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Someone Who Cares By Efin Copyright 2015 Efin Publications All rights reserved This book is a complete work of fiction. Any possible similarity to another work is completely coincidental and unintentional. Many events and descriptions are taken from the author's real life experiences and changed to suit the story but everything in this book is complete fiction. This book is dedicated to all of the transgender fiction authors. Reading so many different styles of writing and so many stories over the years inspired me to write this book. Hopefully some enjoyment can be brought to you as your works have brought to me. Special thanks go to the people at Big Closet Top Shelf for their inspirational works of art and their constant encouragement that made this book happen. Chapter 1: A New Place I'm John Finn. I was your typical mid-30s loser. I grew up in a poor city in a very poor neighborhood where we had to constantly get help from welfare to survive. If you are ever caught in the welfare net it is almost impossible to escape, if not for one fateful whim I would be still stuck in the slum. A $2 lottery ticket changed that future. On my birthday I threw caution to the wind and bought the ticket. By luck or divine intervention I somehow won a $100 million jackpot and cashed in for a nice $60 million lump sum payout. This left me flush with more cash than I could ever spend. I did the usual lottery winning trend of buying a home for family members, but I also set up trust funds for my niece and nephew, set up funds that gave away money to scholarships and made donations to causes I owed a debt to for help given to me over the years. The majority of the fortune I let others handle, allowing it to grow by 50% through investments, stocks, and bonds earning tidy commissions for the brokers and ensuring that I would never have to work again. Generosity and shrewdness aside, I still left myself with millions in free money that I could do as I pleased with. I set about doing things I always wanted to do, such as visiting places I always wanted to and seeing the country from the open road. Over a span of six months, I learned to drive and hired a personal trainer to lose a lot of weight. By the following June, I was ready to leave. I packed up my belongings and hit the road, not knowing where I was going but intending to enjoy the trip. About a month into my journey I was in some small town just outside Kansas City, MO called Newhall. Just after entering the town the engine started to smoke and sputter and eventually died out. The locals offered me a hand pushing my car into a garage and promptly gave me the bad news- the car engine needed major work and it would take at least two weeks to repair the damage. There weren't any cars for sale in the immediate area so I was either going to have to wait for it to be finished or go farther out in the rental car. With it being a weekend most places were closed so I wouldn't be able to get a car for a few days anyway. Basically, I was stranded. There was another problem that I needed to address, there were no hotels in town. The easiest thing to do would be to rent a home for the time being. I shook my head and said, "Great, stranded in the middle of the country in a small town with no hotel. I guess it's as good of a place as any to hang out for a while". I walked out and started to wander around town. It was your typical small town with one and two story shops, small town hall and library, and one restaurant. All the shops had faded, peeling signs that had seen better days. The streets were paved but most cars were covered in dust and dirt. Out of the blue, a kid calls to me, saying, "Hey mister, you new around here?" I turn and see a short, skinny 11-year-old boy smiling as he was hanging off his mom's arm. She was a beautiful 33-year-old woman, tall and thin and had long brunette hair that looked almost golden in the sunshine. She looked like an angel, I couldn't take my eyes off of her. She looked embarrassed at his sudden question. Her son was smiling and encouraging her to talk with me. I was still in awe of her beauty and could only smile back, barely able to squeak out, "Yeah, I'm stuck in town for a couple of weeks". He laughed at my accent. He said, "You talk funny, where are you from?" His mother was horrified, turning a dark shade of red while trying to hush him. He was oblivious to her embarrassment, though. The kid was a charmer and I couldn't help but smile. I let out a laugh and said, "I'm a born and raised Bostonian. A real one, not one of the fake ones like Damon or Affleck." He was having fun talking to me and I liked the conversation. It distracted me from my troubles and he reminded me so much of my nephew that I couldn't help but feel better about my troubles. He introduced himself as Michael Johnson and his mother was Valerie. She smiled at me and apologized for his questions. "Sorry about that, he is not used to strangers and we don't get many visitors in town". I simply gave a smile back and said, "At least he has the heart to approach someone new, where I come from someone new to a kid his age meant you ran away." She raised an eyebrow; I could tell she was apprehensive about that reply so I told her, "don't talk to strangers, a stranger talking to you means you run away. You don't have that problem here, I assume. If so I am sorry for scaring you." I tried to head off any problem she might have had by saying, "He reminds me of my nephew, he is the same way with people. He is always looking at the good in people." I showed her the picture of him, which was flanked by a picture of my niece. The boy walked over and said, "Aw, she's pretty." I could only say, "she takes after her mother; unfortunately she has her sharp tongue and her father's smart wit." The both laughed, and whatever discomfort she had towards me was diminishing. Looking at the time, I invited them to lunch. It was the least I could do to show I was a decent person and make her a little more at ease. She didn't want to accept but her son insisted, he liked the entertainment I was bringing him. Lunch got off to a rocky start. She was reluctant to order and he didn't want to make his mother angry by ordering the wrong thing. I assured them it was nothing to me, I insisted on buying. "I haven't had such a fun conversation in months, I owe you for it. Please, just order what you want and eat. It's the least I can do." They ordered their favorite meals, chicken salad and a cheeseburger with fries. We all ate in peace, albeit a tense one. During lunch I told them about some of my past. "Where I am from is a different place. It's known only for fires, corruption, and crime. It's small but packed to the gills with people from everywhere you can think of. We learned to swear in at least five languages before middle school." Michael was enthralled listening to me speak. He started a barrage of questions, "Is it really that small? Are the schools like ours? Do you have to drive everywhere? Do you have cars? Do you play sports there? Do you have malls there?" When he took a breath I answered them, "Yes, I assume so, not really when you can take a bus to get around but winters make them handy, yes they play them, no malls in the city but a lot of malls and shopping centers nearby." He tried to ask more but couldn't come up with any more questions. I finally said, "I'll answer any questions you have, all in good time. You seem like someone who has a thirst for new things and I love sharing about my hometown. You really do remind me of my nephew, I swear you'd be the spitting image of him if you were hounding me to play video games while asking the questions." He couldn't stop laughing, saying, "guess that answered another of my questions!." Valerie asked if I was staying in town long. I told her, "I need to find a place to rent, for the time being, my car won't be fixed for two weeks." She told me about the neighboring house that was being rented. She showed me a picture of it and it was everything I needed. She gave me the contact information so I could make the arrangements. Thanks to the usual small town slowness in selling and renting I got a quick showing. It was close by, in fact just under a mile away so the four of us walked to the building. It was a single story home with three bedrooms and a big backyard. Inside was perfect, it was fully furnished with modern stainless steel appliances, a comfy overstuffed couch, and a large kitchen. I cut checks for the needed rental amount plus a small increase in the realtor's fee to show thanks for the prompt service. I then called for a rental car to be delivered to the house which was set for delivery that evening, allowing me to at least get around town while my real car was being fixed. Michael was thrilled to have me as a new neighbor especially one who loved his questions. Valerie didn't show any emotion simply saying, "Welcome to the neighborhood." She was suspicious of me but I did not feel like it was malicious only valid parental concern. Michael offered to help me move in, both Valerie and I tried to refuse but he was not going to take no for an answer. It took time but we agreed. Once the rental car was delivered I got everything out of my car and stocked up on essentials at the store and drove to the new house. Michael was eager to dive in and help but held off as I organized things to make it go smoother. The things I brought with me from home intrigued Michael. He found my boxes of precious memories and asked about the assorted "junk" inside. I said they all had a story and he listened as I talked about what each item was and what they meant to me. He simply said, "Cool" and went on to the next box. He looked inside my document box that had all of my old state and school IDs, laughing at how much I had changed over the years. There were weight gain and loss, longer hair to barely any, same expression but different glasses. He loved them, glad that I kept them. Looking at his reaction I said, "Don't show those to your mother, I'd die of embarrassment," to which Valerie popped her head in and asked, "what was that?" Michael quickly showed the pictures. I turned beet red. She just laughed and said, "Those look better than mine." Which was a relief but still embarrassing. He asked why I didn't have any other pictures of myself. I simply told him that I kept those with my family for safe keeping, at some point I might bring them along but I didn't want to lose them as I traveled. He seemed to understand but was disappointed at not seeing how I looked at his age. As consolation for the missing pictures, I said, "I have some pictures of me as a child" and showed him a box with group portraits. He spent a while trying to figure out which one I was and gave up, he couldn't tell. They were all taken before puberty so I looked a lot different. He was surprised that I looked so different yet still looked the same, and asked to hear about that time. I told him, "Another time, it's a lot to explain." Michael and I didn't take long to move things. I kept everything together and only moved out some small items. I offered to make them dinner, letting them protest until I said, "I want to. It's a nice evening, enjoy it and let the newcomer do something nice for you." They had everything I needed so I made a simple spaghetti and meat sauce dish. They let me do the cooking and enjoyed the meal. Michael said, "mom isn't that good of a cook, where did you learn to cook?" Valerie was embarrassed so I tried to help her saying, "not every person is a gourmet chef, I just picked up a lot from my father and uncle. They could cook intricate meals; I can only cook simple dishes." Valerie was relieved but now intrigued. I had to tell them about the cooking. "My father was a cook in the army. My uncle was taught by his mother. My mother and aunt aren't that good at cooking, with my mother having severe problems that prevent her from being able to concentrate on the stove. They enjoy cooking so I was able to pick up a lot from them." Michael was puzzled that guys could cook, but he was eating the results and enjoying it. During the meal, they started to tell me about themselves. They had no family in town and kept to themselves a lot. They only really interacted with the town for school and shopping as well as for Michael's sports games. I understood the feeling. I said, "It's hard being the only members of your family in a town especially one with deep roots. Newcomers don't get accepted easily and it's harder when you are a single parent newcomer. We lived in a neighboring city that was very similar to this town. Everyone knew everyone in the neighborhood but us being newcomers nobody bothered to get to know us. It was frustrating and lonely but we got used to it. After I hit the lottery we moved back to our old city and picked up where we left off." She smiled at the thoughtfulness of the reply, but I then said, "My sister is a single mother and I have a soft spot for their plight. I mentioned my nephew before but I meant it when I said it brings back some fond memories." She smiled and continued eating. Michael asked if I played sports, I told him, "I played baseball as a kid and played football in high school. I was terrible at both. I got five concussions in just over two years so it was time to give up football." He asked if I had a baseball glove, I said, "No, it's hard to find a seasoned lefty glove. It's impossible to use a new one with my hands." He asked if I watched sports and I said, "Yes, but I am mostly banned from watching by my family due to constant bad luck when I tune in. I can only listen to the game and see the replays." He laughed, happy to know someone who had a shared interest. Michael asked about the lottery winnings I mentioned before. I told the whole story. They almost didn't believe my story until I showed online articles that confirmed my amazing luck and the praise from the local newspaper over my generosity towards the schools. I talked about my family, how I got to where I was, where I visited. They were genuinely interested; I couldn't believe they were eating up the stories. After Michael was put to bed Valerie and I continued to talk outside and she blew me away with her insights and thoughts. She told me about things in the town and the schools. I was listening to every word; I don't think I ever had such an interesting conversation with someone. She and I shared the same looks of understanding as we spoke, talking out things that hadn't been talked about for years and for some reason finding the right person to talk with them about. Chapter 2: A New Home Michael and Valerie and I were together for much of the two weeks. When we weren't talking I was playing catch with Michael with a borrowed glove. We joined each other on walks to and from the market and other stores and were either laughing at jokes or smiling. They enjoyed the company and I enjoyed being around them. When the car was fixed and ready to go, I picked it up and thought about leaving, continuing on my journey west. But then I saw the look in Michael and Valerie, I just couldn't leave. They offered to help move things out but I just couldn't go through with it. I had grown to like the town and didn't want to leave yet. I thought it over and decided to extend the lease, with the option of outright buying the house. Michael was extremely happy and Valerie was fighting back tears, I just sat silently as I signed the paperwork. School ended the second week I was there. Free from school Michael would spend time over at my house while his mother worked. He and I watched whatever sports were on TV and play video games and just talk. In the end of June, it was extremely hot, at least by my standards. The sun was beating down hard and it was boring inside the house. Michael suggests a trip to the pool. Valerie had to work but said she trusted me enough to take Michael. He said he didn't need a babysitter but unless I went along he wouldn't be able to go. He didn't have a comeback, just grabbed his swim trunks and we left. The pool was busy but there was plenty of space. Michael spent the time alone just paddling around in the shallow end. He told me, "I am not much of a swimmer." I tried to ask if he learned but his look confirmed before I could even ask. The kids who were in the pool started to taunt him for being a baby but he ignored them, proud to have someone willing to teach him and proud to have a friend who cared about him. When he came out for a break three kids pushed him into the deep end. He was struggling with all his might to stay afloat asking for help. The lifeguards didn't see him struggling, though. When I saw he was in trouble I jumped in after him, telling him, "Grab my back. Don't let go." He did so and I swam us to the edge where he climbed out. Michael was scared but unharmed, thankful that I was there for him. The kids tried to run off but I cornered them. I stared them down, towered over them and in my best adult voice said, "Michael is here with me. I take my job seriously. If I ever see you try to harm him or any other kid again you will regret it. He wasn't in the shallow area because he was a baby, he can't swim. Think about that for a second. You threw him in the deep end that is almost two feet over his head without any way of saving himself. You could have killed him." They were on the verge of tears saying they were sorry and saying they would never do that again. The lifeguard heard me and asked if it was true, then promptly barred the kids from the pool for the rest of the year. Michael was still dazed but thankful I was there. He said, "I thought you couldn't swim." I simply said, "I don't like to swim, but that doesn't mean I can't swim. And from the looks of things you are going to have to learn to swim, which means I'm going to have to help you there." He was embarrassed and asked, "Why are you going to do that?" I simply said, "Why wouldn't I? it's good for you and it'll give bullies one less thing to use against you." He grew happy and thanked me for being a good friend. Valerie was relieved that I helped him but asked why I talked down to the kids. I gave her the honest truth, "If they weren't told off by an adult, they wouldn't learn. They needed to hear the truth about what they had just done and they needed the honest truth so it sunk in." She asked, "What was that about lessons?" I simply said, "It's something that I think will help him out, it takes a lot of