Change of Seasons
By Tigger (C)opyright 2017
Author's Note. Since the original Seasons of Change by Joel Lawrence
dates to 1989, and my own most recent posted story of Seasons House was
posted almost 11 years ago, the names and faces in this story
(especially since many of them have several names) may not be familiar
or easily recalled. Given that there are almost twenty fairly long to
very long stories in the Seasons Universe, I have come up with two aids
to readers.
1. Change of Seasons Addendum: Seasons Universe Recurring Characters.
This outline includes many of the characters who appear in many of the
stories, lists the story the character made his/her debut and provides a
short character synopsis of the individual.
2. Change of Seasons Bibliography. This document, included at the end
of the story, has a numbered list of the stories that include situations
or other characters that are referred or inferred in the body of this
story. It includes the name of the story, the author and a URL weblink
for the posted file, all but one of which is on Big Closet.
a. Where the story is broken up into multiple files (e.g.., Part 1 of
3), there is an entry for that in the bibliography. For example, A Time
to Every Season Part 2 of 3 is cited as "No. 10b.
b. If a character appears in every file of a multi-part story, the
first time that character appears in this story, the reference will just
be the number (e.g., Barbara Anne (13) ).
c. If a character does not appear in every file, the reference in this
story will point to the specific files in which that character makes an
appearance (e.g., Hildegarde (10 b,c) Note: not a character, for example
only).
My intent here is that, if you wish, you can go to the bibliography,
find the cited link and then do a quick search on the referenced story
part for the character and in so doing, get a little background and/or a
refresher.
Thanks, and I hope you enjoy the story.
~-~
Change of Seasons
Jane shivered from the chill of her morning walk as she strolled into
the warm, horse-scented air of the Seasons House stables. Keeping it
heated was an expense, but she had the money and her remaining horse was
family. Jane's Stars and Garters popped her head over the door to her
stall and whinnied an impatient welcome.
Garters' pet cat, Secret Victoria, jumped up onto the door sill and
began grooming while her friend communed with her human. Vicky had
surprisingly joined the family after Darryl's horse, Teddi, had passed
away last winter, leaving poor Garters alone and pining for company.
The young barn cat had somehow sensed the mare's distress and had taken
upon herself to keep her stablemate company.
Jane came over and gave the cat the expected stroke and chin scratch
before offering the cat treat she carried for just this purpose. Fair
was fair, after all, as she had a carrot for her horse - and a sugar
cube that Marie had pretended not to see her filch on her way out.
Shrugging out of her heavy coat, Jane hung it on a hook inside the
stable near the heater. It was December in New England which meant grey
skies, blustery winds and frigid chill factors. All part and parcel of
a legacy that made New Englanders a historically hearty lot, and made
New England tourist agencies despair. Still, Jane loved days like this
as they were one of the many reasons she still lived here at Seasons
House.
Jane let Garters out into the stable's indoor arena for a little
exercise while she saw to the horse stall's maintenance. Such a more
elegant and refined term than 'mucking out', she thought with a mental
giggle. That task finished, she set about grooming her long time
friend.
"It's really too cold outside, dear," she told the horse as she curried
her vigorously. "And too slippery to risk you. She looked into the
patient dark eyes and rubbed the grayer-than-ever muzzle. It reminded
her of the encroaching silver that highlighted her own auburn mane these
days. Well, she wasn't one of those silly women who tried to fight her
age artificially. No, she did her aging the old fashioned way. She
ignored it, and when she couldn't ignore it, she just accepted it as her
own. Still, Jane Thompson was as fit as most women two decades her
junior. There were just some times she wished she had a portrait she
could hide in her own attic to get old in place of her.
Leaving Garters to move around as she wished, Jane wandered over to the
full length mirror she'd long ago had installed in the stable. This
was, after all, Seasons House. Her students needed to ensure they were
neat and properly attired at all times. Crooked jodhpurs at a Jane
Thompson equestrienne lesson? Simply not done! She examined her own
reflection, noting that the mirror's silver backing was getting corroded
and a little worn. Well, it would do for now, anyway. In the future,
well, they'd see what would be needed for the future.
Whatever the hell that future was, she thought in an rare moment of
melancholia. Grimly, she shook herself, reminding herself she was Jane
Thompson, and as the mirror indicated, still a fine figure of a woman.
Not five pounds over her weight at college graduation - still trim,
strong with the piercing eyes and commanding presence that had cowed her
students and her investment colleagues alike. The dark heavy corduroy
pants and heavy fisherman's knit sweater in no way made her look stodgy
or old.
"But we are both getting old, aren't we, old friend?" she murmured as
she headed back over to the unmoving Garters. "You're supposed to be
walking," she chided the horse, and received a complacent snort in
response.
Ignoring the equine rebuke, Jane led her horse back to the now-cleaned
and refreshed stall. Satisfied she had won their little contretemps,
Garters gave her rider a saucy tail flick before walking regally and
happily into her place. She then sampled the fresh hay Jane had added to
her feed bin, gave her Mistress what could only be a nod of approval and
settled herself for her late morning nap.
Laughing at her mount's haughty dismissal, Jane curtsied and said "I'll
be back after dinner tonight, sweetie. Maybe by then the footing will
be a little better and we can go for a short walk before bedtime." She
added another stroke and chin scratch for Vicky, and then donning her
coat, gloves and ski-cap, headed back outside. As she opened the door,
she saw the cat jump to her favorite resting place on Garters' blanketed
back, and curl up for her own nap. Humans were just so tiring.
Jane checked her watch and decided she had been gone long enough. At
least, she thought so. The nerve of Marie, Barbara Anne (13) and Audrey
(10), kicking her out of her OWN kitchen. And if she hadn't been gone
long enough for their liking? Tough. She was, after all, Jane
Thompson, and this was, by all that's holy, Seasons House, and her
family and friends were gathering for a Winter Holiday Party.
That said it all.
~-~
The three girls surrounded the great kitchen's island worktop, their
eyes huge as they followed each careful swipe of Marie's cookie spatula.
Fragrant, soft sugar cookies were placed with careful precision onto the
large cooling rack. Unashamed longing etched in each perfectly made-up
face.
"It's TORTURE, Tante Marie," Barbara Anne complained.
"Can't we have just one?" Audrey wheedled, "Pretty please with sugar on
it?"
"Non! You will spoil your appetites," the petite brunette ordered.
"Oh, but Tante Marie," Xhinea (13) put in, "we could split just one
among us, just to taste test. You wouldn't want a less than perfect
cookie being offered for the party?"
"Ah, ma belle Xhinea, I am too crafty to play that game. You won't
tease me out of a cookie by challenging my baking skills like that
little old woman with her pancakes. Now, off to your tasks, the lot of
you. We still have many treats to finish! Well, get to it! Vite,
vite!"
Giving her their very best Oliver Twist pouts, Marie's helpers went back
to their individual tasks while she stood guard over her cookies.
Nodding her satisfaction, she tested one of cookies, and having decided
it was cool enough to eat, broke it into four pieces and took one to
each of her girls. Even to Bella who had looked the most wistful, but
had held her peace and let the others do the asking.
