen watched as Betty took out her cell phone and made a call, all the while wondering who she was talking to and if it was safe talking to that person. To Stephen it all sounded like jibber jabber, but afterwards Betty explained it was a code her Sorority had devised when someone was in trouble and needed help--it kept the University Administration, and others, ignorant of the help that was on its way. Because the Webster and Dorman children were homeschooled, no one thought it strange when Betty made it known she was taking Stephen to the public library so he could do some research on a paper he was writing. And because Betty was now a trusted employee, and had been for over twenty years, no one followed her or tracked her car; Betty had been followed for a short time after she was first hired but that ended after about a month into her employment. She also found tracking devices attached to her car during that period.
After they left the Webster home, carrying the appropriate supplies, Stephen never questioned Betty when she drove right past the public library and to a part of town that housed many of the warehouses in the City. He didn’t question her when she pulled into the parking lot of one warehouse with a sign on the front that read, Vennessa Lancaster. Neither did he question her after they walked inside and the smell of paint, acetone, oldness, and coffee assaulted his nose. He did pay attention when they walked to the back of the warehouse and met a very beautiful woman about Betty’s age.
“Okay, brain dead, what’s with all the cloak and dagger stuff? We haven’t done that since University,” Vennessa Lancaster teasingly asked Betty.
“Brain dead? Who’re you calling brain dead? Who pulled your chestnuts out of the fire for the chem test you didn’t study for? Who pulled that dick off you before he could do any damage--I hurt my hand doing it. Did I get any thanks for that one? Hell no, just your vomit on my brand new shoes. Brain dead, humph!”
Stephen was shocked at the venom in both women’s voices, until he saw the big grins imerge and they locked the other in a huge hug. He knew they were okay when he heard them both say, “Gawd, it’s good to see you again.” Betty introduced Stephen and then the three sat down while Betty filled Venessa in on why she needed her help, without revealing a lot of detail. The less Venessa knew, the less she could tell.
“My gawd, Betty, what the hell kind of family have you gotten involved with, they’re all crazy.”
“Yeah, they are, Venessa, but beggars couldn’t be choosers at the time. Plus, the money was so damn good at the time. And once I got in, I wondered about getting out after many of the things I’d seen. Look, I’m not worried about myself, you and I know we’ve enough Sorority sisters who would pull their eye teeth to help hide me. But it’s Stephen I’m worried about. He can’t go to any other family members because they’d just bring him back. I have an idea where he could go, but right now he needs to be hidden in plain sight. He needs something so if his family is standing right next to him, they won’t recognize him.”
Betty never told Stephen that Venessa was a world renowned makeup artist, a person who’d won numerous awards for her work, and was constantly sought after by the big movie producers.
“Hmm...what did you have in mind, Betty?” Venessa got up and walked over to Stephen, having him stand in front of her. She ran her hands over his face, turned his head this way and that, before saying, “He’d make a very beautiful girl.”
The shocked look on Stephen’s face caused both women to burst out laughing, until Stephen said, in an old man’s voice, “Darling, that ain’t somethin’ you’ll get away with on this ol’ sod.”
After Stephen said that, Venessa looked at Betty and told her, “You know, he does a very good imitation of an older man. Does he do any other voices?”
“Venessa, please, don’t get him started. He once imitated one of the City officials, and got a pothole patched after we hit it in my car, causing him to hit the roof inside when his side of the car dropped into that pothole.”
Venessa laughed before telling Betty, “Well, why don’t you leave Stephen with me, let the two of us talk, and you go do what you need to do. Come back in, say, three hours to pick him up. Sound good?”
“Yeah, sounds real good. That will give me enough time to do what needs doing, and set things up so Stephen can stay safe. So, see you two in three hours.”
Stephen watched as Betty finger waved, turned, and walked out of the warehouse. “Now Stephen, let’s you and me talk,” Venessa told him as she fetched a coffee for herself and water for Stephen.
Three hours later, give or take a few minutes, the front door to Venessa’s warehouse studio opened and in walked Betty. As she walked back to the actual studio, she heard voices, Venessa’s and a man’s voice. An older man’s voice, judging by his intonations and gravelly sound. When she reached the studio she saw Venessa sitting in one chair and the man sitting in another chair of the several nearby.
“Oh, hey, Venessa, I’m sorry to intrude, I didn’t know you had company. But...WHERE IS STEPHEN?”
The conversation between Venessa and the older man stopped when Betty walked into the studio, with Venessa looking like a deer caught in headlights when Betty shouted her question. “Oh my gawd...Stephen...I forgot about him,” Venessa replied in a somewhat panicked voice, drawing Betty’s attention to her so she wouldn’t see the older man trying not to laugh. “Oh my gawd...where’d he go, I got lost in conversation with Mr. Thornton, there, and forgot about him.” Playing her part well, Venessa jumped out of her chair and started racing around first the studio, opening and closing every door there, all the while yelling, “OHMYGAWDOHMYGAWD.” She then ran out of the studio proper and could be heard opening and closing every door outside of the studio. When she came back she sounded very contrite, saying she couldn’t find him anywhere.
Betty’s back was to Mr. Thorton when she heard in a child’s voice, “That is a verwy pwetty dwagon, isn’t it?” Venessa immediately covered her mouth with both hands to stifle the laugh that was trying to escape. As Stephen and Venessa watched, Betty did a slow turn until she was facing Mr. Thorton, and asked in a voice that could cut steel , “What did you just say?” Venessa let out a snicker, despite her hands over her mouth, and Stephen repeated in the child’s voice, “That is a verwy pwetty dwagon, isn’t it?”
By now Venessa could no longer hold back the laughter, and it erupted from her. Seeing the expression on Betty’s face, Stephen joined in, giving a, “Hi Betty,” at one point when he had to take a breath. Both saw the stunned expression on Betty’s face, and watched as her legs started to give way, causing her to start falling backwards. Venessa quickly grabbed a nearby chair and shoved it into the back of Betty’s knees, causing Betty to sit down hard in the chair instead of falling onto the floor on her butt. By now both Stephen and Venessa were laughing with abandonment, both needing to wipe tears off their cheeks several times.
When the laughter died down, Betty, still looking at Chester Thorton, asked, “Stephen, is that really you? This isn’t some con to make me think you’re my Stephen, because Stephen has been caught?” Tears started rolling down Betty’s cheeks, thinking what would happen to Stephen if he’d been taken back to the Webster home. Stephen understood Betty’s reaction and quickly got up out of his chair, and going over to Betty, kneeled before her, took both of her hands in his and told her, “Yes, my sweet Betty, it’s me, Stephen. No one has found me or will find me now.” He held Betty as she cried, her thinking about the horrible things they’d do to Stephen if he was ever caught. Venessa walked over to the pair, and it became a group hug to comfort Betty. Betty was extremely worried about Stephen being kept safe.
A louder blast of an air horn brought Chester out of his rumination, making him see the 10:50 had arrived and was slowly pulling into the station. Those waiting for arrivals backed up toward the station, giving those about to board the train room to get near the edge of the platform. Chester stayed seated and watched, watched those as they got off the train. Hoping none would be any of those hunting him. As the last of those arriving left the train, conductors started checking and punching tickets and allowed people to board.
Chester had chosen a bench that would put him near the door between the fifth and sixth passenger cars when the train arrived. He reasoned that his pursuers might think because he traveled so far, he’d sit close to the dining car, not wanting to walk the distance from the back of the train. But Chester didn’t need the dining car, he never had, as he carried something to eat with him and only had an hour and a half to his final destination. He waited until the line for his chosen door was down to three people before standing, picking up his knapsack, and opening a side pocket to take out his ticket. When it was his turn to show his ticket, he exchanged pleasantries with the conductor, before the conductor checked his ticket, punched it and bid Mr. Thorton a pleasant journey.
The platform was level with the bottom step of the passenger car, so Chester walked onto the train car before actually stepping up into it. Turning right after the second step, he stepped into the fifth passenger car and started looking at the eight seats he had decided to choose. He looked at the far end of the car and saw the first four seats were already taken. He then looked to his immediate right and saw the first two seats also taken. But he was in luck when he looked to his immediate left, and saw both of the first seats empty. Stepping into that row, he opened his knapsack and took out a book, before closing it, placing it in the overhead rack, and sitting down in the window seat. As he looked out of the window, his mind again started drifting back to the events which put everything in motion; though they actually started the day Stephen William Webster was born.
Stephen and Betty’s decision to go to the authorities occurred just after the murder of Rachael Dorman, the thirteen-year-old daughter of the Dormans. Her crime? Making it known she had no intention of going through with t
The Family Obligation of marriage to someone she didn’t love. Tony and Charlotte, her birth parents, tried the usual punishments, groundings, spankings, withholding privileges, to make Rachael change her mind, but none of that worked. She wasn’t going to change her mind. No way in hell was she going to comply. Tony and Charlotte then knew there was only one way to force Rachael to comply, so they notified the Webster family and called both families together.
After the families were called together they met in the basement of the Dorman home, the place in both houses where Family Punishment was conducted. After everyone was assembled, Rachel was dragged down the basement stairs by three young men, almost carried because she had been a witness to Family Punishments and knew what she faced, so was fighting the three young men. While forcefully held by the three young men, her birth father asked her again, “Will you comply with The Family Obligation of marriage when you reach your eighteenth birthday?” Rachael, never the one to mince words, told her ‘father’, “GO TO HELL!”
Rachael’s ‘father’ nodded to the three young men and while one firmly held her, the other two stripped her completely naked; she resisted so fiercely they had to cut her clothes off her. They then dragged her to the apparatus used for Family Punishment and secured her arms and legs to the arms and legs of the apparatus. The apparatus was an articulating device that resembled a giant ‘X’, which articulated through 360 degrees both vertically and horizontally. It was suspended from the ceiling with thick chains that could be moved by ways of tracks in the ceiling. The thick chains holding the bottom also went into tracks that allowed the bottom portion to be positioned as needed.
“Alllll aboard,” broke through Chester’s rumination, as he realized the train was about to leave the station. He felt a slight jar as slack in the couplers was removed by the engines and the train started to move slowly out of the station. He looked out of the window at the ground next to the tracks, and watched as it passed by slowly at first, then became a blur as the train picked up speed. Chester reached up and wiped a tear off his cheeks, as his mind went back to Rachael’s punishment.
After Rachel had been strapped to the apparatus by her wrists and ankles, one of the young men went and stood by the apparatus control panel, his hand resting on the main power switch. As everyone watched the naked girl writh to break free of the bonds, her birth ‘father’ stood before her and asked again, “Rachael, will you now comply with the Family Obligation?” The hatred in Rachael eyes could have cut through solid concrete with ease, but she only shouted in a venomous voice, “YOU GO TO FUCKING HELL!!” The man before her turned and nodded to the young man at the control panel. As everyone watched, he pressed the power button, then moved a lever until the apparatus was two feet off the floor. Operating two more levers, the arms of the apparatus were moved until they pulled Rachael’s arms as far to the left and right as they could without pulling her arms out of their sockets. Rachaels’s screams reverberated around the basement. They intensified as the legs of the apparatus did the same with her legs. No one showed any emotions, as everyone calmly walked back up the basement steps, leaving Rachael to her screams and torment. It was time for their dinner.
Even when the basement door was closed, muffled screams could be heard from Rachael. About an hour into their meal the screams stopped, though muffled moans could be heard. All through the two hour meal, no one ever mentioned Rachael, they acted like it was just another family gathering they were enjoying. There was laughter, jokes, and conversations about this or that investment and what gains were made from them. Not one word about Rachael was spoken until the two hours was up, and then all Tony said was, “It’s time.”
Once everyone was again assembled in the basement, one man stepped out of the crowd and stood before the apparatus control panel. A door opened and the initial three young men came out wearing white robes, taking up positions in front of and behind the apparatus. Tony nodded his head to the man at the controls and the man pressed the power button to reactivate the apparatus. When all was ready, he operated levers which moved the top of the apparatus forward and the bottom backwards. He then operated two more levers which lowered the top portion and raised the lower portion until the entire apparatus, along with Rachael, were a little lower than waist high; Rachael was now positioned face down. Operating one more lever and the lower portion of the apparatus rotated until it was at a ninety degree position, causing Rachael to let out a loud groan. As the group watched, Tony nodded his head and the three young men took up their positions, one in front of Rachael’s legs, one behind them, and the third young man standing in front of Rachael. When Tony nodded again, all three young men dropped their robes, showing they were completely naked and quite aroused. Tony looked at the assembled group before nodding his head again and the three young men started in on assaulting Rachael. And they showed her no mercy.
Anyone watching the video of Rachael’s punishment could see the three young men attacked Rachael for an hour before all three came. Each pulled out of her, picked up their robes and calmly walked backed to the room they initially came from. Those assembled watched as Rachael gagged, vomited, spit, and tried to catch her breath, before the apparatus was maneuvered until it was once again vertical. Tony waited a bit longer, standing off to the side, as Rachael gagged and vomited again before standing before her. Much of what Rachael had expectorated ran down her chest, along with what had been left in her mouth. There also was blood running down both of her legs. Tony stood before his daughter and asked her, “Will you now comply with the Family Obligation?”
The once loving girl no longer had the pretty blue eyes of a happy teen. What replaced them at that very moment was so filled with hate, that if they’d been lasers Tony would have been reduced to tiny fragments. Rachael swallowed several times, trying to get moisture to her throat before she said, “Old man, you better find some other fucking place to sleep. Because when I get out of here I’m going to slit your throat from ear to ear, then cut off your dick and balls and shove them down your throat.”
By this time the three young men had rejoined the group, Rachael’s next words were directed at them. She looked directly at them and said, “And then I’m coming after you three. And when I’m done with you three, none of you will ever shit or fuck again.” She then looked at the rest of the group and told them, “And then I’m coming after everyone of you fuckers. Fucking puppets who blindly follow this fucking pig standing before me. All of you will get yours.”
In both families, eighteen was considered to be an adult. Tony looked at the group, and those family members eighteen and older all nodded their heads. Seeing that, Tony calmly walked over to the control panel, opened a drawer beneath it, took out a revolver, walked back over to Rachael, and calmly shot her in the head. He just as calmly walked back over to the control panel, replaced the revolver in the drawer, closed it, and called the meeting over as he calmly walked back up the basement stairs. No one said a word, there were no tears, as everyone followed Tony back up those stairs.
A swish brought Chester back to the present, as he turned towards the sound. A door between cars had opened, and he saw two young children precede a woman as they came from the fourth passenger car. “William, see if you can find two seats together and one across from them, okay?” The woman told the boy in the lead. “Okay, mom,” he replied, before saying, “Here’s two seats together, mom, and one right here,” he told his mom as he pointed to the two seats and the one opposite them. “Great! You and Cathy take the two seats and I’ll sit in the one seat, okay?” As Chester watched, the two kids turned into the vacant row and sat down, neither arguing over which seat they wanted. Their mom sat down in the single seat opposite them and started introducing herself to the woman sitting in the window seat. Both women started a conversation about their children, as Cathy and William busied themselves getting comfortable in their seats. Chester saw the boy had taken something out of the small pack he carried, and heard him ask his mom, “Want some, mom?” Chester couldn’t see what the boy offered, but his mom took some, thanked him, and offered some to the woman she was sitting with. Chester had turned his gaze back to outside the train when he heard, “OH, WOW! William, look at this.” Chester turned back to watch what had caused Cathy’s excitement, and looking out the other windows, saw a herd of horses grazing in a pasture. Chester looked at both children and saw they were now sharing the window seat, neither making a fuss about being crowded or not being able to see. Had those two been any of the Webster or Dorman children, they would have raised hell about both of those things.
Chester must have felt secure now that he was on the last leg of his journey, because the next thing he heard was, “Ladies and gentlemen, our next stop is Kingston, Road Island. If you’re leaving us there, we hope you’ve had a pleasant trip and hope to see you again. If you’re continuing with us, we will be in station for fifteen minutes. If you leave the train during that time, make sure to place the ‘seat occupied’ card in your seat and have your ticket with you. We hope everyone has a very pleasant day.”
Chester had fallen asleep for the hour and a half the last leg of his journey lasted, and it was a pleasant sleep for a change, not like some he’d had. He felt the train start to slow down and watched as plowed fields and pastures started turning into buildings and homes. As the train started slowly pulling into the Kingston station, Chester caught sight, out of the other windows, of a woman and young girl standing alone at the end of the platform. Once the train completely stopped, Chester stayed seated until he became the last to leave the train from the fifth passenger car. He stood, took his rucksack off the overhead rack, opened it and put his book inside, before stepping into the aisle and following those going out the door he’d entered through. He heard his name called as he stepped onto the platform, seeing it was the woman with the young girl who had called. He didn’t stride as he walked over to the woman with the young girl, but he did carry himself in a manner that fit the image of a man he appeared to be. He stopped a couple of feet in front of the woman and young girl, and said, “Hello, I’m Chester Thorton. You must be Ms. Thompson.”
“Hello, Mr. Thorton. Yes, I’m Ms. Jane Thompson.” Jane extended her hand and Chester did the same, giving Jane a firm handshake. “I was nice of you to come, Mr. Thorton, I’ve had the job open for some time and found it hard to fill. This young lady, by the way, is my ward, Jenny Stevens. Her Aunt and Uncle felt the need to have her taught the finer points of being a young lady. Do you have more luggage to acquire from the station, or have you everything?” Betty had told Stephen Jane knew why he was there, and they were to act like he was seeking employment with Jane. So their conversation had been loud enough for others on the platform to hear.