confidence to learn how to swim and it might rub off on him in other areas. Plus if he goes back to the pool he at least would be able to save himself in the water." As the days wore on Michael and I were inseparable. He learned to swim quickly, and when he wasn't swimming he was reading my books. When it was too hot to do anything he and I would watch television. He didn't like the kind of shows I liked, he often made fun of my watching, "Star Trek" and I teased him about always watching the same Disney sitcoms. He got me to send for my pictures, even offering to pay the postage himself. When they came we spent several hours going through them, having me tell him all about the activities I did. He was disappointed that most were from when I was 8 or 9 years old, asking how come so many were from that time. I had to explain to him that after that age I stopped getting in front of the camera. I hated how I came out on film and thought it best to take the pictures myself. I told him that the most pictures I had from later on were from my holy communion, which was only taken because my aunt and uncle insisted we get a lot of pictures. I had a few from when I was his age, though. Those pictures proved to be extremely embarrassing as he insisted that Valerie sees them. She just smiled and said, "You needed to fire your barber," as she saw my puffy, afro-like messy hair. I simply said, "I did but my father insisted on crew cuts so I was left with no hair." She said, "you look better this way anyway" which she quickly reacted to with a blush and a realization that she had said that out loud. One thing that kept coming up in the pictures was them noticing another boy. They tried to ask who it was but I just looked for another picture to show. Eventually, Michael bluntly asked, "Who is that boy you are always refusing to let us ask about?" Valerie was shocked and puzzled but I couldn't fight it anymore. "He's my younger brother. He's the black sheep of the family, the one we don't like to talk about." I started to shed a few tears thinking about those times; Michael tried to apologize and said, "Sorry for asking, I didn't mean to cause pain." I just nodded and said, "It's alright, maybe one day I'll have the strength to tell you the whole story but seeing the happier times makes it a little painful." The left me with the pictures and went home, consoling me as they left. Time started to go by fast. During the late summer, Michael started playing football so I was drafted to help him practice. He was going to be a lineman, despite his smaller size he was quick so he would be able to work well on defense but not so much on offense. I tried to explain I was a bad choice but he wanted to do this with me. Valerie wasn't much help; she enjoyed watching me teach him the basics of his new position and laughed quite a bit at some of the drills I had to do with him. In late August the town had its annual high school football kickoff. Valerie asked me to go along but I was reluctant to go, she said, "You can't hide out forever, you might enjoy yourself." I don't like to answer a lot of questions from townsfolk, I preferred giving a donation to whatever cause was being supported by the festivities and let the town itself celebrate. Michael begged me as well, and I couldn't say no to him. They explained that it was the one event that everyone in town got together for, even more so than Founders Day and the 4th of July. The gathering was nothing like I expected, the entire town really did turn out and cheered on the football team as it played its first game. The stadium was packed and we had trouble finding seats. The game was fun, the score was close and the home team was. The entertainment at halftime was nice, the cheerleaders were well coordinated and did spectacular tricks that would make you cringe with excitement and danger. The marching bands played well and were highly coordinated with lots of motion around the field. I had more fun than I realized. The only problem that night was during the middle of the 2nd quarter. I was on my way to the bathrooms when I saw a small group of kids about to start fighting. There were taunting and harsh words but nothing serious. I stood back and watched. The kids cornered a short, skinny boy with long blonde hair and dirty clothes. They were taunting him, threatening to beat him up. Words are Ok but anything more I was going to jump in and protect the kid. I didn't know him, but I am not one to let a person get hurt. They were doing typical taunts but when one of them grabbed a weapon off the ground I finally stepped in. It was a tree branch, about two foot long but enough to do a lot of harm. He lifted it up and I caught it mid-stroke. The boy turned around cursing and dropped his jaw. He was one of the boys who threw Michael into the deep end of the pool and knew I was not to be messed with. He muttered a swear under his breath and looked genuinely scared for a second. The other kids tried to scatter but were fumbling over themselves to get out of the way. I simply said, "If you want to fight, so be it. Kids fight. But if you are going to use a weapon on a harmless person we have issues. Get of out here. Leave him alone. If I see you trying to harm him again you will wish you were never born." The smaller boy was scared and huddled up into a ball. I offered him my hand but he slapped it away. I asked if he was alright and all I could get was an, "I'm fine, please just go." He was scared and I didn't have the heart to argue. I asked if he needed a drink or something to eat and he just said, "No thank you, I'd rather be left alone." The commotion went unnoticed and the boy slunk away. I didn't see him again that night, and I didn't tell the others what happened. They were wondering what took me so long and I just said, "long line" which they bought. On the way home, Michael asked me about the football games I was in. I told him, "We were a small team, played in front of only a few dozen people every game." He was shocked that so few went but I simply said, "We were happy to have a home to play in after two years without one, we played in every kind of weather and loved it. Fans didn't matter, getting to play did." He said, "Good, at least you enjoyed it even if you were the worst." Valerie snorted and I just nodded, he was right. Chapter 3: Class Is In Session Two weeks after the football game it was time for the September town meeting. Valerie mentioned that it was important but didn't want to go alone. I had shied away from the meetings but with it being important I said I'd go with her. Michael was visiting family out of town so it was the first time we had been alone together. We talked freely on the way over. She shared with me stories about school that for some reason amazed me. I was fascinated with the stories about her friends and teachers, she thought it was nothing but I loved hearing about them. The meeting itself turned out to be boring until the issue of the town's tests scores came up. The children were suffering from lower than normal test scores and the town risked an audit by the state if they didn't get them up fast. Nobody had definitive answers and the ones offered were met with suspicion. One person suggested forced homework; another suggested forcing them to stay longer; a third suggested they risk the audit altogether. I recalled the same discussion years before in my hometown and spoke up. "I am new in the town but I think I might have the best solution. I have been through this before. When I was a sophomore in high school we had to implement a new mandatory state test and like you, the city had a problem with what to do about it. The school did all of those things you suggested and it failed miserably, backfiring to the point that we were worse off than before. What I think really needs to be done is focus on what the children are struggling with and get them directed help. Call it anything you like but it boils down to simple tutoring, someone who comes in and gets them to relearn what was forgotten or focus on the problem areas to supplement what is being taught." I was surprised that the crowd reacted favorably but they were still a little on edge about how to implement it. There were some rumblings about costs, who would implement the program, which people would be hired to tutor the kids. I chimed in, "What if parents and townspeople helped, volunteering their time for the kids. Surely there must be some in the town who are familiar with the problem areas and could afford the time to help tutor the kids." That got people looking at me with surprise. They could do that, they had people who were great at math and science that had the time to help. There was one problem, though; they lacked a tutor for history and government, though. Nobody seemed to have a grasp on it or didn't want to be the one to tutor it. The mayor and town council were looking around for a volunteer but could not find anyone who would come forward. The mayor stated, "Nobody for history and government?" Valerie nudged me and gave me a look as if I had set myself up for this. I stood up and said, "I guess since I suggested it I have to put my money where my mouth is and help out. I am not a parent of any student but I have all the free time in the world and have worked with kids their age before. I'll do it until someone more qualified is found." The crowd seemed reluctant to let me do it. To my surprised Valerie jumped in with, "John is uniquely qualified to do this. He possesses a degree in the topic and had spent years studying it on his own. He is not a parent but he has family that is a little older than the kids but whom he has already helped before, he can do this if you give him the chance." This made me wince a little but got a round of smiles from the crowd- I was hired by default. I asked that if we were going to go through with the program then we needed to have it on the up and up. This meant going through the same hoops that teachers had to go through to get hired which meant proper background checks be performed so it couldn't be said that the town hired people who would harm the kids. The crowd agreed with the idea, the cost of doing so would be minuscule compared to the cost of a lawsuit. I offered to foot the bill for this, as I was the one responsible for the start of the program and was to receive one. The crowd agreed and the meeting ended. Outside people were skeptical about what I was talking about. They asked what I meant by, "Working with kids" and, "family a little older". I filled them in on exactly what she meant. They didn't say anything else, allowing us to leave quietly. After the meeting, I wasted no time in starting the program. I met with the principal, a lady by the name of Dorothy Vega. I asked for the results of the recent exams from the school, asked for a listing of the students who would be in the program, and started setting up the presentations. She had concerns about the program. She wanted to know exactly what my aim was and how much time would I need. I could only say, "I want to ensure their grades improve. It may take weeks or months, it depends on the individual students. I am hoping to tailor the program so that those who don't need it aren't kept there and those who need it more get the attention they need." She asked, "When wills this happen? A lot of students have things to do and parents won't be happy." I replied, "It should be maybe an hour after school; if the student needs to go I would be glad to help them at other times provided the school is OK with it." She seemed to be fine with the timing and would let me know about other times if the need arose. I had Michael help me with the presentations. I bounced a few ideas off of him, hoping that he would be able to give me some idea what went on in their heads while I taught. It wasn't our normal activities; he was helping me because he would have to attend the classes anyway due to being one of the trouble students. Valerie offered some insights into the way of teaching but by her own words saw something in my initial preparation lecture that said I was already doing well. Michael wasn't happy but said, "I think you are on the right track." Just two weeks after the meeting we were ready to start. The first lessons were simple, just gauging the knowledge of the class. This was simply seeing who should be pressed for more participation and understanding and who was there just because they were forced to be there. Michael was a little of both but he was a great asset to the class helping classmates out and assuring them that I wasn't an ordinary teacher. Most seemed to be like him, they were able to pick up a lot of things easily and got the grasp of the concepts more once I showed them new ways of seeing things. During the initial few days, I noticed something peculiar. Every class has their troublemakers and their comedians but there are also those who are just there to be there. One such student stood out as being the latter. It was the small boy I saved at the football game. He remembered me and tried to act like nothing happened. I learned from his file that his name was Jaimie McKinnon, an honor level student who didn't belong in the class yet was there anyway. Jaimie paid attention whenever I was speaking but looked distant. He participated in but didn't lead discussions nor did he offer much insight without prompting. There was something about him that troubled me. It was like he was distracted, constantly looking sad and depressed. He never looked anyone in the eye when he walked, and while in class anyone who asked him something only got a feeble reply. I didn't want to dig into his past without causing a problem at the school but I kept an eye on him. I asked Michael about him and he said, "Jaimie and I used to be close friends, now he is just odd. He doesn't hang around with anyone and doesn't participate in things. He shies away from the boys and usually hangs with the girls but doesn't get too close them. He plays their games and talks with them but when they start to talk about girly things he backs away. He has been targeted a lot by the boys for being weird but doesn't really do anything weird. I try to play with him but he either is too busy with schoolwork or tries to shoo me away. Something happened to him before we stopped being friends but nobody knows what. He needs a friend but he won't let me be one." He was on the verge of tears and I just consoled him, not letting the discussion go further. There was something in his voice that sounded sad like he wanted to help but didn't want to overstep the invisible boundary. Michael always sees the best in people and for him to be sad about Jaimie there had to be something wrong. The day after I asked Michael about Jaimie Valerie needed a favor of me. She asked me to take Michael to the park for a bit so she could get some important work done. When we got there Jaimie was sitting all alone, scribbling away on an assignment that I gave all the kids. Michael saw him and smiled, I told him to go say hello and see if he wanted to play. Michael was surprised but took the hint and offered, but Jamie didn't accept. He just looked down and declined politely. Sensing something was wrong I went over to him and tried to talk. "You look like you have a lot on your mind and could use someone to talk to." He looked up and saw who was talking and asked what I wanted. "I am just concerned about you. I want to know what is bothering you." He asked, "Why do I care?" "I am concerned. I see someone who has a look of sadness and I want to help them. If you don't want to talk just know that I'm there after class if you need someone to talk to" I replied. He pondered what I was saying for a minute. He didn't respond but I still tried to pry, noting his papers. I asked to take a look at them and he shrugged, handing them over. What I read was remarkable. They weren't normal short answers to the questions but full essays explaining his answers. He had theories and insights that would make college professors take note. He didn't need my tutoring; he could tutor most high school students with what he was writing. I asked him about the papers he didn't seem to care, he just said he wrote what he felt and let the words flow. I made him a surprising offer, "You don't belong in my class. I could use you, though. Be my teaching assistant." He looked puzzled. I explained, "I needed help; I wanted to hire you to help me. You don't have to do any classwork, you would help set up the presentations and help with the papers; you would lead discussions and help prepare the final. You would be paid a wage of $20 an hour all of it going to a new bank account in your name." He tried to say no to my offer but I insisted, offering to give his parents the information and smooth over any problems that would arise. I unintentionally made a big mistake. The mention of his parents got him to the verge of tears, he said, "I would mention it to my foster parents" and ran off. I just stood by in disbelief at what happened. Michael came over and told me the truth: Jaimie was living in a foster home. He said that the kids constantly teased him about that and anyone who tried to befriend him would get beaten up. This explained the hesitation in being friends. This also explained why Michael was trying to be friends, he didn't care about other kids' feelings he wanted to help Jaimie. Jaimie showed up, as usual, the next day. I tried to talk with him but he wouldn't respond, only giving mumbled answers. I tried to apologize but he just gave me a sad look like I had betrayed him in some way. I left him alone to collect his thoughts, none of the students noticed what was going on only that I was talking with him. They simply snickered saying, "Foster kid is in trouble," which got them stern looks from me and a quiet, "Sorry." Class went smoothly afterward but I still felt I had to do something about Jaimie. The classes blurred together. The students soaked up my teaching and were surprised at the new perspective I brought to what they had already learned. They were doing well, a few passed on and slowly the class got smaller. Jaimie and Michael remained one because he still needed it and the other because of reasons unknown. Chapter 4: Time Passes The fall passed quickly. Michael and I remained close. His mother had him coming over often to get help with school work and to spend time with someone that wasn't his mother which made him extremely happy. It helped that