Well, Marie thought smugly, Jane would fix that bit of shyness soon
enough! The day one of her girls OR boys didn't feel right asking for a
treat? Not in HER kitchen! Well, after their first week here, anyway.
~-~
Jane carefully inspected her presentation in the three sided floor to
ceiling mirrors of her private dressing room. She had chosen her attire
for the day carefully. Precise and strong for the next little event on
her itinerary, but then, after losing the suitcoat, adding a pair of
gorgeous shoes, some colorful and sparkly accessories, Jane Thompson
would be ready to party!
Her phone rang, and smiling at the identity of the indicated caller,
Jane hit answer. "Art, you better not be calling to tell me you can't
make it!" she growled in her best schoolmarm voice.
"No darling, but I will probably be too late for your planned morning
festivities. The Dean is determined to change my mind. She just
wouldn't let me go!"
Jane smiled at the frustration in Art's voice. The Dean at Providence
College was trying to get Art to teach 'just a couple of courses and
maybe a graduate seminar next semester,' instead of retiring as was his
stated, written intent. Jane figured it was still 50/50 as to whether
her hubby would give into the determined college administrator - again -
or whether they'd be taking that Caribbean cruise they had put a deposit
on for the late February/March time frame. And the reason that the
wealthy but frugal Jane had only put down the deposit on their tickets
was because the odds were, at best 50/50. Art truly loved to teach, and
he might find a student who 'really needed him' - again.
"And what did she offer this time? You are already Professor Emeritus
and have a Chair named for you. Maybe a statue of yourself next to
Roger Williams?"
An almost female giggle answered her. "You know, I never thought of
that. Maybe if I insist that mine be bigger than Roger's she'll get the
point?"
"Or you'll get the statue, and be just one more adolescent male playing
mine is bigger than yours. Then where would you be? Oh, yes! I know!
Still teaching the boys and girls at PC and studiously avoiding being
seen anywhere near your statue. Well, let me know what you decide in
time so I don't pay the next installment on ANOTHER cruise we won't
take. When will you be home?"
"Probably in time for the luncheon snack you've planned to tide everyone
over until dinner. Couple of hours. At least the roads are clear."
"Well, drive carefully. See you when you get here. Love you, Artemis."
"Harumph," he snorted at her favorite jab, "And I love you, even if you
do tend to forget my legal name as you approach your dotage."
"Dotage, my still toned and elegant derriere, husband! Just make sure
you eat a good nutritious dinner tonight. You'll need the energy for
what I have planned, old man. If you're lucky, that is." And they
signed off with smiles on both their faces.
~-~
Jane was just walking down the stairs when the doorbell rang. "I will
get it," she called as she proceeded to the grand foyer. Opening the
door, she greeted her two long-time co-conspirators, Carolyn and Sandy.
The three women exchanged greetings and hugs, as Sandy stripped off her
cold weather gear and shook out her blond-gone-ash mane of hair. "Well,
are we still a go?" she asked with her usual glee.
"Yes. I just have to gather her into my lair, give her the news, and
then, you can work your evil ways with her."
"Great! We'll go get set up and you can send the miscreant to us when
you've finished with her. Is the outfit you've selected for her in the
usual place?" At Jane's assent, the two stylists headed up the stairs
while Jane went in search of Bella Howell.
~-~
Jane found her quarry in the kitchen, which was redolent with the warm
scents of holiday treats and savory appetizers. She should have known,
she mused. Bella, of all her students, loved the kitchen arts the most.
Jane had already made preliminary arrangements for her to train as a
chef the following school year. The child had a magic touch with pastry
and an artist's eye for presentation. Why, the girl's desserts were
entirely responsible for Jane having to add another fifteen minutes to
her daily workouts just to keep her aforementioned derriere properly
toned!
"I don't know, Marie. You let students play in the kitchen but you
chase me out! I want to play, too!" Jane said in a quiet aside to her
best friend and confidante.
"Oh, pooh on that, Jane. It is my kitchen, and besides all of these
girls know how to follow directions." Marie sniffed more loudly, causing
a titter of giggling at the implied slight.
"Very well, then! Bella? I need you in my first floor office please.
NOW!" Jane watched her student scurry off to carry out her order.
Once the door was shut behind her, the schoolmistress smiled, looked
over her shoulder at the remaining cooks and helpers, before adding in
her best lady of the manor tones, "I'll be back!"
Somehow, Lady of the Manor and Terminator didn't quite work together and
she strode out of the kitchen to the happy sounds of female laughter.
Well, she'd be back after she'd dealt with her student and then she'd
remind those wicked girls just who is the Mistress of Seasons House.
And besides, she could so follow directions. Mostly. When she
absolutely has to...
~-~
Posture erect, face set, Jane marched into her office clearly on a
mission. Walking over to take her own seat behind the imposing desk,
she indicated for her student to take the lone chair directly opposite
of her own. The low winter sun backlit Jane just enough to force Bella
to squint, ever so slightly. Perfect, Jane thought.
For the first few moments, Jane simply sat, watching the femininely
turned out student with baleful eyes. Pleased that Bella didn't
actually squirm, she nodded. "So, Marie thinks that you have learned to
follow directions? Or maybe she merely meant the other girls and gave
you the benefit of the holiday?"
One elegantly arched brow rose even higher as Jane waited for Bella to
attempt a response or make an excuse. Pleased again with the
youngster's silence, she continued more sternly, "Nothing to say?
Well, Miss, let me say that I'm not certain about that! Did you even
think for a moment check your appearance before coming in here?
Reporting to my office in an apron, and your makeup? Did you try to
clean your lipstick off with your teeth because they are colored and not
your lips. And Seasons House students use powder on their noses, not
flour, and for goodness sake, girl, what IS that on your sleeve? Blood?"
Bella cast a furtive look at her blouse sleeves, saw the red stain on
her left cuff and winced. "No, Ma'am." She took a deep breath to avoid
the 'umm' that was trying to sneak out, and continued, "It's frosting.
We were frosting cookies and gingerbread men when you came in and I must
have slipped with the spatula when you called out. I can go fix it and
then come back."
"No, I don't have time for this later. Far too much is going on today
and I will be very busy. No, we'll just get this out of the way and
then you can go correct your dismal presentation. Actually it is a very
good thing Carolyn and Sandra have already arrived. You simply cannot
be allowed to attend a Seasons House event in your present condition. I
can see I have no other choice."
Shaking her head sadly, Jane stood and watched her student rise out of
her own seat as she had been taught. Jane picked up a folder from the
top of her desk and walked around to face the girl directly. "No choice
at all, but to congratulate you and graduate you from Seasons House."
Jane opened the folder and presented her student with a Certificate of
Completion. "Well done, my Dear. You have learned all we have sought
to teach you. And your grandmother will arrive tomorrow to take you
home."
Bewildered, Bella hesitantly accepted the opened folder, glanced at
certificate within and then stared back into Jane's laughing eyes.
"Graduate? Me?? Now? Really?"
