Better Life ?
Part 1 of 4
by John Howarth
copyright 2001 John Howarth
My Stories may be added to Any Archive with similar content as long as the content
is not modified and this notice and the copyright is maintained. Direct comments
and email to
[email protected]
Forward
This story is placed in the middle 1960s when I was actually in High School and I
am writing in the first person placing myself in the story. I write best this way. You
should also know all events and descriptions before the swap are accurate to my real
life experience. This means my situation and life before the swap are as they really
took place and is precisely why I write TF fiction in the first place. To me it is an
escape from what is. It is a chance for me to at least imagine things a little better than
they are. Not that things are really so bad, I am happily married and have a stable life
with no major problems at the moment. This is part 1 of 4. Parts 2 and 3 are
complete and part 4 is more than half written.
Backround
I am in my Junior year of high school. It is a big school with enrollment of 2000
students in only 10th, 11th and 12th grades. My senior class would be the largest in
the schools history. With over 750 students. In my class a student knew few in his
class, and the feeling of being a number is real.
I had a cousin in my class and knew about 6 other students well because they were
part of my junior high special classes. You see I have bad eyesight and am legally
blind. Oh I see enough to get by, but I will never drive a car. My coke bottle thick
glasses always attracted the bullys and I'd be in the school office at least once a
week for fights in the hallways.
Because of my sight my social life was the pits. Lets face facts, its those who can
drive who get the dates. If you don't drive you go stag to dances. In September and
October there were dances and I did go stag and I was getting to know some of the
girls, none of whom were in any of my classes. Because of our huge class size the
dances were unmanageable and after October ALL social events were cancelled thru
our senior year. There were serious doubts there would be a senior prom for my
class. Every class before and after our class had a junior and senior prom. It was
already announced there would be no junior prom for us. This gave our class little
social life and made life in a big school that much worse than normal.
How big was the school, well, huge, 3 buildings spread over 3 city blocks. The old
school was a big old granite building 6 floors of classrooms, offices, study halls,
girls gym, and an observatory with a telescope and all. The new school was also 6
floors of classrooms, library, auditorium, boys gym, and cafeteria. These 2 buildings
were across the street from each other and considering our northern climate made
the trek from one building to the other a real treat in winter. The third building was 4
classrooms in an elementry school a block southeast of the old school. I never had
to make that trek. Classes were 50 minutes with 10 minutes to get from one class to
another. The lunch period was 20 minutes per group spread out over 2 hours of
class time. This made 5 groups of 400 students each, and the lunch room probably
held less than half that. If you had last lunch you seldom if ever got a complete hot
lunch. If you brown bagged it you could eat outside in good weather or in the
auditorium in bad weather. You could not leave the school grounds although some
would go to their cars and eat there rather than sitting on the granite walls or hard
ground.
I was in what was called the college prep course, but the school did not want me
there. Turns out no one with sight as bad as mine had ever gone thru that course.
They refused to let me take it. I said I would skip school if they refused to let me
take it. My grades were up to the task. My folks backed me up and the school at last
did let me take it. It was a mixed blessing because unknown to me or my parents I
was placed in the excellerated, genius, classes in an attempt to flunk me out. I gave
up trying in english when we were assigned to read 10 chapters of 'The tale of two
cities' and write a report, all in one night. The class level was such that we were
expected to read the entire book in 3 days. Math my best chance to shine was also
out of reach. My eyesight prevented me from seeing well enough to handle 3 12
foot blackboards full of equations in each class. I could do the work but the pace
was just too fast. By October I resigned myself to attending summer school just to
pass. At half term I was marginally failing everything.
As if things were not bad enough the school had just installed a new fire alarm
system which seemed to malfunction at least twice a week. This took at least 20
minutes out of class time while the buildings were cleared and the fire department
checked every room and reset the system. A few times the system would not reset
and we were sent home for the day. We were expected to catch up for the lost time
so the already brisk pace got worse. In a fire drill you went outside the way you
were. If you were in gym you went out in your gym clothes and without even a
jacket in most cases. In those days the dress code for guys was pants but no jeans
and a shirt, but no t-shirts. Girls had to wear skirts or dresses and knee length was
acceptable, shorter was not. Girls gym clothes was a one piece gymsuit, a sort of
playsuit with short legs and short sleeves in bright royal blue. Girls were expected to
wear a loose gymsuit that made them look frumpy and show no shape. Some girls
did fill out their gymsuits real well. The bright spot in a fire drill or alarm was the
girls in their gymsuits standing outside in the cold showing more leg than was
allowed otherwise. The guys loved it. Boys wore satin gym shorts and a white t-
shirt. I was always given study hall rather than gym class because of my sight.
Thanksgiving Week
Monday was a pretty normal day, sun shining and cold. I had a better than average
day in class and actually got good grades in 2 quizzes and got all my homework
done on time. One must realize with bad sight cheating was not an option. I could
not copy from another and other cheat methods generally would be noticed if I tried
them. I just had to do the best I could. I went home that day feeling pretty good.
Tuesday started pretty well except the weather which was sleet and snow, damp and
cold. I was in the big study hall in the old building. It had been the schools original
auditorium with movable seats. It now was split into 2 study halls with no partition.
The south side was all girls and the north side all boys. School desks now filled the
hall. Even here attendence was taken and we had assigned seats. My next class was
lunch period, 4th lunch. I had to go down 2 floors to street level, cross the street to
the new building and go down 3 floors and go to the back of the building where the
cafeteria was. A healthy trek. We waited for the noon bell to get a quick start.
Instead the fire alarm went off. I groaned to myself because I'd miss lunch.
As I got up I saw smoke coming through the cracks in the big doors. As the first
students reached the doors and opened them the room began to fill with smoke.
Chaos erupted and everyone started to run in panic. When I reached the stairs I
could hardly see. The smoke stung my eyes. I tried for the center railing but I never
reached it. I was hit by someone or something coming down from the upper floor
that housed the girls gym. I was thrown back and when I hit the wall I was knocked
out.
I began to wake. I felt cold and my clothes were wet. As I opened my eyes I could
see much better and I was not wearing my glasses. I saw I was wearing blue cloth
but as yet it didn't register that there was a teenaged girls bust under my clothes. It
looked like I was in some kind of medical facility. A nurse saw me awake and came
over.
She said. "Don't try to get up yet, my dear."
She motioned for a doctor to come over. A tall handsome man came over and began
to check me with his stethescope. It was then I noticed I was in a girls body. I tried
to sit up and he pushed me back. "Stay still till I am done." He said.