I gave her two things that should I ever do something to harm Michael she would immediately use: contact information for my family as well as a good lawyer and a baseball bat. I then said, "I'd offer you a shovel too but I don't have one." Which she replied, "I already have one, just in case." Which got me laughing harder. Michael didn't get the jokes, so she explained to him that I was showing that I cared enough about her and him that I'd rather be beaten up and buried in the back yard than harm him. Michael just said, "I knew that already," and walked off. After the first quarter grades were posted the principal gave me the results. She praised me for what I was doing and that the teachers got a better idea who needed help and who was ready for the test. Michael still needed help but Jaimie was so far beyond needing help that it boggled my mind why he still stayed for the classes. I tried to pry more into his life but he wouldn't let me, just doing his work and showing up as normal without saying much. Michael was constantly trying to make overtures to him regarding friendship but he too was rebuffed. I asked the teachers about him and they weren't entirely sure what the problem was, just that something always seemed to bug him. Thanksgiving was the first big holiday for us. Valerie and Michael went to visit family while I went back east. They wanted details but I could only say, "My niece and nephew are begging to come visit, so you will eventually meet them." Other than that it was a boring trip. Their trip was the same with nothing much happening. Michael smile and said Valerie talked about me a lot which got us blushing, he was hinting at her liking me but we let it slide. Christmas saw us doing the same. Before we left I did give them something special. Michael got an iPad. He shrieked in happiness at getting the expensive tablet, hugging me and thanking me multiple times as he set it up. Valerie got a gold necklace. I said, "I didn't want to get you anything extravagant, only something that I know you would wear without fuss." She blushed and was out of breath for a second. When she recovered she thanked me for the thoughtful gift, that she was happy that I knew her so well. Winter came and went without much to talk about. The students were thriving and the principal was pleased that the program was a success. The kids in my class were doing extremely well and the other tutors were concerned that I was overshadowing them. Several of them observed my classes and picked up some tricks that I didn't even know I had, commenting that whatever I was doing seemed too good to be true, it was hard to believe I had no education in teaching. I couldn't respond, only saying, "It was easy if you let them do all the work. They have the answers stored in their heads; they just needed another way to access what your teachers already taught them." Michael and I were always together. Valerie noticed how much better he was doing in school and with other kids. When baseball season came around he had me sign him up with the coaches knowing I would be his ride to and from practices. Valerie didn't have to say yes, only say that I'd be taking him and that we were to be on our best behavior. We practiced as much as we could, I managed to find a broken in lefty glove so we played catch almost nightly. I was terrible at throwing but was able to teach him some basics I could still remember about fielding. He got a kick out of some of the stories from my days playing, wincing in pain at being hit and laughing at my description of our fields. The tutoring program was a smashing success as the grades went up for the second quarter and were looking even better for the third. At the end of March, we would see if the program was really worth it or a waste of time. Teachers were in a panic but the students were unconcerned, they told me, "You are the best; you have nothing to worry about." There was still a gloomy spot in the program, though. There was almost constant apathy from Jaimie which was always bugging me whenever I saw him. He passed his test with flying colors as did many other students. Some still struggled but they didn't blame me. Michael passed but wanted to stay to help me. Jaimie remained in the program despite passing, and despite my best efforts would not open up. Chapter 5: A Friend in Need After months of seeing Jaimie in such a depressed state, I had had enough and went to the principal. I asked her about him, stating that I was extremely concerned that he has been in a constant depression for the entire school year. She asked what I meant and I stated, "Since I first met him in September he has been in a constant doom and gloom mood. He doesn't interact with other students unless he has to. He has a constant expression of sadness and despair. He shrugs off any attempts by others to get to know him and play with him. I can understand it lasting a few days or a week but for this to go on all school year I fear there is something major going on." I continued with, "I know I am just a tutor but I am strongly concerned about him. Jaimie is bright and eloquent but he keeps to himself too much. The boy is smarter than he lets on and is harboring some deep feelings that want to be let out but just won't. I just want to find a way of helping him, if only to give him an outlet for his troubles so that the boy can thrive." She was reluctant to give out information but I insisted. "I would cover the school in case of trouble, with them holding no liability for anything I did. I just want to know that he is getting help." She was still reluctant when I resorted to the only weapon I had- my own past. I confessed that Jaimie was acting exactly as I had at the same age and that he was showing all of the classic signs of depression. I told her that I had been through the same funk and that if not for people intervening and forcing me to face my troubles I would have done something terrible. Jaimie was on the same path if nobody noticed it he could end up harming himself or worse. I said that if you need to I'll phone my mother and a family friend who knows me best, they would confirm my story. Sensing that I was being truthful and that it could be trouble for the school I got the whole story. "Jaimie is an orphan with no living relatives. After the deaths of his parents, he was placed into the care of the state, bouncing from one foster home to another with no apparent reasoning. His latest home was one known to be rough on everyone placed there. I doubt he is getting any help for whatever mental health issues he has while in their care." I asked for the contact information so I could have a meeting with the foster parents as well as his social worker who was handling his case. She was still concerned about my prying but I insisted that the school would be covered, and if need be I'd claim I got the information from other sources. The principal gave in and gave me the information. Going to Jaimie's house was a shock. It was filthy, there was trash strewn around and the building needed a lot of maintenance. There was a lingering odor coming from a distance that came from inside. When I rang the doorbell I winced at the shock from the faulty wiring. His foster parents answered and demanded to know why I was there. When they heard Jaimie's name they demanded to know what I wanted with Jaimie and why I cared. They were surprised that anyone gave a damn about the boy and thought I was crazy to help him. I said bluntly, "I want to hire him to help out in the school's tutoring program. He doesn't belong in it and he would benefit more from helping others than just wasting time listening to things he already knew." They laughed at him being employed by me and all but told me that I was crazy to even bother to help him in any way. "The boy is a weirdo, something ain't right with him. Why are you going to bother trying when he is a lost cause?" The looks they were giving about him showed that they weren't concerned about him, they only cared that he brought in money from the state. Jaimie's welfare was secondary if he was a care at all. I could only say, "I care about him. He has earned the job and he deserves to get something out of it. He is nothing like you claim, but I am sure you haven't bothered to get to know the boy so having him out of your way might be a good thing for him." Not surprisingly they were relieved when they heard that if he was hired he would be out of their hair more often and with his own money he would be able to buy a lot of things for himself. They were already counting the savings as soon as I said he'd have his own money. Satisfied that I had helped him a little I left. Before I could leave the driveway Jaimie appeared. He had a look of fear and concern on his face. He didn't say anything but I could sense that something was going to happen. I tried to calm him down and told him the whole story, that I was just there to talk with his foster parents and that they had agreed with me about hiring him and that he would start the next day. He gave me a look of, "Why did you do that" but didn't say anything else. I told him if he did this he would be around them less and that he would be able to buy his own things with his own money. He was still scared and in disbelief. After the encounter at his home, I called Jaimie's social worker, a man named Mark Sylvester, to inquire about Jaimie. After introducing myself and going through the same battery of questions that the principal gave me he agreed to talk about Jaimie. He was concerned that someone who wasn't a teacher, wasn't related, and wasn't a doctor or psychologist was prying into the boy's life. I tried to explain that nobody else was concerned that he was in a huge depression, was withdrawn, and was not interacting with anyone. In essence, nobody saw that there was a serious mental health issue occurring right in front of their eyes. He was shocked that I had noticed and asked if I was making an accusation there. I simply said, "I wanted to know if he was receiving help, apparently by the lack of responses I am under the strong impression that nobody has helped him yet." Mark went silent for several seconds. It started to concern me until he said, "OK I'll meet with you. You might be right and something must be done." What I had said must have hit the right notes, he sounded genuinely concerned about the situation. That out of the way he wanted to know my intentions with Jaimie. I tried to explain that I was hiring him as an assistant with the school's and his foster parents' blessing but was concerned about his actions inside and outside of school. Mark was aware of the program but was unaware of Jaimie's involvement. When I explained his need to do something more than just sit there which was why I was hiring him he seemed to connect the dots to the depression and other issues. I told him that if he needed that he could go ahead and do a background check and criminal history on me, he had reason to do so and I had nothing to hide. He declined; just noting that I offered would be placed into the file along with my inquiries. The next day, a Friday, went by fast. The meeting came up before I knew it. I asked the principal to attend the meeting to give me some backup regarding my work and my interest in Jaimie's troubles. I was a bit concerned that maybe I made a mistake in trying to help him but the principal gave me assurances that everything was fine. Mark arrived on time and meeting started. Mark was medium height but strongly built and wore jeans and a polo shirt. I couldn't believe he was a social worker. I was asked to state who I was, what I was doing, why I was concerned, what I knew, and why I wanted to help then signed an affidavit that I was who I claimed to be and that I was inquiring for legitimate reasons. The principal gave me a glowing recommendation and filled in about the tutoring program which led into the discussion about Jaimie. She said that after talking with me yesterday she did some questioning of the teachers about Jaimie. Jaimie's actions were unnoticed, both his current and former teachers only said that he was quiet and never caused trouble and was an "A" student but nothing else. When asked about his sullen, depressed demeanor they didn't notice it but now that she had brought it up he did appear that way. They were asked why they didn't take notice but didn't answer. She said I had been the only one to notice, and the fact that I had only known him a short time was troubling. People who should have seen the problem never saw it until it was pointed out, whatever I was thinking I was no longer alone and that what I had done may have helped Jaimie more than I realize. Mark asked me what experience I had with children myself and I told him about my past, reiterating what I had told the town and the principal months before. He noted that I was quiet about my own history and I told him how I saw what was happening with Jaimie had happened to me years before, how I had been the perennial outcast in class who was far smarter than he appeared and who was able to help out anyone easily but who didn't try to socialize with anyone, that I felt that Jaimie would fall into the trap of always feeling alone and without help unless people stepped in to help. I had help but Jaimie hasn't had it yet. Mark didn't say anything. He didn't react either way but made a few marks in his file about my inquiry. I then presented my evidence about what I initially saw in Jaimie. I showed his written papers and his tests, showed how they were years ahead of what was being taught. He was bright and articulate but he never showed it. The principal was silent. Mark noted that he had seen Jaimie's writings before but never seen any presented in this way, there was something different about how they were written and the passion that went in that he had not had before. I simply said that, "These were his own thoughts and ideas, the questions were just a guide to see who needed help in the concept. I stated that everyone else just wrote a couple of sentences and didn't go into depth, Jaimie was writing whole pages of answers to the questions. It was clear Jaimie was not in need and was above the grasp of concepts." Before Mark could respond to my proposal something caused a commotion. We went to the windows and saw a fight going on below. Students were cheering and shouting with a girl begging for someone named, "Scott" to stop. In the middle was Jaimie, he was being attacked by two boys and was trapped by another two who were blocking the exits. I recognized one of them, the same brat who was bullying Jaimie at the football game. The boy was swearing, calling him, "sissy, pansy, fag" and any other name they could think of. I ran down as fast as I could with the principal in tow followed closely behind by Mark. As we got outside Jaimie was holding his own but getting bloodied, almost to the point that he couldn't see anymore. The bully called Scott grabbed a branch and was mid-swing when I grabbed it, tackling him to the ground while Mark grabbed the other boy. They were yelling for us to let them go. The others tried to run but were cornered by security and the principal. The boys were led away to the principal's office while the police were called since they were caught red handed by being seen by the three of us from the office they weren't getting away easily and with what they were saying they would be suspended for a while. Jaimie was scared upon seeing us, saying, "Thank you" before collapsing onto the ground. Mark and I picked him up and took him to the nurse and helped to clean the wounds. The nurse was gone for the day but there was plenty of bandages and tape to clean and close up the cuts. There was a bit of blood on his shirt and hair but thankfully none of the wounds were deep. It took us a while to get them covered with bandages. Jaimie remained quiet through the whole ordeal. Mark was observing me the whole time, and after a while asked how I knew so much about cuts and scrapes. I replied seriously, "lots of fights with bullies over the years, eventually, you get the handle on dressing wounds. Jaimie is lucky none of them are deep." Mark nodded and let me finish applying the bandages. Hearing about someone who was also in fights made Jaimie feel better. He said, "It's nice to know someone else had to go through this." Jaimie looked concerned and was visibly shaking. He turned his head towards me and asked me why I helped him. I looked him directly in the eyes and told him the truth, "I see myself at your age. I see a kid who is struggling with things that people don't know about or understand and I see a kid who is in need of someone to help even if it is only in a small way. I see someone who has a good heart, has a strong head on his shoulders, but can't express things the way he wants to." He didn't look convinced but it satisfied him. Mark stepped out to inform Jaimie's foster parents about the incident. The call was quick which made Jaimie and me uneasy. We could hear Mark pleading with them about something and saying, "Don't you care? This is a child, not some cash cow." When he came back into the room Mark was sweating and his face red. He had a bad look on his face. We knew something bad happened on the phone before he even said anything. He flatly stated, "Your foster parents have decided to not house you anymore. They said they have had enough of your antics and want nothing more to do with you." Hearing Mark's statement caused tears to well up in Jaimie's eyes, which made me feel sick in disgust. Jaimie asked what would happen to him and he didn't like the reply Mark gave. "I don't know. You will have to come down to the sheriff's office or juvenile detention until we can locate another family. There aren't many families available and on such short notice." Jaimie broke down and curled up into a ball, unable to sit anymore. It broke my heart to see him this way. I couldn't stand by and did something completely irrational and unexpected. I asked if Mark would speak with me outside. "This is sudden but what if I housed him until someone could take him in. He is going to get eaten alive in the detention facility and didn't deserve to be thrown to the wolves for something that wasn't his fault." Mark gave me a weird look. He asked if I was sure, that this was a serious situation. I was dead serious. I bluntly told him, "I am sure. I am partly to blame for this. He needs a place to stay and he needs someone to look out for