Chester looked at the pretty young girl before replying, “Hello, Miss Stevens, it’s a pleasure to meet you. And no, ma’am, I have no more luggage. I travel lite.”
When Betty left Stephen in Venessa’s capable hands, she’d arranged to meet Ruth Walinkiewicz at a place Ruth felt was secure enough that Betty could tell her why they were meeting after such a long time. Like Venessa, Ruth and Jane were old Sorority sisters of Betty’s, so Betty knew she could trust Ruth and Jane to not only do the right thing, but keep things to themselves.
Author’s Note: This is another of my Jane Thompson ‘what if’ stories that’s been hounding me night and day, demanding it be written. The issues within this story are much darker than in any of my previous stories, told by a seventeen-year-old boy who witnessed the horrible treatment of the children by two families, if said children made it known they would not participate in any forced marriage. Reader beware, while what takes place is not told in great detail, it nevertheless can be disturbing. Also, there are flashbacks throughout the story, which may seem a bit confusing at times. ~ Jamie Lee ~
The Webster and Dorman families were brought together by the rescues first by a Dorman young man of a Webster young girl, then two years later a Webster young man of a Dorman young girl, and ensuing love which led to marriage when they each turned eighteen. Because of the first two marriages, other marriages, because of love, occurred between the Webster and Dorman families. But a little over one hundred and fifty years later, the then head of the Webster and Dorman families believed everything told of those first marriages to be lies. They were lies because no one married because of love, only opportunity, so those first two marriages had to have been forced. And it was at that point the love that had blossomed as a result of two rescues, that had brought two families together, was perverted, and a little over one hundred years of hell began for the two families. A hell that was Family Punishment for any Webster or Dorman child who failed to comply with the Family Obligation of marriage when they turned eighteen. And love be damned.
Seventeen-year-old Stephen William Webster and his nanny, Better Wilcox, finally blow the whistle after the murder of thirteen-year-old Rachael Dorman because she refused to be forced into a loveless marriage. Stephen and Betty must be hidden because people from the Webster and Dorman families are hunting him, thinking he is running away from a forced marriage. Betty makes contact with three of her former University Sorority sisters, and together they formulate plans to hide Stephen at the one place unknown to either the Webster or Dorman families, the Winsome Girls’ School for Wayward Boys. Jane Thompson’s home.
It took Betty about an hour to reach the location Ruth gave her, and she found it without any trouble. She parked her car in a nearby parking lot, got out of her car and following Ruth’s instructions, walked a short distance down a path, spying Ruth sitting on a park bench watching the water in the river in front of her.
“Are you constipated or contemplating this time?” Betty called out to her Sorority sister, as she neared where Ruth sat. Of the Sorority sisters, Ruth had been the one to be caught contemplating more times than not, while sitting by herself. Betty’s greeting had been an old joke between the two, since it was Betty who usually knew where at school Ruth would be when she was by herself.
Ruth turned around to look at Betty, rolled her eyes and said, “After all this time I’d think you’d have some new material. But no, not you. You still think the old lines are as funny as the day you first asked them.” As the two did when Betty saw Venessa, the two Sorority sisters hugged for some minutes before Ruth saw the serious, and worried look, on Betty’s face.
Ruth tried to lighten the mood by asking, “Um...you didn’t flunk another test, did you? You and Venessa always did wait until the last minute to study.” Betty let go of Ruth and walked toward the river, stopping to pick up a rock and throw it into the water.
“In a way I did, Ruth, only it was a human test I failed,” Betty replied, as she bent to pick up another rock and throw it into the water. Ruth came over to Betty, saw the tears, and pulled Betty into a hug before guiding her to the bench Ruth had been sitting on. All Ruth told her was, “Take your time, and tell me everything.” And Betty did, from the day she was hired to the murder of thirteen-year-old Rachael Dorman. And how, now, Stephen William Webster could be next if he was caught. Ruth was always the level headed one of the four, and the rest of the house. So it was out of character for her when Betty heard her say, “Damn, what a fucked up mess. Where are the videos now?” Betty had explained how she knew none of the local law enforcement people could be trusted because most, if not all, were bought by both the Websters and Dormans. Betty reached into an inside pocket of her jacket and pulled out a packet of thumb drives and handed them to Ruth.
“Everything on these drives are from all the Family Punishments starting fourteen years ago. Some of them show the murder of several of the children from both families. Most are of torture and/or sexual abuse, all done to sway the child to follow the Family Obligation. DAMN THAT FUCKING THING ANYWAY!” Betty broke down hard this time and with Ruth holding her, it took several minutes for her to regain herself. “I just stood by and watched it all happen. I didn’t do anything to stop it,” Betty said to the air, before turning to look at Ruth. “I was scared, Ruth, afraid for my life if I did anything.” It took Ruth a few minutes to convince Betty that being afraid for her life was nothing to be ashamed of, that it was a common reaction for those who aren’t trained to put their lives on the line.
“So what changed?” Ruth finally asked, as she pulled her Sorority sister tightly into her. “And you’re doing something now, so stop kicking yourself.”
“The death of Rachael Dorman, and what they did to her before she was murdered,” Betty answered, with more venom in her voice than Ruth had ever heard.
Each of the four women had their own particulars when it came to individuality. Ruth had been the one who thought most often. Jane was the matron of the group. Venessa was the explorer, and Betty was so passionate that all three had, at times, to hold her back or cover her mouth to keep her in check. When Ruth heard the venom in Betty’s voice, she knew someone better find a very secure place to hide. Because Betty was going to peel their skin layer by layer until she reached the heart of their matter.
Ruth stood up, then pulled a still venomously angry Betty up, put her arm around Betty’s waist, and led her back to Ruth’s car. She put Betty in the passenger seat before getting into the driver’s seat. She reached behind her seat and pulled out a small screen, which she plugged into a panel below the main console. She put the key in the ignition, turned it to accessory, plugged in one of the thumb drives, one marked with the lowest year, and watched as what was on the thumb drive started playing. Betty covered her ears as Ruth watched the video, Ruth swearing now and then as the video played. Ruth let all the videos play on that drive before watching the next one; Betty kept her ears covered, her memories already knew the sounds from those times.
When the last thumb drive had played the last video, Ruth gently pulled Betty’s hands away from her ears and asked, “What kind of monsters are these people?” All Betty said was, “The worst kind.” Ruth turned off the accessories, disconnected the small screen, before pulling out her cell phone and making a call. When Betty asked who she was calling, all Ruth said was, “A couple of trusted friends. Don’t worry, Stephen will be kept safe. And so will you.”
Ruth’s first call was to Jane, and using the Sorority code, told Jane about the need to hide a ward of Betty’s. When the two had made plans, her next call was to her clerk, telling him what to do and where to meet her; she said nothing about Betty being with her. Her next call was to the State Attorney’s General office, in order to speak with her. Ruth knew she was above reproach because all Sorority sisters had to be. Again using the Sorority code, she explained the need to meet with her urgently. An agreed upon time was set for their meeting just as another car pulled into the parking lot; it was Ruth’s clerk.
Ruth’s clerk got out of his car, walked around to the driver’s side of Ruth’s car, and handed her an envelope before getting back into his car and driving off. He didn’t ask any questions or see anything, because he knew if the Judge was doing something like this, it was beyond very important. Ruth handed the envelope to Betty and started telling her the plans for her and Stephen. She watched as Betty took the contents out of the envelope, one train ticket, and instructions for Betty, before going on. She also told Betty not to worry, those sick bastards would get everything they had coming to them. And then some. The two hugged, kissed each other on the cheek, before Betty got out of Ruth’s car and into her own. Ruth watched as Betty drove off, wondering how Betty could have tolerated all she had seen for so long.
As Betty headed back to Venessa’s warehouse, she started mentally ticking off things she had to tell Stephen. She had to make sure Venessa didn’t hear any of it in case someone learned where she and Stephen had been. She still worried if Stephen would be okay, he was after all intents and purposes, her son. After arriving at Venessa’s, and the initial shock wore off, she pulled Stephen aside and explained the plan to him, explaining who he’d meet and that she’d be playing a part as a cover for anyone who might be listening. Venessa had outfitted Stephen for a trip she thought might occur soon, including an old knapsack she’d had for years. Betty then learned after Venessa had finished the Chester Thorton facade, she took Chester out to one of the malls, to ‘test drive’ Chester. Venessa had to hold up her hands to forestall Betty’s protests, explaining she had six trusted friends keeping an eye on Chester while he was in the mall. Trusted friends who had no problem helping someone disappear if necessary.
Stephen, um, Chester had sat back down as Venessa told Betty about the mall. His chuckle brought a very sour look from Betty, until he had her sit down and regaled her with how the ‘test’ went.
Chester walked into the mall as though he didn’t have a care in the world, stopping to window shop in front of the men’s stores until he walked into the bookstore. As he initially walked along, he spotted four people who belonged to the Webster and Dorman families, but they simply walked right by him, never giving him a second look. After buying a book he headed to the food court, passing four different family members this time. He purchased a cappuccino and sat down at one of the tables in the food court, putting on the fake reading glasses Venessa had given him, before taking the book he purchased out of the store bag, opening it and began reading. A short time later he spotted all eight family members, stopping to talk with each other before heading in different directions.
Two of the men went into the men’s restroom in the food court, and because of his first two encounters with the hunters, decided to have a bit of fun. He took off the fake reading glasses, put them into his shirt pocket, put his book into the sellers bag, finished his cappuccino, disposed of the cup, and calming walked into the men’s restroom. After walking into the restroom he saw both men looking into every stall, opened the two doors in that restroom, and approached him as he headed for a stall.
“Um...excuse me sir,” said the sandy-hair young man. “Have you seen this boy,” and held out a picture of Stephen for Chester to look at. Chester took the picture and held it at arm’s length, then brought it closer, before saying, “Blast these damn eyes. Just a second boys.” He then took the fake reading glasses out of his pocket, put them on and then looked at the picture again. “Ah, nooo...sorry boys. I haven’t seen him.” He handed the picture back to the young men before telling them, “If you’ll excuse me I have an urgent meeting to get too.” Saying that, Chester acted like it was urgent that he reach a toilet, as he quick-walked around the young men and stepped into a stall, securing the door with the bolt. As he undid his belt, pulled his pants and underwear down and sat down on the toilet, he heard, “Well, thank you anyway, sir.” Chester heard the door to the men’s restroom open then close, but he stayed put to make sure the two had gone.
Chester finished faking using the toilet, pulled everything back up, buckled his belt, flushed the toilet, before pulling back the bolt on the door and stepping out of the stall. He didn’t look around as he walked up to a sink and washed his hands, drying them with the hot air dryer. He left the men’s restroom and calmly walked out of the food court and calmly walked down the concourse. Chester was almost to the place where he came into the mall when he spotted the group of hunters talking quietly to his left. As he almost walked by them one young man, the one from the men’s restroom, called out, “Thank you again, sir.” Chester simply smiled, then waved before continuing out of the mall and to Venessa’s car. The ‘test’ was a success. Chester Thorton had no trouble hiding Stephen William Webster. And after getting back into Venessa’s car, when he could stop laughing so hard, he told Venessa the whole story. It took ten minutes before Venessa was in any condition to drive, she was laughing that hard.
Chester understood Jane was performing for those still on the platform, and wanted to make sure those who heard, knew the man before Jane was there for a job interview. “Yes, ma’am, sometime fillin’ a job can be a right task. But I’d sure like to hear what you have in mind, if I may.”
“Of course, Mr. Thorton. I’d be glad to show you around and explain my needs. If you will follow my ward and I to my car, we can reach my home in time for dinner.” As they walked to Jane’s car, she quietly told Jenny that what was taking place is a matter of life and death. And she is not to breathe a word of what she hears. Jenny understood all too well about life and death, it was one of the reasons she was with Jane.
Jeremy’s parents had been killed during a burglary of their home, and he was sent to live with his mom’s sister and her husband, both openly welcoming Jeremy. But despite the love both his Aunt and Uncle showed him, and the counseling he received, his parent’s deaths caused him to act out until he ended up standing before Judge Ruth.
Nothing of great importance was said during the drive from the station to Jane’s home, mainly, “How was your trip, Mr. Thorton,” Jane asked as she steered her car out of the station parking lot. Chester ran through several replies before telling Jane, and the listening Jenny, “It was rather long, Ms. Thompson, but interesting. I had little trouble during the whole trip,” he added, hoping Jane understood what he meant. “That’s good to hear, Mr. Thorton. It’s those little things which often make such a trip much harder.” Jane eyed Chester by way of the rear view mirror, giving him a slight nod of understanding what he was really saying. Chester nodded back to Jane’s reflection, reversing the knowledge that he knew she understood what he really meant.
As they pulled up to Jane’s home, she told Jenny, “While Mr. Thorton and I will be meeting in the Library, I want you to help Marie with dinner. Also, please bring a pot of tea and cups for two?” and here Jane actually looked at Chester, asking him with her expression if he would like tea as they talked. “Yes, ma’am, tea would be mighty nice,” he replied, catching the question Jane gave him with her look. “Alright then, please bring a pot of tea and cups for two to the Library, Jenny. Remember, knock first then wait to be told to enter.” Jane had admonished Jenny before about knocking and waiting to be told to enter a room with a closed door. She was doing better, but still had lapses.
Jane and Marie had been firm with Jenny, as they had been with previous boys sent to them, but also took into account the almost recent death of her parents. Her problem wasn’t one of actually being a bad boy, as some of her previous visitors had been, but one of not allowing himself to grieve. Jeremy had bottled up his feelings to the point that he lashed out at almost anything. And the last time he lashed out caused him to be brought before Judge Ruth. Jeremy had never given Jane or Marie any trouble when they started their usual routine of causing the boy to sleep after dinner, then taking all of his male clothes away. He never balked at anything they had him do as Jenny, even going out in public as Jenny. Or the usual makeover at the salon or the modeling that was forced onto the boys. He was still withdrawn and would need something, or someone, to help get through to him. To finally get him to open up and let himself grieve.
When the three walked into Jane’s home, it was Chester who marveled at what he saw. “Ma’am, you have a lovely home, here. It takes me back to my grans’ home when I was little.” Jane gave Chester a look that Chester took to mean, ‘what are you doing’. He gave her a look that said, ‘just being who you see.’ What Jane said for Jenny’s sake was, “Why thank you, Mr. Thorton. That’s kind of you to say so. I find it all to be a rather helpful atmosphere when teaching takes place.” Jenny might not have understood Jane’s reference to teaching, but Chester did. After Jane put away her coat she told Chester, “If you’ll follow me, Mr. Thorton. Jenny, you know what you were told to do. Please see to it.” Jenny acknowledged Jane, before Jane led Chester to the Library, where she entered, then closed the door after Chester had entered.
“Please, Stephen, sit down, make yourself comfortable,” Jane told Chester as she walked over to her desk before sitting down in the chair behind it. She watched with an amusement how Stephen reacted when you used his given name, as he took one of the easy chairs facing the desk. “Yes, Stephen, I was told who Chester Thorton really is, and why he existed. I can assure you, you will be safe here with me. There are a number of people in this area I’ve helped over the years, helped with problems that, had they followed the course they were on, could have landed them in prison. There are also a large number of people I’ve helped, who live elsewhere, and let me know if they hear anything unsavory coming this way. And if you are wondering about the reason Jenny is here, I will say she is a special case. She was on a self destructive course, not one that would lead to prison. She was on a course that would have allowed her to join her parents.” For some reason when Stephen heard about Jenny’s plight he had to wipe tears off his cheeks. Maybe Rachael’s murder was to fresh, and maybe he was just tired. But Jane saw his action and believed, if she could talk him into it, he could be the litch pin that finally brought Jenny out of her deep depression.
There was a knock on the Library door. Jane called out, “Come in,” before the door opened and Jenny came into the Library carrying a tray with a teapot and two cups and saucers on it. Jenny closed the door behind her, then walked over to the desk Jane and Chester were sitting at, sat the tray down, and fixed a cup of tea for Jane and Mr. Thorton, after asking how he took his tea. She served the two cups of tea then quietly left the Library, remembering to close the door behind her. Jane saw a questioning look on Stephen’s face, but gave him time to ask his question.
After a few moments, Stephen asked, “Ms. Thompson, why is Jenny so downtrodden? It’s as though she has no life left in her. She seems so deeply depressed.”
Jane’s hopes that Stephen could help Jenny sparked after hearing his question and his other comments. She took a sip of her tea then said, “Stephen, please, address me as Aunt Jane--I’ll explain why in a moment. As to Jenny? Jeremy Stevens’ parents were murdered during a burglary of their home. He was able to escape out the window in his bedroom, and hid on the roof in a place which couldn’t be seen from the ground. He saw the two leave his home before going back inside, he was the first to find his mother and father, both shot in the chest and head. He had the presence of mind to call the police, and they found him in a state of deep shock when they arrived. His mother’s sister and her husband lovingly took Jeremy into their home. They saw how depressed he was and found treatment for him right away. Even with their love, even with the counseling, he remained depressed. Until one day he did something that resulted in being arrested and taken before Judge Ruth. As you observed, his spirit has wilted, he’s dead inside. It was thought once he was here that Marie and I could bring him out of his state, cause his spark to ignite by having him go through what all boys who are sent to me go through. And I see by the expression on your face you want to know what we put the boys through,” Jane paused and took another sip of her tea. As Jane was taking a sip of her tea Stephen replied, “Yes ma’am, I would like to know.”