He checked pulse and blood pressure and at last said. "Carefully try to sit up."
Cautiously I sat up and looked down at my body. It was a sexy body. I could see
across the room my male body just sitting up as well. The boy looked confused. He
did not have his glasses so he could not see clearly. The doctor with me asked.
"How do you feel?"
I managed an "OK" but the doctor was not convinced.
He said. "Are you sure?"
I stood and crossed my arms holding my body. "I'm just cold, is all. That boy over
there, the one with the red shirt, he has bad sight and his glasses seem to be missing.
Can I go to him. I think I can help him."
"It looks like both of you are OK. Go ahead and help him if you can. You can both
go. You will need to give the billing desk your personal info." He said.
I went to the boy and said. "You lost your glasses. I can help you."
"I'm so confused?" He said.
I turned to a nearby nurse. "Is there somewhere the boy and I can talk alone?" I
asked.
She said. "That empty office should be OK."
I led him to the office and once inside I closed the door. I said. "I don't know how
but your mind is in my body and I think I am probably in your body. You wear
thick glasses and they seem to be missing, but if I get real close you should be able
to make out enough to tell me if I am in your body."
I moved to within several inches of his face. He said. "Yes, that is my body. What
do we do now?"
"First we get out of here. I will need your info. I have nothing to get info from." I
said.
"My pockets are empty as well." He said.
I saw a note pad and a pen. I wrote down info for him and gave it to him. I Got the
info for my body from him and wrote it down. Next we took our medical sheets and
went to the billing desk and gave them the data they needed, and were released.
In the hallway he asked. "Where are we. What next?"
"Looks like Union Hospital. We need to get back to the school to see if we can find
your glasses and books, and I need all my stuff." I said.
"The glasses are probably broken." He said.
I considered then said. "Your house is less than 2 blocks away. Did you get keys
back in the stuff they gave you.?"
"There were keys and a wallet." He said.
"Come on then, there is an old pair of glasses in your room. I'll help you find
them." I said.
We went to the outside doors and went out. Suddenly I was fully aware of how little
I was wearing. I was wearing the blue gymsuit and a pair of sneakers, I didn't even
feel underwear of any kind. A 2 block walk in wind and sleet was a bone chilling
experience. As we unlocked the back door to the house I began to shiver. We got in.
I looked at the clock. I made a mental note of the time, 2:30 pm. I took him
downstairs to the basement room. I turned on the heat.
I found the glasses and gave them to him as I wrapped myself in a blanket from the
bed. He put the glasses on and said. "I still don't see very good."
"It don't get much better even with new glasses. Now what size clothes does this
body wear?" I asked.
"Misses 16." He said.
"Shit, mom is a 12 and sis is only an 8." I said and went to his dresser. I took out a
mens brief that was tight on his body and a t-shirt that was also too tight. I opened
the bottom drawer and looked at the old clothes he could no longer use. I looked for
the ones with the smallest waist and found a heavy shirt. I grabbed a pair of heavy
socks and said "I'll be right back."
I went up to the bathroom and took off the wet gymsuit. It was saturated from the
sleet. I wrung it out and grabbed a clean towel to dry myself off. I was so cold all I
did was shiver as I dried myself. I took a quick look at my body but quickly pulled
on the mens t-shirt and brief. They'd be OK. The Jeans were ok in the hips but too
big in the waist. The heavy shirt was big but would have to do. I put the heavy socks
on and went back down to the room. I took a pair of wire cutters from the radio
bench and cut a length of wire which I used to tie the waist of the jeans tight so they
would stay up. I knew he had no spare belts. I looked in the closet and found an old
jacket. I pulled it on as I said, "Lets go."
As we reached the top of the stairs I heard a key in the back door. It was mom just
getting home from work. She stepped in and saw us. She said. "You know you are
not supposed to have a girl in your room."
I spoke."Mrs Clark, we were both caught in the fire at the high school. Tom's
glasses were lost. We ended up in the emergency room at the hospital. I offerred to
help him find an old pair of glasses in his room. I also borrowed some old clothes. I
was in gym class and all I was wearing was this gymsuit. I nearly froze on the walk
from the hospital to here. I changed in the bathroom. We need to go back to the
school and see if I can get my books and stuff, and see if they found his other
glasses and books."
"Then I'm glad you helped him. Without glasses he can't see much. Tom don't have
a girlfriend so I'm afraid I don't know your name?" she questioned.
"I'm Betty Smith, I come from the home over on North Ave." I said.
"Well get going so you get back before dark. Tom does not do well in the dark. Try
to get back by 4:30." She said.
We headed back to the school but found we still could not enter the old building
because the fire department was still working. We went to the new building and did
get to talk to someone. We were told to come back in the morning and they would
know better then.
I walked Tom home as we talked. He said I had a real problem the next day as my
only school clothes were in the locker in the gym. She'd grown 2 full sizes since
August and had nothing else to wear to school. He said there was other clothes but
nothing that would work for the dress code. I told him I would do whatever I needed
to do. We were almost back to his house when things began to spin. It cleared in
just seconds and now I was back in my own body. I gulped and said. "That takes
care of that, we are at least back in our own bodies." I looked at my watch and noted
the time, 4:00pm.
"I'll meet you at your house at 7:40 and we can walk to school together." She said.
I went in and mom had a bunch of questions. At last I went down to my room and
laid down on the bed. I said to myself 'That sure was weird'. It was almost an hour
till supper. I turned on the radio and rested. I was kind of sore from what had
happened. I had a headache as well. She called me for supper just after 5 when dad
got home. We ate and talked a little about the fire. The radio had some strange
reports. A little after 5:30 I was back in my room. I waited for the news at 6 for a
full report on the fire.
As the clock reached 6 there was a pop in my mind and a sickening feeling for a
second and I was back in Bettys body. I was in her room in the home. I looked for a
radio but saw none. There was a knock on the door and a voice said. "Supper"
I got up from the bed. I was wearing jeans that were too tight. I opened the room
door and followed other girls in the hall. As I entered the dining room I lagged back
so all the girls would take a seat before me and I would avoid a possible fight over
seating. I took the last place. Like everywhere else the talk was of the fire and the
strange reports. I kept my mouth shut and made little comment. I was trying to soak
in as much info as possible about this place and my companions. I seemed to be the
oldest or second oldest. From what I observed few if any of the girls liked me. In
some of the looks were of hate. When the meeting broke up the house mother said
to me."You sure are quiet. Are you alright?" She asked.
I said. "Just thinking."
"Are you sure, the hospital did call and said you were bought in unconscious from
the fire at the school." She said.