him. I have space and the experience. I may not be the ideal person being a single male but I just can't let him get sent away. I'd go through all of the proper procedures for placement as well as surrender my home to inspection. I'd go through a full background check and would refuse any penny that was supposed to support him. I just want what is best for Jaimie." Mark was weighing the options and I thought of something else to sway his mind. I said, "I'd pay for whatever he needed and ensure that he was checked out by doctors and therapists. This is what I was hoping he would have done, and maybe this would be the best way that he would get the examinations done." Mark took a while to think it over; I gave him the contact information for people who could vouch for me and stated that the school has my background check on file and would gladly pay for a more thorough one if it was required. This gave him a smile and he agreed, Jaimie would be allowed to stay with me for the time being while he tried to find a permanent placement. I set up an appointment for the following Wednesday so we could iron out the details of the placement but since it was a dire emergency he'd grant the request for a placement until that time. He also stated that he wanted to inspect my home right away to ensure it was able to house Jaimie. I thanked him for agreeing and broke the news to Jaimie. "I am sorry to say that you won't be going to Juvenile Hall, you will be coming home with me. It's only for the weekend but it's better than where you could be going." He suddenly burst into tears of joy. He grabbed me in a hug and beamed a smile, thanking me for doing this for him. We walked out to the cars and left, with me leading the way and Jaimie in Mark's car. Before we left I stopped off at the principal's office. I informed her that I would be taking Jaimie home with me as a temporary foster parent. She asked Mark if this was okay and was told, "We have no alternative, he is the best available at this time." She said she would inform his teacher on Monday that I would be dropping off and picking him up so that there were no problems. She said, "You must really care about him; I hope this trust is not misplaced." I took it as both a compliment and a warning, one that said don't let anything happen to him or don't do anything to him. We drove the short distance and arrived. I showed them the house and showed where Jaimie would be sleeping. Jaimie was surprised at how spartan I kept the place but he did note my computer, Xbox, iPad, and TV. Mark was a little surprised that I didn't have many decorations but I told him simply that I didn't like to put pictures on walls and kept only the items that meant the most to me out. Mark noticed the three pictures on the mantle and my high school diploma, asking me if those were my aforementioned relatives whom I confirmed including their names and ages and showing off older pictures that I kept in my wallet. Mark inspected the kitchen which was fully stocked with food and was impeccably clean; Mark just nodded when I said I didn't eat out much and that I hated to leave dirty dishes out. Mark seemed pleased with the house and just had me sign off on the forms placing Jaimie in my care. Chapter 6: Bonding Over a Weekend Within minutes of Mark leaving Valerie arrived home from taking Michael to baseball practice. She was surprised to see Jaimie and concerned when she saw the bandages. Jaimie looked scared but heard the genuine concern in her voice giving him some peace of mind. Michael ran to Jaimie as soon as he saw him and started to ask what he was doing here. He heard about the fight at practice and gave a hug of support. Jaimie seemed to be perplexed, Michael had always been kind to him but this was unexpected. I told them what was going on, "Jaimie was in a fight at school, the kids who started it were being suspended and may be facing stiffer punishments. Jaimie's foster family refused to house him any longer and with nowhere else to go I volunteered to house him until Wednesday." Michael turned to Jaimie and said I was the best thing that could happen to him and that I'd protect him. This seemed to please Jaimie as he eased up some. Michael took him to his room to helped him get settled while telling him, "John is the best, you will like it here." Valerie and I smiled, Michael gave him the gift of friendship and Jaimie accepted. I said dinner was on me and started to cook, hoping that the boys would like what I was making. Valerie was by my side talking the whole time giving me a big smile and reassurances that I was the best thing to happen to Jaimie. I was a nervous wreck but somehow hearing Valerie's reassurances calmed me. She started telling me, "Michael was always talking about him. He told me how they used to be friends before something happened. He still wants to be his friend badly and that you have been trying for months to get him to open up. He says that you are always trying to help him out all the time and that you cared about him as if he was a person, not just a student." She got silent after that, letting it sink in. Michael cared about Jaimie, and Valerie saw that I cared about him too. Valerie looked at me and kept smiling as I tried to focus on dinner, grabbing my arm lightly offering me a small hug and kiss on the cheek. After getting things settled in the room the boys went outside to wait for the start of dinner. It was cool outside but the boys kept busy, playing anything and everything and enjoying themselves. It was as if the last few years melted away and they renewed their friendship. Valerie and I were pleased that Michael finally had a friend to play with and that Jaimie was finally letting someone get close to him. The laughter from the two was infectious, hearing the two brought tears to our eyes as we watched Jaimie's emergence. As dinner was being served I pulled Michael aside and told him to keep an eye on Jaimie at school, to keep him safe, to not worry about other kids because you two were the best friends I had ever seen. Michael agreed. He knew Jaimie needed someone to be there for him. He assured me that he would do that and more and was glad to finally have Jaimie as a friend. After dinner, we said our goodbyes, Valerie telling me that she and Michael would leave us alone for the weekend so Jaimie and me to get accustomed to the new arrangements. Before she left she took a couple of pictures of the two of us sitting down in front of the TV. She had a proud look in her eyes, it was something I had never noticed in her before and it made me extremely happy to see. When the two finally left Jaimie inspected the house and asked why I didn't decorate. I had a lot of things but I didn't add anything to the walls. I had to think but admitted the truth, "After the fourth apartment we lived in I just didn't feel like decorating anymore. I didn't feel that it was worth it to put up decorations for places I might not get to stay in for long. It was too painful to pull down pictures every few years." Jaimie nodded his head, saying, "I feel the same way about things. I don't want to buy toys or clothes because I would have to lug them to the next house when my foster family got tired of me." He hung his head in shame but I said, "You don't have to worry about that, I am going to ensure a proper permanent home for you no matter what. I want to help you, and I want to see the best for you." This seemed to raise his spirits a little. He moved to the boxes and inspected the books that I had put out and asked, "Why do you only have history books? I would think you would go for fantasy or adventure or other kinds of books." I laughed. "I like them, you can't change history only reinterpret it. Plus I do have some other kind of books, here you can have this" and handed him a thick book filled with multiple classic short stories. He smiled and went to his room to turn in for the night, spending a while reading before falling asleep. The next day we got up early so I could take Jaimie shopping at Walmart for new clothes. The ones he had were getting too worn and were not the right size. He seemed to enjoy the experience, going through each style looking for shirts and pants that he liked and to my surprise straying away from the usual styles kids his age enjoyed. He said, "I don't like to look like a kid; I enjoy basic clothes that are comfortable." He was after my own heart. "You aren't the only one, I am glad you learned this early it makes it easier on you" to which he smiled. He chose several solid color t-shirts and jean shorts, as well as several pairs of jeans in differing shades of blue. He found sensible sneakers to go along with the shorts and pants as well as several packages of socks and underwear which he was a little embarrassed at getting. He had enough clothes to last him two weeks, which was a decent sized spring/summer wardrobe. Despite only having until Wednesday it was worth getting for him since they were his and his alone, he could take them with him to ensure he wouldn't need someone to spend their state stipend on clothes for a long time. After getting him the needed clothes I asked if he wanted any toys or video games. He simply said no, he didn't like to play with them. He asked to check out the books and movies instead. He found some old movies as well as a couple of new books, none of which were typical of kids his age. "I tried to read those tween books but I just found them boring. I like reading about places that actually exist and watching movies that have some meaning." He expected me to object but I couldn't argue with the logic if it made him happy and let me into his world then it was worth the price. On the way out he asked why I didn't get anything for myself, why I was shopping solely for him. He said I should at least get something that I wanted. I had to tell him flatly, "I have everything I need. I don't mind spending a lot of money on you. I would spend a fortune if it meant you would open up to me. Plus in my family we spend more money on others than ourselves, I am just following tradition" I caught Jaimie off guard. He didn't expect someone to care enough to spend a small fortune on him. I noticed the subtle change in him after hearing that, his silence was more of pleasure and acceptance than of timidity. Back at home after putting away his new purchases Jaimie and I started to talk. It started out as little things like where I was from and where I went to school. He knew I wasn't from around here and wanted to hear about my hometown and schooling. I gave him the honest answers and he seemed satisfied with them. I directed the same questions at him and he told me about his family, "my mother and father worked small jobs at a factory. One of them was always working so I often had to fend for myself in the afternoon. One day Mom and Dad had a rare double day off and took me out to eat, some place out of town along the highway. When we were close some driver swerved towards us and hit the car head-on. Mom and Dad were badly hurt and I was knocked out. It took forever for someone to notice the accident and longer for help to come. I woke up in the hospital sometime that evening, nobody would talk to me and when I started to cry the deputy came in. He told me the news and said I had to come with them when I was released. I knew they were dead. It was my fault they died." Jaimie started to cry, crying uncontrollably and with great force. I could only lean down and hug him, offering him my reassurances that it wasn't his fault. He kept blaming himself, kept saying, "It is my fault, they are dead because of me!" I had to hold him back and look him in the eye and tell him without holding back, "It was not your fault. You didn't cause the accident. You weren't driving. You didn't do anything. These happen to many people, good people are taken away too young and there is nothing we can do. It's not your fault. You can't blame yourself for the loss, you are not to blame." He just looked at me in disbelief, he didn't want to believe it but I continued to stand firm. "You can't blame yourself for what happened, you were too young to do anything and you were in no position to change the event. Don't blame yourself over this, you don't deserve to blame yourself. It wasn't your fault. It wasn't." I was getting worked up as the words came out, I couldn't hold back tears anymore. I cried into his shoulder saying, "Don't blame yourself. Don't blame yourself" over again. He stopped crying for a second. The only thing he could say was, "Thank you for listening" and fell silent. I just sat beside him and let him gather his thoughts. When he finally stopped sobbing I asked him if he had shared the story with anyone else. He shook his head, "Nobody asked me about it, nobody talked with me about it, and nobody cared about it. They just looked at my file and passed me on to the next family." He looked down in shame. I tilted his head up and asked, "so I am the first person who has gotten you to speak about it?" He stammered, "Yes. You are the only one who has bothered. I am sorry for crying so uncontrollably I just couldn't help myself." I held him reassuringly, "It's all right, that's the best thing you could have done. You have held in those feelings for far too long, you needed professional help long ago, people should have seen that. I am sorry for losing control myself." I said I was going to make him an appointment with a professional; he needed to talk with someone with experience in this as it was beyond what I could do for him. He was scared of what people would say, about what would happen if he talked. I told him that it was normal for people to talk with psychologists after traumatic experiences; they are sometimes the only ones who can help you move on and help live a healthier life. Feeling self-conscious he asked if I ever had to see one, I reluctantly told him, "I have. I had to see one for several years. I stopped going because I got tired of my brother making fun of me for seeing one but I realize it might have been a huge mistake." Jaimie seemed more at ease now with going and asked if I would join him as well. I couldn't say no, if he had to go I should also have to go. It was the best way to show support and I was serious about helping him. With the waterworks over, we started making dinner. Jaimie was eager to help prepare a meal and watched as I explained the steps. He asked who taught me how to cook, trying not to laugh when I retold the family story adding, "My mother is a terrible cook, so my father had to make all the meals. He learned in the army so we had to often have meals that were slapped together from whatever we had in the refrigerator. It was either the food or go hungry and we chose to eat, even if it wasn't the greatest. It took me years to eat elbow macaroni or chili again after eating my father's versions." He laughed at the story and was sorry to hear that my father had passed on long ago. He was sincere, genuinely regretting the loss of someone he never met. He asked if I learned any special dishes. I explained that I had one that I learned from my uncle and that I was saving it for a special day. He listened to it and asked to make it tomorrow. I thought about it and relented, it was a special enough occasion that it was worth making. He asked if Michael and Valerie could come over to share and I nodded, telling him that it was special enough to share it with others whom I considered family. After dinner I watched television. I found one of my favorite shows, Star Trek The Next Generation. Jaimie looked at it asked me about it. I was shocked and said, "You have never seen Star Trek? I think you might like this, some of the characters have backgrounds that you might relate to." We spent the next three hours watching episodes. He loved it. He loved the characters, the storylines, and the action. He said, "You are right, I can relate to some of them." I joke, "I tried to get Michael to watch this, he saw two episodes and didn't care for it. It didn't have enough action for his tastes." Jaime laughed and said, "guess it takes a refined mind" which I laughed at. Jaimie was almost fully acclimated to the house and starting to fully relax now. Sunday was an easy day for us. Jaimie was curled up on his bed reading the book I gave him for most of the day. I was looking online at the regional medical center's website for available doctors so Jaimie could be examined. It was tough but thankfully the pediatrics department was open on Sunday and the secretary was able to help us out. I was lucky enough to find someone who had an opening and more importantly had a free timeslot and called to make the necessary appointment. I also had them note the need for a referral for a therapist which would make things easier on Monday. I told Jaimie about the appointments and as expected he didn't want to go. I said he needed to get checked out by a doctor anyway and that the therapist was just trying to help him talk things through. He asked if I was also going to one since I had problems. I couldn't answer; I forgot he knew about that. Caught in his logic I just said, "If I make an appointment for myself, will you go to yours?" He agreed. Dinner was the special dish as Jaimie had requested. It was a classic Puerto Rican dish of rice and green peas that I had grown up eating. It was thick, pale, and under flavored. But it was new and it was Jaimie's request so I was happy to make it for him. I cautioned them that it wasn't authentic but it was the best I could do. My uncle would be cringing at the results but the three didn't mind, they said they loved it and it was worth having something different. When Jaimie went to the bathroom Valerie mentioned how relaxed Jaimie was around me and asked how I got him to relax. I smiled and simply told the truth, "He let loose a lot of built up guilt. We shared some common interests and he learned about our common pasts." Both said they were happy and let it go, it was between the two of us and not for them to know. I let them know about the day tomorrow and both were happy that he was getting help. I didn't tell them that I was also going to have to get an appointment but that was also not for them to know. Chapter 7: Evaluations and Revelations We woke up early on Monday so Jaimie could get ready for school. As a shock, he announced he was actually looking forward to school, even if it meant teasing from boys about the fight. His teacher Ms. Albert said she got the memo about