"Yes, really," Jane laughed. "Now, are you going to shake the hand I've
been holding out to you or just make me stand here feeling foolish?"
Bella hadn't even noticed the proffered hand, so intent had she been on
Jane's face and the diploma she now held in her left hand. She started
to bring her right hand up to Jane's and then yelled, "Heck no, I'm
not!" and threw herself into Jane's arms in a fierce hug that was just
as enthusiastically returned. "Thank you, Aunt Jane, honestly. I was
really messed up when I came here, and so darned lonely."
"It was hard for your grandmother, having to raise you after your
parents were killed. She wasn't able to keep up with a teen's life and
so she tried to shelter you. What social skills you learned were
aggressive and you didn't have friends, just hangers-on out for a
handout. Even though you've learned your new skills presenting as a
girl, I think you, as Boyd, are ready to make friends that are friends,
not users."
For several more moments, they held each other until the sound of the
door opening ended their interlude. "You ready, Momma Jane?" Darla (4)
asked from the entrance. "Caro and Sandy are all set up and ready in
the dressing room."
"Yes, we're done for now. Go with Darla, child. We'll talk more later
and again when your grandmother arrives. You do need a makeover if
you're going to attend one of MY parties." and Jane gently wiped away an
errant tear from her latest success story's cheek. Gently kissing that
very spot, she turned Bella to face Darla and gave her an encouraging
pat on her way.
~-~
Jane stormed back into the kitchen. "It's my darned kitchen and I get
to help! And I do SO know how to follow directions. Most of the time."
"Well, obviously Bella graduated," observed a smiling Anne.
"And what does that mean, young lady?"
Darryl's Audrey laughed and answered before Barbara Anne could, "Well,
you're in here kibutzing instead being all school mistress-ly with your
yardstick stuck up your..."
"ROCKY (10)! Language!" Jane and Marie both yelped, a long trained
Pavlovian response.
"Up your busk," she finished, pleased with their reactions.
"Minx," Jane muttered, trying without success to stifle her own grin.
"Now, what can I do?"
Marie gave her best imitation of a student trying to look innocent after
some act of mischief, "Well, we were holding the bacon wrapped chicken
livers just for you as they are your special favorite."
"YUCK!" was Jane's heartfelt and wholly satisfying response.
Marie would later apologize to the guests for not offering chicken
livers on the appetizer tray. "One of my kitchen assistants just
couldn't follow directions."
~-~
Darla led her stunned charge up to the second floor dressing room Jane
reserved for her students' use (and abuse). Inside, Caro and Sandy rose
to greet the two young people. They each took one of Bella's arms and
led the dazed former student over to an elegant antique clothes stand on
which hung a beautifully cut men's suit, complete with a fine linen
shirt, a silk tie and coordinating jewelry including cuff links sporting
a stylized "SHG" engraving, a fine gold watch, tie pin and a oddly
shaped gold lapel pin.
As Bella reverently examined the outfit, Sandy said, "And it will fit
you perfectly, darlin'. Your old clothes are back in your room, but this
has been hand tailored just for you." She giggled. "We long ago learned
that we can't just give you your old clothes back and expect you to meet
the exacting standards we've set for a Seasons House Graduate at a
formal Seasons House event. Seems that a few measly months of corset-
training, Jane's sneaky exercise program and Marie's artistically
camouflaged healthy meals and her students typically experience
significant figure changes - even after we peel off the corsets."
"Tailored?" Bella asked. It's beautiful, but when? How? I was never
fitted for any masculine clothes - at least, not since I first boarded
that blasted train so long ago."
Darla giggled. "Your last two trips to the Style Shoppe, remember?
Jane told you she was having you fitted for your upcoming formal debut?
Fitted gown, long sleeves, floor length skirt? Think maybe all those
careful measurements might be applicable to, oh, I don't know, a men's
suit or, say, even a tux?"
"And now Caro and Sandy are going to change my face and hair so I don't
look like Gal Gadot in Bruce Wayne's business suit when I wear that
today?"
"Wow," Carolyn snorted. "Think highly of yourself, much, girlfriend?
Gal Gadot? Really? Sandy, do you hear that? Perhaps we need to move
to Hollywood. Our art is being stifled in this burg."
With a head toss that would do the actress proud, Bella struck a hip-
shot pose and smirked. "I am a Seasons House Graduate. I have learned
to speak only the truth." She let the laughter die down and then asked,
"Well, Gee, Where do we start?"
Becoming very serious, Darla took both of Bella's hands in her own, and
looked directly into the former student's eyes. "Boyd," she began, using
a name that had rarely been heard by him in recent months, "As Jane just
promised, if you give the go ahead, you, Boyd, will be in that suit and
tie, with your full masculine bearing and glory restored, by the time
the other guests arrive." Darla paused, letting that sink in. "Or..."
Bella/Boyd didn?t say anything. The months of Jane Thompson-guided
educational 'opportunities' had taught her the hard way to tread
carefully when the footing ahead, literal or verbal, was uncertain.
Darla was, however, her Mother?s daughter and had the patience to out-
wait her former student. Giving in, Boyd/Bella asked, ?Or what, Miss
Darla??
Darla smiled at the oh-so-formal title and continued, ?Or, you could
help us with something. A little holiday surprise for Aunt Jane.?
?Another visit to the clinic?? Bella had become a well regarded
volunteer at the Pediatric Oncology Clinic that was Jane Thompson?s
other passion, and loved bringing a little happiness to the kids who had
to face so much pain and anxiety day after grueling day.
?No, not this time, but thanks for thinking of that. It is just that we,
all the rest of Jane?s former students, would appreciate it if you would
join us boys in celebrating with Jane in our best femme finery - just
one more time. Sandy and Caro have already set aside tomorrow morning
for you at their shop. They will give you the full deluxe girl to boy
transformation treatment tomorrow if you?ll agree to help us today. And
Boyd the boy will still be here to greet your Grandmother tomorrow
afternoon and then be home for Christmas. ?
?Well, shoot, what?s one more d... HEY! WAIT, you said ?US boys???!??
?Ladies don?t yell out ?hey,? kid,? a wickedly grinning Darla chided
before Darryl?s voice answered, ?Din?t we larn ya better?n that??
At the boy/girl?s dumbfounded look, Carolyn laughed and added, ?Well,
you certainly don?t think you were the first boy to whom Jane, no make
that WE did this, do you? I mean, we are just a little too good at
bringing the cute girl out of the naughty boy for your experience with
us to have been beginner?s luck, wouldn?t you say??
?No, I don?t think it was any kind of luck. I just thought you were
just that darn good at your business and I wasn?t all that macho to
begin with so...? A cautious look darkened the student?s face. ?It
won?t upset her?? And it was Bella who asked, ?I mean, after graduating
me, and setting all this up? She won?t mind if Boyd misses the party
and Bella attends??
?She?ll love it,? the three other women chorused.
Giving herself a little shake, and trying to acclimate to this new
understanding, Bella smiled. ?Okay, then, umm, sure, I?m in...Only..?
?Only what?? Sandy pounced, in full domme mode to make certain the
outcome she had already decided was best, happened to her satisfaction.