"I'm OK, but it was a scarey thing. It's got me thinking about my life." I said.
She said."Oh I see" but her look was more like 'It's about time'.
I made a trip to the girls room and decided to take a shower and inspect this female
body for the first time. I stripped down and stood before the mirror and felt my
breasts which I judged to be just about right for my body size. The sensations as I
touched my nipples was incredible and made my whole body tingle. The void
between my legs was another matter. I'd never seen a real female sex organ in the
flash and knew virtually nothing about it. Oh, I knew where babies came from and
what a boy and a girl needed to do to make babies. I knew maybe a few slang terms
for the parts but little else. From this new perspective I was going to learn a lot
more, very quickly. All I knew for the moment was the sensations of just touching
down their was stronger than anything experienced as a male. Just showering and
washing was a sexual experience. As I dried off from my shower I discovered how
much more sensitive and tender a woman's skin was.
I went back to my room and rested. I was real tired from the day. I was not paying
much attention but at 8:00pm we swapped again. Now I was wide awake. I was back
as Tom in my own room. I made a list of the swaps so far and a projection for the
next day. I made out a note to Betty for him/her to read after the next swap. I told
him to meet me at 7:30 for school rather than 7:40 as I wanted to be inside the
school before the 8:00am swap.
At 10:00pm we swapped again. I turned off the light after I made out a swap list for
Betty the next day. I was asleep quickly.
At 5:30am I got the breakfast call from mom. I was as expected, back in my own
body. Mom went to work for 6:00am so we got up at 5:30, ate breakfast, then went
back to bed till a little after 7:00am. My alarm was set for 7:15 because I was wide
awake when I hit the floor. I mused to myself about Betty and her sleep habits. I
would not be Tom when the alarm went off.
I ate my 5:30 breakfast and was back in bed by 5:50 before the 6:00am swap. I
woke at 7:00am when the house mother knocked on the door. "time to get up
sleepyhead."
I dressed in the tight jeans and tight blouse, but still wore the boys undies. I found
no bra or panties in my room. I washed quickly and was out in the dining room by
7:10. She looked at me and said. "You fall out of bed, you are never up before 7:15,
ever."
Without thinking I said. "I'm a morning person." I stopped abruptly at the look she
gave me. Her look said clear as day 'Our Betty is a late riser'.
"Maybe its that boy you were seen with yesterday, but honestly I can't see what he'd
ever see in you. You're always such a bitch -" she cut short as my look clearly said
'who me?'
She didn't say another word. She put a plate of food in fromt of me and said. "Not a
word about not being hungry-" she cut short again.
I didn't bother to reply. I just dug in and finished eating with a glass of milk. I ate
everything she served. When I grabbed milk instead of coffee, I got the strangest
look. When I took my empty plate, glass and silverwear and loaded them into the
dishwasher I got the look of total disbelief from her and the other girls who were
now in the dining room. I headed back to my room. I heard the other older girl say.
"Whats with her this morning?"
The house mother said. "I have no idea, I think she got a boyfriend."
She replied. "Impossible, not the wicked bitch of the -" she cut off.
The house mother said. "shhhh, You tell me I just don't know, she was the first one
out here and she looked perky."
"Are you sure its our Betty." said the girl.
Another girl said. "Looks like Betty Bitch to me!"
I heard every word and it hurt like a knife. I pulled on the old coat I borrowed from
Tom. I headed out thru the dining room. The house mother said. "Young lady you
know jeans are not proper atire for school. Now get back to your room and change."
I faced the entire group. I measured my words. "Mother, My only school clothes
are in the locker in the girls gym along with my only coat. I was in gym when the
fire started. I woke up in the hospital wearing only my gymsuit. It's on the rack in
my room. Expect a call from the school. I have no choice. We went back yesterday
and could not get into that building at all. My purse, and books are there as well. I
borrowed jeans and a shirt plus this jacket from Tom yesterday."
"You best hope you can get your stuff back. There is no money till first of the year
to buy anything but food. It's going to be a hard Christmas this year." She said.
I said simply. "I'll find a way, except for what God provides the only miracles I have
ever seen are those I have created myself. I've got to go. I meet Tom at 7:30."
I left without another word. Tom was barely ready when I arrived. We walked to
school and entered the building. I got a class schedule for the classes I'd be Betty
for and gave him a list of his classes. We headed for home room but I made a stop
at the rest room before I got to class. I pulled down the jeans and the boys brief. I
saw a spot of blood. My mind said. "Oh shit I must have internal injuries from
yesterday." I passed a small amount of blood. I pulled the brief and jeans back up
and as I left the stall I took a cramp. It was deep inside me between my legs. As I
folded over in pain against the sink I realized what it was. I waited till the pain let up.
I saw other girls looking at me knowingly. One said. "You OK"
I said. "First time!" my voice showed pain and fear.
"You better go to the school nurse." she said.
At last I recovered enough to get out of there. In the hallway I noticed it was after
8:00am. 'No swap' I thought. I headed for home room. I was late by a few minutes.
The home room teacher Said "Betty, you march right down to the office and don't
come back till you have proper clothes. You know jeans are not allowed." She
scribbled out a note and handed it to me.
I did not waste my breath with a reply. I just took the note and left. I walked to the
school office and was sent to the vice principal incharge of the junior class. As I
entered he said. "I'll bet the boys love you in those tight jeans, You've been here
before for dress code vialations."
I snapped this time. "Stow it Bozo, I've got enough problems today without your
guff."
This set him back and woke him up. He said. "That time of the month. No matter
you know the rules."
I felt myself turn red. "Yes, that time of the month and consider yourself as pretty
lucky to never suffer it. Then again I doubt most men could survive it anyway. Now
as to why I am here. I know only too well about the dress code. I've grown 2 sizes
since summer. I live in an orphans home. There is little money for clothes. I only
have one outfit right now that meets the dress code. After the first of the year I might
be able to get additional clothes."
"So what's the problem, go home and change." He said.
"It's your problem, not mine. I was in girls gym when the fire started yesterday. My
clothes, my winter coat, my purse with all my ids and stuff, and my school books
were in my locker in the gym and so far I can't get up there to get them." I said.
He got up and said. "I'll be back in a minute."
He was gone for about 10 minutes. When he got back he did not seem very happy.
He sat down. "Can I appologize for jumping on you when you came in. It's been a
tough morning."
I laughed. "Tell me about it. The house mom already jumped on me for the dress
code. She thought I was being irresponsible till I told her."