my having him for the weekend asked about it. Jaimie just said, "It was quiet; we just talked and went shopping." Ms. Albert noticed he was happier than he had been before. She said, "I see your talents are more than just seeing problems nobody saw." I just replied, "It wasn't me; I just gave him the shoulder to cry on and the ear to speak to." Jaimie nodded and said, "he listened, and he didn't do anything after I spoke. He did care" and walked off. Ms. Albert asked what he meant but all I could say was, "I'm not entirely sure. He wasn't like that this weekend whatever it is he might think he needs to defend me in case people think something happened." She realized what I might be referring to and got sickened, "No, I would never suspect you of doing illicit things with Jaimie. I'll talk with him, but to be honest, his defense is a great sign. You have impacted him positively, he cares about you." I didn't know what to say. I left them to the class and walked to the principal's office. She gave me a few minutes and I told her about the weekend. I said his teacher noticed it and may be asking about it. She simply said, "As long as he is doing better, then it was good." After the meeting, I talked with Mark to finalize the meeting on Wednesday and to let him check up on Jaimie's progress. I told Mark all about the weekend including about the upcoming evaluation appointments. Mark said he was pleased that Jaimie had opened up and had made a friend so quickly and that he was allowing me to take him to get evaluated. I reluctantly told him that I had to go make an appointment for myself in exchange for going. Mark laughed and said, "At least you know he is serious if he is calling your bluff like that." With a laugh out of the way, he had something important to tell me in regards to Jaimie. The search for a permanent home hit a snag and asked if I would need to look after him for another week I was perfectly fine with that and Jaimie was going to be thrilled at another week, I would have to let the school know that I had him longer. I asked about the meeting and he said now it was simply to give him the results of the evaluations and sign additional forms. During the call, I got an email from a close friend. He was reminding me that I was needed in my hometown that Friday. I checked my schedule and that upcoming weekend and I really did have to be there, I had been so busy with the tutoring and Jaimie that I forgot about that. I couldn't cancel; they were too important to too many people. I was still on the phone and relayed the problem to Mark. I couldn't cancel the appointments and I couldn't leave Jaimie with Valerie for the weekend so Jaimie had to come with me. Mark wanted to know exactly what I was going to do and then agreed that taking Jaimie was the best option. I told him that I'd have to stay with my family but there were enough bedrooms so he wouldn't share a room with me or anyone else. Mark said Jaimie would enjoy the experience and if I could handle Jaimie all on my own without Valerie to fall back on it would go a long way towards Jaimie's placement. It might even signal that I might be the person who is best suited for Jaimie's permanent placement. I thanked him for allowing this and again confirmed the Wednesday meeting and hung up. After a short lunch, I made my way to the school to talk with Jaimie's teacher. The kids were at recess so I had her for a few minutes. I relayed what I told Mark. Jaimie would have to miss two days of school so I came up with the idea of small reports to offset the loss of classwork. I would also have us visit museums to get some educational value from the trip. I offered to bring back some brochures and other items that would be relevant to the classwork if she wanted, which she politely declined but expected some pictures as proof of visiting locations. After school, Jaimie was reluctant to go to the evaluations. I had to explain the importance of them, telling him, "It would help find out what was troubling you so that you can be happy, you could make new friends, and you can thrive." He was downtrodden but I explained to him, "no matter what I would support and defend you regardless of what the doctors said, you don't have anything to fear- I'll back you up." He got the message and brightened up but was still fearful. I also reminded him that I would have to go through the same thing at his own request which he had forgotten all about. At the regional medical center, we found our way to the doctor's office. It was bright, overly quiet, and sterile. I hated visiting the doctors so waiting was going to be a painful experience. Jaimie was checked in and went through a thorough examination. The doctor noticed the bruises and cuts and Jaimie told him that he was in a fight the previous Friday. The doctor told him that he was underweight and on the short side but otherwise fine. Jaimie was given a clean bill of health and sent on his way to the next appointment. In another office, we checked in for the psychological evaluation. While there I set an appointment for myself with Jaimie ensuring that I had it booked for the same time as him. The receptionist had trouble keeping her laughter in check seeing him ensure that I had an appointment. When the doctor asked him to come along he was reluctant and demanded that I come along, I tried to assure him it was fine to go alone but he refused to budge without me. The doctor just nodded and asked that I accompany him if it was the only way so he wasn't afraid. We went in and the doctor introduced himself. His name was Richard and asked that Jaimie called him that. Jaimie silently said hello and sat next to the desk while I sat in another chair away from them. Richard asked some innocent questions to get to know Jaimie, who would look up at me and see if I was reacting negatively to what he was saying but I just sat silently listening. The doctor assured him that nothing said in there would get out and that he had nothing to fear. After a while Jaimie started to ease up, letting the doctor ask some deeply personal questions that Jaimie had trouble answering but with reassuring glances from me he answered honestly. He told about the accident, feeling responsible, feeling like nobody wanted to listen to him, feeling like he was all alone until I came along. There were some more tears forming but Jaimie held back. The doctor noticed this but didn't say anything. After the story about the accident, Jaimie started to talk about his time in foster care. He went into a story about being used as a doll by older girls and loved doing it. He was often used by them to dress up since there were no toys for them to play with and the boys just wouldn't play with him because he was too small. Unknown to Jaimie he was smiling at the memory, enjoying the mention of the clothes. He then said that he would continue to dress up in the clothes even after the girls were placed elsewhere and stopped when the foster father found him dressed. He was beaten and placed elsewhere soon after. When asked why he continued to dress Jaimie sighed and said, "I loved it. It made me feel whole like it was what I was born to do, like a second skin, like a whole other person." Jaimie then went on to say that he tried to wear clothes again in other home and was beaten again for doing it. He tried to make friends with girls so he could join them in their dressing but none of them wanted anything to do with him. He hated that he couldn't be who he was anymore and it made him sad. He started to cry this time, running to me for consoling. I just held him saying, "It's alright, let it out." The Doctor again didn't say anything, just noticed that Jaimie was reacting to my words positively. The doctor looked at me when Jaimie was talking about the dressing, I didn't react to it. I couldn't react; it was something that I didn't feel was my right to react one way or another towards. It was something personal and it meant something to Jaimie. When he was finished crying he returned to his seat and continued. The doctor asked Jaimie if he was still feeling depressed but he admitted that ever since I took him in he was feeling much better, that he felt that I wouldn't hurt him the way everyone else had and that I wouldn't send him away because he was different and that since I had been through the same feelings I knew how he felt and I would help him. I didn't respond, just smiled at the revelation that he thought so highly of me. When the hour was almost up the doctor had Jaimie wait outside while he talked with me for a second. Jaimie reluctantly parted with me but kept an eye on the door to the office. The doctor told me his findings, "he has clear cases of PTSD that is causing depression, strong self-doubt, and guilt. He has a strong feeling of being abandoned by everyone and is struggling to trust people. He has taken to you, has placed trust in you and hopes that you will be able to help him. The most troubling issue is that I believe he has gender dysphoria. I believe his dressing in girls' clothing is part of a whole issue that he is holding back. He mentioned being whole, another person, and second skin. These to me are signs that he isn't comfortable being a boy. What is worse is that he tries to hide it behind his other feelings but they are going to get worse." The doctor continued, "I am going to recommend that you visit my colleague; she has more experience in this area and would be able to better help Jaimie. I am glad that you were able to see that there was a problem and that he needed help, if he was just left alone I don't know how much longer Jaimie could have gone before he harmed himself. You are already having an impact on him, the way he speaks of you is almost idolizing. Keep it up; be there for him, you might be the best help for him." I thanked the doctor, took three copies of the exam results, and made an appointment with the specialist for the next day. Jaimie looked concerned that I was making another appointment but I told him that I would explain things later. I said, "You aren't in trouble; in fact, this is something good. The doctor thinks there is another problem that this other doctor can help you with." Jaimie still wasn't convinced but let it sit unsettled for now. We left the hospital and got home an hour later. We made a simple dinner and after Jaimie finished his homework we started to talk. "While you were out of the room I was talking with the doctor about you. He thinks you should see a specialist about something he noticed during the questioning. He believes you might have something called gender dysphoria, a disorder where you feel you are born to be another gender. The doctor wants you to speak with someone with more experience in this, allowing you to get in touch with one of the causes of your emotional problems. If you have it, it is treatable and you might be able to become the person you were always meant to be." Jaimie was taken aback. He didn't know how to react, he didn't know if I was going to yell at him, hit him, make fun of him, or worse. I just sat back and waited for his response, he didn't want to say anything. I finally said, "I said I have your back, no matter what the doctor says you are still going to be loved by me. I know you are scared that I might say or do something that the other foster parents did but I am not them, I am only me. I just want you happy and if it means you are a girl in heart and mind then I will love you that way." Jaimie started to cry, hugging me and saying he was scared that I would hurt him. I just hugged back and let him cry it out. After a good cry, Jaimie asked, "Are you OK with me if I am meant to be a girl?" I could only say, "You are who you are, and you need to be who you are. If you are meant to be a girl then you are a girl and I will still care about you. If you are meant to be a boy who just likes to dress in girls' clothes then I still care about you and I'll support you. But you are who you are, and nobody can tell you otherwise." Jaimie just smiled and said, "You always know what to say to make me feel better." He hugged me deeply, causing tears to well up inside. The next day breezed by for me as I finalized plans for the Boston trip while Jaimie arrived at school still uneasy about yesterday's revelation. Ms. Albert noticed the change and I could only say, "he needed a second opinion on something and was nervous. It's nothing to worry about, just pretest anxiety." Jaimie started to feel better once inside the classroom and his mind was occupied. He tried hard to participate in class to keep whatever feelings at bay until the day was over with. After school, Jaimie was eager to get the evaluation over with. We arrived and checked him in and he sat back and watched the other patients. When he was called he still demanded that I be by his side which the doctor agreed to, but said it wasn't normal procedure but given Jaimie's other issues it was advisable. Inside Jaimie was told the purpose of the evaluation, which he understood from our talk the night before. Jaimie was asked a series of questions that he felt uncomfortable answering, I leaned down and told him, "It's alright, don't worry about how I might react there is nothing you can say that will make me give you back." Jaimie perked up and answered them truthfully. He talked about his feelings about girls, "I have always felt better looking as one than as a boy, I love the feel of the clothes and I hate that I can't wear them all the time." He talked about his parents, "They always tried to get me to play sports but I always liked to play dolls or house with the girls. My dad got mad over this and mom just ignored it saying I would grow out of it." He talked about seeing girls differently than he saw boys, "I hate that I can't look like them and I hate to look at my little area." The doctor quietly nodded and jotted notes while he talked. I just listened, noticing a change in his voice that seemed like he was relieved to finally tell the truth to someone. He looked up at me from time to time but I was stoic, not giving him any reaction only encouraging him to continue on. Eventually, the session was finished and the doctor told us the results. There was no denying that Jaimie had gender dysphoria. The gender dysphoria coupled with the preexisting depression and psychological trauma meant he was a good candidate to transition to female. She recommended that we set up a follow-up appointment the next Tuesday. Jaimie was happy; he was no longer going to be thought of as he. SHE was going to be a girl. I asked if it would be a good idea to get a second opinion and mentioned that we would be going to Boston this weekend she nodded and said that was probably the best place to have one. She excused herself, giving a colleague at the New England Children's Hospital a phone call and setting up an appointment for Thursday morning. She said that Jaimie is lucky that she found me, I said, "she isn't the lucky one, I am. She is a great person and having her gave me the greatest feeling of accomplishment." Jaimie looked scared as we left. I told her that, "It is alright, nothing had changed. You are in good hands and that I would fight for you no matter what happens." Jaimie noticed the change from him to her and he to she as we were in the doctor's office, smiling and saying, "You already think of me as a girl." I didn't notice it but she was right. When we got home I filled her in on the upcoming weekend trip, with Jaimie jumping for joy over her first plane ride. She asked if it was OK with Mark, I told her that Mark was fine with it. Jaimie asked about school and I said it had been cleared, but she still needed to do a few reports to supplement the missed classwork. I told her that we were staying at my mother's house, but she would have her own room. She was scared about meeting my family but I said, "If they had a problem I was the last person they wanted to deal with. You don't want to anger the person who holds the deed to your house." She laughed and said, "You would really toss your family out on the street for me?" Without hesitation, I said, "In a heartbeat." Jaimie smiled, unsure if I was joking or telling the truth but satisfied with the answer. After my joke, Jaimie spent much of the evening in silence. The realization that she was finally going to be the girl she wanted to be started to sink in. She wanted a little space and I gave her as much as she needed. I helped her in packing her clothes for the weekend but left alone to consider the day's events. Before she turned in for the night I told her that I meant everything I said, I would support her no matter what. She hugged me and thanked me for understanding her better than anyone had before. I just said, "They were idiots and missed out on an amazing young lady." The next morning Jaimie felt better. She was full of energy and excitement. Ms. Albert asked about the sudden change and I simply said, "Jaimie's therapy session found the root of a lot of the problems and Jaimie just realized that things will get better." I was telling the truth, but the details didn't matter. She said she was glad Jaimie was finally feeling better and I was a miracle worker. After excusing myself I drove into the meeting with Mark. Wednesday's meeting was in Mark's office in Kansas City. He may have covered the area where we lived but he worked out of the big city along with many other social workers. It was a packed office with intense fluorescent lighting, lots of noise, and people coming in and out constantly. I didn't waste any time and offered him the results of the physical and psychological exams Jaimie had undergone. He seemed puzzled why there were two and I told him to read the first one then the second. He saw the results and understood. He was concerned about the results, I told him that the doctor had pulled in a favor and got Jaimie a second opinion from one of the top youth gender disorder specialists in the country for the next day. I stated, "I want to make sure Jaimie is getting the best care, this isn't something to take lightly and if it is confirmed that Jaimie is transgendered she would need all the help she could get." He reluctantly agreed, but then I added, "I want to do this by the book, so if there are any problems Jaimie has backup. I talked with my lawyers after the first exam and was told that Jaimie needs someone looking out for her needs that you or I can't due to our roles as parent and social worker. They hired someone in the