Jane could tell Stephen wasn’t saying he’d like to know out of morbid curiosity, but genuine interest. She sat her cap down and told him, “Stephen, the boys who are sent to me are not bad boys at heart. Oh, some are, and some never change from the time they arrive to the day they leave. And I regret that very much. But the others, the ones whose hearts aren’t blackened by their situations do change and have often expressed their gratitude afterwards.”
“Stephen, what would be your response if someone forced you to explore your feminine side? Put you into a situation where you had no choice but to become a girl for a time? You would completely dress as a girl. You would wear makeup, go to the salon, even do a bit of modeling as a young girl. You would learn to act as though you were a real girl. Even out in public. How would you react?”
Jane watched as Stephen’s face went through several changes, sumizing he was giving her questions some thought. She wasn’t given a complete history of his life and was a bit shocked when he told her, “Aunt Jane. After seeing several Family Punishments since I was three years old, two of my brothers murdered, and recently a thirteen-year-old girl murdered, I’m not able to give you an answer that would be completely honest. After all I’ve seen, I may be as bad off as Jeremy. Except my reasons for being sent here is to save my life from those who would have me go through a Family Punishment before I was murdered.” Jane watched as Stephen knuckled tears off his cheeks, tears that didn’t seem to have an end.
Stephen was not one of the usual boys Ruth had sent to her, he was running for his life. And he was hurting, deeply. Jane did something she’d never do with one of the other boys during their ‘talks’, and she got up from her desk chair, walked around the desk and took Stephen in her arms and hugged him for all she was worth. And he cried wracking sobs into her chest. Even Jane had to wipe tears off her cheeks, several times, as she held Stephen as he cried. The Library door silently opened and Marie looked in, only to see Jane hugging the crying boy. Jane quietly nodded to Marie, letting her know everything was alright. Marie stepped back out and closed the door as quietly as it had been opened. She knew they’d talk later.
It was several minutes before Stephen stopped crying, or stopped only to start again. When he finally did stop crying, in a muffled voice he said, “I’m so sorry about this, Aunt Jane. I’ve never cried like this in my life, it wasn’t allowed in our house. I simply couldn’t stop myself, Aunt Jane.” Jane released Stephen, turned and picked up a box of tissues from her desk, before turning back and letting Stephen take all he needed. Once he’d wiped his eyes and face, Jane gently took his chin in her hands, lifted it, looking directly into his eyes, and told the boy, “Stephen, I do not know all you’ve experienced, but I do know no boy should have to experience it. You have absolutely no reason to be sorry for finally being able to release all your pent up emotions like you did. I am surprised you have lasted this long without doing something drastic. If you will allow Marie and myself, we can help you start to heal. And keep you safely hidden.”
Stephen broke the hug before looking up at Jane and asking, “How are those things possible? I have a mind that never forgets anything read, heard, or seen. How is it possible not to relive every moment I’ve seen throughout the years? How can I stop reliving those moments when I sleep? Do you know of a way I can shut out all the hate, anger, and perversion? If it wasn’t for Betty being there, you’re right, I would have done something drastic. It was only because of her love for me that it never happened, it would have destroyed her.”
“My God, Stephen William Webster, you are a very sweet, and strong, young man. To think of someone else before yourself. This world needs you and more like you,” Jane told Stephen before she too took a tissue and wiped her own eyes.
Jane went back to her desk chair before asking, “Has anyone told you of the plans we devised to keep you safe?” She watched as Stephen slowly shook his head, no, before going on. “Before we go into that, dinner is ready. Let’s eat then I will tell you of our plans. And if you would, I would like to hear your entire story, if you feel up to the task.” Jane watched as Stephen just slowly nodded his head, yes, before wiping his eyes again with a tissue. ‘It was time someone heard the whole truth’, Stephen thought to himself. “Then it’s settled, we shall go eat then I will take you out and show you my property.” Stephen nodded as he got up out of the chair, Jane putting her arm around the boy’s waist as they walked to the Library door, another thing she’d never do. Stephen opened the door and allowed Jane to walk out first, before following her and closing the door behind him. Something smelled good, or so his stomach told him.
Jane showed Chester where he could wash before they ate. After he came out of the powder room Jane led him to the dining room, and indicated the place where he would sit. Jane pulled out the chair she’d been standing behind and heard, “Here, Aunt Jane, allow me,” from Chester, as he walked around the table to help Jane push in her chair as she sat. “Thank you, Chester, that was kind of you. I see Betty’s been teaching you proper manners, in that hell hole.” Chester chuckled at Jane’s characterization of his home, which wasn’t far from the complete truth.
Jane watched as Chester walked back around the table to the place she indicated, but didn’t sit down. ‘Betty has done a wonderful job with this young man, despite his circumstances,’ Jane thought to herself, just as Jenny started bringing out plates and bowls out of the kitchen for their dinner; she had to make two trips. When Jenny came out the second time she asked, “Mr. Thorton, what would you like to drink?” Chester looked at Jane, who nodded her head, before Chester said, “Well, Miss Jenny, I’ll tell ya’ only if you address me as Chester.” Chester saw a spark of fear in Jenny’s eyes, something even Jane noticed, something Jenny had never displayed before, before she turned to Jane, who nodded her head at Jenny before Jenny turned back to Chester, with a big smile on her face. “Thank you Chester, but only if you address me as Jenny.” Chester smiled at Jenny and told her, “Darling, it will be my pleasure.” And the smile remained as Jenny returned to the kitchen, coming back out with a pitcher of iced tea. As Jenny poured Chester’s iced tea, Chester looked at Jane, who he saw was just nodding her head, then mouthed, ‘Well done.’ That smile was the first genuine small Jane saw on Jenny since Jeremy arrived two months ago. And it was a sign.
Marie came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of fresh baked dinner rolls, the aroma driving Chester’s stomach wild. He had been standing all this time, and now helped seat first Marie and then Jenny, before sitting down himself. A message passed between Marie and Jane as they looked at each other. One that said Chester was taught well and maybe he CAN help Jenny afterall. Marie knew she and Jane would talk later, when Jenny took Chester up to his room so he could once again become Stephen.
Conversation during dinner was as it always was when Jane had a new girl in the house. They discussed current events, political topics, and a mixture of other things engineered to make Jenny talk and see if she’d been doing her assignments. Chester even got in on the conversation, pointing out several times to Jenny this or that point, but never making her feel bad about herself because of her answers. He even hit on a topic Jenny loved, and the two carried on quite the conversation before it was time for dessert. After Jenny and Marie took the plates off the table and into the kitchen, Jane took the opportunity to tell Chester, “That smile you saw on Jenny was the first genuine smile she has shown in the two months she has been here. And the conversation you two engaged in, was the first time she has spoken so enthusiastically about anything in that same time period. Please, Stephen, continue helping her all you can.” Jane cut the conversation as Jenny, with a real smile on her face, came out of the kitchen carrying saucers, followed by Marie carrying their dessert. Jane saw what Marie and Jenny didn’t, Stephen wiping tears out of his eyes.
Stephen did help Jenny the rest of their meal, by asking her more questions about the topic that got her excited in the first place. Horticulture, and her love for nature. This hadn’t been known to Jane or Marie the two months Jenny had been with them, because she had been so withdrawn. But now that they saw her excitement with that field, they both knew what would be added to her studies. And Jane silently thanked the Mighty One for sending Stephen William Webster, though Stephen also needed their help in another area.
When everyone had finished their desserts, Jane told Jenny, “Jenny, please help Marie clear the table and clean up in the kitchen.” Jane received a two word reply, “Yes, ma’am.” Before any of the ladies could move, Chester said, “If you ladies would allow me,” and he stood, first helping Marie leave the table, then Jane and finally Jenny. “Ah, Miss Jenny, if and when you have a free moment, I’d like to hear more about horticulture,” Jenny heard Chester say. With another genuine smile on her face she replied, “I’d be glad to, Chester. When I have time,” and she looked at Jane, who nodded her head, giving Jenny permission.
“Chester,” Jane said as she guided Chester towards a door which led out of the back of the house, “I think we will change our venue to continue our talk. I would like to show you some of my property, as we talk.” They walked by the garden, headed to the stables, which held the few horses Jane had. “Do you ride, Chester?” Jane asked as they finished walking past the garden. “Ah, no, Aunt Jane, I’ve never had the opportunity or inclination, to be honest.” Jane smiled as the two entered the stables, where the first horse stuck its nose out of its stall right in front of Chester. “It seems someone wants to say hello, Chester. She is rather picky who she will meet and who she avoids. You must be one who she wants to meet.”
The sorrel roan pushed her head into Chester’s chest, stopping him where he stood. As strange as it seemed, Chester actually felt a kinship to this horse, and reached around with his right arm and encircled the big horse’s muzzle, pulling it in tighter to his chest. He then laid his head on top of its muzzle and told the horse, “It’s a pleasure to meet you too.” Jane saw moisture in Chester’s eyes as he hugged the horse, not enough to run down his cheeks, but an indication something about what the horse just did bringing up some hurt Chester had kept hidden. Jane gently touched his arm and said, “Come,” and walked over and sat down on one of several hay bails in the stable. Chester hugged the big girl once more before letting her go, stepping around her and following Jane to the hay bails.
Author’s Note: This is another of my Jane Thompson ‘what if’ stories that’s been hounding me night and day, demanding it be written. The issues within this story are much darker than in any of my previous stories, told by a seventeen-year-old boy who witnessed the horrible treatment of the children by two families, if said children made it known they would not participate in any forced marriage. Reader beware, while what takes place is not told in great detail, it nevertheless can be disturbing. Also, there are flashbacks throughout the story, which may seem a bit confusing at times. ~ Jamie Lee ~
The Webster and Dorman families were brought together by the rescues first by a Dorman young man of a Webster young girl, then two years later a Webster young man of a Dorman young girl, and ensuing love which led to marriage when they each turned eighteen. Because of the first two marriages, other marriages, because of love, occurred between the Webster and Dorman families. But a little over one hundred and fifty years later, the then head of the Webster and Dorman families believed everything told of those first marriages to be lies. They were lies because no one married because of love, only opportunity, so those first two marriages had to have been forced. And it was at that point the love that had blossomed as a result of two rescues, that had brought two families together, was perverted, and a little over one hundred years of hell began for the two families. A hell that was Family Punishment for any Webster or Dorman child who failed to comply with the Family Obligation of marriage when they turned eighteen. And love be damned.
Seventeen-year-old Stephen William Webster and his nanny, Better Wilcox, finally blow the whistle after the murder of thirteen-year-old Rachael Dorman because she refused to be forced into a loveless marriage. Stephen and Betty must be hidden because people from the Webster and Dorman families are hunting him, thinking he is running away from a forced marriage. Betty makes contact with three of her former University sorority sisters, and together they formulate plans to hide Stephen at the one place unknown to either the Webster or Dorman families, the Winsome Girls’ School for Wayward Boys. Jane Thompson’s home.
After Chester, Stephen, had sat down on a hay bail near Jane she asked him, “Has anyone told you of our plans to keep you safe? Anything at all?” Stephen just shook his head, no, before Jane continued. “You expressed a negative when Venessa suggested you would make a lovely girl, correct?” Stephen smirked and nodded his head, yes. “Has anyone explained what I do here, when boys are sent to me, Stephen?” This time Stephen replied with, “No, Aunt Jane. I was given a train ticket and told your name, nothing else.” It was Jane’s turn to nod her head before saying, “Then maybe I better explain what I do before telling you of our plans.”
“Stephen, the boys who are sent to me are boys who aren’t really bad, even though they ended up standing before Judge Ruth. They made bad decisions. They are also boys who would not fare well in juvenile detention. They would become the punching bag of the center, or worse. When the boy arrives he is most often cocky, arrogant, and full of himself. He often thinks he will skate by while here, though he learns differently a short time later. Do you know the worst fear most boys have, Stephen?” Jane sees Stephen thinking about her question before he replies, “Most probably being embarrassed.” And Jane saw the light go on in Stephen’s face as he added, “Jenny! A boy caught dressed in girl’s clothing. That’s how you do it, change their attitudes. You don’t give them a choice, they are forced to wear the clothing. But how do you force them into the clothing?” Jane chuckled at Stephen’s answer and question; he is as sharp as Betty said.
Jane then asks, “Have you heard of Petticoat Punishment?” Jane sees by the look on Stephen’s face that he’s searching his memory before shaking his head, no. She then says, “Petticoat Punishment first came about in the Victorian era, as a way to control unruly boys. They would be forced to dress as girls, act like girls, with the fear hanging over them of being seen as they are dressed. And because of the fear, they change their behavior. They start acting more ‘civilized’ instead of like a wild animal.”
She then tells Stephen, “Marie and I don’t give them a choice, Stephen. After the boy arrives at my home, we have dinner. Then we have a celebratory toast with wine because of the arrival of the boy. What the boy doesn’t know is that his wine is laced with a sleeping draught, which causes him to become sleepy and wanting to take a nap; the long train ride also helps tire out the boy. Once the boy is asleep in the bedroom we provide, Marie takes all of his male clothing and leaves a female robe lying over the back of a chair in the room. After a period of time, I go wake up the boy, who is completely naked. You can imagine his reaction when he lays before an adult woman while completely naked.” Stephen just smirks thinking about how the boy would react, likely quickly covering himself with the nearest sheet or blanket.
“I do not react to the boy’s nakedness but tell him to follow me downstairs to my Study,” Jane said as she continued telling Stephen. “He will then ask about his clothes, where there are and what he is to wear. I then point to the female robe lying across the back of the chair and tell him he can wear the robe. This upsets the boy, since no boy wants to be seen wearing girl’s clothing. After he protests, I tell him he can come downstairs wearing the robe or nothing, it was up to him. I leave the room and the boy will end up downstairs wearing the robe. I have my ward sitting on a bench outside my Study, and she tells the boy he should wait until Jane calls for him. What my ward then does is to engage the boy in conversation, telling him some of the rules, what is allowed and some of what is not allowed. Most boys listen to her, putting their own ideas into their own heads, which causes them to be more confused and scared.” Jane picked an apple out of a nearby basket, handed it to Stephen and tells him to give it to the rone. She tells him to just hold his hand flat with the apple in his palm. After the rone took the apple, Stephen rubbed its muzzle, and the horse pushed its muzzle into Stephen’s hand as he did. Stephen walks back to the hay bail and Jane continues after Stephen sits down.
“Boys who come here have a routine they follow, an attitude they try and use to show how big they are, and are hiding their true feeling behind all of that. We use confusion and fear of being found out to reeducate that boy, show him another way to live, one that frees him from the plaster he has put over the pain he carries. And we do this by having him explore his feminine side, completely. He goes to a salon and experiences everything a girl would when she visits one. He is even fitted with a corset in order to give him as near the waist size a girl would have. He is then dressed as a girl at that salon and goes through routine changes of dresses here at my home. He learns how to take care of his hair and how to properly apply makeup. And he also must do school lessons, designed for his level of education. We use words as rewards and punishments, never anything physical, it is most likely something the boy has experienced all too often where he came from. I said I would tell you why to call me Aunt Jane. After a time, most of the boys do have a change in attitude and demeanor. When they first arrive I tell them they may address me as Ms. Thompson or Aunt Jane, and most address me as Ms. Thompson in the beginning. But when they start addressing me as Aunt Jane, we know a change is starting to take place. They are beginning to see a new way to live and act.” Jane stops speaking when Stephen drops his head and starts laughing; he has a lovely laugh, when he does.
Stephen was laughing so hard he had tears running down his cheeks. He wipes his cheeks before telling Jane, “The plan that’s been devised is to have me become a girl, one of your wards. Isn’t it?” Jane chuckles at Stephen’s deduction and says, “Yes, Stephen. Our plan is to hide you in plain sight as a girl, one of my wards. Betty was right, you do have a sharp mind.” Jane watches as Stephen stands up and walks back over to the rone, who was still standing at the door to its stall. Stephen wraps his arms around the big horse’s muzzle before she hears wracking sob coming from the boy. She stands and walks over to Stephen, hugging him, again, as he continues to cry. Jane thinks to herself, ‘This boy is carrying as much pain as Jenny is carrying. He needs our help badly.’ As she hugs Stephen, she asks, “Is it the last young girl you saw murdered?” Stephen only nods his head, and continues to cry. The rone never moved, it let itself be held, and let Stephen use it for comfort. Horses are smart, afterall.
When Stephen had cried himself out, Jane led him back to the hay bails, then went into the stable office and came back with two bottles of bottled water. Stephen was wiping his eyes when Jane handed him one bottle and opened the other for herself. “Stephen, yes, we want you to become a girl. But more importantly, we want to keep you safe until everything is settled, and you can get on with your life. And, after seeing how you related to Jenny today, I want you to do it so you can help bring Jenny out of her shell. What you saw on her face at dinner was the first genuine smile she has had in the two months she has been with us. And the same is said for the laughter. Even the enthusiasm she showed as she explained her interests to you is new. You reached Jenny in a way Marie and I have not. Please, for Jenny’s sake, allow Marie and I to show you your feminine side. Please allow yourself to experience something few boys would ever consider.” She laid a hand on Stephen’s arm then said, “Stephen, after everything you experienced since the age of three, you need Jenny as much as she needs you. I can also teach you to ride, if you would like.” Stephen looks up and looks at the rone before asking, “Does she enjoy someone riding her?” As he nods at the rone.