He said. "I just talked to her and she says there is NO money. The problem is there
is no help I can offer. The girls gym was pretty badly damaged. The floor collapsed
into the study hall. What is left is just the shell. All your stuff is considered lost. I
have the same news for every girl in your class. It will be the first of the year or
longer before we can replace your books. We'll let you know on that." he paused.
"You know I can't change the dress code, however I will excuse you from classes
today. I know you ended up in the hospital yesterday. You need time to rest and
recover. You'll have to find a way to get some clothes for Monday."
I said. "I'll manage."
I left without another word as he was writing things down. I waited for Tom to leave
his next class. He saw me and wispered. "No swap at eight?"
I wispered back. "No swap for a while I would guess. I started to have a period just
before eight."
He looked real puzzled. I wispered. "How long do your periods usually last."
He shrugged. "No idea."
"What do you mean no idea?" I said.
He said. "I never had any."
I gulped. He said. "How bout the stuff in your locker. You get it back?"
I just said. "Lost, everything."
"One of my books was destroyed, but I got the others and my glasses back. The
frames are broken but the lenses are OK." He said.
"Give me the glasses and I'll drop them off for new frames. I'm out till I get
clothes." I said.
He gave me the glasses and I dropped them off at the optician and went by the
restaurant where Tom's mother worked. She saw me and said. "Why aren't you in
school?"
"I need clothes. My good school clothes were lost in the fire along with my good
coat, my books and my purse." I paused as I took another cramp. "I also need
advice."
"If I can help I will." She said.
"Come in the ladies room." I said.
She followed me. Once inside I said. "I'm having my first period today. I need to
know what to do?"
"You should ask your house mother, not me." She said.
Remembering what I heard earlier, I said. "My house mother doesn't have time to
bother with me. I feel I can trust you. I will talk to her when I get back there. I need
to know now."
She told me what I needed to know. I just wondered what she would think if she
knew I was her son trapped in a girls body asking her about female things no guy
ever had to deal with. Would I ever be able to tell her. I told her about Tom's
glasses. I told her I would be back a while later. I left and went up Main Street to the
Salvation Army headquarters. I got to talk to a middle aged woman about my
problems. She listened to my tale of woe(at least the part I was willing to share with
others).
At last she said. "Yes we can help. I'll give you $25.00 cash for personal needs, and
a clothing ticket for the thrift store for $100.00 worth of clothing. As far as the
home. I will visit later today to check myself for the needs. I'm sure we can help
there as well. It sounds like you've had a bad week."
I sighed. "Amen, you don't know the half of it."
After she made a call to the home to verify my story, she got me the clothes ticket
and the cash. I left heading for the thrift store. That $100.00 would go a long way. I
got 3 outfits for school, 2 casual ones and a good winter coat and a spare gymsuit
for school. I got a purse and a school bag.
I went back past the place Tom's mom worked. Her boss gave me lunch. I took a
few more cramps. I told her I'd be back with Tom after school so he could pick up
the glasses. I went back to the Home. I came in as the woman from the Salvation
Army was leaving. She smiled at me. I went to my room with my stuff.
A few minutes later the house mother came to my door. I'd left it open. She said in a
stern voice. "Young Lady we need to have a discussion."
I looked down. "Yes, mother, You don't approve of me going to the Salvation
Army?" I questioned.
"No child, that isn't it at all." She paused. "I know you heard the girls this morning,
and the things I said were none too kind either. Yet you took it all in stride. I don't
quite understand. I'm at a total loss over your actions today. Would you care to
explain?"
"The Vice principal at school was cruel too. This day has started bad and went right
into the sewer. I still got too much to do before the end of the day. Can I explain. I
doubt it. If I told you the truth you would never believe it anyway. I do need to ask
about female things?" I said.
"Female things???" She said.
"Yeah like periods. I think I started my first one today." I said.
"We were all wondering if you were ever going to have any. Only the 2 youngest
have not started yet." She said.
I said."I just need the right info so I can handle it. What I need to get and such."
She told me what I needed to know. It pretty well duplicated the info from Tom's
mother and the woman from the Salvation Army. I at last said to the house mother.
"I need to get going. I need to do some shopping and meet Tom and his mom after
school. I should be on time for supper."
I left the house and while I was gone the Salvation Army returned with food for a
Turkey dinner the next day. I did my shopping and met Tom at school after his last
class. I took him to meet his mom, and pick up his glasses. His mom paid the bill
and headed home. We'd follow after the optician finished making adjustments. We
talked all the way home. I told him about his dads drinking and what to expect that
night. Twice on the way home I took cramps and had to rest. As we came up on the
back porch of Toms house I took a real bad cramp. I folded up in pain and fell. Tom
had an expression of concern along with confusion. He mumbled. "Whimp!"
I gave him a sour face. His mother came out and helped me inside. She said. "That
level of pain is not normal." She went to the phone and made a call. I could hear her.
"Doctor Pell, I have a young lady here. She's having her first monthly. I'd like you
to see her and make sure everything is OK. I'll pay for it." She said.
A moment later she said."I'll have Tom bring her right up."
She came back to us. She said. "Take her to doctor Pells office. Its visiting hours
anyway. He'll check Betty to make sure there isn't a problem."
We left the house and walked the 3 blocks to the doctors office. The exam was a
short one. He had me go by the hospital X-ray room and have some X-rays done.
He said he wanted to see me Friday to tell me what if anything he found. He didn't
think anything was wrong.
I walked back to the home alone. As I entered the home I took another cramp. I
made it to a chair. The house mother looked at me concerned. I said. "Too much
walking today, I think. I'll be alright."
I rested a few minutes then went to my room. I didn't close the door. Later I wish I
had. The other older girl came in and said. "Hi, mom"
The house mother said. "How was your day."
"Not bad but I am a little depressed. You know Thanksgiving, everyone else has a
feast while we starve." She Said.
She said. "I know but it can't be helped. It's been a bad year." she paused. "Donna, I
don't quite know how to ask this but it's important."
"What mother?" Said Donna.
"Donna, You've had the worst periods I've ever seen, Betty started today and has
been having a bad time of it. I want you to help her." Said the house mother.
Donna faced the house mother and said. "Mother, I would not help that bitch if she
was dying. How can you even ask.?"
The house mother raised her voice."Young lady, It is not an option. She needs you."
Donna mumbled. "Yea right, I need a hole in the head too!"
I got up and headed for the dining room. I made it about half way and collapsed in
pain. I passed out. Then they saw the red stain coming from between my legs.
Donna's eyes grew wide. "Oh my God, Suzie get out here and help me."