county through a third party and that person's identity will only be known to Jaimie unless there is an emergency. Does this satisfy your concerns?" I asked with uncertainty but Mark didn't respond. After a minute of thinking, he agreed that it was best that someone looks out for her. I was paying for the lawyer out of my own pocket but that what as far as the involvement went. He would at some point meet the lawyer but was going to be forced to not reveal the identity to me. He asked why I had multiple copies and told him that when he is contacted, he is to give one copy to the lawyer and retain the second for himself. One copy was to remain with me for my own files, with digitized copies being held online for safe keeping. Mark then asked about the trip. I told him that we were leaving as soon as Jaimie was out of school. He was told about the schoolwork being made up and Jaimie's reluctant agreement. I also said that I had to take pictures as evidence we were doing what we said we were doing but I would not share anything that would put Jaimie in an awkward position. I told him that we would be staying with my family during the weekend. He asked about the arrangements and I told him that Jaimie had her own room, that my family would be told about her and that if they had any problems with her that I would not hesitate to put them on the street. He asked what I meant and I said, "I own the house; if they reject Jaimie then they forfeit the right to live there as Jaimie was staying there whether they liked it or not. They accept or they leave, there is no middle ground." He didn't like the sound of that but got the true meaning, I was protecting Jaimie and Jaimie came first. I said I would call if there were any problems during the weekend but otherwise I'd see him the upcoming Wednesday. Chapter 8: Meeting Family and Making of A Whole New Person I left the meeting and called my family to let tell them to meet me at the airport and that I would be bringing a surprise. I said prepare two bedrooms and that we would be there in the late evening. I had yet to tell my family about Jaimie so I wanted her to be a surprise. As soon as school let out I picked up Jaimie and Michael and drove home. Jaimie was nervous, fidgeting in her seat and fiddling with her seatbelt. Michael had a gloomy look on his face and wouldn't speak to either of us. Pulling into the driveway I leaned down and told him, "I want to take you as well but this trip is a bit too personal. Jaimie and I need to make this trip alone, how about if we all take a trip around Memorial Day weekend so you have more time to enjoy yourself. We can even go to New York one of the days." The fact that I offered him another trip was enough to bring him around. He reluctantly agreed and went home leaving us to load the car but asking that we bring him back a souvenir. Valerie came out and was shocked to see me packing up. I forgot to tell her about the trip, I was too busy with the evaluations and calming Jaimie to call her. I told her that I had some meetings and that Jaimie had an evaluation in Boston. She sensed there was something more to the trip. She asked what for but I could only say, "I'll tell you more when we know more. I don't want to keep you in suspense but we don't have the time to explain the whole situation." She was puzzled. She tried to press for more information but Michael said, "If he isn't telling you then it's too important or too personal to say, he'll tell you on Sunday when they come back." Ever the frank one, Michael said more than I could say and Valerie reluctantly left us to finish. Before we left I gave Jaimie a special gift, a brand new cell phone. It was the newest model iPhone with a matching sky blue case with a bejeweled "J". She was on the verge of tears receiving the gift. She tried to refuse the gift but I wouldn't let her. I said, "It's yours to keep. I prepaid for two years of service so you never have to worry about it, and I got you a special case that my niece and nephew use so it will be hard to break. We are going to the big city and I don't want to lose you so it's important that you have something to contact me and my family in case you get lost." Jaimie finally accepted the gift and asked if I was bringing anything for them. I said, "Yes, you are my big surprise. They don't know you are coming." We both laughed at the upcoming moment of shock. The thought of her transgender status caused her to pause. I assured her that everything would be fine, they would be surprised but wouldn't reject him. I told her bluntly, "If they reject you, make fun of you, say anything bad about you I'm cutting them off. They know I'd do it without a second thought and I'll tell them if they are out of line they will never see me again. That is enough to convince them to be respectful so you won't have a problem with them. I can't say the same about my niece and nephew, they have always been straightforward but if they see something in you that is good they will back you up even if it goes against the family." She remembered my joke about tossing them out on the street and thought it over for a second and warmed to the idea, hoping that they would accept her. The flight went smoothly. After the novelty of seeing the ground below wore off her anxiety got the better of her and she fell asleep with her head on my shoulder and a smile on her face. About a hundred or so miles out she woke up and was glued to the window staring at the New England coast. All of the colors of the cities and forests and beaches coupled with the clouds and the ocean made for a beautiful image. When we landed I told her to hold back a second until I was ready. I was greeted at the baggage claim by my two sisters and my niece and nephew. My sister, Karen is tall and skinny, three years older than me and with a sharp wit and fast tongue that knew how to chop me down to size fast. She is my niece and nephew's mother. Next to her was my sister Leslie who is almost 7 years older than me and was shorter and stockier but had never met a person she didn't like or couldn't make happy just by befriending. To their side was my niece Hannah and nephew Bryan. Bryan was just a couple of inches shorter than me but skinny and muscular but was a gentle giant who never hurts anyone. Hannah was an inch shorter than her brother but skinnier and had a lightning-quick tongue that was not afraid to make you feel ashamed or proud. The group asked where my surprise was. Bryan and Hannah were expecting presents but I said, "are you ready for it?" to which they said, "Yes". I motioned to Jaimie to come forward and introduced her to them all. Hannah and Bryan ran up to Jaimie and embraced her. They didn't need an explanation, they jumped to the conclusion that she was with me for a reason and that reason was for her benefit. My sisters, on the other hand, were puzzled and asked what was going on. I pulled them all aside and told them about why I had Jaimie, her past, her psychological and emotional problems. They winced at hearing it but were more in shock that I had her, saying, "You aren't the fatherly kind of person." Both seemed to think I was crazy and exaggerating my abilities. I didn't miss a beat and shot back, "She needs help and nobody was seeing that. I didn't want to take her in but she needed to go somewhere and I was there. She has been an angel, so what she has wrong with her is starting to go away." I stopped and gave them the big bombshell. I told them that she was transgendered and that she was becoming a girl. They had looks of disbelief, looking at Jaimie as she talked with the twins. I got serious and in my best threatening tone stated, "If you say anything to hurt her I am done with you and everything I had given you would be taken away. She is vulnerable and the last thing she needs is someone slipping up and saying something about her change. I am serious about being cut off; you will be out on the street with nowhere to go." My face was beet red and my veins were throbbing. They knew that look as my, "Deadly serious" face if I was that worked up and serious they knew not to cross me. They started at Jaimie and tried to piece together what was said. They didn't say anything; the twins gave a stern look challenging someone to say something bad. Even though I was talking with their mother and aunt they heard everything and stood beside Jaimie to protect her from their own family. Hannah had her fists balled and Bryan had his own serious face showing, both of which were signs trouble for them. Listening nearby and watching was my mother. She was an elderly lady with a cane but who had a huge heart for family. She watched the twins and Jaimie talking and proudly said, "she is in good hands." Ever the peacemaker my mother simply said, "Let's get the car and go eat, you two must be hungry." Jamie was scared but my niece and nephew came over and hugged her, telling her she was safe with them. Walking over to the cars we discussed plans for the weekend. Jaimie didn't want me to tell them about the doctor's appointment but I had to explain why I was going to the Longwood area. Pleading for a reason why she asked, "Do they have to know everything?" I said the only thing I could, "They would press me for the truth, it was easier to be honest than to lie. They already know about you and it is nothing they are concerned about" Changing the subject I told them were also going to visit a few places on business but had no plans Friday or Saturday night. My sisters saw an opening and swooped in to demand to take Jaimie shopping while the twins demanded we go to the beach. Jaimie was happy with both plans, with the twins telling her all about where they wanted to go. The drive home was fast. Jaimie stared at the different kinds of buildings as we drove through the city. She saw more people walking around than she had ever seen before. She heard languages and sounds that were foreign and somehow interesting to her. She was awed by the streetlights and signs on the main streets taking in all of their unique glows. Eventually, we arrived at my old home. It was a large two and a half story four bedroom house with a nice attic and basement. The kitchen was several decades old but the appliances were fairly new. There was a small back yard and meager front yard. Jaimie seemed to love it. Dinner was already prepared for us as we entered. The smell of marinara sauce and meatballs filled the house as soon as you opened the door. Jaimie walked through all the rooms and took in the different decorations and d?cor. My old room was as bare as my house back west which Jaimie snickered at. Dinner was served as soon as Jaimie was finished with her tour. Hannah and Bryan sat next to her to keep an eye on her. The three of them were inseparable during dinner and had to be forced apart when the twins needed to go back home. During the night there was trouble. Jaimie shot up when she heard fire trucks rushing by wailing their sirens and flashing their lights, stopping down the street from the house. She started crying and asking for me, saying she was scared something bad had happened to me. I ran to her side and hugged her showing that I was fine and it was another person who needed help. She hated the sound of sirens; it was causing her to have flashbacks to the accident and it was scaring her that she could lose me. I had to lie down next to her while she fell back asleep so her fears would diminish. She held onto my hand refusing to let it go, forcing me to sleep on the floor beside the bed with my arm raised up onto the bed. I slept only about four hours that night and awoke early when I heard Jaimie milling about. She had already showered and got her best clothes out but was waiting for me to wake up before she changed. She had trouble remembering what happened overnight. I told her the full story and she started to cry, telling me she was sorry and said it won't happen again. I told her, "There is nothing to be sorry about, it had to happen at some point and I am just glad that you were able to sleep soundly afterward. Your health matters more than my sleeping." I was still groggy and hearing the gurgling and smelling the aroma I broke my longstanding ban on coffee. My mother had made a fresh pot for me after hearing Jaimie overnight. Jaimie had never seen me drink anything other than soda and gave me a shocked look when I drank it. I gave it up when I started to lose weight and never bothered to drink it in Missouri. Jaimie was upset that I wouldn't let her drink any, she didn't like my excuse of, "You are a growing girl and this is bad for you. Maybe when you are older you can drink it but not today." My mother was on the verge of tears watching me scold Jaimie. She was both smiling and crying listening to me. She offered Jaimie tea instead, Jaimie tried her best to keep an angry face but burst into laughter as I allowed her the drink. After our breakfast and caffeine fix, I was happy to get out and drive. Jaimie was still embarrassed over the night before but I told her it was part of city life. "I grew up with the sounds so I am used to hearing them. You had a real reason to be scared and it was nothing to be ashamed of. It was still early in your mental recovery, a lot of things will remind you of the accident that can cause those flashbacks which is why you are seeing your therapist. He will help you recover and move on. There is no shame in being scared, it meant you were on the right track mentally and I am proud of you." She let out a loud sigh and thanked me for understanding. I nodded adding, "It's tough but we know one thing you can work on. That's already a breakthrough for you." With that impromptu bonding session over, we drove across Boston to New England Children's Hospital for Jaimie's appointment. Jaimie was glued on the huge green Mystic River Bridge as we drove over it. In Boston, she couldn't stop gasping at the height of buildings and the number of cars and people. When we got to the hospital Jaimie was eager to get it over with but got cold feet seeing so many kids waiting for the doctor. I reassured her nothing was wrong and nothing bad would happen and that the kids were there for similar problems but she was still nervous. Her name was called and she and I went in. She still wouldn't talk without me being there for her. The doctor was a slim woman with long auburn hair and a sweet personality that Jaimie seemed to endear to. Jaimie had another thorough talk rehashing the same things she told the other doctor and was given the confirmation yet again. Jaimie really was transgender. Jaimie started smiling and any anxiety fled her. When she saw I was smiling as well she fully accepted that she was really going to have her dream happen. Jaimie wanted to know if this meant that she could be a girl and the doctor said simply, "You already are, the real question is when you can start looking like one." Jaimie didn't get the connection so the doctor simply said, "You can start hormones in the near future when you get back to your regular doctor, but I think by the look of your hair and mannerisms that you are ready to start wearing girls' clothes. I would advise that you wait to wear them full time until you are out of school as it might be too much too soon so maybe only wearing them at home or for the duration of this trip. You have someone who clearly cares about you taking care of you so you are already in good hands." Jaimie started to become concerned. She wanted to be a girl and the thought of going back to being a boy was going to be difficult. I assured her, "You have my support; Mark knows you are becoming a girl and will find you a family that will accept your transition." The doctor said to both of us to start thinking of Jaimie as a girl full time, train ourselves to use feminine pronouns so it makes things easier. I said I already was doing that and that my family knew about her condition. The doctor looked concerned and asked, "How did they react?" I told her, "I laid down the law; if they said anything to harm Jaimie they were cut off and out on the street. They haven't said anything about her being a girl, just treated her as any other child." She asked how Jaimie reacted and I told him how Jaimie was scared but when my niece and nephew stood beside her to protect her she stopped showing fear. She had two supporters that aren't afraid to fight for what they believe in even against their own family. Jaimie sat silently as I was talking still having the beaming smile on her face. She was thrilled at the idea of finally being a girl and asked if my sisters could help. I said I would need to talk with them about this and if they accepted her for who she is then the shopping trip Jaimie was already going on would be all the more special. They didn't mess around and it being her first time as a girl the two would make it count. Jaimie hugged the doctor and I thanked her for taking us so quickly and would relay my thanks to the hospital's board along with a nice donation for the help. The doctor tried to be humble but I said I had plenty of reasons why I was doing it and giving money to this place was something I already wanted to do, you just made it happen sooner. Leaving the hospital Jaimie asked what I meant about, "my reasons" so I told her about previous visits to the hospital when I was a kid and how my niece and nephew at one time or another had to be treated here. She understood and smiled at the thought of helping someone help others. She thanked me for being so nice to people, I just smiled and said, "You bring out the best in everyone." Jaimie just said, "You were already nice; you just needed someone to help you." I got a call from Jaimie's gender therapist in Missouri while we were driving through Boston. I pulled over to the curb and told her about the results and finalized plans for further treatment. She was pleased that my family was OK with her and that Jaimie was happy. Knowing that gender issues wasn't Jaimie's only problem she asked if Jaimie would need a second opinion about the other problems and thinking back to the previous night reluctantly agreed that she should have a further evaluation. She had another colleague in the area, one that worked out of McClaron Hospital. I got the information down and after a quick thank you with Jaimie saying tearfully, "Thank you for helping me." I called the hospital to set up an appointment. As the doctor was her old roommate it was not just a professional courtesy call this was purely