?Easy, Sandra,? Caro chided. ?Only what, dear.?
Like so many other of Season House students, Bella had been drafted to
be an actress at Jane?s little theatre company. She?d learned her
lessons very well indeed. Putting on her best diva ?Marilyn? look and
voice, she cried, ?I don?t have a THING to wear!?
?Oh, is that all?? Darla said as she strode over to the still closed
armoire. ?And if those fittings at Brenda Franson?s could be used to
tailor a men?s suit, what ELSE do you think a skilled lady?s couturier
can create with them?? And threw open the armoire, earning a very
satisfying ?Omigod? in response.
As Bella gawked, Darla turned back to the two older women. ?Okay Sandy,
Bella?s in, so she gets into the debutante gown we snuck in here after
Jane had set out that suit she had secretly bought for Boyd?s triumphant
debut and return home. Good thing you?ve learned to walk in heels, kid.
That pair look amazing, but I think they are also likely lethal to wear
for any length of time. Ah well, such is the challenge of beauty.
Ready for the ball, Cinder-Bella??
~-~
Bella shyly strolled around the outer edges of the party crowd that had
gathered and was still growing. She had never seen so many people at
Seasons House. Oh sure, she?d suffered through Jane?s little soirees
from hell, but even those had never involved more than a dozen guests -
all probably carefully screened she now thought. There had to be more
than a hundred people here, and more, every adult was dolled up and en
femme! The only pants she saw were on youngsters and those were short
pants. And they all looked, well, really good. Okay, she told herself,
most of them looked very good, but none of them out of place at some
ritzy party out in the real world.
Moreover, from what Darla had told her earlier, at least half of these
women were guys! Lived and worked as guys. It was amazing that they
could all be so at ease here in satins, silks make up and sparklies.
?Well, what does that say about you, Boyd? You?re more than comfortable
in this dress,? he thought as he passed Bella?s reflection in one of
Jane?s many mirrors. ?Comfortable? Hell, try smug.?
She saw Michelle (1,2,3), another of the regulars she had come to know
in her time at Seasons House and went over to say hello. ?Hi Dr. Nash,
good to see you.?
The blonde turned a huge smile on the younger person. ?And you, too,
Bella. I want to thank you for staying in the masquerade today. I
don?t know if I would have willingly made that choice on the day Momma
Jane graduated me.?
?Oh, I think you would have - all of you would have, or you wouldn?t all
be here now, dressed as you are now. She?s that special to all of you.?
Bella hesitated and then pressed on, ?I just have one question though,
and it has been bugging me ever since Darla spilled the beans about
Jane?s program...?
Michelle took a sip from her drink and indicated that Bella should ask
her question. ?Well, it?s just everyone looks so, ummm, real here, in
their party clothes, and I never once clued in that you or Darla or
Jessie (12) were boys, so I just have to know...?
?Know what, girl? Spit it out??
?Aunt Jane IS a girl, right??
From the other side of the room, Jane looked on wondering what had
Michelle sputtering with laughter into her wine.
~-~
Sometimes there was just more joy than a person could hold inside at one
time. Standing apart from her guests for a moment Jane scanned the
crowd while turning through the pages of her memories. As her eyes fell
on each guest, she remembered him or her as she had first encountered
that student, recalled the special challenges each one had posed.
?I was so much younger then,? she told herself, not sure she could
handle such as them anymore. She?d had to get physical with that one,
she recalled, and that one had needed 24 hour vigils until we were sure
the student was not a danger to herself or to the family.
Smiling, she saw her little Adrienne (13), still preferring Chinese
cheongsams when presenting en femme, holding hands with his better half,
Xhinea (13). Happily married, with five girls. Xhinea had carried
their first to term, but her pelvis had proven to be too small for
normal birth. Advised by doctors another pregnancy would not be safe,
Adrian had followed his passion and had adopted four girls, including
three that the agencies had written off as ?too old.? His little
adoption service was highly regarded and thanks to his Aunt Jane, well
funded. All those beautiful little girls needing a family and one of
HER boys was making families happen. If she?d been a cat, Jane would
have purred.
A flash of deep auburn caught Jane?s eye and she saw Jesse?s statuesque
Tatiana (12) grinning down at her husband. Even in heels, Jessie didn?t
quite reach her height, especially when Tatiana wore her own. Jane
allowed herself a feeling of happy satisfaction at that successful bit
of behind-the-scenes motherly manipulation.
As she?d hoped, Jesse had fallen head over heels with the vivacious
redhead who had taken over her mother?s New Haven art business. Then,
the three women had neatly maneuvered Jesse into his current role as
legal consultant and advisor to nonprofit art foundations and freelance
artists. That boy would never have been happy if she?d let him go into
plain corporate law. Idly, she wondered if it was finally time to give
him back the journal she?d saved from the trash bin all those years ago?
She?d ask Diana to investigate that for her.
There was Penny (11, 12), playing with some of the children. The
student who had needed to learn to forgive herself so Benny could live
fully had become a special educator. She worked with emotionally
troubled kids, helping them find good solutions to their problems. Jane
harrumphed. Penny and Benny needed kids of her/his own. Okay, it had
worked with Jessie, so hmmmm, who do I find to sit under the apple tree
with my Benny?
Oh, and there was Caitlyn (8) with her affianced partner, Tasha (8b),
chatting with her beloved Tante Marie. The ballerina had recently
retired as an active soloist and was setting up her own studio to teach
little ones to love dance of all kinds. It was odd how these things
happened, Jane mused. The boy who could not dance in the masquerade
because he was really a girl masquerading as a boy, was engaged to her
first gal pal, having reconnected when Tasha?s daughter had wanted dance
lessons. It was just perfect. Caitlyn teaching her soon-to-be daughter
to love dance as her own mother and Tasha had taught her.
There were a few missing, she thought with a bittersweet smile. Life
wasn?t quite that perfect and some of her boys just had lives they
couldn?t get away from, even for a short time. Bill was still sheriff
and currently short handed at the office. Hopefully, he?d put in an
appearance later but probably not as Willa (14), darn it!
Charlie (6) had been planning to be here, but his wife decided to go
into labor yesterday - two weeks early! - so he was checking in
periodically from the birthing center. All Jane could tell was that the
poor girl had better deliver soon before either Charlie went bonkers or
drove the girl to violence. Or both. Charlie had finally learned to
deal more appropriately with most emotional stress under her program as
Jane well knew, but she supposed that impending fatherhood was as good a
reason for a slight setback as there could be.
As for Charleen?s little sister, Valerie (6) was currently overseas
troubleshooting some problem in Debbie?s (6) world-wide cosmetics
empire. Eugene?s scatterbrained texts had been filled with frustration
and impending doom for some poor soul. Something about a virus attack
hitting a Windows server someone installed to handle the corporation?s
Black Friday Sale without Valerie?s knowledge. Certainly without her
approval. Ah, to be a fly on the wall when Val cornered THAT culprit...