Suzie came running. She saw the discharge and no words were needed. Donna and
Suzie picked me up and headed for the closest shower. They laid me on the floor of
the shower and began to remove my clothes. They saw the mans brief and stared.
Donna pulled it off and added it to the pile of stained clothes. They removed the
blouse and threw it out into the hallway. I was out cold. Donna began to pull her
own clothes off and threw them out in the hallway. Suzie went out in the hallway as
well.
Donna yelled."Mom get some clean rags and be quick or we're gonna have a real
mess."
The house mother came in with a bucket of rags. "Here use all you need."
I began to wake and my body did several twitches then I folded up in pain. As I
moved the flow sprayed from between my legs. Donna was right in the path and got
it full force. She yelled. "Oh bitch" but I heard nothing I was out cold again.
Donna began the cleanup. She closed the door to contain the smell and any further
eruption. The smell was awful. She got me cleaned up about the time I woke again.
She said. "You feel better?"
"Not much" I said.
"Can you get up without exploding all over the place again." She asked.
"I'll try." I said as I looked at the mess. As I got to my feet I said. "Geez, did I do all
that?"
"It was worse than that. I got most of it cleaned up. Come on we both need a warm
shower. It will make you feel better. I'll help you." Said Donna reaching for the
water controls.
She helped me stand and helped me clean. When we were done Suzie was ready
with clean towels. Together they wiped me off and got me to my bed in my room.
Donna turned to Suzie."you know where my stuff is?" Suzie nodded and Donna
continued. "get me a couple of supers."
Donna looked into my face."You better now."
I sighed. "Yes, much better, Thanks."
Suzie got back. Donna grabbed a new pack of briefs and opened them and took out
one and helped me put it on along with the pad. She turned to Suzie again. "Get that
old pair of sweatpants and the old sweatshirt out of my closet. She needs something
big and loose we can get off of her quickly."
She was back in seconds. They dressed me and laid me on the bed. Donna called.
"Linda, can you come and keep and eye on Betty while we finish cleaning up."
Linda came in and sat down. She looked at me. "You really look pale."
"I feel weak." I said.
One of the younger girls came down and looked at me, then at Donna. "How long?"
"Probably about 15 minutes." said Donna.
I rested and at last Donna came in again dressed in old clothes. She said. "Let's see
if we can get some food back into you. You think you can make it to the dining
room?"
I just nodded and she helped me and soon I was at one end of the long table. She
said to one of the other girls. "I'll sit here tonight. I better stay close to Betty."
At last everyone was seated. The house mother spoke sternly. "Girls we should all
be ashamed of ourselves. What was said here this morning and a little while ago is
beyond what any respectable girl should do. And yes I was part of it and I am sorry
for what I said. I am asking Betty to forgive me here and now."
I smiled weakly. "You are forgiven and so are the rest of you."
The house mother said. "I do not know what has happened to Betty. All I can tell
you is there has been somekind of a change. Maybe today she just became a
woman, I just don't know. Betty had to stay out of school today. Part of it was the
school dress code. You remember she wore Jeans to school today. All the stuff in
the locker at school was lost. All of you know there was no money for clothes for
Betty, and dam little for food till the end of the year." she paused and came over and
kissed me. "This precious dear left here after we ripped her apart this morning and
tried to deal with her own problems and situation. She also had her mind on our
situation as well. I am pleased to report she visited the Salvation Army today and
they helped her with some money for personal needs and clothes from the thrift
store. She also asked for help for all of us. I've got a clothing ticket for the thrift
store for each of you. In addition they have provided food for a full turkey dinner
tomorrow for all of us, and they will provide us with a monthy financial
contribution along with a food donation. This has been a bad year for us, but some
good has come from a source none of us ever expected. We all owe Betty a word of
thanks, now let's eat."
She bought out the food. It was spaghetti and meat sauce. As Donna put my plate
down. I stared then I began to giggle. Everyone looked at me like I was nuts.
Donna said. "What's so funny?"
"Remember that mess in there, the mess I made, then we talk about periods like
normal stuff, then we get served this food. I was just thinking what a boys response
to it all might be? Think about it." I said.
"Every guy I know would lose their lunch." said Suzie.
"And 'they' call women the weaker sex, I don't think so." I said.
Everyone laughs as we begin to eat. I feel a lot better now. After eating Donna helps
me back to my room. I looked at the time. I was almost due for another dose of
Midol. A little while later I heard the doorbell. I hear the house mother talking but
can't hear the other voice. Then she calls. "Betty are you dressed?"
"Yes, mother." I said.
I hear footsteps and the doctor I saw earlier entered the room. His face shows
concern. "Are you alright?"
"What's wrong?" I said.
"You should have started your periods long ago. There was a blockage. The fall in
the stairs during the fire at school yesterday probably broke it loose. Your body is
acting like you've had a miscarrage. It's trying to purge itself. You can expect some
big accidents." he said.
"The volcano has already erupted once, we know." I said.
"That may have been the worst one. A normal period is worse later but in this case
the release of the blockage may be the worse you see. I would count on problems
for a few days. I've got you some stronger pain killer for the cramps. As to how
long you will have problems, It could be days weeks or months, I just don't know.
You will continue to flow till your system has purged itself. I have no idea how long
it will take. An educated guess might be a month or so. You need to watch how
much liquid you pass. You need to replace as much of it as you can. I want you in
my office on Friday and twice a week after that till this clears up." he said.
I said. "I think I understand. Instead of a period a month for the last year, I get it all
at once."
He nodded. "Something like that. You could break the record for the longest
period."
"I sincerly hope not." I said.
"I'm glad your spirit is strong. It will help you overcome it." he said. He gave me the
pills and quickly left. It was just time to take a pill. I took the dose required and
quickly went to sleep.
Thanksgiving Day
Overnight I took several severe cramps and made 2 trips to the bathroom. Each time
I passed a lot of stuff. In the morning we had a good breakfast and the house
mother began to work on the Thanksgiving dinner. I returned to my room. I took
another dose of the pain killer.
At a little after nine I got a cramp that made me groan in pain. Donna heard me and
came running. She helped me to the bathroom. She stayed with me. When she saw
the quantity I passed she said. "We better call the doctor, I don't pass that much
stuff in a week."
I said. "I passed 3 times that much overnight. One time I had to flush 3 times."
"We need to call the doctor." She was pale as she said it.
"Did you hear him last night?" I asked.
"I heard every word, but I am still worried." She said.
She took me to the kitchen. She said to the house mother."Can we make a call?"
"You know the rules on calls." Said the house mother.