personal. She agreed to meet us for an evaluation within the hour and thankfully we didn't hit heavy traffic so we were there quickly. The doctor was a tall, skinny blonde with a serious demeanor that showed confidence and seriousness while also being tender. She was more than pleased to help Jaimie and after I relayed that she was starting to suffer from flashbacks and nightmares after hearing the sirens. I said that, "she had been opening up and talking about her past and her problems and she had been a lot happier and open, the incident last night was completely different and possibly worse." The doctor listened to what I said and went into a thorough evaluation; this was something major that needed addressing and she wanted to get to the bottom of it quickly. Jaimie was scared but kept calm, knowing that I wouldn't bring her there unless it was needed and answered all the questions as best she could. After a minute or two of uneasiness, she calmed down and started to talk to the doctor as I listened silently. She relayed the stories and how I had reacted differently than anyone else had. She said how good it felt to have someone by her side when she needed it. She hated the sounds but she didn't notice them anymore once I calmed her down. She sang high praises of me and the doctor simply nodded. When Jaimie finished the doctor stoically said, "I think you might not need as much help after all, what happened last night with Mr. Finn did more to help you thank anything I or another doctor could do. There is no denying that you have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder stemming from the accident. You have opened up about the incident but you haven't accepted that it is truly over and that you are safe now. Little things like sirens still continue to cause you to go back to that night." Jaimie sat in silence, embarrassed and ashamed. The doctor continued, "It's nothing to be ashamed of, it happens to everyone after traumatic events. You needed someone to show you that they cared about you and that you were safe. You were feeling scared and for the first time since the accident, someone was there for you, to comfort you, to hold you until the fear diminished. You just needed love and you have it. I can't say that you don't need therapy but I do know that you don't need intensive therapy or medications. You just need familial love. You have that in Mr. Finn." I was dumbfounded. Jaimie looked at me and smiled. She didn't say a word and just ran to me for a hug. The doctor simply said, "I pronounce you on the road to being recovered" and let out a laugh. I thanked the doctor and for the first time, Jaimie was actually happy. She was smiling the whole way down to the lobby and was eager to go about the rest of the day. While we were just about to leave the head of the department was talking to the doctor. He asked to see me for a second and I told Jaimie to hold up. He heard about Jaimie's condition and wanted to know about her. I simply said, "Jaimie went through a lot and just needed someone to show they cared." The doctor was surprised that I needed one of the top psychologists to tell her that but I said, "I would gladly pay anything to get the best care for her even if it was just a simple reassurance that I was already doing the best for her." Seeing Jaimie smiling and happy I asked if there was anything I could do for the hospital to show gratitude and they mentioned a gala going on Saturday night. I said I'd buy into it and bring Jaimie, it was the least I could do for the hospital. They said I didn't need to but I insisted, mentioning that I had had other family who had received treatment in the past from the hospital and that they would be as much a part of me going as Jaimie. Jaimie simply said, "See you Saturday night" and smiled as we left. Jaimie asked if it was true what I said about her. I nodded silently but added, "someone has to look out for you and it is worth every penny to assure you are healthy and happy." Jaimie sat silently and let the words digest as I drove back towards Boston. With our required Thursday activities out of the way, we went downtown and parked in a dreary parking lot. I asked Jaimie where she wanted to go and she said the Museum of Fine Arts. I then suggested the Museum of Science afterward with a walk downtown connecting the two trips. We went to the nearest train station and boarded a Green Line train for the trip to the museum. Jaimie sat staring out the front window enjoying the sights and sounds of the subway as people all around her talked loudly. I told her the history of the subway she enjoyed seeing the different look of the stations and number of people getting on and off. She enjoyed seeing the other trains coming so close together that they looked like they were going to crash and seeing the trains in the other direction come and go. After the noisy train trip, the museum was pretty quiet. We had a lot of the galleries to ourselves allowing us to enjoy the different works of art. Jaimie looked at many of the paintings and talked about which ones she liked more than others. She enjoyed the historical collection of gold and jewelry. She got a little creeped out at the funerary items and nude statues. She said she wanted to go to a museum like this back in Missouri for her birthday, which was a few weeks ago. I simply said, "That's fine with me if you want to. Michael might be disappointed, though." We made a quick stop on the way back to check out the Boston Public Library which she enjoyed seeing. We hadn't planned on it but since it was there anyway and it was almost lunch Jaimie suggested we stop in to see it after we ate. She enjoyed seeing the stacks of books, the old paintings and architecture, the intimate courtyard, and the whole atmosphere. She loved how they connected an old building to a new one and how everything fit together to make a nice place. She said the smell was different than the library back home, almost musty but with a big hint of paper. With the library out of the way, we grabbed the next train to the Museum of Science. She was awed by the lightning show and its loud noises and flashing lights. She got a kick out of the danger and excitement that I had taken for granted over the years, it was fascinating to a kid but I had thought it was too flashy and loud. She started to change my mind when she listened closely to the science behind it and started to explore the other aspects that they had on display to supplement the show. She told me she was more into the computer and mathematics displays and surprisingly didn't find the interactive kid-friendly displays all that interesting. She loved the biology exhibits, even if there were a lot of, "Dead animals" as she said. Her favorite was the math area, she enjoyed watching me struggle to remember some of the complex problems and failing at most of them. After almost two hours she was bored with the museum. She didn't mind seeing it but she wasn't too scientific minded to fully enjoy it. I was proud of her honesty and was glad she felt confident enough to tell me the truth. She enjoyed the walk from the museum more than the actual museum itself. It involved walking over a bridge spanning train tracks and crossing canal locks along the Charles River. When the dam started to open to let a boat through she didn't get upset or scared, she wanted to see how it worked. She enjoyed the wait and enjoyed seeing the people waving at her as their boat motored by. In Boston proper, we started to walk along the city's famous, "Freedom Trail" so she got a strong sense of the history. I knew this part was going to be more important than the museum visits since Ms. Albert could use the information for the class if need be. During the whole walk, she was drinking in the sight of all the tall buildings that seemed even taller outside of the car. She seemed to enjoy them almost as much as the historic structures. She was constantly smiling and enjoying the walk, even suggesting that when we took Michael he might enjoy it almost as much. After a quick dinner at home, I had Jaimie and the twins sit in another room when I broke the news to my family about her gender issue's confirmation. They listened and didn't say anything, didn't react in any way. When Jaimie came into the room she was scared they would say something. Karen and Leslie simply hugged her and said, "You poor kid." Jaimie cried and the twins tried to step in to defend her but I told them what was going on. They simply said, "OK" and hugged Jaimie. Waterworks over my sisters immediately seized Jaimie and took her to the mall to shop. I was dragged along, "To give the final approval and serve as a mule" as they put it. Jaimie wanted the twins to go but since they had school they were staying home with my mother watching them. Driving to the mall was fast and furious as Karen was a terrible driver. Poor Jaimie was both scared and thrilled by the drive, smiling the whole time. Without even asking my sisters went right to the girls' section and sized her up, gauged her tastes, and grabbed whatever looked nice on her. Jaimie asked why they were in this section and got a joint, "You are a girl; this is where you need to shop." Jaimie started to tear up, saying she was so happy. In true Finn family fashion, they refused to allow me to pay for anything and stated that it was their right to spoil her. It was payment for all the times I spoiled the twins in the past year. They also said since my niece had refused to let them shop for her anymore they wanted to shop for a girl. Jaimie was smiling through all of his, on the verge of tears of joy over the attention and being allowed to finally get clothes that were more girly and more importantly that others approved of. Giving in to them I could only get in one sentence, "Don't forget to pick up a dress" and just walked off going to the men's section to pick up a suit for myself. They were busy for over an hour when we called it a night, Jaimie kissing them for the best night of her life. That night Jaimie slept better. She insisted that I hold her hand as she fell asleep but thankfully didn't clamp it in place. I slept in the parlor, hoping she didn't stir but thankfully she slept straight through the night allowing me at least six hours of uninterrupted sleep. In the morning Jaimie noticed I was sleeping in the parlor and asked if it was due to her. I lied and said, "The bed is too lumpy, I needed something different." She bought it and didn't press further. I hated to lie to her but this one time it was worth it if it meant she felt better about herself. Chapter 9: Making A Strong Impression On Everyone After a glee-filled evening, we were up early for the meetings I had originally come for. Jaimie dressed in her new girl clothes, choosing a brightly colored t-shirt and shorts combination that was kind of girly but also boyish looking. She fixed her hair in a unisex style with her ponytail low on her head and without bangs. She said she wasn't ready to announce to the world that she was a girl just yet, but did want to wear something girly. She also said that, "If they asked for pictures of today at least I look like my old self, just wearing new clothes." I told Jaimie to stay close, it was easy to get lost and I didn't want anything bad to happen. We were walking from meeting to meeting as it wasn't worth the pain to drive short distances. She complied and refused to let go of my arm as soon as we got out of the car. Our first stop was city hall where I had a meeting with the city council and other dignitaries from the business community. She stood in awe of the brick building with a golden dome and spire. Inside she kept staring down at the marble staircase and tile floor and touching all of the wooden railings. Outside the city council chambers, we were met by the man who was making all of the meetings happen, a longtime family friend and local legend named Louis Reagan. He was a short, well-built African American man with a perpetual smile and smooth voice that made everyone at ease. He extended his hand and gave me a big hug. Looking behind me at that little girl he was surprised that I had Jaimie with me. He was even more surprised that she was in my care, saying, "I never pegged you for a parent." Jaimie gave me a quizzical look and then laughed and said, "John is the best dad" which I couldn't help but smile at. I pulled Louis aside and told him about how Jaimie came to be in my care. I then told him, "Jaimie is transgendered. Is this going to be a problem? If it is I can do this alone and leave your name out of this, I don't want you to lose out because of people's perception of you." He waved it off with a big smile adding, "It would take nothing short of murder to get me out of office and even then I'd have the entire city's backing. I won't let anything happen to her, she means a lot to you so she means a lot to me." Jaimie hugged and thanked him; he just looked down and smiled. Louis didn't miss a beat. Jaimie was told about our past history together, "John and I go way back. Back when he was your age he and my daughter played baseball together. When he was older he helped my organization by being a mentor to younger kids and over the years has helped volunteer with our group when we needed another adult or another kid." Jaimie put 2+2 together realizing that he was a major reason why I was in Jaimie's life, why I had been able to see what was wrong and why I was so at ease helping the kids in her class. She hugged him and thanked him for helping form me. He didn't react, just said, "He was always that way, he just needed someone to guide him. I guess you must be the new guide because he hasn't been this way for years." Louis led us inside the chambers where we handed out the first donations of the day. The money is meant to pay into a new fund that would allow kids to work during the summer. Proper fanfare and, "Thank you" out of the way I gave the check to the city council. Jaimie listened to the description of the program and had a look of contemplation. When I returned to my seat she said, "They deserve some place to work, this city is too small for so many kids to stay home and do nothing." I asked Jaimie what she meant and she said, "We don't have many jobs back home but we have things to do around the home like chores and farming. Kids here don't have that, they need something to do and this will help them do something. It's too bad more people aren't helping like you are, John." She looked around at everyone in the chambers; a lot of eyes were looking down in shame over what she had said. Nobody could argue the logic in her statement, she was right. Louis smiled at her and whispered to her what she had done, Jaimie was in disbelief. She simply said what was on her mind and Louis said, "You did what people didn't have the guts to do and because of that the program is going to get a lot more money into it from a lot of people who would not have the heart to give. Thanks to you more kids will have jobs. You are a hero to the kids of the city." She didn't know how to react, she tried again to explain she just said what was on her mind and she only meant to say it to me but the crowd heard it and it made an impact. Louis smiled and reassured her again she did a great thing for a lot of kids. After a few obligatory pictures, we left city hall and were heading down to the middle school for the next donation. As we got just outside the door an ambulance raced by with lights and sirens blaring. Jaimie jumped back and grabbed me, starting to cry. She looked in fear, the same look she had Wednesday night when she heard the fire truck. She was having another episode. I held her tight and waited for her to calm down. I told Louis to go on ahead; I had something important I needed to do fast. He saw Jaimie's face and asked if he could do anything, I only told him, "Tell them I'll be late, this is too important to hold off." He walked ahead while I took Jaimie to the nearby fire station. At the station, we walked into the office and asked to speak with the chief as I needed a personal favor. The secretary asked if, "Is this business or pleasure" I could only say, "It's business and medical". She looked at the scared Jaimie and caught on that something was upsetting her and got the chief. The chief and I had met previously when I gave a nice donation to the fire union as thanks for years of service. He asked what was up and I told him, "I need a few minutes of the firefighters' time. Jaimie here is in the midst of a traumatic episode and I thought meeting some of the firefighters would help her calm down." He saw the fear on her face and hastily agreed, calling down to the duty desk and letting them know we were coming in a few seconds. He smiled at Jaimie and tried to tell her she would be fine. When we walked into the truck bays Jaimie saw all of the firefighters standing around looking at us she looked terrified again. I told her, "I want you to meet these people. I don't think you had the chance to meet the people who saved your life the night of the car accident. I think meeting their colleagues might help you cope with the fears that you keep experiencing." She asked what I meant and I told her, "You got extremely scared when you heard the ambulance a short time ago, Wednesday night you woke up terrified when you heard fire trucks rushing by. I hope meeting these people will quell those feelings of fear and help you move on." Jaimie was introduced to all of them, shaking their hands and quietly saying, "Sorry for disturbing you." She was told about the trucks and saw a lot of the equipment. She started listening closely, looking at the tools and seeing the firefighters moving around the trucks. She asked if they dealt with car accidents and deaths, they told her that, "We do, unfortunately, it's part of the job." She understood now why I had her meet them, they dealt with what she went through daily and they were fine. She started feeling better and thanked them for their time. As they were showing Jaimie I talked with the chief. I explained what was going on, filling him in on the accident. He understood and was glad to help out, saying, "She is lucky to have you; I don't think she could have found a better way of getting over that fear than meeting it direct. Plus it is the least we could do for you." With that needed break done we walked the few blocks to the middle school for the next stop. It was a four-story multicolored brick building with oddly painted window