Jane takes the empty water bottle from Stephen, stands and walks into the stable office, dropping two empty water bottles into a recycling bin. She comes out of the office carrying two fresh bottles of water and says to Stephen, “Come, Stephen, there is more of my property I want you to see. And maybe you will tell me all of your story.” Stephen is still looking at the rone, a big mare who just looks back at Stephen, as though she’s saying to him, ‘I feel your pain’. Stephen looks up at Jane standing before him and tells her, “Maybe you’re right, Aunt Jane. Maybe it’s time someone besides me and Betty know the whole terrible truth. And maybe you can teach me how not to allow all those memories to control my life, even though I can’t forget any part of it.” Stephen stood up, took the bottle of bottled water Jane held out to him, and walked with Jane towards the opposite end of the stable; it was bright out after their time in the subdued lighting.
As they walked along, down one of the trails throughout the property, Jane kept her own counsel, trying to give Stephen the room he needed to volunteer giving her his story. And he started with, “It’s a convoluted story,” and this time he said, “Jane.” Being called just by her first name was not lost on Jane, but she understood his reasons. It was because he trusted her, felt close to her, believed she actually cared about him. And she did actually care about Stephen. Cared so much she put her arm around his waist, pulled him into her and told him, “When we are alone, I will allow you to address me as Jane. But when others are around, or we are with others, it will be Aunt Jane. Okay?” She told, and asked, Stephen, getting a chuckle out of him before he replied with, “Okay, Aunt Jane.” Stephen somehow made Jane feel several years younger, and she hip bumped him for his cheekiness in answering her. They both laughed, and continued to walk on.
“Jane, it is a very convoluted story,” Stephen started with. “There is information Betty and I found in the attic of the Webster house when I was three years old. Information that came from three journals we found hidden in one of the old trunks, when we were looking for more books I could read. Information that proves the last hundred or so years has been a perversion of what originally occurred a little over two hundred and fifty years ago. It’s also a story you might not want to hear unless you can control your mind better than I control mine. There is not a night I don’t relive everything I witnessed, relive every murder, and wake up crying. The hour and a half I slept on that train was the most peaceful sleep I’ve had in years. If, after all I’ve said, you still want to hear it all, then I’ll tell you everything.” Both were quiet as they walked, Jane thinking about what Stephen just told her.
They just entered a wooded area, as they walked, and Jane steered them to a bench just off the trail they’d been on. They both sat, and were quiet for some time, listening to the birds and other sounds that inhabited the wooded area, before Jane told Stephen, “Stephen, it is not so much that I would not sleep well after hearing your story. I would not sleep well knowing how hurt you are and how much help you need in order to deal with all you have experienced. I would lose sleep in trying to devise a way to help you become the strong man I see in you, not the broken one sitting beside me now. I truly believe if you explored your feminine side you would learn a way to deal with all the demons you can never forget. Demons, up to this point, that have held control over your life and your feelings. Demons which you shook for an hour and a half hours on that train, proof they can be contained.” Stephen was quiet for some time after everything Jane just said. Then, without preamble, Stephen started telling Jane everything.
* Stephens’ Story *
“As I said, Jane, the story is rather convoluted,” Stephen began. “I can’t tell you about some parts until I tell you about other parts. What I experienced is pretty straight forward, but why it happens goes back to what Betty and I read in the three journals we found.” Stephen stopped and wiped his eyes, trying not to see the look on Rachael’s face just before her ‘father’ murdered her. There was no fear in her eyes, just straight, unadulterated hate. Contempt for those standing before her and allowing everything done to her to occur. And then…
Stephen stood up and walked a short distance away from Jane, stabbing at his eyes the entire time. “That STUPID FUCKING BASTARD,” he yelled, dropping to his knees and sobbing. He never felt Jane’s hands on his arms, pulling him up and guiding him back to the bench. He wasn’t aware that she was holding him as he cried so hard he was actually screaming. ‘My God, how was it possible for this boy to endure all he witnessed for so long without going mad?’ Jane thought to herself as she held Stephen. It was some time before Stephen cried himself out, and again realized his surroundings. He gently pushed away from Jane and looking into her eyes said, “Oh Aunt Jane, I’m so sorry for all this. I’ve hurt for so long, it just came out.” Jane pulled his head back to her shoulder before she told him, “I understand Stephen. The language you used I will not excuse, but the rest I do. You’ve had a great weight on your shoulders for far too long, and it was inevitable that it all came out at some point. Do you feel up to continuing your story?”
Jane felt Stephen nod his head, as he again gently pushed away from her, wiping his eyes and nose as he did so. He opened his bottle of water and almost drained it in one drink. He cleared his throat several times before he again started telling Jane everything.
Stephen was looking at the ground as he again began the story with, “It’s probably best just to start with the journals and then come back to the last seventeen years. I guess I’d better tell you how we found them in the first place, which will be when I was three. And I guess I’d better tell you why we were up in the attic in the first place, which will be from the time I was born until I was three.” Stephen smirked and turned to Jane and said, “I did tell you this story is a bit convoluted.” All Jane said was, “Tell the story in your own way.”
“You have to understand, Aunt Jane, every marriage and birth for the last one hundred, or so, years were The Family Obligation marriages and births. Love played no part in either one. When a Webster girl turned eighteen, and a Dorman boy turned eighteen, they were married. And she was expected to be pregnant within the next few days after their marriage. It was the same when a Webster boy turned eighteen and a Dorman girl turned eighteen. And if one of the head Mrs. became pregnant, then the other head Mrs. had to become pregnant. It was The Family Obligation. They would even put their own children up for adoption, if both births produced a child of the same gender. And they had a real easy way to determine which child was put up for adoption, by the flip of a coin. That meant the head Mrs. whose baby was put up for adoption had to get pregnant as soon as she could, The Family Obligation. It didn’t matter if she was so exhausted from carrying the child and/or birth, when her body could get pregnant, she got pregnant.” Stephen stopped and drank the rest of his water, the empty taken from him and replaced with a full bottle.
He opened the fresh bottle of bottled water and took a sip, put the cap back on and continued with his story. “When we are born, we are immediately turned over to our nannies. In a sense, they become our mothers. The only times we see our birth ‘mothers’ is when it’s necessary for the whole family to be together for some big wig event. Once our roll at that event is finished, we are ushered out of there and back to the house. Other than those events, we never see our birth parents. Oh, our birth ‘mothers’ do participate in a way. They have to express their breast milk until their bodies stop producing milk, so we get that milk until we start on solid foods.” Stephen unscrewed the cap on his bottle of water, took a sip, and replaced the cap before continuing.
“Betty became my mother. She was up with me when I was sick or had colic. She fed me, changed me, played with me and taught me what a mother would teach her child. But I was different, and Betty started noticing it when I was about six months old. She says I learned to roll from my stomach to my back sooner than other babies. I even started standing up sooner, and walking. It was one time when I was six months old and Betty had me sitting in her lap as she read me a story, that I took my finger and started pointing to the words as she read them. It wasn’t long after that I started reading to her.” Stephen chuckled, remembering that time. “My annunciation and pronunciation was horrible, but she understood what I was saying as I read. And the more I read the better I became, until I was actually reading better than some first graders. And faster too.”
“Betty took me out one day, supposedly for clothing, and after shopping, we went to a friend of hers where I was tested.” Stephen again chuckled remembering that day. “When they tested me, they used a chart for a child of six months old. When they scored my test, I didn’t register on the chart. I was so far off the top of that chart they couldn’t get an accurate measurement. And they didn’t have any other charts handy. Betty took me again when I was a year old, and the same thing happened. But they got smart. When I turned two, Betty took me again. By this time I’d been reading anything I could get my hands on from the library in my room. It didn’t matter the subject. When they tested me this time they used a chart for an adult, and almost fainted when they saw the results. They said I scored like a freshman in high school, and had an IQ of 160.” Stephen looked at Jane and saw the skeptical look on her face, and told her, “It’s what they told Betty, Jane. She also told me not to let the families know how smart I was. She said some years before I was born, there was a boy like me, and the families found out, and used him up by the time he was ten years old. His nanny went into his bedroom one morning, the day he would have turned ten years old, and found him hanging from the clothes rack in his closet. She told me to act like every other kid my age when we were around others.”
“By the time I was three, I’d read everything in my library and had completed all the learning material from first grade to third grade; Betty thought it best to follow the levels. And we needed more for me to read, so we went up into the Webster family attic to see what we could find. We found several real old trunks, some with old clothes in them, some with pictures, and some with books. We were looking through this one trunk, and Betty must have tripped something while searching that truck, because a panel suddenly opened. Inside that hidden compartment we found three journals, each covering fifty years. One journal covered the very day the Webster’s and Dorman’s met. And how they met.” Stephen unscrewed the cap on his bottle of water, took a longer drink, before replacing the cap.”
“Jasper Dorman, the seventeen-year-old son of Jonas and Martha Dorman, had gone out early one day to hunt for enough meat to last their family for the week. He was about two miles from his home when he heard the faint screams of a girl and her calling for help. He’d been hunting since he was thirteen and knew from first hand experience how dangerous it was to run into the woods without knowing what you were running into. He cautiously hurried towards the sound, and slowed when he was close enough to see a girl high up in a tree. He also heard a chuff sound that reminded him of his near fatal mishap a few years before. A bear was near where the girl was up in that tree, and from the sound of breaking branches, it was trying to climb that tree to get at the girl. Jasper had been lucky to come towards that area down wind, or things might have been very different. He was also lucky in that there were several big bushes that concealed him as he approached. As quietly as he could, he pulled back the hammer of the rifle he carried, and watching where he put his feet, crept up to the bushes and found a spot which afforded him a clear view of the bear. He quietly stuck the barrel of his rifle through the opening he was looking through, and when the bear was standing tall, to try another climb, he squeezed the trigger, hitting the bear in the head. When the crack of the rifle sounded, and the bear dropped to the ground, the girl let out a startled scream, until she saw Jasper walk out from behind the bushes.”
Another bottle of water was offered to Stephen, he smiled at Jane and told her, “Thank you.” He drained the one he had, handed it to Jane, cracked the cap on the new one and drank more before continuing the original story.
“While Jasper came out from behind the bushes, he didn’t approach the bear, the mistake he made some years before. That bear hadn’t been dead and came to, and had it not been for the 45 revolver he carried, he would have been killed. No, he just stood near the bushes and counted to 100. The foolish girl wanted to climb back down that tree and get home, but Jasper told her to stay put. The way the journal told it, they had a right heated argument about her coming down and Jasper bluntly telling her to stay put. She really got upset when he cussed at her and told her he’d shoot her himself if she didn’t stay put. When Jasper reached 100, he pulled his 45 from the hostler, cocked the hammer and slowly walked towards the bear lying on the ground. The bear was lying on its side, which gave Jasper a good view of its head. He stopped six feet away from the bear and put another round into that bear’s head, this time with the 45.” At this point Stephen started laughing, and received a strange look from Jane.
Stephen laughed a little harder because of Jane’s expression, before asking her, “Jane, how would a girl be dressed some 250 years ago? Remember, she was up a tree and she had to climb down.” It took only a moment for Jane to remember how girls dressed during those times, or see the predicament the girl was in and why it was rather funny. When Stephen had calmed down a bit, he went on with the story.
“The girl told Jasper that he was to walk away while she climbed down the tree, so he wouldn’t see anything he shouldn’t. Jasper gauged the girl’s height from the ground, and told her that bear had broken all the branches up to seven feet above the ground. And since she wasn’t seven feet tall, how was she going to get down the rest of the tree if he didn’t help her? It was funny reading that part of the journal, Jane, those two went round and round before Jasper agreed he’d turn away while she climbed down to where the branches were broken, before helping her the rest of the way to the ground. When she reached where all the branches had been broken, she expected Jasper to be looking up to try and see what she was wearing under her dress. Instead, she saw Jasper looking down at the ground, and his arms extended to about a foot from where she stood on a branch. He told her to step into the palms of his hands and use the tree to balance herself, while he lowered her to the ground. And the whole time he kept his eyes looking at the ground. He really made an impression on the girl by doing that.”
“When the girl was back on the ground, Jasper was about to chew her out for being so far from home, until he spotted a basket lying near a berry bush a short distance away--she had been gathering berries when the bear arrived. He walked with her to the berry bush, where she picked up her basket, and while Jasper was with her, picked berries until the basket was full. All the time she was picking berries, they talked, Jasper finding out her name was Mary Webster and she was seventeen years old. And, he found her quite pretty. It was getting late in the afternoon, when her basket was finally full and her parents would be worried because she was late getting home. So Jasper told her he’d walk her home to keep her safe. In the journal there were parentheses around, ‘and she had a smile that made the sun look dim.’ The two chatted the entire two miles back to the branch in the path they were on, taking the right path which led to Mary’s home. By the time they reached her home they were smitten with each other, and it showed when they stopped at the front gate of her home.”
“Mary’s mother, Sarah, had been sweeping off the front porch when the two approached the front gate; she stopped sweeping and watched the two. William, Mary’s dad, had just come from the barn and had taken a few steps onto the porch when the two had stopped at the front gate; he walked on over to Sarah, standing with her and watched the two. Both watched as Mary kissed the boy on the cheek, before opening the gate, taking the boy by the hand, and he her’s and walked up to the porch. Mary introduced Jasper Dorman to her parents, then explained why she was late, and how Jasper killed the bear, and helped her out of the tree. Her mother gave her a startled look but Mary reassured her that Jasper had been a gentleman the whole time.”
Stephen removed the cap on the bottle of water he held, before taking a long drink. After replacing the cap he told what happened next. “When Mary finished her story, Sarah dropped the broom onto the porch, before grabbing Mary into a tight hug. While holding Mary, she about tore Jasper’s arm off as she shook his hand. William almost tore Jasper’s arm off and crushed his hand, as the two shook hands. They invited Jasper into their home, but he told them that bear would make some fine meals for his family, so he had to go and dress it out before bringing home the meat. He thanked them for the invite, was about to say ‘bye’ to Mary, but didn’t get that far as Mary walked up to him and kissed him on the lips. William and Sarah looked at each other, and just nodded to each other. Mary had found herself a beau. While holding Mary’s hand, and before Jasper left, he asked William and Sarah for permission to see Mary again. Both agreed, how could they not. This young man had saved Mary’s life, and she was smitten with him.”
Jane interrupted Stephen by asking, “And you remember all of this from fourteen years ago?” Stephen dropped his head, and answered with, “Yes, Aunt Jane. And a lot more I wish I could forget. You see, Aunt Jane, I have an eidetic memory. And I can’t forget anything I read, see, or hear.” He became somber for a moment, long enough for Jane to understand the burden this boy had been carrying since the age of three. And he was still sane. Stephen wiped his eyes before going on with the story.
Author’s Note: This is another of my Jane Thompson ‘what if’ stories that’s been hounding me night and day, demanding it be written. The issues within this story are much darker than in any of my previous stories, told by a seventeen-year-old boy who witnessed the horrible treatment of the children by two families, if said children made it known they would not participate in any forced marriage. Reader beware, while what takes place is not told in great detail, it nevertheless can be disturbing. Also, there are flashbacks throughout the story, which may seem a bit confusing at times. ~ Jamie Lee ~
The Webster and Dorman families were brought together by the rescues first by a Dorman young man of a Webster young girl, then two years later a Webster young man of a Dorman young girl, and ensuing love which led to marriage when they each turned eighteen. Because of the first two marriages, other marriages, because of love, occurred between the Webster and Dorman families. But a little over one hundred and fifty years later, the then head of the Webster and Dorman families believed everything told of those first marriages to be lies. They were lies because no one married because of love, only opportunity, so those first two marriages had to have been forced. And it was at that point the love that had blossomed as a result of two rescues, that had brought two families together, was perverted, and a little over one hundred years of hell began for the two families. A hell that was Family Punishment for any Webster or Dorman child who failed to comply with the Family Obligation of marriage when they turned eighteen. And love be damned.
Seventeen-year-old Stephen William Webster and his nanny, Better Wilcox, finally blow the whistle after the murder of thirteen-year-old Rachael Dorman because she refused to be forced into a loveless marriage. Stephen and Betty must be hidden because people from the Webster and Dorman families are hunting him, thinking he is running away from a forced marriage. Betty makes contact with three of her former University sorority sisters, and together they formulate plans to hide Stephen at the one place unknown to either the Webster or Dorman families, the Winsome Girls’ School for Wayward Boys. Jane Thompson’s home.
“Over the next several weeks, and months, the Websters and Dormans got to know each other, Mary and Jasper most of all. They’d each invite the other over for dinner, the Webster first since it was their daughter Jasper saved. It wasn’t long after the two teens turned eighteen that Jasper asked William and Sarah for Mary’s hand in marriage, Mary viciously nodding her head at her parents as she stood next to Jasper. William and Sarah loved to pull the other’s leg, and their childrens’. So they planned beforehand to act as though they couldn’t possibly let their daughter marry some boy who was still wet behind the ears. How was he going to support her, and their children. Mary had tears running down her cheeks, and Jasper looked down crested, hearing what Mary’s parents just said. Seeing the two before them, William told Sarah they may have picked the wrong time to try and pull one on the kids. It was then Mary realized what her parents were doing, and told Jasper, who then wiped the tears off Mary’s cheeks before doing the same to himself. The parents apologized and told the two, yes, Jasper could have Mary’s hand in marriage, and yes, they loved him as well. This is how the very first marriage occurred between the Websters and Dormans. And it was a love that lasted until Jasper died at the age of 60 and Mary at the age of 85.”
“Is that all there is to the story of the first marriage, Stephen?” He was taking another drink when Jane asked, so he simply shook his head, no, and after finishing the drink, told her, “No, there’s one more the journals talked about. This time it was a Webster boy who saved a Dorman girl--those two people were made for each other. At times reading about them, it was even funnier than reading about Mary and Jasper.”