"I really need to speak to her doctor. The quantity she is passing is dangerous."
Said Donna.
"By all means, His card is posted next to the phone." She said.
Donna picked up the phone and dialed the number. She got the doctor on the first
try. She said. "I'm calling from the home about Betty Smith. The house mother has
me working with and helping her. She is passing way too much liquid. I have bad
periods myself and she passed more this morning than I pass in a week, Overnight
she says the passed 3 times what I know about. I'm really worried."
The doctor spoke and Donna replied."I've seen a lot but I have never seen anything
like this. I would appreciate it if you could come by."
The a moment later Donna said. "Thanks, doctor."
She hung the phone up and said."He will be by in the next hour or so."
She took me back to my room. She sat with me and said. "I'm really scared. The
only kid I saw that was worse than me died from loss of blood."
"I'm so scared you wouldn't believe it. I don't want to die." I said.
The doctor arrived within 10 minutes. He made some checks and tried to help
Donna and I with our fears. He told us because of what had happened with me, the
more I passed quickly the better, and the less likely infection would set in. He
advised me to drink lots of liquids and eat heavy to try to maintain my weight. He
warned the biggest danger would be if the flow stopped abruptly. Then I'd face an
operation. Otherwise things seemed OK. He left.
I rested till the turkey dinner was ready. I was getting less cramps now and my trips
to the bathroom were a little less often. At last the house mother called us to the
dining room.
I was told to take the end seat again and did. The house mother said. "Would
anyone want to say grace or offer a prayer before I begin serving?"
I stood."yes I would."
She said. "Proceed."
"Dear Lord, on this day we remember our friends, our many blessings, the gift of
this wonderful meal and all that has been provided by you through our Lord and
savior Jesus Christ, Amen." I said.
The house mother and the girls said together."Amen."
I sat and the house mother began to serve the food. There was plenty to go around.
It was a great meal and there was plenty of desert as well. We were all stuffed. We
relaxed the rest of the day. The rest of the day for me went pretty well. I had less
pain and less bathroom time.
Friday I took several of the girls to the thrift store. I visited the doctor and generally
tried to adjust to being a girl. After supper the house mother called us all back to the
dining room.
She said. "I have called you here to discuss Betty and what has happened the last
few days. I feel I must do this now, to help Betty rather than wait till a time she
chooses. It is necessary." she paused. I stared at her wondering what she was doing.
"Betty, what I am about to say is fact. You cannot deny it and you cannot control it.
We all know, except perhaps Betty, that Bettys body has some type of telepathic
ability. To what extent no one knows. We do know there was the ability to swap the
mind to another body, and we know of 4 swaps in the past years. The evidence
indicates another swap has taken place this week. I'd suggest at the school fire this
week. To Betty this may not be a good thing, however the Betty we now have will
never change. Family history indicates that no further swaps will take place after
Betty has her first period. Her history indicates she will begin to develop her
telepathic abilities at this point. I feel it is important that Betty know what she must
deal with and that we will all be better off if we are honest with each other."
The house mother paused to let it sink in and watched me closely. At last she
said."Good, it would seem our new Betty is in control enough. Betty, what can you
tell us?"
I smiled. "OK, girls, try to picture this. I was a BOY on Tuesday morning. My body
for this one however is a fair trade. I was handicapped with bad eyesight. If I survive
this will be better than I've ever been. What you've seen from me so far is what I
really am. I have not been pretending to be Betty. I never met her till after the first
swap. I met her in my body. If it's true I will never swap back, have nothing to fear
from me. I feel I will not know for sure till my period is over, but till then I must be
a girl or woman and not a boy. What you've seen since I got up on Wednesday
morning is me and will continue. I will make this life mine if that is what my fate is
to be."
The house mother said. "You have already done things to make this your home. You
have already helped us a lot. You are the oldest girl by age. Your proper place at the
table is at the end and I need to be at the other end. Your role needs to be a
leadership role, a role model for the younger girls. Before Wednesday that was
considered impossible. Now it is not. You have already done much to erase the
previous Betty's and the things they had done, and have already healed much of the
hurt. I thank you and I thank the Lord for giving you to us."
Donna said. "Before Wednesday I had wished many times for your death or that
you would leave us. I have seen 3 previous Bettys and none of them could I call a
friend. There has been a lot of hurt and hate between us. You are clearly not the
same person. You took our comments and our actions as a mature woman would. It
made us all wonder and we did notice the pain we caused you. For that we are all
sorry. I feel now we will be friends and you will be one I can rely on, one I can trust
no matter what. If we forget and fall back on past memories, just tell us you are not
that Betty and remind us. It will take some time for all of us."
Every girl had something to say and I could tell the previous Betty was not a good
person. Maybe being a handicapped boy would humble him a little and help. I had
no way to tell and because of the problems, I would avoid Tom at school. That
would be easy enough as our classes were far apart. The house mother had already
contacted Tom's parents and talked to them.
It seemed they already guessed about the swap. They confronted him Wednesday
night and he was forbidden from seeing me. I mused at the possible problems. My
father could supply enough hurt to make an adjustment in Tom if that was indeed
possible. I did not let it bother me and tried to bury it deep and forget my past. This
was after all a new life.
Week After Thanksgiving
Over the weekend I talked to the house mother about makeup and hair and things
like that. My skin tone was not pure pale white like Donna. That was weird because
I had blonde hair. The house mother and Donna both agreed I didn't need makeup
most of the time. My skin had a tone that looked to me like native american. I
looked wholesome with no makeup. My hair was not bleached. My eyes were bright
blue. I asked about makeup because I found none in my room.
Sunday night I selected what I would wear to school. On Friday I had picked up an
indian style dress at the thrift store. I decided to wear that on Monday. I had a purse
to match. Both had nice beadwork decoration. I liked the look when I put it on the
first time. The thrift store had several others if I wanted them. The purse had a
headband with feather. I tried that as well. I liked the total look. Donna went by my
door. She looked and said."Oh wow, that looks great but the school won't allow the
headband with the feather."
I walked to the living room where the House mother was reading the Sunday paper.
She saw me and said. "That looks real nice Betty."
I said."Mother, you have my file, am I native American indian, This feels so right for
me?"
"It does look right, and yes you are indian." She said.
"I'm wearing this to school tomorrow, including the headband and feather. Donna
says they won't allow the headband and feather. Am I correct that they cannot force
it as long as it is my native dress." I asked
"I will back you up if there is, but I honestly don't think the school will say a word. I
was constantly fighting with the last Betty over how she dressed. This is like a
breath of fresh air. I think this will be no problem." she said.