The night before, her Wilma, also known as Colonel William Decker USMC
(11), Brigadier General selectee, had skyped in since his unit was
deployed overseas. Wearing full desert camo-makeup as it is the
?closest he could come to Aunt Jane makeup over here in this desolate
sandbox.? She had frowned furiously, just for effect, and then ordered
him to report to her as soon as he could get back stateside. Wilma, she
had decreed, needed emergency refresher training so she could relearn to
?color within the lines properly.?
All her boys and their ladies, all here, at least electronically.
Well, almost all her boys.
~-~
Sylvia (3) and Erica (3) strolled over to chat with Beth (1,3) who was
near the buffet tables. ?You look great, Beth!? Sylvia said. At least
Beth thought it was Sylvia. Even after all these years, the husband and
wife were still hard to tell apart.
?Do you have any idea what it took to squeeze into this overpriced
sausage casing?? Beth replied with a half smile, ?I made a very
expensive, very strict personal trainer/dietitian very happy, let me
tell you! Since I just KNEW Aunt Jane and Michelle were going show up
looking as fantastic as ever, I busted my butt and my gut getting into
this dress. I think next year, I?m just gonna wimp out and show up in a
tux. Probably still need a corset, though.?
?Well, it was money well spent,? Sylvia replied, gesturing for Beth to
give them a model?s pirouette. ?Lord, but my Erica should look so good.
Hell, sweetie, I should look so good. Well, I know what New Year?s
Resolutions our family?s going to make.? And then giving a sharp wifely
look to her curvy spouse. ?And KEEP, cutie.?
?Yes, dear,? Erica answered meekly before turning to glare at the
chortling Beth. ?And Beth, dear? When David comes to town to visit
next spring? Make sure he brings his golf clubs and his money! When
I?m hungry, and I will be thanks to you, I am a thorough going bitch.
Just expect payback, sweetie.?
Beth gave a huge sigh and shrugged. ?Guess I?m putting the money I
thought I?d be saving after getting into this get-up on golf lessons.?
?So long as you save some to lose, sis!?
~-~
Michelle caught sight of a very tall blonde and stared for a moment.
Recognition hit and taking Janice?s (3) hand in his, told her, ?Honey,
come on. There?s someone I really want you to meet,? and began moving
over to where the tall woman stood with a more normal sized partner at
her side.
?Karen (3)!? Michelle called out as she and Janice got closer. ?I?m so
glad you could make it!? and wrapped the bigger woman in a huge hug.
?You look great!?
Taken by surprise at the effusive greeting in what she?d expected to be
a fairly laid back crowd, Karen goggled, looked over to her partner,
then to Janice who was grinning, and then down at the top of the blond
head pressing hard between her boobs. ?Micha... I mean, Michelle?? she
squeaked out. ?AIR, girl, please!?
Laughing merrily, Michelle released the hug but kept one arm tightly
around the lovely guest and reached the other out to snag Janice.
?Janice, honey, this is Karen. She?s the, umm, teacher from that, uh,
school in Nevada I told you about. You know, the one Momma Jane found
for me??
?School?!?? Karen almost choked laughing. ?Is that what you told her it
was??
Janice reached over to pat the other woman on the arm affectionately.
?HE, oh, excuse me, I mean SHE told me everything, Karen. About the
school and that very special curriculum Jane ordered for Michael, but
she wasn?t nearly detailed enough about the faculty. Woman, you are
gorgeous, and let me say right now, I thank you EVERY night for your
superb instruction and training. I am a very happy woman who benefits
regularly from her superior educational experiences both here and in
Nevada.?
?Okay, then,? Karen said with a bit of a western drawl creeping in.
?Not the usual reaction I get from wives of my, ah, former students.
And Michelle, you look great - just as beautiful as when I first met
you.?
A sly smile crossed the still gamine face. ?Well, as good as I looked
after we raided the, umm, basement wardrobe,? hinting at the change of
attire to clothes borrowed from the stock of cross dresser supplies in
the Mustang Ranch?s dungeon.
?Yeah,? Karen replied giving her smaller escort a smoky look. ?That?s
how I learned to do my huntin? in a different field. Ladies, I?d like
to introduce my husband, Tiffany.?
The petite but solidly built redhead smiled and shook hands with Janice
and Michelle, ?Although I go by Timothy when I file my taxes.?
?When I file your taxes, sweetie, but only then,? Karen put in. ?At
home and at work, she?s Tiffany, and ALL MINE.? The look she gave her
partner was hot with love and possession, and Tiffany just snuggled up
closer to her lover?s free side. ?She headlines at one of the cabarets
in Vegas. I?m her business manager. I now have an agency for girls
like Tiff and for girls like me who?ve gotten out of the game. We get
them training and real jobs. Help them with stuff like doctors and
other such things.?
Michelle nodded, but made no comment. She and Kendra were already aware
of what Karen did for a living, which was why they had invited her to
tomorrow?s get together.
?I?m a graduate, too,? Tiffany offered quietly. ?One of Aunt Jane?s
early Seasons House students.?
?That?s one of the reasons we came, Michelle, so Tiffany and I can thank
Ms Jane and her team for everything she did for a boy who was going bad
places because no one knew or would acknowledge what he really needed.?
Tiffany giggled. ?And I?m not really sure Jane knew back then, either.
I was just another budding juvenile delinquent, but her program taught
me who I was, who I could be and a lot of how to achieve that.?
?So, how far have you gone.? And it was Michael the Doctor speaking
now.
?As far as I want. I am under a reputable doctor?s care.?
?NOW!? growled Karen with a ferocious scowl.
?Yes, dear. Now, I am under a reputable doctor?s care. I have had
augmentation surgeries to fill out some, and I?m on a carefully
controlled regimen of hormones. Just enough for some secondary
characteristics and not enough to permanently preclude the possibility
of children. I am as whole as I want to be and very happy with my life
now that tall-stockings here is running it for me.?
?I don?t run...? Karen started and stopped at a smirk from her lover.
?Okay, I do, but not like the gal who, ah, worked in the basement at my
old school.?
?Well, I see Caro, Sandy and Brenda over by the buffet,? Michelle said,
?C?mon and I?ll introduce you, Karen and reintroduce Tiffany. Don?t
know what Tiff has told you about the Seasons House curriculum, Karen,
but those ladies are key members of the faculty. And I just bet they
have some stories about your honey?s times here that they?d just LOVE to
share with an interested party.?
?Oh, really?? Karen was already moving in their direction, her spouse?s
hand firmly clasped in her own.
?Oh, thanks loads, Michelle,? Tiffany grumped as she scrambled on her
ice pick heels to keep up with the long-striding blonde.
?Think nothing of it, girlfriend. See you tomorrow if we don?t get back
together today.?
~-~
Darla finally spied Victoria (11) momentarily standing off from the
crowd and sighed. Taking a deep breath, she made her way over to her
Seasons House protegee. ?I wanted to make sure I caught you alone so I
could thank you - again! - for taking such good care of Teddi. I know
you did the very best anyone could for her.?
Visibly relieved at the greeting, the veterinarian who had learned to
love caring for horses while Aunt Jane?s student, smiled sadly, ?I was
sort of afraid you would not want to see me, so I sort of hung back.