“It was two years after Mary and Jasper married, Timothy Webster was out riding and heard a girl screaming, ‘help’. He followed her voice and entered into a mucky, mire area, already known for claiming the life of a nine-year-old boy some years ago. Moss, his horse, picked her way carefully through the area, as Timothy kept her on something of a trail through that area. It wasn’t long before he came upon the girl, stuck in a mire pit, holding onto a tree root which had grown down into the muck. As he sat on Moss and looked down on her she got real snotty with him, asking ‘if he was going to sit on that old nag all day or help get her out of this muck’, she used more colorful words, Jane, but knowing how you hate those type words, I changed them a bit.” Stephen caught a smirk on Jane’s lips before he continued.
“Timothy got rather huffy at her calling Moss an old nag and told her, ‘you do know it’s this ‘old nag’ that will get you out of the mess you stupidly got yourself into, right?’ Oh, Jane, it was funny reading what she then said to him. It was equivalent to many of the more colorful words used today. And he just smiled at her as she ranted at him for doing nothing. He even told her, ‘you’re rather cute when you’re mad.’ Jane, I won’t even begin to tell you what she said when he said that, but it was funny. Timothy kept Moss a good ways back from the edge of the mire pit the girl was stuck in, got off Moss, took the rope off the saddle, and as he walked towards the edge of the pit, opened up the loop so it would fit around the girl’s chest. He told her what he was going to do, and told her she should continue holding onto the tree root with one hand, and take the other arm and bring it up through the loop. So the loop was under her arm. After getting one arm done, switch hands holding the tree root and move the other arm the same way. He told her he’d then tie the rope off to the palmal of his saddle, and slowly back up Moss. When the rope was taught, she could then hold onto the rope and he would then back up Moss until she was out of that pit. Again, Jane, I won’t use the exact words she used in telling Timothy to hurry up, but she was stomping mad at Timothy taking his sweet time.”
“He just stood by Moss as she gave him another tongue lashing, letting her rant, before asking her, ‘do you want help getting out of there or not? I have another rope at home, so losing this one won’t be a problem.’ As she lit into him again, Timothy started walking toward her, coiling up the rope as he walked. It didn’t take the girl long to realize what he was doing and that he was her only hope of getting out of the mess she got into. She apologized, profusely, and Timothy accepted her apology and stretched out the rope before tying it off to the palmal of the saddle. He got on Moss’s right side and slowly had the big horse back up until the rope was tight. The girl grabbed the rope and ever so slowly, Moss backed up until the girl was several feet away from the edge of the mire pit. And then she lit into him again.”
“So instead of having Moss walk forward to slacken the rope, he had the big horse continue walking backwards, dragging the girl along on the ground. When she’d had enough, she again apologized and Timothy had Moss walk forward to slacken the rope so the girl could stand up and take the loop off. Then she lit into him again, just after he coiled up the rope. He didn’t say a word, but climbed up on Moss, turned her, and began to walk off. Jane, this girl just didn’t learn the first few times, and let him have it again, for leaving without her. He was about twenty feet from her, turned Moss around before asking, ‘do you always bad mouth those who save your behind, or is that just a habit you have?’ Sorry, Jane, I can’t tell you everything she said, but you’ll get the point when I tell you Timothy turned Moss around and started walking off again. She then went totally nuts, calling Timothy everything under the sun, before she collapsed and dropped to the ground, crying. Timothy turned Moss around, again, and walked her up to the girl, before getting off her, kneeling down and hugging the frightened girl. She latched onto Timothy so tightly he actually had trouble breathing. When she finally calmed down, he told her in a gentle voice, ‘let’s get you home, okay?’”
“Timothy helped the girl to her feet, remounted Moss before helping the girl climb up and sit behind him. It was at that point the two introduced themselves, him Timothy Webster and her, Stella Dorman. She was so tired, with her arms around his waist she laid her head against Timothy’s back and fell asleep. She didn’t wake up until Timothy told her she was home, seeing her parents coming out of the house. Timothy explained what happened to her parents, Tony and Charlotte Dorman, as her father helped her get off Moss. Just as Timothy was turning Moss around, Stella told him thank you and would she see him again. Timothy asked if he’d get a tongue lashing every time she got mad, and turning a bright red, told him no in a very soft voice. Several months later Timothy asked Tony and Charlotte for Stella’s hand in marriage. Both were quite old when they died a week apart, their love became that strong.”
Stephen opened his water bottle and took a long drink, his throat was dry after all the talking. He looked out over the wooded area, forming his thoughts for the next part of the story. He took another drink, and started with, “The last part of the second journal and all of the third journal are dark, explaining how two true love marriages were perverted because the then head of each family couldn’t believe in the true love stories. Neither the head of the Webster or Dorman families believed those first two marriages were anything more than obligations for saving each daughter. They had to be forced. And that’s what they started making their children do when they turned eighteen, marry the boy or girl of the other family when they turned eighteen. And it was horrible what they did to their children in order to make them comply. The third journal even talks of several children of both families getting killed because they refused to follow their parents orders. And that perversion continues to this day.”
Stephen had to stop and wipe his eyes several times before he continued. Jane squeezed his shoulder to let him know she understood. When he started again he told her, “I was three when I witnessed my first Family Punishment, where they gather everyone from each family in one of the families’ basements. When I had my third birthday, Betty gave me this cute dragon pendant to wear; I always liked the dragon stories we read together. She told me it came from a friend of hers who was a genius when it came to making miniature cameras and microphones. She told me to not say anything about the pendant, other than it was a birthday present. I didn’t know it at the time, but that guy had also incorporated a transmitter into that pendant which could send a signal back to my rooms where Betty had hidden a recording device. She also started wearing a pendant, which also had a camera and microphone in it. For the next fourteen years, we both recorded every Family Punishment that occurred, including the murder of my ten-year-old brother, Charles, twelve-year-old Mark Dorman, and Rachael Dorman at thirteen years of age.” Stephen wiped at his eyes again, Jane knowing his telling of the story would help him start dealing with all the pain he had buried.”
Jane suggested they start walking again, while Stephen continued with his story. There was a catch in his voice as he told what he witnessed over the last fourteen years. He almost lost it completely when he told Jane about Rachael’s torture and death.
“The families were called to a gathering in the basement of the Dorman home, for a Family Punishment. Jane, what those monsters call ‘punishment,’” and he used air quotes when he said punishment, “are actually torture sessions. Devised to force the child or teen, and it’s always a child or teens, to comply with the Family Obligation of marriage. Rachael had always been an outspoken young girl, never one to mince words. She would say exactly what everyone was thinking but didn’t have the courage to say, for fear of punishment. She made it quite plain she would not marry anyone she didn’t love, and that started it all for her. First her ‘parents’ used spanking, beatings with a belt, withholding food and privileges, and keeping her awake for hours. She still told them where to go. So, a family gathering was called and we all met in the basement of the Dorman home.” Stephen got real quiet as they walked, Jane putting her arm around his waist, telling him, “Take your time. You’re safe with me at my home.” Stephen wiped his eyes yet again, and was still quiet for a short time more as they walked before he continued.
“I don’t know how many years ago it came about, but an apparatus was designed and built to be used in the basement of each family house for Family Punishment. It was nothing more than a giant ‘X’ built out of steel, which could articulate 360 degrees in both the horizontal and vertical planes. It was supported from the ceiling by heavy chains that ran in tracks cut into the ceiling. Heavy chains held the bottom portion and they too ran in tracks cut into the floor.” Stephen let the tears run down his cheeks this time, not bothering to try and hide the pain he still felt for Rachael. Jane pulled Stephen in tighter to her as they continued walking, knowing Stephen needed to get all of this out of his system.
“When everyone was gathered in the Dorman basement, three young men came down the basement stairs, dragging a resisting Rachael with them. She’d seen these punishments before, and knew what she was going to face. At one point all three young men had to pick her up and carry her, she was resisting that severely. Rachael was forcibly held as the four stood a short distance in front of everyone; she was a strong willed young girl. Her ‘father,’” and Jane heard the venom in Stephen’s voice as he said ‘father,’ but said nothing, he had to tell the story his own way.
“That pig stood in front of her and asked, ‘Will you comply with the Family Obligation?’ He must have been surprised when Rachael spit in his face, but he sure was angry. He wiped the spit off his face before nodding his head and the three young men started undressing Rachael. She was fighting so hard that one of those boys had to hold her while the other two cut her clothes off her. They then dragged a naked Rachael over to the apparatus, where it took two to hold her arms while her wrists were secured to the top arms and her legs secured to the bottom arms. One of those boys calmly walked over to the control panel, and when her ‘father’ nodded his head, that boy pressed the power button and brought the apparatus to life. And as everyone watched, doing absolutely nothing, he operated a lever which raised the apparatus until it was completely vertical. I’ll skip what Rachael was saying the whole time, Jane, you wouldn’t like it. ‘Father dear’ then nodded his head again and the boy at the controls started operating levers until Rachael’s arms and legs were pulled in opposite directions, leaving her screaming bloody murder because of the pain of almost having her arms and legs pulled out of their sockets.” Stephen shuddered at the actual memories of what he saw and heard, more tears following others. He opened the bottle of water and drained it, before Jane gave him another one.
“Jane, she was left in that position for two solid hours, while everyone was upstairs having dinner, acting like it was just another Webster/Dorman gathering. People were joking with each other, someone told a story, but not one word was said about Rachael and the terror she was feeling being stretched as she was. Even though the basement door was closed, her muffled screams could still be heard for a while. She must have screamed herself horse, because after a while only muffled moaning could be heard. And when two hours were up, ‘father dear’ told everyone it was time to return to the basement. That pig showed as much emotion at what was happening as a rock. Everyone followed him back down into the basement, where Rachael’s moans were louder; she’d wet the floor directly where she hung. When everyone was there, a man, this time, was standing at the controls, and those three young men came out of a side room wearing white robes. The man operated two levers and the arms and legs of the apparatus moved in towards the middle, releasing the tension on Rachael’s arms and legs. He then moved another lever which repositioned the apparatus until it was horizontal, about waist high, and Rachael on the bottom side of the apparatus. Those three young men, the ones who dragged Rachael down the basement stairs and secured her to the apparatus, came out of a side room dressed in white robes. They calmly walked over to the apparatus and took positions where two were at Rachael’s feet and one stood at her head. The man at the controls adjusted the height of the apparatus a bit, before moving a lever which caused the lower section of the apparatus to rotate 90 degrees; Rachael attempted to scream when that was done, but her voice couldn’t manage it. ‘Father dear’ nodded his head again and the three young men dropped their robes, showing they were completely naked and more than aroused.”
Stephen stopped so abruptly the force actually spun Jane until she was standing in front of him. He was looking up at the sky and asking, “Why? Why Rachael?” He dropped his head onto Jane’s shoulder, wrapped his arms around her and wept. Stephen didn’t see the tears sliding down Jane’s cheeks. They stayed like that as Stephen told the rest of the story.
“It was horrible, Jane, her ‘father’ nodded again and those three boys...Jane they showed her no mercy. They went at her for over an hour, and no one did a thing to stop it. They each pulled out of her after that time, calmly picked up their robes and walked back into that side room. The man at the controls operated levers until the apparatus was horizontal again, Rachael was a mess. Blood was running down the inside of both legs, cum, spit, and vomit was running out of her mouth and down her chest.” Stephen choked up as he then said, “Her ‘father’ calmly walked over to her until he was standing off to the side and asked her, ‘Will you now comply with the Family Obligation?’ It wasn’t hard to see her trying to speak but found it hard after what that bastard did to her orally. But she found enough to moisten her throat and told her ‘father,’ ‘You better sleep somewhere else tonight, old man. Because when you go to sleep I’m going to slit your throat from ear to ear, then cut off your balls and dick and stuff them in your mouth.’ Jane, if that girl had lasers for eyes, her ‘father’ would have been reduced to very small pieces, the hate in her eyes was that powerful. Oh, gawd, Jane, it hurts so much remembering all this.” Stephen was silent for a while before he finished Rachael’s story. “Jane, in the Webster and Dorman families, anyone eighteen or over is considered an adult; employees aren’t counted. That bastard looked at everyone there and those considered adults just nodded their heads at him. Oh my God, Jane, oh my God what he did to her.” Stephen’s legs suddenly gave out, causing him to drop to the ground.
Jane couldn’t support Stephen’s weight and she dropped to the ground with him, still holding him and allowing him to hold her. It was longer, this time, until Stephen had cried himself out and could continue telling Jane the story. In a muffled voice, though loud enough for Jane to hear, he told her, “Jane, that bastard calmly walked over to the control panel, opened a drawer beneath it, took out a revolver, walked calmly back over to Rachael, and...and...THAT BASTARD SHOT HER IN THE HEAD!” There was no consoling Stephen now, as he broke free of Jane’s arms, stood up and started running further into the wooded area. Jane knew Stephen would soon find himself at a small pond, with nowhere else to run. She also believed she’d find him sitting on the bench there at the pond. “I’d like to have that bastard to myself for a few hours,” she said to herself as she followed Stephen.
As she believed, Stephen was sitting on the bench at the pond, crying, or trying to. She quietly walked over to him, sat down next to him on the bench, put her arm around his shoulders, pulled him into her, and let the tears flow down her cheeks as Stephen continued crying. Chester lied to her at the station, he did bring a lot more baggage with him on that train. He brought seventeen years worth.
Neither one of them paid attention to the time, or how long they sat on that bench, before Stephen spoke again. “Betty had seen more than I had, but for some reason Rachael’s death really affected her. Affected her enough for her to do what we’ve done, handed over all the thumb drives to someone she trusted in law enforcement. They had to be stopped, Aunt Jane, stopped before another Rachael was murdered.” Stephen took several shuddering breaths then told Jane, “I think I’m all talked out, Aunt Jane. Maybe we should go back, maybe that roan would like another apple?” Jane wiped the tears off her cheeks before agreeing with Stephen about going back, and maybe seeing if that roan would like another apple. Thinking to herself, she thought, ‘It will take a lot of time for him to start dealing with everything he’s seen. I hope I’m up for the challenge.’
While walking back to the stables, Jane asked Stephen, “Have you given any thought to exploring your feminine side and helping Jenny?” Jane saw Stephen start to answer but went on with, “Before you answer, perhaps by exploring your feminie side and helping Jenny you also help yourself. You are carrying so much baggage Stephen, baggage which is causing you so much pain and not allowing you to move forward. By helping Jenny and exploring your softer side, you can learn how to deal with that baggage and start to move forward.”
They were silent as they walked the rest of the way to the stable. Once inside, Stephen walked over to the basket of apples, picked out one, walked over to the big roan, offered her the apple, without holding it in the palm of his hand. The big horse gently took the apple Stephen offered, then pushed her big head into the side of Stephen’s head, causing him to wrap his arms around her muzzle. The two stood like that for some time, until Stephen released her head, and told her he’d be back to ride her. She seemed to like the idea because she nodded her head and whinnied at Stephen. Stephen turned to look at Jane and said, “I hope you’re a good teacher Aunt Jane, because I know nothing about being a girl. Plus, I’d like to hear more about Jenny’s interests. Maybe Jenny and I could take some walks sometime and she could show me what she knows?” Jane could see a great burden fall from Stephen’s shoulders after what he told her. She knew he had to come to the realization that he needed help as much as Jenny, and that he could also help Jenny if he wanted to. He was doing both now.
They were silent as they walked back to the house, going back inside through that same door. Once inside Stephen was surprised to see Venessa and another man he didn’t know. Jane had allowed Stephen to walk inside first, so she was behind him when he saw Venessa and the man. He slowly turns until he’s facing Jane and asks her, “You knew I’d say yes to your suggestions before I said yes? Or was it a guess on your part?” Jane had just seen Stephen angry, and how hurt he is, so she recognized his questions to be only questions, asked with a neutral attitude.
Jane measured her answers before telling Stephen, “I will answer your questions, Stephen, but it would be better done in the Library, where all four of us can be comfortable.” Jenny had also been there with Venessa and the man, talking to Venessa about this and that when Jane and Stephen came back into the house. “Jenny, please bring tea for four into the Library, and remember what you have been told.” Jane cocks an eyebrow at Jenny who replied, “Yes, Aunt Jane.” With Jane leading the way the four go into the Library, where Jane guides everyone to the couches. Not long after everyone was seated, there’s a knock on the Library door. Jane calls, “Enter,” and Jenny comes in carrying a tray holding a teapot and four cups and saucers. There’s also a creamer, bowl of sugar cubs, and lemon wedges. Jenny sets the tray down on the Library desk before asking everyone how they liked their tea. After fixing everyone’s tea, and handing them out, she leaves the Library, making sure to close the door behind her.
Jane takes a sip of her tea before telling Stephen, “Yes to both of your questions, Stephen. And no to both,” which causes Stephen to frown at her second answer. He was about to ask another question when Jane held up her hand, and said, “When you were talking with Venessa, before Betty came to collect you, you seemed so sure you did not want to explore your feminine side. But Venessa picked up on what you did not say, that you would NEVER want to explore your feminine side. Venessa also told you you’d make a very pretty young girl. And she should know, she has been in the makeover business a very long time, she knows what will work and what will not work.”
“People at the station heard Chester Thorton came to me for the purpose of possible employment. Our plan was to have this gentleman here,” and she pointed to the man sitting next to Venessa, “be made over to resemble Chester Thorton. I would then take Chester back to the station and make a show of my apologies that the job prospect did not work out for him. He would get on the Southbound train and anyone who asked about a man named Chester Thorton, would be told he took the Southbound train and left the area. For obvious reasons, Stephen, this man will remain nameless to you, but suffice to say he would meet Venessa somewhere and Chester Thorton would vanish as suddenly as he appeared. However…,” and all three tured their eyes to Stephen.