Donna said. "I think some of the kids may force things to get even with Betty. She
will have to be careful."
The house mother looked at Donna. "I am sure Betty knows what she is getting into
here and I am sure she can deal with anything at school. She is afterall trying to
reshape her image. This looks like a good starting point. They can't help but notice a
change."
Donna followed me back to my room. "I like it a lot, but the girls will make trouble
for you."
"The girls will make trouble for me anyway, especially if they hate me anything like
you guys did. If I act a proper lady no matter what, they will look like jealous girls.
They will make fools of themselves. If that happens they may think better of trying
again." I said.
"I don't think it will be that easy." She said.
"I expect not, but remember I was a guy, I can hang tough. Besides when you wear
glasses as thick as Coke bottles, all the bullys find you. I was in the office once a
week for fights in the hallways. This will be a piece of cake." I said.
She smiles."Kid I like your spirit, I hope you are right."
She went back to her room. I undressed and prepared for bed. I was still taking the
pain killer and I was still taking cramps. The body was still purging itself. It drained
me physically making me very tired. I took my dose of pain killer and went to bed.
That was the first night with no trips to the bathroom. The morning started well. I
took a shower and dried my hair. I went to the dining room in a robe and ate. I went
back to my room and finished by dressing and finished with my long hair. I
grabbed my notebook and my purse. I added a string of indian beads at the last
second. I reached the dining room and found Donna and the house mother waiting.
Donna said."We are taking most of the same courses so we can share books, but the
school does not need to know. I will make sure I bring my books home every day. I
will also walk to school and home with you as we are now friends. Because I live
here I have few friends anyway. Come on!"
The house mother came over and hugged me and gave me a kiss. "Betty, I hope you
have a good day and all goes well."
Donna and I left and headed for school. We talked some but it was cold and I was
not use to wearing a dress. I wore flat shoes. We were at school for the first warning
bell. We headed for our home rooms. I entered and took the assigned seat. Rollcall
began and when that was done we waited for the morning announcements over the
PA system.
"Students, there are a few changes because of the fire last week. There are 50
students who are struggling with mind swaps caused by the fire. If you are having a
problem come to the office in the new building for help. There are no classes in the
old building study halls. If you are a student assigned to study hall there report to
the auditorium and the new building. All girls gym classes are cancelled till at least
next week. If you lost books, clothing, or personal things because of the fire you
need to let us know. There is a signup sheet in the old building office. All the
students from the girls gym class when the fire started are already on the list and do
not need to sign up. Any student whose books were lost, it is unfortunate but no
replacement books will be available this school year. Tell your teachers and
allowances will be made. Your teachers will verify it with this office."
The bell for the first class sounded and everyone headed out. I reached my first
class quickly. I took my seat and waited for rollcall. I got out my notebook and
started taking notes. The excellerated classes I'd been in were weeks ahead of this. I
had no problem keeping up. All the classes that day were the same, in that they were
far behind where I was. It was an easy day.
At lunch I finished and was sent to the office because of my headband and feather,
by a teacher who had lunchroom duty. I heard girls talking and knew the teacher
only did it because the girls kind of pressured her. At least she let me finish my
lunch.
I soon stood in front of the same vice principal as on Wednesday. He frowned."You
again!" He said.
I said nothing. He looked me up and down. He spoke with a sigh."I like it, and I
find it pleasing, but someone does not approve."
I smiled. "I fully expedcted this. Have you gotten my file out yet.?" I asked.
"No I didn't think I needed to." He Said.
I said. "You need to, please."
He went out and got the file. He came back. He opened it and said. "Now what?"
"Does it say my ethnic backround?" I asked.
"Yes, native american." He said.
"I think if you checked, you cannot prevent me from wearing my native dress and
that does include the beads, the headband and feather. I am seeking to establish a
new image. This is part of it." I said.
"You are correct but I will need to give you a letter from this office to prevent further
problems. Is there anything else?" He asked.
"Yes, to note on the file here but not for all to see. I am also a swap last Tuesday. I
did not report it because at least initially I was able to deal with the swap. That is
part of why the new image. I need to separate myself from what she was before. I do
not think I will have a problem because of the swap." I said.
He considered and said. "You do not seek help or special consideration."
"No!" I said.
"Then it does not belong in your file. It could cause you trouble. If you are having
no real problems and are functioning as a normal girl, I should not put it down here.
Do you have any problems? "he said.
I smiled. "There is a problem, but it is a girl thing and is physical, part of the body,
and not a mental or mind thing. I am seeing a Doctor about it. Other than that and
trying to shake the old image of this body, There is nothing I need to attend to."
"You'll be a little late for class, but you may need the letter. I'll get it right away. I
will not put anything in your file. If we need to talk again, remind me of the swap."
he said.
He went and got a secretary to type out the letter. He signed it and put it in an
envelope and handed it to me. "your new image makes you look very pretty."
I went back to class. I had no problems the rest of the day. After school I went back
to the thrift store and picked up the other indian outfits that were there in my size.
There were a couple of tunic and pants sets and I took them as well. I could not use
those for school but they would be OK outside for other things where I wanted to
keep my image.
When I got home, Donna came to me and said. "How did it go?"
"One teacher in the cafeteria sent me to the office, but she waited till I finished my
food. I'm sure the girls put her up to it. I was right with the office and have a letter
from the vice principal about it. Other than that it was a great day." I said.
She grabbed me and hugged me. "I heard lots of talk, You were noticed by the girls
and the boys. Everything was good and because of all the swaps, everyone guesses
there are other swaps not reported. They will cut you some slack. If you prove to be
the same old Betty you WILL have problems."
I sighed. "Thats great!"
"Don't let your guard down yet. I think they will test you. I'd think something in the
cafeteria or something infront of the boys. I'm sure they will test you. How you
handle it will tell the story." She said.
"Hell, I expected that today. All I could hear was a low undercurrent. I was a little
surprised no one tried today." I said.
"Anyway lets see what you got." She said.
We went to my room and I tried on 5 outfits. She liked them all. She did say."You
know you can't wear the tunic and pants outfits to school?"
"I could probably push it and get away with it, but I didn't buy those for school.
They are keeping with my image. What I want is to establish my image, and know
full well that if anyone else tries to take it away or copy, that I was first. I will stand
apart from all the me toos. If I was widely seen today by girls and boys I have
already established myself. Now either I stand apart or I crumble. I think you know
my choice, all I got to do now is prove it and make it real." I said.
"You know everyone looks down on us because we are from a home. It will be
difficult to change that." She said.