Thanks for not holding it against me. Usually the owners I work with
see their animals as investments, not beloved pets. I know that was
really hard for you.?
Darla gave a snort. ?Investments? Yeah, like your wife treats hers,
Sis? Pull the other one, why don?t you? It was my call, Vicky. And
together we made the right one. It was time for her, and I?ve had time
to deal with it some. It sucks having to be the grownup, but after all
is said and done, and given where she was health wise? She wasn?t
happy, and it was the most loving gift we could give her. Miss her, and
I haven?t ridden since she got sick, but you gave me the straight, hard
truth, and helped me to make the difficult, but best decision. We?re
Jane?s girls. Any other decision would have been unworthy of all she?s
taught me - hell, taught all of us.?
?Yeah, I hear you, but I?m glad you are okay with my part in it. You
matter big time, Miss Darla.?
?So do you, youngster,? answered the prim voice of Miss Darla.
?But I don?t think Aunt Jane is going to let you go too much longer
without getting back in the saddle, pal. I have intelligence from a
horse breeder in my family who shall otherwise remain nameless that our
beloved mentor has opened exploratory negotiations.?
Darla sighed and smiled. ?I know and I know her. If not for Christmas
then for my Adoption Day/Birthday. You know? She?s getting to the point
that she just doesn?t feel the need to even pretend to be subtle
anymore.?
?Gotta love her,? Victoria agreed, raising her drink in a toast.
?She wouldn?t have it any other way,? Darla agreed, touching her glass
to Victoria?s. ?And neither would we.?
~-~
Michelle sidled up to Sandy, offering her a fresh glass of champagne.
?How did it go? Is he going to make it?
?If he doesn?t, I will go find his ass and drag him here by his ear!
Caro, Brenda and I worked on him for four hours this morning!?
?How did he turn out? Good enough he won?t just bolt? We did have to
promise him if he didn?t think he looked good enough to appear before
Jane en femme, he could wear guy stuff.?
Sandy kissed her fingertips smugly. ?I am a miracle worker. He looked
fine, no, scratch that! SHE looked BETTER than fine. SHE looked
great.? Lips curled into an impish grin, Sandy lowered her voice to a
near whisper, ?and I?m not the only one who thought so...?
?Oh HO? Surrender the deets, girl!? Michelle ordered.
?Her wife thought she looked great, too. In fact, I had to fix her
makeup after she got through with her. TWICE! I gave the wife a
cosmetics kit in case they, uh, messed it up again before the party.
And I brought an extra kit along with me so I could do some last minute
magic when they got here. She?s good with makeup, just not a miracle
worker.?
?Like you.?
?As our guest of honor is wont to say, child? Just so.?
?And look who just arrived! Donna? Over here!?
~-~
It was an incredible feeling, Donna Madden (9) thought as she carefully
moved about the elegant Victorian home, meeting and chatting with the
many party goers. Every one of them, touched and made better by the
Jane Thompson experience. By Jane Thompson. ?Even me,? she told herself
softly, ?And I?m the one who thought he?d gotten away. Except I didn?t,
and thank God for it. At least I learned enough from her that I knew
what to do when I got the chance.?
She didn?t realize she was looking for someone until there she was, or
at least, there Donna thought she was. Moving closer, she hailed,
?Excuse me, but are you Carol? Carol Morris (9)??
The tall woman turned and gave Donna a quick up and down look. ?Why
yes, and you are?? she asked with a smile.
?Donna. Donna Madden. You?ve never met me en femme, before. We met
here on Christmas Eve, oh, must be almost fifteen years ago.?
?I remember you!? was the bright and happy reply. ?You were here when I
needed you. You started my turnaround! I?ve so wanted to see you again
so I could thank you!?
Donna found herself swept up in a tight hug, momentarily at a loss for
what to do or say. Slowly she pushed away and looked into the other
woman?s eyes. ?Umm, that?s not quite how I remember our meeting,
Carol.?
?Oh, I was a thorough-going bitch and sniped at you until you felt like
you had to leave. I was quite proud of that at the time, but you asked
a couple of hard questions that I couldn?t NOT think about. Those
questions led to hard answers and then harder questions that started my
turnaround. How are you doing? You look gorgeous! That?s right! I
have never seen you in the masquerade. Do you do it often? Oh, I
shouldn?t ask that.?
Laughing at himself as much as the situation, the male beneath the
Donna-mask looked up at the taller former student. ?Wow, and the
surprises just keep coming. Don?t worry about it and to answer your
question, today marks the first time I?ve dressed since I walked out of
Seasons House as a failed student the last time.?
?Really? Well, you look great. Maybe you should do it more often. It
seems to suit you.?
?If my wife has anything to say about it, I suspect I will be doing it
more often. Ah, here she comes. ?Linda, let me introduce Carol. I?ve
told you about her. She was the student who was in residence when I
came back to Seasons House; right before I managed to buy your family?s
company back. Carol? My wife, Dr Linda Madden.?
?So you?re the one I have to thank for turning my hubby into a human
being! You could have knocked me over with a slight breeze when he came
and told my family that the company wasn?t going under.?
?I understand he was going to appoint you CEO?? Carol asked as she
shook Linda?s hand.
?Oh, he thought about it, but I wasn?t getting roped into that mess.
I?m a teacher and have no interest in those silly business power games
of his. Nope, I made him CEO and had him teach my little brother how to
swim with those sharks. I went back to school and got my school
administrator?s license.?
?Oh, cool. So, Donna, what do you do now that Linda?s brother runs the
company??
?I am the CFO of the educational foundation my wife runs. She finds the
causes, I find the money and help make the ideas work in the real world.
It?s... satisfying...?
?You?re a team...wait, foundation? Are you going to be at that shindig
tomorrow? With Jane??
A smile lit Donna?s face. ?In the words of our hostess? Just so. See
you there, Carol.?
~-~
There they were. Those little tells that were only someone who knew
Jane Thompson as well as her long time lover and spouse would see. ?I?ve
been expecting this,? Diana whispered softly to herself. Excusing
herself from the group she?d been chatting with, Diana slipped away and
moved to put an arm around her love. ?You okay, sweet?? she whispered
in Jane?s ear.
Jane took a deep breath, and nodded shakily, a watery smile on her face.
?Look at them, darling. Even the ones who can?t really pull off the
masquerade anymore. They?re all here. Or they?ve been calling in and
checking in with us. But all that can be here are here. Just Val and
Char and Will and... and..? And now the tears did fall.
With skills born of years helping out at Seasons House, Diana spirited
her emotional wife into a quiet side room, closed the door and simply
held her. ?DAMMIT, Diana, I couldn?t SAVE her.?
Jane, Jane, hush. Lora had problems that were not in your power to
help. Look at our kids out there. Without exception, they were
fundamentally good kids who went down a bad path and didn?t get pulled
back in time to prevent consequences. Still, they came to you while,
deep down, they were still good kids - just a little lost.