“It all depends on you, Stephen, and whether what you told me in the stables is really what you want. As a young girl you will be as safe here as Chester has been traveling here. I doubt anyone in those monsters’ families have enough of a brain to even conceive of the idea of you exploring your feminine side. And if Venessa said you would make a pretty girl, as the saying goes, ‘you can take it to the bank.’” Six sets of eyes follow Stephen as he gets up off the couch and walks to one of the Library windows. He’s quiet as he looks outside, then turns around and asks, pointing to the man next to Venessa, “Will he be safe? If they catch him and discover he isn’t me, they will kill him on the spot. They’ll make sure his body is never found, no one of his family will ever learn what happened to him.”
It’s the first time the man next to Venessa spoke, when he told Stephen, “Stephen, son, please come and sit back down.” It wasn’t a commanding voice, but it was a command anyway, only gentler. Stephen walked back to the couch and sat back down next to Jane.
“Stephen,” the man began, “it’s kind of you to think of my safety before your own, that shows a level of maturity not often found in someone your age. More years ago than I care to say, I was one of those boys sent to Jane for her special education. I won’t tell you why because it isn’t germaine to the decision you must make. I went to University, got my bachelor’s and masters, then went into the military; I won’t tell you which branch. Stephen, the military taught me things your two families have never heard of, or dreamed possible. I can spot a pickpocket long before they apply their trade. I can spot a tail quickly, and a killer in an instant. Stephen, if they do find me or come after me, it won’t be my body that will never be found. Those two families will be short whatever number attempts to take me.”
Stephen looks into the man’s eyes, and sees steel staring back at him. Stephen stands up, walks over to the man, offers the man his hand, and says, “Mr. Thorton, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope you have a safe, and pleasant trip.”
Jane looks at Venessa, just as Venessa looks at Jane. Both give the other the ‘I’m glad that worked’ look, before Venessa tells Stephen, “Stephen, let’s go and get you out of that Mr. Thorton facade, shall we?” Jane had walked over to the Library door, opened it and called Jenny. “Jenny, please take Venessa and Stephen up to Stephen’s room. I will see to our other guest.” Jane receives a, “Yes, Aunt Jane,” before stepping out of the way to allow Venessa and Stephen to follow Jenny. She steps back into the Library, closes the Library door, turns, smiles, and asks, “Parker, it has been a long time. How have you been?” She hasn’t seen Parker Meadow in over twenty five years, but remembers every moment when he was with her. They hug before walking back to the couches, sitting down and begin to talk, Jane learning everything Parker is allowed to tell her.
Jenny leads Stephen and Venessa up the stairs and to the bedroom that will be Stephen’s for as long as it needs to be; things will have to settle down before it will be safe for him to leave Jane’s home. She shows them the bathroom, with all the lotions, shampoos and conditioners, the closet, chest of drawers, causing Stephen to blush a bit when he sees what the drawers contain. Once she’s done all this, she leaves the two alone and goes back downstairs to see what she is supposed to do next.
Venessa walks over to the vanity, sets a bag down on its top and begins unpacking several items, one being a bottle of liquid. She picks up the bottle and walks over to Stephen sitting on the bed, hands him the bottle and tells him, “This is my special mixture to remove all of the coloring, built up material and the beard I put on you. Don’t worry about it hurting your skin, it’s been quality tested for the past fifteen years. Everything will simply dissolve and go down the drain. When you’re finished removing everything I applied to your arms and face,” she hands Stephen a small tube, “wash that wig with the cream that’s in this tube. It will loosen the adhesive that holds that wig on,” and she pointed to his hair. “Once you’ve washed the wig with that cream, it should be easy to remove. Then wash your own hair with it again, followed by using whatever shampoo and conditioner in that bathroom. You need to get all the adhesive out of your own hair before shampooing it. Also, once you have all of my work off you, you will find a razor and shaving cream, or some type, in that bathroom. Use them, shave your face, your underarms, and your legs--twice.” She sits down next to Stephen before continuing.
Author’s Note: This is another of my Jane Thompson ‘what if’ stories that’s been hounding me night and day, demanding it be written. The issues within this story are much darker than in any of my previous stories, told by a seventeen-year-old boy who witnessed the horrible treatment of the children by two families, if said children made it known they would not participate in any forced marriage. Reader beware, while what takes place is not told in great detail, it nevertheless can be disturbing. Also, there are flashbacks throughout the story, which may seem a bit confusing at times. ~ Jamie Lee ~
The Webster and Dorman families were brought together by the rescues first by a Dorman young man of a Webster young girl, then two years later a Webster young man of a Dorman young girl, and ensuing love which led to marriage when they each turned eighteen. Because of the first two marriages, other marriages, because of love, occurred between the Webster and Dorman families. But a little over one hundred and fifty years later, the then head of the Webster and Dorman families believed everything told of those first marriages to be lies. They were lies because no one married because of love, only opportunity, so those first two marriages had to have been forced. And it was at that point the love that had blossomed as a result of two rescues, that had brought two families together, was perverted, and a little over one hundred years of hell began for the two families. A hell that was Family Punishment for any Webster or Dorman child who failed to comply with the Family Obligation of marriage when they turned eighteen. And love be damned.
Seventeen-year-old Stephen William Webster and his nanny, Better Wilcox, finally blow the whistle after the murder of thirteen-year-old Rachael Dorman because she refused to be forced into a loveless marriage. Stephen and Betty must be hidden because people from the Webster and Dorman families are hunting him, thinking he is running away from a forced marriage. Betty makes contact with three of her former University sorority sisters, and together they formulate plans to hide Stephen at the one place unknown to either the Webster or Dorman families, the Winsome Girls’ School for Wayward Boys. Jane Thompson’s home.
“The four of us, me, Jane, Betty, and another I won’t name for your own safety, had hoped you would decide to explore your feminine side in order to help keep yourself safe. I’ve known what Jane does here for some time, and it starts by forcing the boys to begin their experiences by giving them no choice but to put on girls’ clothing. To do that,” and she points to the robe lying over the back of the chair, “their male clothes disappear and they either go see Jane naked or wear that robe. They also choose to be naked under that robe or wear a pair of panties. In your case, Stephen, everything you brought with you, including the clothes and shoes you have on, will be used by the gentleman you met today. He is the same height and build as yourself, so there won’t be any problems. So you’ll need to undress before you go into the bathroom, and take a pair of panties with you. If you like, I can explain the different types in those drawers, but it’s left up to you which style you choose.” Venessa then waited for Stephen to decide.
Stephen dropped his head and chuckled. “I think it best if you explain each style.” And here he smirked when he said, “After all, this will be the first time I’ve gotten into a girl’s panties.” It took less than the blink of her eyes for Venessa to understand what Stephen just said. She slaps him playfully on the arm before laughing out loud with him. Then she looks at him for a moment before saying, “Stephen William Webster, if I were a few years younger I’d hunt you down and drag you home to meet my parents. You’re going to be quite the catch for some girl one day.” She lightly slaps him on his leg and tells him, “C’mon, let’s go talk panties.”
After Venessa explains each style of panty in those drawers, Stephen makes his choice of a high cut brief in blue, and then walks back to the bed and sits down. He bends down and starts untying his shoes, taking off first the right one then the left. He sets them aside before removing the socks, placing one in each shoe. While sitting down he unbuttons his shirt and removes it, folding it before setting it on the bed. He then looks up at Venessa, who had been watching him this whole time. “Um...are you going to watch while I take everything else off,” he asks Venessa as she stands up. All Venessa says, as she’s turning around, is, “Boys! As if we women don’t know what you keep in your pants.” She’s hit in the back of the head by a pillow, before she hears the bathroom door close and the shower start. She chuckles to herself, as she bends to pick up the pillow. She gathers up everything and goes to do laundry; all but the underwear needs cleaned before she creates another Chester Thorton tomorrow.
Because of everything Stephen must remove, it takes about an hour before he shuts off the hair dryer and emerges from the bathroom. He’s startled after opening the door to find Jane sitting on the bed, waiting for him. She’s finally able to see the real Stephen William Webster and like what she sees, even the blue high cut briefs she’s wearing. Jane starts off teaching Stephen how to be a girl by saying, “Stephen, that bulge in the front of those panties will cause people to look at you strangely when you are dressed as a girl. I will save you the embarrassment by having you go back into the bathroom and tuck your penis back between your legs. And carefully push your testicles up into your body. I think you will then find those panties will fit better. Had you been one of the boys sent to me, I would have had you do it in front of me. Now go!” Jane had to hold back a chuckle because of the expression on Stephen’s face from what she just told him. But when he came back out those panties did fit much better.
“Now, a girl does not go around others just wearing her panties, so you can wear that robe for now.” When Stephen had put on the robe, Jane patted a spot on the bed besider, silently telling Stephen to sit beside her. Jane watches as Stephen sits down beside her, then tells him, “Before you sit down, whether wearing a robe, skirt or dress, always sweep the back of the garments towards your legs before you sit down. It not only keeps the garment from getting wrinkled, but helps with modesty. Try sitting down again.” She watches as Stephen stands up, sweeps the back of the robe towards his legs before sitting down. Legs spread apart. Jane reaches over and pushes his legs together, before telling him, “If a girl sits like that she will have every male within viewing distance looking up her dress or skirt. Keep your legs together unless you’re wearing pants, which you will never be doing while you are here. You can also cross your ankles with your knees together, or cross your legs as you see mine are crossed.” Jane watches as Stephen looks at her legs then tries to cross his to match hers.
Jane reaches over and gently takes Stephen’s chin and turns his head to face her. She looks him directly in the eyes and says, “Understand, Stephen, I will correct every mistake you make while learning to be a young lady. But I am doing it because I want to keep you safe. In the short time I have known you, I can see you have so much to offer this world. And I want to help you do that one day.”
Stephen reaches up and wipes his eyes before telling Jane, “I wouldn’t be addressing you as Aunt Jane if I didn’t think you had my welfare at heart. Besides Betty, you are the third person who’s cared about my life. And I will never forget you for all you’re doing.” Stephen reaches up and wipes off a tear that was sliding down Jane’s cheek, before she takes his hand and says, “There’s one other garment you must get used to. Follow me and I will explain that one to you.” They stand up together, then Jane has him remove the robe before taking his hand again and leading him back to the chest of drawers. She opens one drawer and begins to explain the different styles of bras that drawer contains. She does the same for the next drawer. She also explains what ‘chicken fillets’ are for, and notices how Stephen’s face has taken on a lovely pink shade. Jane opens the middle drawer of the vanity and takes out a tape measure, and uses it to measure Stephen from head to toe. Venessa gave Jane a rough guess of Stephen’s chest measurements, so the drawers contained bras which he might comfortably wear. Jane picked out a basic bra, in blue to match his panties, and taught him how to put in on. She then took out a pair of breast forms, showed him how to place them in each cup, stood back and saw the beginnings of a young girl. A young girl who had nice ‘B’ cup breasts; Sandy or Carolyn would glue on prosthetics tomorrow at the salon. Jane hoped when they went to the salon tomorrow, Stephen would be able to endure what they would do to him. But he was born into hell and came out the other side, so a little bit of salon work shouldn’t bother him.
Jane then had Stephen follow her to the closet, where she provides an explanation of every dress hanging from the racks. She explained the style, the parts of the dress, when it could, and should, be worn, and the fabric used to create each dress. She then proceeded to the shoes, showing him the difference between heel heights, designs and the name given for each style. She even gave him a crash course in fashion, what dress would go with which pair of shoes, what could be worn to accessorize the outfit, and what should never be worn together. She then had him pick out a dress that would be appropriate to wear around the house when guests were present. Jane was happy that Stephen had been listening to everything she’d told him, for he picked out a dress which wasn’t too dressy but would present a lovely young girl. He also picked out a pair of ivory flats, which would complement the dress nicely.
Dress and shoes were taken out of the closet, just as there was a knock on the bedroom door. Jane opened the door and let Venessa into the bedroom; Jane and Venessa had everything planned out. Plus, Venessa had been watching everything shown on a monitor sent from the hidden camera in the bedroom. When Venessa walked into the bedroom and saw Stephen, she whistled, and again told him she wished she was his age again so she could take him home to daddy. Both women chuckled as Stephen’s face again took on that lovely pink shade. But he held his demeanor, he didn’t shy away because two adult women saw him in a bra and panties.
Jane had him follow her to the chest of drawers, again, and opened another drawer before she began to explain about the different types of slips that drawer contained. As she did with the dresses, she told him when they should be worn and with what type of dress. She took out a white slip, one she knew would be right for the dress Stephen picked, and had Stephen put it on, showing him how to adjust the straps. The next part both women found rather comical, as Jane had Stephen put on the dress and told him to zip up the zipper on the back of the dress. Both women covered their mouths, as Stephen gyrated this way and that to pull up the zipper. Seeing Stephen start to get frustrated, Jane took pity on the boy and showed him an easy way for him to get it done. She then unzipped the dress several times, as Stephen practiced zipping it up several times.
Venessa then took Stephen’s hand and led him to the vanity, where she had him sit down before turning on the lights on either side of the vanity’s mirror. “It might take time for you to learn how to do this properly, but properly applying makeup is something all girls learn at some point in their lives. They also learn how to style their hair for different occasions.” Venessa told Stephen all this as she opened draws and took out a curling iron, combs, brushes, and several different makeups. Jane tried to keep her ‘stern teacher’ face intact, but the look on Stephen’s face as Venessa started explaining everything, made it hard to do.
Venessa used the curling iron, combs and brushes, to give Stephen’s shoulder length hair more bounce and curl. Jane was sitting on the bed as Venessa started explaining each step she performed as she applied a light layer of makeup; Jane admired Stephen’s tolerance for something so foreign to him. When Venessa was finished, she had Stephen stand up and face her and Jane, who stood up from the bed and was now standing in front of Stephen, Venessa at her side. “So, Janie, what do you think?” It was Stephen’s turn to watch, and chuckle, as Jane slowly turned her head to look at Venessa before telling her in a rather cold voice, “You do remember how I hate that name, correct?” It shocked Stephen a bit as Venessa gave Jane a light kiss on the lips before she said, “Yeah, but I still love ya girl.” Jane just shook her head before breaking out in a big smile, and returned Venessa’s light kiss. There were some stories neither woman would tell about their days at that University.
Both women returned their examination of the new girl standing before them, with Jane saying, “Venessa, we have before us a very pretty young girl, with a boy’s name. Can young girls have boy’s names?” Venessa playing along, as they decided, said, “Well, yeah they can, but they are usually spelled differently.” Jane then looked at Stephen and asked, “Does this new young girl know of a name she’d like to be called?” As much as one name had affected Stephen as he told his story, Jane had a suspicion what name he’d choose. She was proven right when he said, “Rachael. Rachael Jane Baker.” About that time there was a knock on the bedroom door. Venessa being closer, opened it to find Jenny standing there. Jenny simply told the three, “Marie wanted me to tell all of you that supper is ready.” Jane schooled herself and replied, “Thank you, Jenny. Please tell Marie we will be down shortly.” And as Jenny had learned, “Yes, ma’am,” was her proper reply, before she turned and went back downstairs.
After Jenny left, Jane turned back to Rachael and asked her, “Well, Rachael, are you ready to face the world?” Jane and Venessa could see Rachael’s eyes glisten, when Jane called Stephen, Rachael. Tears never fell, but there was a catch in her voice as she told both women, “When Venessa first told me I’d make a lovely young girl, I believed then I’d never do something like this. But thanks to the two of you, I’m confident doing this and yes, Aunt Jane, I’m ready to meet the world. Plus, I’m hungry.” Both women walked over to Rachael and hugged her before each gave her more words of encouragement. Jane already had her sentries picked out when they would be out in public. Sentries no one would spot until it was too late. And hopefully they wouldn’t have to act.
Rachael follows Jane and Venessa out of the bedroom and down the stairs. They walk into the dining room, where they find everything on the table, plus the man, Marie, and Jenny standing behind the chairs around the dining room table. When Rachael walks into the room, Marie is the first to say, “Very nice, Rachael. Very nice indeed.” Rachael gives Marie a questioning look, only to have Marie point to her ears--Marie heard what name she gave herself. The man offers something more, as he walks over to Rachael, takes her hand, kisses the back of her hand, and tells her, “If only I were a young lad again. I agree, very nice.” It was Jenny who received ‘the Jane look’ after she happily screeched out, “I have a big sister now!” Rachael took some of the sting out of Jane’s look by walking over to Jenny, hugging her, and saying, “And I have a little sister now.” The three women watched the two young girls before looking at each other and nodding at each other. They had planned well after all. The three looked back at Rachael hugging Jenny, and the huge, real, smile on Jenny’s face. Something that had only started being seen since Stephen arrived. Since everyone was now at the table, everyone could be seated. The man helped seat Jane and Marie, while the girls seated themselves, Rachael remembering Jane’s admonishment about sweeping the back of her dress towards her legs before sitting.
As usual, Jane never let a meal go by without it being a learning session. Both girls were asked general questions about a variety of subjects, the man joining in now and then, enjoying the give and take during the discussions. When the meal was over, Jane said to Jenny, “Jenny, you and Rachael please help Marie clear the table and help her in the kitchen.” Jane had to treat Rachael as she did Jenny, at least in front of Jenny. She would have to talk with Rachael and make sure Jenny was kept ignorant as to the real reason Stephen was there, in order to try and keep Jenny safe.