"What were Bettys grades before?" I asked.
"Just enough to get by, she really hated school." Said Donna as Suzie came in.
"Well what would they say if my grades improved with my image. I mean like A's
or B+'s. As Tom I was in excellerated classes and was low C's and D's. My eyes
were the problem, not the work. I'm way ahead in all my classes, even with no books
there is no problem. I'll ace things now." I said.
"It sure would be nice to get a little respect. Our grades are all pretty good, but
because we are orphans we get little respect. Most times we are ignored by the girls
and the boys. With the way the old Betty was no one would consider us for a date.
We were the freaks from the Home." Said Suzie.
"That will change soon enough. You will see." I said.
"I hope so, I can tell you, you made quite a stir today. Everything I heard was good,
even the boys noticed. Not the crud, but the respectable ones noticed. I even heard
some seniors taking note of you. They liked what they saw. And not a single word
about the Home." Said Suzie.
I leaned back. "The Home is an excuse. It could also be part of why you can't make
an impression. Maybe you tear yourself down. I was restricted in a bad body, now I
am free, so just watch me fly. I challenge you to try and keep up with me. I'll help
you. We can fly together." I said.
"Boy, I wouldn't want to get in your way." Said Suzie.
"We'll get all the girls together after supper. I'll try and show you things, things that
work for girls and boys. Ways to overcome. Ways to win without cheating. It's all a
mental mindset and the fact that we are the freaks from the home does not matter.
You and I are as good as everyone else in the school. It's how we use what we have.
I will show you." I said.
Our little meeting broke up. I went to the kitchen and said. "Can I have something to
drink."
"Whatever you want." She said.
"Milk please." I said.
She got me a glass and handed it to me."I heard you talking to Donna and Suzie.
Suzie needs a lot, she's always down on herself. The old Betty was down on
everyone including herself. What I heard you say was just what they all need." She
said.
"I hope I am not overstepping my bounds." I said.
"Heavens No, They will listen to you, but they won't listen to me. If you tell them
and prove it, they will follow. I've spent a large part of my day checking you out, or
should I say Checking out the old Tom. I've talked to your mom, your teachers, I've
seen IQ scores and state blind agency people. I've got a pretty good picture of you. I
also warned about the old Betty." She said.
I felt myself turning red. She said. "Don't be embarassed, there is nothing to be
ashamed of. I did find out how stubborn you are and that you can have a nasty
temper." she said.
I was still red. I faced her. "Did she tell you my stubborness has served me well and
the temper usually only comes into play when I feel that I have been wronged or I
believe that I am right." I said.
She nodded and said."You've been wronged plenty since the swap and so far except
for a touch of sarcasm, I have not seen anything I don't like with you."
I smiled and said."Take my barbs as an early warning If you listen and think we
won't have a problem. I always think before I speak. I tell you I've met a whole flock
of folks that have said things to me since the swap and have regretted them. I have
held back, and my control has also served me well. My mind is complex and I have
a general idea where my IQ is and I know it ain't low. I can deal with abstract
concepts and understand some pretty heavy science. As bad as the female problems
this body has, this life is a vast improvement over my old life. It's pure heaven. If I
were offerred another swap tomorrow I'd probably refuse it. I like the challenge
facing me right now. I do like it here."
"All the data I have seen says you are showing us your true self, and I will tell you
the girls need you and in a way so do I. You've taught me already that things can be
better, much better if we just try. You ARE a fine addition to our family." She said.
I said. " I ain't that good."
"See that letter with the Salvation Army logo on it, Open It and read it. And try to
understand what it really means." She said.
I went over and picked it up. It was from the state level of the Salvation Army. I
opened it and read. It indicated the Salvation Army would fully support the home
supplying for expenses, food, clothing and even special needs that will help the girls
become a part of society and to help break the circle of poverty. The reason is
because one girl cared enough to seek out help for herself as well as her sisters, and
the home. A girl struggling that had deserved an equal chance with everyone else. I
felt my face getting red as I read it. I put it back in the envelope. I looked at her.
She said. "It is a miracle from God. I've been fighting for funding for years. Every
place wanted me to change my standards. My goal was a Christian home for girls
from Junior high to adult. No one religion was to be favored but only girls from
christian backrounds could come. Most groups wanted me to take boys as well as
girls. Others wanted us to take any girls. That was tried for one year and would be
too troublesome. The Salvation Army wants nothing in return, and no change here,
at least not policy wise. They liked what they saw from you and from the visit here."
"I was lucky." I said.
"In my experience, there is no such thing as luck." She said.
I laughed. "I use to say,'if it weren't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all.'"
She came to me and held me tight. She began to cry. "Child, you've made me so
happy. God is always right on time. I didn't know how to tell the girls, but if we
didn't get some help The home was going to close at the end of the year. You would
have all gone to the state. That is no life for any kid. My heart was breaking but I
just couldn't tell them. Now it's alright. I've run this home for 10 years and this is the
best it's ever been. Also so you know, this is my life, I do not take a pay. I did this
because I grew up in a state home. It was horrible. When I graduated from high
school I decided to start a place where girls had a better chance than I had. I worked
for a few years and gathered money to buy a building, and got this place. It's always
been a struggle now I know it was worth it. Thank you so much."
She was weeping in my arms. I didn't know what to say, so I said nothing at all. At
last I kissed her tenderly. "Mother, it is alright. I understand."
I looked to see Donna in the hallway. She said. "Some of us knew. I knew and so
did Suzie. Shes been hiding it for years, and she hides it very well. Now she needs
to understand that we can be a team, and we can work together, and we can all
succeed. I think this will be the best Christmas we've ever had."
The house mother looked at me and at Donna."Donna, I've always known I could
depend on you. Till last week Betty was dragging us all down. Now I have a new
Betty that has already fixed some of our major problems. I said God is always on
time. I was praying for money but that was not the answer."
Donna said. "My prayers were more basic, I just prayed for a solution that was
Gods will. I've never seen money solve anything but God provides for every need no
matter how big or small."
The house mother hugged Donna and said. "Bless you child."
She went back to working on supper. We went back to our rooms. I rested a little. I
was emotionally drained. I heard a doorbell and looked at my watch. It was 4:30. I
didn't pay much attention till I heard footsteps in the hallway, the house mother and
other footsteps I knew.
As they reached my doorway I knew who it was. I looked at her face. Instantly I
knew. The house mother said. "She wants to stay, It's your decision, not mine."
I said."She can at least stay the night."
The house mother left us. I said."Close the door."
She di