?We always remember the ones we couldn?t save. I do, and I bet that
Michael and Erica can name every patient they were unable to help. But
sometimes, it?s just not in our power. Maybe if you?d gotten Lora (14)
sooner, but her sociopathic issues developed very early. I?ve read her
file. And it would have been pretty darn hard to petticoat discipline a
four-year-old because that?s when she started abusing animals and
hurting other kids. Kinda hard to use the deep-dye cosmetics on a four-
year-old and make it seem like a threat.?
Sighing, Jane cuddled in closer. ?I know - in my head. My heart says
she should be out there on the dance floor, laughing and having fun with
the others.?
Diana thought for a moment. ?Get our coats. I?m gonna tell Michelle,
Kendra (5) and Darla you needed a bit of air so they won?t pull down the
walls looking for you.?
~-~
The two lovers linked gloved hands as they stood in the cold, biting
wind in front of a small granite monument. ?She?s here, love, and I
like to think, more at peace than she ever was in her short, violent
life.?
Jane stepped over to the headstone and put down the small bouquet of
Christmas flowers she?d brought with them. ?I pray that?s so, Diana.
She was a hard nut, though. I was thinking that she was the first
student I had to physically restrain - heh - had to put her down on her
little butt hard. Surprised her no end, which was probably the only
reason she backed down and pretended to play by my rules for as long as
she did.
?I was so young then, Diana, so full of myself and so sure of my
wonderful program. Ten years later, hell, even just five I?d have seen
that she was only biding her time, waiting for her chance to escape - or
worse. I was too inexperienced to recognize the danger she represented
above and beyond any other I?d ever encountered. So she?s here, instead
of inside with the rest of my kids. Merry Christmas, Lora. Peace be
with you.?
The couple stood there a few more moments and then turned back to the
path leading to Seasons House. ?I was thinking about Bella graduating
today and what comes next. One thing I realized, I could not handle a
physical attack by a new student as I did with Lora that time. And both
Marie and I needed naps this time just to keep up with Bella. NAPS!
Darn it, Diana, we?re getting old!?
?Speak for yourself, woman. I?m feeling rather spritely, meself.
Someone said I was getting lucky tonight.? They both laughed and
huddled together as much for the closeness as to combat the wind. ?Have
you given any more thought as to what comes next? After our cruise, I
mean.? At Jane?s shrewd look, Diana shook her head. ?Not teaching.
Honest! Free to cruise.?
?We?ll see how long that stands THIS time, lover. Seems to me I?ve
heard that song before. By the way, do you know what Michael, Kenneth
and Darryl have on their minds? They asked if we could meet with them
in town for a surprise tomorrow.?
?If I knew, my love, and then I told you, it would cease to be a
surprise. Darla in a snit is almost as scary as you! I mean, you
taught her. So, no.?
?No what?? Jane pressed. ?No, you don?t know? Or no, you won?t tell
me.?
?Just no, my love.? And Diana dodged Jane?s playful punch and reached
off the path for a handful of snow. ?Of course you realize,? she said
in her best Mel Blanc impression, ?Dis means WAR!? and pelted her lover
in the chest with a big fluffy one.
And took off running for the house as fast as she could in her too-tall
heels with Jane right behind her promising righteous retaliation and
retribution.
Well, in not quite those words.
~-~
Seasons House was ominously quiet the next day when Jane and Art came
down for breakfast. Bella was already at Marisha?s Chalet for her
breakdown back to Boyd, and whatever it was that rest of Jane?s family
was up to had them out of the house as well. The stately house missed
the life and energy the young people brought into it. Why, Seasons
House felt stodgy in its silence, almost like, God forbid, Edith White
with shutters.
The three adults breakfasted quietly in the sunlit nook just off
Marie?s kitchen. They?d all agreed that there was little point in using
the formal dining room without students here. It was easier to clean up
and more intimate to have it in the nook.
Jane made several attempts to steer the conversation towards the meeting
her boys had planned for later than morning, but each was deftly dodged,
turned aside or even ignored by her husband and best friend. Oh, they
knew, Jane fumed quietly, and they weren?t sharing. Okay, it was a
surprise and they wanted to keep it that way, but if she was nothing
else, Jane Thompson was a control freak of the first order. She HATED
not knowing a secret, especially when she knew it was a secret.
Something like this just had to be a violation of the marriage rules!
No male should know a secret and keep it from the female when the female
wants to know it. If it wasn?t one of the rules, well, the second rule
was that the female should immediately change the rules if she thinks
the male knows them. Okay, it would now be a rule. No more secrets
from the female.
Except Marie was also helping to keep the secret. Jane thought about
digging out the housekeeper?s contract and see if there was a clause
about keeping secrets. But they didn?t have a contract, did they? Just
a hug and a handshake.
Darn!
~-~
An hour and a half later, an outwardly composed Jane Thompson was
escorted by Kenneth into the main conference room of his law practice.
Finally, she inwardly fumed, and then came to an abrupt halt as she took
in the crowd that waited for her inside. The room was packed! Bill
Beale took station at the door they?d just entered, closing and locking
it.
A quick scan of the crowd showed her that almost all her boys from
yesterday?s party were there, in male attire, along with their wives,
partners and significant others. The main table seated Jesse and Donald
Madden to the immediate right and left of the head, with Michael,
Darryl, Caitlyn, Victor, Adrian, David (1,3), Eric and their wives
paired up down the table?s long sides. Kenneth seated Jane, Marie and
Art at the foot of the table and then proceeded to take his own seat at
the head of the table.
?Those of us who know and love you aren?t fooled for a minute by your
calm exterior, Momma Jane. You are as curious as a cat in a fish market
and wondering what the heck this is all about. It?s about the future of
Seasons House, or at least, some options we?d like to explore with you
for the future of Seasons House. As you yourself have admitted, Momma
Jane, the last few students have been especially challenging for you and
your team...?
?KENNETH THOMPSON-ROBERTS, if you dare infer that I am getting old..!!!?
?I beg your pardon, Ms Thompson,? Ken replied in his best Rumpole of the
Bailey tones ?but I and my brethren are highly evolved, well trained and
civilized modern males. NEVER would such a scurrilous thought or words
occur to ANY of us...?
?Because we, their wives,? Barbara Anne put in, ?would make their worlds
a living hell for even thinking such a thing...?
?That?s what I just said,? Ken agreed, smiling at his golden-tressed
wife. ?However, there are challenges to continuing the Jane Thompson
Winsome Girls School for Wayward Boys now that were not issues in the
past. For example, turnover of personnel at your support sites,
specifically, Milady?s Closet and The Style Shoppe.
?Brenda told me that on at least two occasions recently, she barely
stopped a student from giving the masquerade away to a seasonal
employee. Combined with the proliferation of camera phones, social
media and the blogosphere, it is only a matter of time before your
program gets outed, and outed hard into the public arena. Short of
eliminating any public excursions for your feminized students, we don?t
see anyway to prevent that, and before you say it. We know. The stress
of being in public and protecting the masquerade is a critical aspect of
the program as it currently exists.?
The fact that Jane held her counsel at this and did not try to
contradict her honorary son spoke more loudly than any words of hers.