Jane had no more told Jenny what to do then Jenny jumped up and excitedly told Rachael, “C’mon, I’ll show you what needs done.” Things slowed down a bit after Jane said, “Jenny, a young lady does not jump up from the table. You will sit down and stand up properly, young lady.” Rachael had to put her hand over her mouth in order to not laugh because of the look on Jenny’s face. Jane and Marie did the same. An unhappy Jenny sat down, then stood up, pushed her chair under the table, and said, “Sorry, Aunt Jane, I was just so excited to have a big sister I forgot.” Jane schooled her face as she said, “Then, Jenny, you must do better at remembering. And think about all the things that might have happened by your exuberant rising from the chair.” Jenny looked at Jane and nodded her head, she understood. As Jane and the man started to walk out of the dining room, Jane turned and told Rachael, “Rachael, when you are through helping in the kitchen I want to see you in the Library.” And like Jenny’s response, Rachael replied, “Yes, Aunt Jane.”
Once the dining room table was cleared, and Marie and the girls were in the kitchen, Jane walked back into the dining room and stood by the kitchen door, listening. What she heard from Jenny filled her with hope, as Rachael asked questions and Jenny excitedly answered the questions. There was a bit of sadness in Jenny’s voice when Rachael suggested the two go out on the property so Jenny could show her some of the plants. When Jenny came to ask her, and Jane knew she would, Jane would have to keep the hope and glee out of her face. She would have to have her ‘stern teacher’ face on when that time came.
Jane had walked back into the Library, finding Parker sitting on one of the couches enjoying a glass of wine. She had just poured herself a glass, sat down next to Parker, when there was a knock on the Library door. “Come in,” she said loud enough to be heard on the other side of the door, before the door opened and Rachael came into the room. “You wanted to see me, Aunt Jane?” Rachael asked before closing the Library door behind her, for Jenny’s sake. They had to keep up appearances in front of Jenny. Jane pointed to the other couch and watched as Rachael walked over to it, sweeping the back of her dress towards her legs before sitting down, keeping her knees together. “You did that quite well, Rachael. How are you feeling about all this?”
Jane took a sip of her wine as she waited for Rachael to answer. It was a short spell before Rachael told Jane, “Better than I expected at first. But I’ve a feeling things will be, different tomorrow?” Stephen knew this beginning as Rachael wasn’t all Jane was going to ask of him, he’d noticed several things about Jenny. And he was proven right when Jane answered with, “Yes, Rachael, tomorrow will be different. You and Jenny have an appointment at Marisha Chalet, the salon I use for my girls, where you will get a complete makeover, and several lessons. You have nothing to fear from Carolyn or Sandy, they know about you, and will help you learn about aspects of being a girl. If you have questions, ask while you are with each lady. Now one part might be a little uncomfortable, but must be done if you are to have a girly figure.” Jane and the man watched as Rachael did Stephen’s classic head drop and chuckle before saying, “A corset, right?” It was Jane’s turn to chuckle before replying, “Yes, a corset. The other part is getting your ears pierced, as most girls have these days.” The man chuckled this time as Rachael just shook her head at the thought of having to wear a corset and getting her ears pierced, something Stephen had never thought of doing.
“Rachael, there is something more serious we must discuss. In order to help keep you safe, you must be Rachael any time you are with Jenny. You must not tell her, or even hint at, the real reason you are here. While she may not say anything deliberately, she could accidentally blurt out something at the wrong time. Our plan was to have her think you were sent here just as she was sent, though explaining about Chester Thorton might be a bit problematic. I suppose you could tell her part of the truth, that some bad people were looking for you and the disguise was to keep you safe while traveling.”
“But for the rest of the evening, I would like you to sit with Jenny and continue talking with her, asking her questions, to help bring her out of that shell she has built around her. Her actions tonight after supper were a tremendous breakthrough, thanks to you and the way you treated her. Please, keep encouraging her to tell you about herself and her interests. Marie will notify you and Jenny when it is time for bed. Marie will go with you and tell you how to remove your makeup before you shower. She will also show you which moisturizer to apply to your face after showering. Wash your hair, and shave as you did earlier. In the bottom drawer of that chest of drawers you will find a selection of nighties you may choose from for tonight. You must also change your panties as well. Please leave the bra you are wearing on while you sleep, so you can get used to the feel of it on. In the morning, Marie will wake you and have you take a shower and shave. Fold up the nighties you wore and place in under the pillow after you make the bed. Put the bra and panties you wore to bed in the clothes hamper you will find in the closet.”
“Rachael, I realize all of this may be hard on you at first. But our intentions are to keep you safe, and we can only do that if you immerse yourself in being Rachael. If you seem like a boy dressed as a girl, people will notice faster than if you are Rachael any time you are around other people. Your voice, mannerisms, actions, all must be girl-like, or you will be outed. Go on now, take what time left before bed and talk with Jenny.” Jane and Parker were a bit surprised when Rachael replied in a more feminine voice as she said, “Yes, Aunt Jane,” before standing up, bidding the man a safe journey, and leaving the Library, closing the door behind her.
Parker had watched this boy go from Chester Thorton to Rachael Jane Baker with ease. He had observed her over supper, how she interacted with Jenny, her mannerisms during supper, and now as she came into the Library, talked with Jane, then left the Library. Parker told a worried looking Jane, “He’s going to be alright, Jane. He’s a born actor,” and as he put an arm around her shoulders she replied, “I hope you’re right, Parker, I hope you’re right.” Jane laid her head on Parker’s shoulders, and he felt his shirt get wet where Jane’s head lay. “Aunt Jane,” he began, “the entire time I was with you, and helped be the senior girl, I never saw a boy take on their female persona quicker than that boy. And he’s done it voluntarily and, unlike myself, and I deem others, never fought you on it. Plus, Jane, his voice, his mannerisms, all suggest he’s been a girl his entire life. No one will see that young man as anything but a young girl.” Jane chuckled at the memory when Parker first came to her, and the fits he threw. But she knew he was right in everything he just said, Stephen does seem to have been a girl his entire life. “Parker, perhaps she does act like a girl due to having an IQ not too many points below 200, and an eidetic memory. Perhaps both of these help him take on any role he requires in order to survive. Remember, there are a lot of unpleasant memories stored in that mind, so there had to be a way for him to stay sane and alive at the same time. Had he betrayed anything at any time, he wouldn’t be here now, Parker. He’d be dead.”
The two were quiet for some time, thinking about what the other said, before finishing their wine and deciding they too should go to bed. Jane walked Parker out of the Library, bid him a good night, before going into the Study and checking on Jenny, finding her sound asleep. Rachael was a different matter, though, as Jane heard her asking herself questions about being Rachael. “I’m actually comfortable being Rachael. Does that mean I’m really a girl or secretly wanting to be a girl? Can I actually be Rachael out in public? I wish, above all, I knew the answers. I’m scared it all might actually be true.” Jane watched as Rachael wiped tears off her cheeks, before turning out the light and climbing into bed. ‘Yes, Rachael,’ Jane thought, ‘that is something which needs to be discovered.’ She shut everything down, the alarm in her bedroom would alert her if there was trouble with the girls, got up out of the desk chair and made her way to her bedroom after closing the Study door. Stephen’s admissions today had drained her.
The next morning started as Jane had told Rachael. Only Rachael was ahead of the ‘game’ as Marie found out when she went to wake Rachael after waking Jenny. When Marie walked into Rachael’s bedroom, Rachael’s bed was already made and clothes were already laid out on the bed. As Marie listened, she could hear a beautiful voice singing about the running shower. She listened for a while before knocking on the bathroom door, opening it and asking, “Is everything alright, cher?” As she waited for an answer, she looked around the bathroom, spotting the lingerie lying on the toilet seat lid. “Yes, Marie, I’m fine, so far. I made sure to shave my face and under arms twice, and I’m using a hair remover on my legs right now. Um...are the bra and panties I selected suitable, they’re laying on the toilet seat lid.” Marie had to smile after all she heard, and did agree with the selection of bra and panties. “Yes, cher, the selection is perfect, as is the dress and accessories you chose. If I might ask, cher, you are up early, no. Is this your habit before here?” The water shut off, and the shower curtain pulled back, before Rachael said, “Honestly, Marie, I was excited to start the day. After talking with Aunt Jane yesterday, and being open with someone besides Betty, I feel a great burden has been lifted from my shoulders.”
Rachael was totally naked, as she dried herself in front of Marie with a bath towel. “Did Aunt Jane tell you anything about what I told her, even the parts that were hard to tell?” Rachael saw the sad face Marie made as she said, “Yes, cher. She told me everything, even the hard parts.” She reached up and wiped a tear off her cheek before saying, “Come, we have to get you ready for the day.” Marie was surprised when a very naked Stephen walked up to her, kissed her on the cheek and told her in perfect French, “Merci beaucoup, ma tante,” before pulling on the panties, tucking his manhood back between his legs. Marie had to wipe her eyes again. Rachael then picked up the bra and this time with deft fingers, put her arms through the straps, and reached around behind her and hooked the bra ends together. Marie only quirked one eyebrow this time.
She had Rachael wait to put on the dress, until her hair and makeup were done, suggesting a slip be worn with the dress Rachael chose, and showing her which one would be best. Marie had Rachael sit in front of the vanity mirror, after she had put the slip on, before telling Rachael to do her makeup in order to see what she learned from the previous day. A short time later, a surprised Marie stared into the mirror as a very beautifully made up Rachael was reflected in the mirror; Jane was also going to be surprised how well Rachael did putting on her makeup today. Being able to see one’s face is different than doing one’s hair, but Rachael did manage to make her hair very presentable after it was dried; a few more lessons and it would be perfect.
Rachael then put on her knee high socks, then her dress. Marie had to suppress a chuckle as Rachael was still having trouble zipping up the zipper. But she persevered, and was finally able to pull up the zipper. She slipped on her shoes, flats this time and she and Marie headed down to the dining room for breakfast. Marie followed behind to watch how Rachael walked. She quirked an eyebrow as she saw that Rachael was walking as a girl would walk, something a boy shouldn’t be able to do without lessons. She’d have to tell Jane about this. Either Stephen was a girl at heart, or an excellent actor.
Author’s Note: This is another of my Jane Thompson ‘what if’ stories that’s been hounding me night and day, demanding it be written. The issues within this story are much darker than in any of my previous stories, told by a seventeen-year-old boy who witnessed the horrible treatment of the children by two families, if said children made it known they would not participate in any forced marriage. Reader beware, while what takes place is not told in great detail, it nevertheless can be disturbing. Also, there are flashbacks throughout the story, which may seem a bit confusing at times. ~ Jamie Lee ~
The Webster and Dorman families were brought together by the rescues first by a Dorman young man of a Webster young girl, then two years later a Webster young man of a Dorman young girl, and ensuing love which led to marriage when they each turned eighteen. Because of the first two marriages, other marriages, because of love, occurred between the Webster and Dorman families. But a little over one hundred and fifty years later, the then head of the Webster and Dorman families believed everything told of those first marriages to be lies. They were lies because no one married because of love, only opportunity, so those first two marriages had to have been forced. And it was at that point the love that had blossomed as a result of two rescues, that had brought two families together, was perverted, and a little over one hundred years of hell began for the two families. A hell that was Family Punishment for any Webster or Dorman child who failed to comply with the Family Obligation of marriage when they turned eighteen. And love be damned.
Seventeen-year-old Stephen William Webster and his nanny, Better Wilcox, finally blow the whistle after the murder of thirteen-year-old Rachael Dorman because she refused to be forced into a loveless marriage. Stephen and Betty must be hidden because people from the Webster and Dorman families are hunting him, thinking he is running away from a forced marriage. Betty makes contact with three of her former University sorority sisters, and together they formulate plans to hide Stephen at the one place unknown to either the Webster or Dorman families, the Winsome Girls’ School for Wayward Boys. Jane Thompson’s home.
While Marie was with Rachael, Jane had watched Jenny by way of the hidden camera in Jenny’s room. She was doing much better, having fewer and fewer episodes breaking down from the loss of her parents. She only had one this morning. Jenny had reached the dining room just before Rachael and Marie, but continued on to the kitchen with Marie right behind her. Jane came out of the Study, walked into the dining room and asked Rachael, “Did you sleep alright? No nightmares or anything?” Betty had told Jane of the nightmares Stephen had had over the years, more so after a murder took place. Rachael’s murder seemed to have laid heavy on Stephen’s soul, because right after her death he had nightmares every night since; the last hour and a half of his journey on the train was the most restful sleep he’d had in some time. And it continued with his sleep last night. “No, Aunt Jane,” Rachael replied, “I slept very well, like the last hour and a half of my journey here. I guess I knew I’d be safe and cared for while here, unlike with those who called themselves my ‘parents.’” Rachael used air quotes when she said parents, and lightly dabbed at her eyes, trying not to ruin the excellent job she did on her eyes. “Rachael, you are safe here, and we do care about you,” Jane said in a rather husky voice. Jane still couldn’t comprehend how two families could be so cold as to kill their own children, simply because those children refused to take part in a forced marriage when they turned eighteen.
Jane schooled herself as Jenny came out of the kitchen carrying two dishes ladened with part of their breakfast, Marie came out right behind her with the rest, before all four took their places at the table. Jane was firm, but gentle, with Jenny as she reminded Jenny to sweep her skirt towards her legs as she sat down; Jenny practiced that action five times before everyone was able to enjoy a fine breakfast. There were other deportment corrections made as Jenny became a bit too animated, several times, while explaining something to Rachael. Jane didn’t let Rachael off either, as she corrected Rachael several times, Rachael knowing what Jane was doing by the wink Jane gave her before the corrections; they were all for Jenny’s sake. And for Jenny’s sake, Rachael only replied with, “Yes, Aunt Jane. Thank you for pointing that out. It was something I was unaware of doing.” Both gave the other a smirk to show each understood the other.
Once the dining room table was cleared of breakfast dishes, and the dishes and kitchen cleaned, Jane had both girls go to their bedrooms and freshen up their makeup, as they had appointments at the Marisha Chalet. For Rachael’s benefit as well, Jane reminded Jenny, “Jenny, please make sure to bring your purse, you seem to have trouble remembering that when we go out.” Rachael winked at Jenny after what Jane said, and Jenny just giggled as the two girls climbed the stairs to their bedrooms. The wink from Rachael and the giggle from Jenny were not lost on Jane, she was pleased by Jenny’s reaction, though she couldn’t let Jenny know. Rachael was having a positive effect on Jenny, hopefully that would continue.
When the two girls returned downstairs, Jane inspected each girl, checking their makeup and clothing. She had to admonish Jenny about not acting like a young lady when Jenny had been too exuberant coming from her bedroom. Again Rachael winked at Jenny, and Jenny held back a giggle, until Jane, smiling, led the two girls out to her car. Jenny’s shell was starting to crack.
It wasn’t long before Jane and the girls pulled up in front of the Marisha Chalet. After Jane parked her car and shut off the engine, the three got out of the car and walked into the Chalet, where Carolyn greeted all three as they entered. Jane took a seat as Sandy took Jenny back to her station to “deal with the rat’s nest Jenny was wearing.” Carolyn gave Sandy a warning-look not to go overboard with Jenny, but Sandy just blew Carolyn a raspberry. Carolyn just shook her head, as she led Rachael back to the booth where Rachael would experience her first waxing.
“Okay, Rachael, let me explain what I’m going to do before we get started,” Carolyn said to Rachael as she guided her over to one of two chairs in the room. “I’ll have you completely undress, and have you put on a robe. Then before you lie down on that table,” and she pointed to the table where waxing took place, “I’ll have you remove the robe, lie on your stomach, and will start with the back of your legs. The wax will be a bit uncomfortable because it has to be warm enough to spread out but not hot enough that it burns your skin. I will then put stips of paper on the wax and when it’s set up a bit, and this will sting a bit, rip it off your skin. I will apply a lotion which will help relieve the sting you’re going to feel, but it’s something us girls have to endure.” Carolyn let what she just said sink in, and when Rachael nodded her head, she continued with, “From the back of your legs I’ll work my way up your body, including your butt crack. Then I’ll lotion what’s been done and give you a bit of a rest before continuing with your front.” Carolyn watched Rachael carefully, to make sure she understood what she had been told. All she saw was Rachael’s head hanging down, and her chuckling, saying, “Oh, joy, a hairless butt crack, what else could I possibly want.” Then she laughed outright. Carolyn too. “Now this is important, if at any time you get thirsty, you tell me right away. I don’t want you getting dehydrated and passing out on me. Okay?” Rachael simply nodded her head, thinking, ‘The price to pay to stay hidden, oy.’
Carolyn got out a clean robe, told Rachael to completely undress and put the robe on. She started to leave the room to make it less embarrassing for Rachael to undress, but never reached the door as Rachael had removed her socks and shoes, her dress and slip, her bra, and started pulling down her panties when Carolyn spoke up. “Um...Rachael, wouldn’t you be more comfortable undressing the rest of the way if I wasn’t here?” Carolyn looked to the ceiling, rolled her eyes, and shook her head when Rachael asked her in an impish voice, “Do I have anything you haven’t seen before?” Carolyn playfully shook her fist at Rachael before saying in a rather small voice, “no. Go ahead, finish undressing.” And the two women had a good laugh.