Nodding, Kenneth continued. ?Mom, some of your team are starting to
think about retirement plans and second careers - at least stepping back
from the day to day operation of their businesses. Judge Ruth retired
last year, and your contacts with social services are drying up, too.
Heck, Bella, err, Boyd was actually the grandchild of one of your
sorority sisters which is how you got that referral. I know you didn?t
look for a student because you were hoping for the cruise with Daddy Art
to actually happen this time, but it has been getting harder and harder
to find the students who would respond to your program already. Did you
have even a whiff of one when it was time for Bella to be a big sister??
Jane took a deep breath and sighed out, ?No, Kenneth. And you are
right, I didn?t look all that hard, either. Okay, you lot. You?ve got
something cooking in those heads of yours. I accept that I can?t get
away with my program anymore for many reasons - not that I?m getting
old. Tell me what you are thinking of doing with my home.?
?Well, Mom, actually we have two ideas that we?ve sketched out and made
preliminary plans for. Donald and Michael are both willing to help
front the start up costs and endow either plan, but it is your home,
your legacy. You have to be on board. Right now, Jesse, Victor,
Michael, Darryl and I, along with our wives are sort of an ad hoc
foundation exploration team. We?ll give you the bare bones of our two
concepts and you can decide if you want us to proceed with either idea.
Adrian??
The diminutive social worker stood, kissed the top of his wife?s head
and went to the screen that was coming down in the front of the room.
?Aunt Jane, as you know, my work has been primarily based in getting
orphan girls who weren?t being adopted out of the PRC and getting them
to families here who want children. I have two challenges. The first
is that it is always easier to place younger children than older kids,
and the second is that we are starting to get a rash of kids who are,
although born male, not welcomed by their families. Some are
transgendered, some are intersexed, bisexual, the entire gamut of
alternatives with which our society is struggling.
?The problem is that in China, well, it?s the same as it was with girl
babies when we started our agency only worse because these kids are at
least four years old when their issues start to become evident. We?d
like to start a home for those kids here. Get them therapy, counseling,
education and hopefully, a family. Oh, I know that?s going to be a
challenge, but if we can help them adjust, help society adjust, there?s
a chance. More than they have now.?
From one of the back seats, Michael?s Karen stood up. ?Ms Thompson,
right now my company does some of that for kids we pull in off the
streets in Reno and Vegas. We aren?t so much tryin? to get ?em adopted,
as help them find themselves, get healthy and find a place for
themselves. My company?s learned a lot in the years since Tiff and I
started, and we would like to be part of this. Maybe if we learn
enough, we can sort of franchise this idea and help more kids in more
places.?
?And what role do you see for me, Adrian?? Jane asked, her schoolteacher
frown evident.
Adrian grinned. ?Why, you?d be Grandmother to the house. We?d have
professionals doing the day to day counseling, the therapy, the
teaching. You are going to be in charge of giving them and all our
staff, a family.? He grinned and shot her a sly look. ?Granny Jane.?
Jane sniffed audibly at that and then turned back to her tall son. ?I
see. Kenneth? You said you had two plans??
Nodding, Kenneth turned to Donald Madden who turned to his wife,
?Linda??
Linda stood, nodded to someone in the crowd and Jane was surprised to
see Penny, not Benny, stand and move to the front of the room with Dr.
Madden. She had not realized anyone other than Caitlyn was presenting
as female.
?Ms Thompson, Aunt Jane,? Linda began, ?Penny and I are both special
educators. As you are no doubt aware, we work with children who have
special needs and challenges, helping them overcome those challenges so
that they are able to learn and become productive members of society.
Both of us specialize in helping children who have emotional issues that
in the worst case, results in the children harming themselves. More
specifically, we work with children who have gender identity issues, or
who are outside the norms from an orientation perspective.
?Federal, state and local governments are making sporadic attempts to
force mainstream institutions into recognizing and helping these
children, but the resources are slim and compete with other programs
that are just as needy. Finally, the research on how to help these kids
is confused and inconsistent. Frankly, even if there were adequate
resources, the needed training and support for all the care givers we
envision needing just aren?t there yet or haven?t been proven where they
are.
?Penny and I would like to open an experimental school - we won?t call
it that. Experimental sounds too wishy-washy. Think of it as a Medical
Research College. We will take in these children - help them find
themselves, find their own way at the same time we?re learning from them
what they need and what they can use. They?ll get an approved academic
curriculum to be sure, but they?ll also learn life skills that they?ll
need to live in society. It might be as simple as makeup and cosmetics,
or it could be nutrition and exercise programs to help them achieve a
healthy body that is in keeping their self image.?
Karen stood up excitedly. ?Boy, howdy! Oops, sorry Ma?am, Ms Jane, but
we?d sure like to be a part of and learn from y?all. We just feed the
kids what we can scrounge for them and fight to get ?em to go to school.
A place like you?re talkin? about? It?d be a God-send for some of my
kids!?
?Thanks, Karen,? Penny said, ?and if this works the way we think it
will, the way we hope it will, that idea you had for franchising is
something we would want to explore so that we can export what we learn
to where more kids could take advantage.?
?And before you ask, Aunt Jane, we were sort of hoping you?d be on our
school board and also be in charge of our dorm-mothers, sort of UberMom
for all our kids.?
The smile on Jane?s face told Ken all they needed to know. ?Okay, Momma
Jane. Mike, Donald, Jesse and I will handle the financials and the
legalities of what ever we decide to do. Adrian and his team or Linda,
Penny and their team will set up the programs, find the kids and take
care of the day to day raising and teaching. Darryl, Mike and Eric will
take care of the students medical, psychological and emotional needs...?
?Hey, don?t forget me!? Art yelped indignantly.
?Darryl, Mike, Eric and Daddy Art, when he isn?t being Dorm Grandpa or
First Assistant to the UberMom. We have basic plans and funds to start.
So, Mom? What will you have??
The green eyes gleamed with a wicked light that every former student
instantly recognized. Then, Jane composed herself, folding her hands
elegantly on the table, and in her best Shirley Temple voice whined,
?Can?t I have both??
~-~
Christmas Eve, Two Years Later.
Dressed in her bright red Mrs. Santa dress, Jane fussed one last time
over the placement of the special family gifts under the small tree in
her private quarters. Moving over to the window, she looked out over
the snow-blanketed expanse of the Jane Thompson Foundation School at
Seasons House where her children played. Not as cool a name as Winsome
Girls School for Wayward Boys, but a whole lot easier to say in front of
a bunch of stuffed shirts she intended to fleece for contributions. Ah,
she still knew where the bodies were buried and those stuffed shirts
knew that she still knew, so donations were generous.
There were currently about two hundred children in residence, some from
Adrian?s connections, some from Karen?s and others from other sources.
Jane?s biggest concern with the plans had not yet posed too great a
problem. Yes, many of the children were dealing with any number of
emotional and personal issues, but the staff had succeeded in creating
Family for them. Linda and Penny were very good at their chosen
vocations.
Slowly at first, but gradually the ch