Carolyn found Rachael’s pain threshold rather high, as she only let out a peep when her groin and chest were waxed. But, she really didn’t have a lot of hair on her legs, arms, back, or butt. As promised, Carolyn used lotion everywhere except Rachael’s chest, explaining she would glue on breast prosthetics and didn’t want the lotion to interfere with the adhesive. The point of attachments were lightly marked out, adhesive put on Rachael’s chest, the prosthetics placed and Carolyn had Rachael hold them in place for a few minutes. While the adhesive was setting, Carolyn left Rachael lying on the table and went to get a bra the right size for Rachael’s new breasts. Once she returned she helped Rachael sit up, and showed her how to properly put on the new bra, making sure the breasts were well seated in the cups. Carolyn then told Rachael to put her panties back on but leave her dress, slip, and socks and shoes off, they had one more thing to do. Rachael rolled her eyes, looked to the ceiling and said, “A corset.” Carolyn laughed and told Rachael, “You got it in one. Follow me.” Rachael had been in a good mood while getting waxed, but that changed as she followed Carolyn to a room and started following her in. But stopped dead in her tracks.
Carolyn had walked into the room then turned around to face Rachael, intending to tell her what they were going to do. But what she saw scared her more than anything, as Rachael was standing in the doorway, violently shaking and just as violently shaking her head no. What Rachael did next scared not only Carolyn but Sandy, Jane, and Jenny as well. Still violently shaking, Rachael started backing up and was saying louder and louder, “nonoNoNoNONONO…” She fell down backwards, landing hard on the floor, and crabbed herself backwards right into the chairs that were behind her, and didn’t stop trying to get away. All the while screaming at the top of her lungs, “NONONONONONO…” Carolyn was frozen at the sight of Rachael in a full blown panic. Jane arrived first, followed by Sandy and Jenny. Jane got down on the floor with Rachael, grabbed her in a fierce hug, and gently told her, “It’s alright, Rachael,” over and over again, until Rachael finally started to calm down. “It’s not what it looks like, Rachael,” she also said softly to Rachael, as she got calmer. “It isn’t what it looks like, Rachael, it’s okay, you’re not there. You’re here with Sandy, Carolyn, Jenny, and me. It’s okay, sweetheart.” At those last words of Jane, Rachael savagely hugged Jane as she sobbed on Jane’s shoulder, again having just relived what was done to Rachael Dorman. Jane realized at that moment it was not possible to keep things from Jenny any longer, she had seen Rachael’s breakdown; she would also have to explain things to Carolyn and Sandy.
As Rachael quieted down, but was still fiercely holding Jane, Jane told the three why Rachael reacted as she had just done, at least the main parts. Sandy’s reaction was familiar, with a “Aw shit, what a mess.” Carolyn’s more in line with Jane’s, as she said, “How had that girl stayed sane all this time?” And Jenny, Jenny did something that surprised Jane by coming up, wiping tears off her own cheeks, getting down on the floor, hugging Jane and Rachael, telling Rachael, “It’s okay sis, I’m here.” Rachael lifted her head, looked at Jenny and said, “Thank you, little sister, that means a lot.” Rachael let go of the hug with Jane and transferred it to Jenny, where Jane, Sandy, and Carolyn left the two girls while they went to have a private talk. Out of earshot of Jenny, Jane told Carolyn and Sandy everything Rachael told her. And why Rachael broke down so severely just now. Now she had to decide what to tell Jenny, since she too had seen Rachael’s violent incident.
The three women walked back to where they’d left the two girls hugging on the salon floor. “Rachael, please let Carolyn and Sandy help you up and get you freshened up. I want to talk with Jenny for a while.” Jane had crouched down and softly said this to Rachael, getting a nod from Rachel, and watching as the girl kissed Jenny on the cheek before telling her, “Thanks little, sis.” Sandy and Carolyn helped Rachael to her feet before taking her to the back of the salon for something to drink and eat. Plus anything else she needed.
Jane helped Jenny stand, then led her to the salon office, where she again emphasized how serious the situation was with Rachael, admonishing her not to repeat what she was about to hear. Jenny two fisted tears out of both eyes before telling Jane, “I’d never do anything to hurt my big sister, Aunt Jane. NEVER!” This time the tears just rolled down her cheeks. Jane had to smile at Jenny’s reaction, since she’d been so depressed before Rachael came. Now in the past few days, that depression seemed to be lifting, all because of how Rachael treated Jenny. “This may be hard for you to hear, Jenny, but I believe you need to know the real reason Rachael is here with me. You see…” And as with Carolyn and Sandy, Jane told Jenny the whole truth and why Rachael reacted as she just did. Jenny had to constantly wipe tears from her eyes and cheeks, but she listened to every word Jane said. When Jane finished, Jenny didn’t say a word, but got up out of the chair she’d been sitting in, walked out of the salon office, and headed towards the back of the salon. Jane followed, and watched as Jenny opened the door at the back of the salon, walked through, walked over to where Rachael was sitting, with Sandy and Carolyn nearby, grabbed Rachael in a fierce hug and cried on the girl’s shoulder. Rachael gently held Jenny while she cried, wondering what had upset her so. Rachael gave Jane a questioning look, receiving a mouthed, ‘I told her everything.’
Jenny had been with Jane for the past two months, and during that time neither Sandy’s curt attitude, nor Carolyn’s sweet attitude, or anything Jane and Marie had tried, did any good pulling Jenny out of her depression. And the three were shocked, while Jenny still fiercely hugging Rachael said, “Those bastards killed my parents. And for what, nothing. They didn’t have any money in the house. Why’d they kill my parents, Rachael? Why?” In the entire two months, this was the first time Jenny mentioned the death of her parents in a burglary of their home. The two men were looking for money in order to buy needed drugs to feed their habit. “I heard daddy tell those men there wasn’t any money in the house, but they said he was lying, and I heard one of them hit daddy with something. That’s when momma screamed and I climbed out the window and got up on the roof; they couldn’t see me from the window or the ground. Stupid assholes, they left plenty of prints behind and the police caught them a few days later, trying to hold up some people on the streets. I heard they will die before they get out of prison. Did they really have to kill my parents, Rachael?” Rachael reached up and wiped tears off her checks, as did the three other women. Jenny’s shell cracked open this morning, she was going to be alright now. And Rachael would be there to help.
Everyone’s face was a mess after all the tears and meltdowns, and Sandy went and got the needed items to make repairs. Once repairs were made, Jane and Carolyn sat down with Rachael, while Jenny went with Sandy, and explained to Rachael what it was she saw in the room. After explaining it was used to help tighten the ties on a corset, Rachael let her brain process it for what it was and not what her memories told her what she saw. When asked if she felt better, Rachael nodded, and the three walked back into the salon and the room to fit Rachael with a corset. Jane and Carolyn heard Rachael mumbling to herself as they walked into the room, and then the entire time the corset was tightened around Rachael’s torso. They chuckled when Rachael asked, “How...does...a...woman...breathe...while...wearing...one...of...these...things?” And Carolyn replied, “By taking shallow breaths.” She went on to explain how it would be harder for Rachael to bend over at the waist, so she needed to kneel if she had to pick up anything off the floor. Jane had gone to the waxing room to get Rachael’s clothing, and the two helped Rachael dress before they led her to Sandy’s station so her hair could be styled.
Jane received a phone call on her cell phone from Venessa, telling her Chester Thorton was ready to leave. The last part of the plan had been for Venessa to change Parker into Chester Thorton, and for Jane to take him back to the train station, where they’d make a big todo about Chester not being able to take the job Jane was offering, with Chester leaving on the very next train. Venessa would then meet him at the second stop where she would then drive him back to her studio warehouse and un-Chesterize him. And Chester Thorton would disappear in a cloud of smoke, never to be seen again.
Jane told Carolyn and Sandy she had to leave for a short time and would be back before they were finished with Jenny and Rachael; Rachael still needed her ears pierced. The Chester plan worked as laid out. Jane and the new Chester arrived at the train station just as the train going in the opposite direction, from the one Stephen arrived on, was pulling into the station. They walked to the platform, made a show of being disappointed the job didn’t work out, and the new Chester boarded the train. Doing things at this particular moment would ensure no one paid much attention to just two more people saying their goodbyes before one boarded the train..
Jane returned in time to watch as Rachael had two piercings done in the lobe of each ear, wincing each time she was poked. Afterwards, all five women laughed as they heard Rachael say, “The things we women have to go through.” Jane was paying particular attention to Jenny, and how she reacted to what Rachael just said. This was not the pre-Rachael Jenny, this was a new Jenny, one who now wore her happiness in her eyes, and not just on her face. It had been hard to watch, but maybe Rachael having a meltdown now may have been the best thing for Jenny to witness. She did after all, open up about the murder of her parents during that burglary, something she hadn’t done in the two months she’d been with Jane.
Jane also noticed a difference in both Sandy and Carolyn, after the two young ladies had their meltdowns. Particularly Sandy. She was always the one Carolyn had to warn about going overboard with Jane’s boys, and now she seemed more subdued, more caring than she seemed before everything happened. Hopefully, when a new boy came, Carolyn wouldn’t have to caution Sandy. Only time would answer that question.
Carolyn and Sandy had gone off to clean up their stations before their other customers started arriving. And Jane felt it was time the girls returned to her home, and maybe Jenny would like to take Rachael out for a walk on the property to show her the different plants. And maybe Rachael will introduce Jenny to the big rone.
Not long after they returned to Jane’s home, the phone rang. After answering it she told Marie to hold the line open as she went into the Library to finish taking the call. When Marie heard Jane pick up the phone in the Library, she hung up that phone and returned to the kitchen, with Jenny in tow. A short time later Jane left the Library and went up to Rachael’s bedroom, wanting to talk privately with Rachael about news she’d just received. News that would either upset Rachael or take more weight off her shoulders. Jane knocked on Rachael’s bedroom door before opening the door and entering the room, closing the door behind her.
Jane found Rachael sitting at the vanity table, turning her head this way and that, looking at the new earrings she had. Rachael was so absorbed in the new earrings she didn’t hear the knock on the bedroom door or Jane come into the room. “Rachael, come sit with me, I have some news I just received.” Rachael jumped slightly when Jane said her name, but got up off the vanity chair and walked over and sat on the bed next to Jane. “I just received a call from a trusted friend in law enforcement, telling me plans are being made to raid and arrest everyone involved in the horrible treatment of those kids in the videos. They have people pouring over those videos right this moment, and they’re getting names and where they live. Once they have all the names and addresses, arrest warrants will be issued and they’ll make plans to raid every location at the same time. I can’t tell you when all of this will take place because I wasn’t told. But the person I spoke with said after the major players watched those videos, several had to leave the room for the restrooms. And, a special team was made up then and there to make sure everyone who was involved would be put behind bars. That includes your parents.” Rachael made a nasty snorting sound when Jane said ‘her parents,’ since they’d never really been parents. “And I was told to tell you that Betty is safe and can’t wait to see you again; something was mentioned about Betty becoming your guardian when this is all over.” Rachael visibly perked up when Jane mentioned Betty, then wiped her eyes at the thought of being with Betty again. “So, until everything is settled, and it’s safe for you and Betty to come out of hiding, you have a home here, with me.”
Rachael leaned her head onto Jane’s right shoulder, wrapped her arms around Jane’s waist, and told her, “Thank you, Aunt Jane, I really appreciate your offer. And I’m glad Betty is safe.” From the time Jane had started her school for wayward boys, she had to be the stern mistress to every boy who came to her school. This time things were different. She’d had a very depressed Jeremy Stevens, a boy who found his murdered parents after a home burglary. And she had Stephen William Webster, who, from the age of three, had witnessed some horrible treatment of kids in the Webster and Dorman families. Even several murders. Both were deeply hurt. Both had built their own shell around themselves. And both had had their own meltdowns but this very day, causing their individual shells to finally shatter. Both would need time and counseling but Jane felt both would do well given time.
And Jane, what of herself? She thought on that for a minute, as Rachael continued to hug her. Jane too had been affected by what these two boys had experienced, and had walked out the other side. While she would still need to be the stern mistress to begin with, she would look deeper into the cause of each boys’ errant actions and contour their learning to deal with those experiences. And not just how to be a better person.
During the rest of her stay with Jane, Jenny was a changed person. No longer was there a constant depressed young girl, robotically obeying every order Jane gave. Instead, there was a bubbling young girl, now full of life, now knowing what she wanted to do with her life. Where the old Jenny would never have wanted to visit the stable, or go on walks around the property, this new Jenny wanted to revisit the stables once Rachael introduced her to the big rone. And she also learned to ride the big horse. Four months after Jenny’s self imposed shell shattered, her Aunt and Uncle came to collect her, it was time for her to go home. As her Aunt and Uncle saw her for the first time in months, even they could tell they were seeing a new Jenny. Jane explained to the Aunt and Uncle the need for Jenny to continue counseling, but judging by her behavior since Rachael came, and the two girls breakthrough, she would in time be fine. It was not an easy goodbye for anyone when Jenny left. The two girls hugged and cried and promised to stay in touch. Rachael reminded Jenny what she felt now were just memories, memories that couldn’t change but did happen. And not to dwell on those memories and let them pull her back down. There was a sparkle in Jenny’s eyes when she told Rachael, “I won’t.” Jenny’s Aunt and Uncle took Rachael aside, and told her how much they appreciated everything Rachael had done for Jenny. And if there was anything she needed, call them any time. Rachael had to wipe her eyes after what they said, and hugged them, saying, “You’re more than welcome. Take good care of my little sister.” As the three drove out of sight, tears were rolling down the cheeks of three women.
Six months later Jane received another phone call she took in the Library. At the same time there was a knock on the front door of the house. As the phone call with Jane ended, she heard a loud scream coming from the front room. Uncharacteristically, Jane ran out of the Library, not bothering to close the Library door. When she arrived in the front room, Rachael was hugging another woman and crying on her shoulder. It was Betty. And she was safe. Marie wisely went to the kitchen and brought back tall glasses of water, they all were going to need them. As Jane watched, it was Betty who spoke first.
“It’s okay, sweetheart, I’m okay. And so are you. It’s over, they’ve all been arrested and are in jail. No one is getting out on bond.” She said these words softly to Rachael, as she hugged Rachael as hard as Rachael hugged her. Gawd, she missed her, daughter/son. Magically tissues materialized, and Betty and Rachael used them to wipe their eyes and blow their noses. Both had wet spots on their blouse and dress shoulders. Betty gently pushed Rachael away to arms length before saying, “Let me look at you now. My, aren’t you the prettiest young thing. I think you and I might need to fix our faces, if I look like you do,” gently kissing Rachael on the forehead. Rachael chuckled at what Betty said, telling her, “Well, if I look as bad as you then I’m a mess.” Both women laughed and hugged each other again before Jane suggested they go up to Rachael’s bedroom and freshen up. Jane had new information she wanted to give them.
It didn’t surprise Jane it was almost an hour later when Betty and Rachael returned to the front room, both looking much better; Betty’s hair was still a little damp. She had them sit on the couch before taking the chair across from them.
“Just as you arrived, Betty, I got off the phone with Judge Ruth; I can tell you her name now, Rachael, now that it’s over for you two. It took time to gather names and addresses and coordinate both Local and State law enforcement in order to raid every house at the same time. But two weeks ago, the raids were carried out, and every arrest warrant was served. When the lawyers for the Webster’s and Dorman’s saw all the evidence against everyone arrested, it was obvious no one stood a chance with a jury trial. It took those lawyers several days to convince their clients to plead guilty and throw themselves on the mercy of the courts. Otherwise, if they went to trial, they were guaranteed to lose. And all it would take would be for the juries to watch the videos. Everyone finally relented and pled guilty to all the charges against them. The current head of the Webster and Dorman families received life sentences, plus one hundred years. Their wives each received fifty years; the women and men who carried out the rapes, each received forty years; all those who stood by and did nothing received twenty-five years each; and all the children were taken in by good hearted neighbors, who didn’t feel those children should suffer because of what their parents did. CPS gave them all their blessings, since CPS didn’t have room for so many children. So, Rachael, it’s over, you’re free to go, if you want.” Betty and Rachael had been holding hands as Jane spoke, and looked at each other now with what Jane said at the last. Betty smiled at Rachael and nodded her head, indicating Rachael should tell Jane.
Rachael gently dabbed her eyes with a tissue before telling Jane and Marie, “You two have been more parents to me than my own birth parents ever were. And I would love to stay with you and help with the next boy who arrived. But Betty had been working with Judge Ruth on adopting me as her son, and it’s something I can’t turn down. She had been my real mother for seventeen years, and I want to make it official. I’ll be known as Stephen William Wilcox.” Now all four women dabbed at their eyes with tissues, Betty and Rachael because of what Rachael said. And Jane and Marie because they would sorely miss having Rachael with them.
After some time talking, mostly about Rachael, and her exploits into the feminine world, they had a very nice farewell dinner that Rachael helped Marie prepare. After the dishes were settled and the kitchen cleaned, there was more talk before everyone turned for the night; Rachael and Betty would be leaving in the morning.
During the time Rachael had been with Jane, she finished her studies and took the GED test, scoring one hundred on every section. They had also looked into Universities that had pre-med programs close to where Betty and Rachael would be living; a little birdy named Judge Ruth gave Jane the information. From pre-med, Rachael, Stephen, would attend medical school and would go on to specialize in psychiatry. His/her experience helping Jenny, Jeremy, made her want to help others in that area.
All Webster and Dorman properties were sold off, and their assets plus the revenue from the sales were divided among all the Webster and Dorman children. Those who took in the children ended up adopting them, allowing a name change gave the children a better chance in life. Dr. Wilcox, psychiatrist, set up an office in the town where he and Betty lived. And he became known as one of the best in helping kids with problems like he and Jeremy had. And when necessary, they even met Aunt Jane and the big rone.