frames. Jaimie was surprised at the sheer size of the building, not used to schools being taller than one story. We missed our slotted window with the principal but Louis explained the situation and she understood saying, "If it helps her then take all the time you need." We got the next slot in her schedule which thankfully wasn't busy today. While waiting for our appointment Jaimie asked me about my time there. I told her that I didn't go to this particular school, this replaced the school I went to. I inadvertently shivered as she asked about the school. I was honest with her, telling her about being in a special classroom for children who had problems. I said how things were changing all around the school but it felt like we, the kids tucked away in a makeshift classroom over the gym, were forgotten. She shook her head in shame saying, "That's terrible, I am glad they changed things." I said, "They have, kids with problems now have a proper school and aren't treated with shame anymore." During our wait, we walked over to an old wooden bench. Jaimie sat down but I stood as far away as I could get from it. Jaimie picked up on something and asked about the bench, I simply said, "This is the old bench from the old school. If you were sitting here you were in deep trouble, everyone coming and going in the front door and on the first floor could see you so sitting here. This was a punishment before the real punishment started. I spent enough time on that bench thank you very much, I am not about to sit on it again". She got up and stood beside me not wanting to suffer the same fate back home, at the same time the principal came out to greet us with a laugh saying, "The old story lives on." The principal introduced herself as Alice Rodriguez and showed us into her office. She was a medium height, skinny, Italian-American woman wearing a skirt suit. She must have been fairly new to the school because I didn't recall her from when I visited with my sister almost two years before. Alice got down to business and I handed her a check which was to pay for new books and school supplies for the students. Jaimie smiled and told me that was a great thing to do for the kids. With the formalities out of the way, Alice asked about Jaimie's relation to me to which Jaimie told her how I was her tutor turned foster parent. She looked intrigued and asked what she meant by, "Tutor" so Jamie told her the whole story about the program. She added how my class was being taught differently than the other classes and that it had the best results. She was beaming with pride while I tried to look humble. Jaimie was making a good impression on the principal, who seemed genuinely intrigued by the program. She asked Jaimie if it was successful and I told her, "So far it has been, all of the subjects have seen a remarkable improvement in the grades and within a couple of weeks we will know if the tests have improved." I saw a happy look in her eyes. She was genuinely intrigued and asked if I could get her more information as this was something worth repeating. Jaimie asked if you had done anything like this before but the principal said, "Nobody thought to try it, so Mr. Finn might have saved two schools now." She thanked us again for the donation and said she would be in touch with Jaimie's principal. She also said Jaimie was so well mannered, although she was puzzled why I had her out of school. I told her, "As much as I didn't want her to miss school, I couldn't leave her behind without causing more problems than she could handle. It was better to take her along and have her make up the work in another form." Alice apologized for being suspicious, glad to know that she was going to have to do something in return for missing school. Jaimie wasn't too happy to be reminded about that. Jaimie mentioned Bryan and Hannah being in school today so it wasn't like I would keep anyone out for the day. Alice looked at her and asked what she meant; I explained, "My niece and nephew are 8th graders here. They wanted to stay home the last two days while I visited but my sister and I wouldn't let them." Alice laughed and nodded in approval. We left the school and went to lunch at a nearby supermarket. Jaimie enjoyed the short walk but wanted to know why it looked so different than the rest of the city. The area was office complexes, parking lots, and a shopping center. I told her, "A great fire struck this part of the city decades ago. It was the second huge fire to hit the city so the council just decided to bulldoze the area and rebuild it as you see it." I promised to show her how it used to look and I told her that Louis would know more about it as he used to live in the neighborhood when the fire happened. Jaimie ate her meal and soaked in the history trying to picture it as it used to be. She barely noticed the short walk to the high school. She didn't say much when she saw the outside, just looking at the height and flashy wall colors. We were shown around the school by a security guard while waiting for the assigned meeting time. I showed her all of the major spots like some of my old classrooms, the gym, cafeteria, library, and eventually the football field. Jaimie was laughing at some of the stories about the first years of the school and gave me a snarky smile when I told her the story about the bathrooms, including the time I accidentally used the girls' bathroom. She liked the school, saying, "It's interesting, so many students in one place. Ours has fewer students but is a lot bigger, this one feels large." Back downstairs after the tour, we went to the meeting. It was larger than the previous one with the principal, Louis, the department heads, Jaimie, and I attending. Jake Bollinger was a short, balding middle age man with a large suit and stern gaze but a tender personality. Jaimie liked him for some reason, smiling at him as she was introduced. It was quick as I was just there for handing over documents for the scholarships, having already signed off on them beforehand. Jaimie asked how many other scholarships there were and was surprised at how many were being given out in addition to mine, but was pleased to hear that kids were earning them. After the papers were signed and submitted, Jaimie asked for a favor from the principal and the history department head. She wanted to observe a high school class, especially a history class. Oddly this was the first time Jaimie wanted anything from me during the trip and I suggested it would be alright since she was already on a high school level in both history and government. I showed them some of her papers which got them to agree, even suggesting that she might have something to add to the next scheduled class. Jaimie was thrilled and bouncing for joy as we left the room. We walked in just after the start of class and Jake made an announcement. "Mr. Finn and his daughter Jaimie would be observing the class and Jaimie had asked to participate, your teacher has decided on giving you a special class today that is on topic with what was going to be discussed but in a different manner." The teacher, Ms. Paula, asked Jaimie if she would like to have a mock debate about the topic saying, "Seeing as you have a familiarity with it and have written such a glowing essay on it. You are familiar enough with the topic that your paper had covered all of the potential arguments that the students might get more out of seeing someone going at it with a teacher than if I just lectured for the period." Jaimie agreed, and the students, sitting quietly, just watched in awe. For the next 30 minutes, Jaimie went toe to toe and countered every point made by Ms. Paula which the students cheered. When it was over she got a round of applause with Ms. Paula thanking her for helping make the day's topic more interesting. After class, the students just smiled and thanked her for saving them from another boring lecture. Jaimie was too humbled to say anything and just smiled. Jake didn't believe what had happened and I simply said, "Jaimie is no ordinary kid, she is something special." Jake and Ms. Paula had made a video of the class and would give a copy of it to us as soon as they edited it. John thanked them and was happy to have a copy intending to give it to Jaimie as a souvenir of the trip. Jaimie was still on an emotional high and bursting with energy. Since we were done for the day we went down to the football field to let her burn off some energy while I talked with Louis. Jaimie was jumping for joy outside. I told her to be careful as she ran off. She enjoyed running quick sprints up and down the track and was having a blast when she saw the school's hurdles set out for the afternoon practice. She ran over to the hurdles and started making jumps, just barely clearing them. She was having a lot of fun and was doing well until she tried to jump over a high hurdle. She misjudged the height hit it hard mid-thigh, falling over and landing on her hands on the rubber track. I bolted full speed the 20 yards to her while Louis looked on with concern. I got there as quick as possible and was almost ready for a heart attack from the exertion but she was fine, she had just some light scuffing. Jaimie was more embarrassed than hurt so I scooped her up onto my back and walked back to Louis slowly. He didn't say anything at first but gave me a smile saying, "That's the fastest I have ever seen you move, and that was the most concerned look you ever had on your face." He shook his head in disbelief adding, "You are like a completely different person than the last time I saw you." I said I was more concerned with her than myself and he just nodded his head, saying, "She is having an impact on you, even if you don't see it. There is a parent in you, foster child or not you are treating her as a father would a daughter." Before I could come up with a reply Jake came over and asked us if she was okay. I told him she was fine, just embarrassed. He said he came outside because wanted to talk about Jaimie. Jaimie stepped aside and watched the practice while we talked. Jake asked about her history, getting the full story about her accident and the foster system. I said, "She is a bright student who got dealt a raw deal over the last few years and needed a lot of help but wasn't receiving it." I told him how she was able to think logically and methodically like no one else, allowing her to clearly and concisely make arguments as he had seen himself. Jake and I had a history of trust dating back to when we were football teammates in high school so I felt I could reveal the truth. I mentioned that she was unlike any other girl; she was suffering from gender dysphoria and was just starting to live as a girl. He was taken aback by this but didn't offer any rebuttal. He shook his head adding, "The poor child, this must be a big cause for her problems. She seems so happy and energetic; this must be the best thing to happen to her." I asked that if the debate leaked out that her gender status not get mentioned. Just refer to her by name and as a "12-year-old child" if you have to. She isn't ready for large exposure yet. He agreed and would quash any story in the newspaper about it since we hadn't signed a release form. To Jaimie's surprise, he also said Jaimie was welcome at the school at any time, she was someone who earned her place of honor there and students would surely want to meet her. As we were speaking, several students went up to Jaimie. They talked to her about the class and asked if she was really just in 6th grade. Jaimie told them the truth about that and said she wasn't even 12 yet. They asked if she was coming back again and she said, "I don't know. It depends on if John still has me when he makes his next trip. I want to come back again, but we are only together temporarily." The students were saddened by this, saying, "We hope he keeps you, you two are great together and he is so great taking you all the way out here with him." Jaimie was sad thinking about this but happy that people cared about her. Chapter 10: Quiet Fun After the talk at the track, we packed it in for the rest of the afternoon. We just relaxed in the house and just enjoyed some family time without needing to do anything. Dinner was Chinese food ordered from our favorite restaurant and would give Jaime something new to try. My sisters convinced Jaimie to fix her hair so it looked nice for tomorrow night, and gave her pointers on how to handle it herself when we got home. Jaimie's hair was straightened and detangled and looked fuller, she looked much more feminine. Jaimie eagerly listened and watched them redo her hair several times until she could do it on her own. The twins came by to play with Jaimie. She showed Hannah her new hairstyle and talked about what she was taught. Hannah offered to teach her some makeup tips which my sisters weren't too thrilled about. Hannah had a habit of overdoing her makeup but promised to keep it light for Jaimie. When they were finished Jaimie squealed so loud with delight that we all jumped in our seats. While they were dealing with the makeup I was on the phone with Valerie. I asked her if she could do me a favor regarding Jaimie, I needed someone to drop her off to appointments with the lawyer while I had my therapy appointment. I told her I'd take Michael with me if need be to which she agreed. With that out of the way I told her I needed to speak with her and Michael Sunday night and said that it was important. I emphasized that what we talked about not be discussed elsewhere, it was something serious. Knowing me well she sensed something was going on and asked if something was wrong, I just said something was happening that would change Jaimie's life and needed our support and if I could count on them. They agreed, albeit reluctantly. Michael wanted to talk with Jaimie but she was occupied with her makeup tips so I had to cover by saying, "My niece is busy with Jaimie; she doesn't want to be disturbed. As much as I'd love to get Jaimie, disturbing my niece is asking for broken bones." He reluctantly backed off but said, "Don't forget to bring me back something." Just as I finished with Valerie the ladies were done in the bathroom. Hannah had given her some light eyeliner and lip gloss that made her face look much more feminine. She looked like a whole new person. The rest of us simply said, "You look beautiful" which got Jaimie blushing. Friday night Jaimie slept peacefully. I told her I'd be close by if she felt scared and hugged her as I did the first night but she didn't stir all night. The talk earlier in the day worked. The biggest surprise was that she was a lot more relaxed around my family. Her anxieties must have waned with being around people who cared about her as well as seeing that they weren't going to hurt her. We didn't have to be up early so I let her sleep in late. I got a few more hours of sleep than I thought I would but was still required coffee to perk up. The old habit was back but considering the cause I was okay with it, Jaimie's recovery was more important than keeping off caffeine. When she woke up she looked at the clock and gave me an odd look when she came out of the bedroom. She asked, "Why didn't you wake me? I don't want to waste your time here." It was well after 10 AM and she had slept almost 12 hours. I laughed and smiled saying, "It's not wasted time if it means you are well rested and feeling better." She got the message and ate a late breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast. Looking at my coffee mug she was surprised, "You are drinking coffee again? I thought you gave that up?" I could only say, "It helps get over the loss of sleep, it's worth it if it means you are feeling better." She hugged me for no reason, saying, "Thank you." After breakfast, I took Jaimie on a quick car trip to take some pictures of the marshes and tidal flats. She asked why we were doing this, I explained, "It's for school," and she cringed. She was told about the tides and history of the land. She listened to the lecture then started to piece together what I meant, seeing birds and other animals moving around the marsh. She said, "I hope they like the pictures, we went over these in science but this is something entirely different." I said, "exactly. Seeing believes." We were due to meet the twins and my sister around noon. This would give us several hours to enjoy the beach while allowing us to prepare for the gala that evening. Jaimie eagerly dressed in her new swimsuit but was told it was too cold to swim. It was still warm out though so we were just going to relax in the sand the whole time. Jaimie didn't like that she had to wear a water shirt but when she saw the twins were each wearing one she was fine with it. She didn't like the suntan lotion either, saying, "What's the point; there isn't much skin to burn." My sister looked at me and asked if I was going to tell her the story or was she going to have to. Jaimie looked at me with anticipation. I told her, "Trust me, you don't want to have your neck, arms, ears, and face peeling next week. It's itchy, looks odd, and will cause scarring if the burns are bad enough. Better to suffer a few seconds of annoyance than weeks of embarrassment." She asked, "How do you know this?" "Three times in three years. It ain't fun. Just be glad you have the water shirt, the ones on your shoulders and back are the worst." I replied. She was shocked but laughed, putting the lotion on without a fuss. The twins had her building sand castles, searching for hermit crabs, skipping rocks, and chasing seagulls. The three of them were a team; they knew what each other wanted to do and were quick to help do it. They built elaborate sculptures and play the usual pretend games with them. They were so busy playing with each other that they didn't notice how much time had gone by. They barely ate their lunches and snacked on junk food the whole time. Jaimie didn't bother to ask for permission to eat the junk food she just did what the twins were doing, not even noticing that I was the one handing it to them. Usually, she gives me strange looks when I eat something other than homemade food. She was so in tune with the twins that she was almost their triplet for the day. Karen joked that they were so in tune that she might be their long-lost cousin. Bryan and Hannah both laughed at the idea. Before long it was time to go, with the twins giving her a hug and saying they would talk with her on FaceTime. She hugged and kissed Karen and left tearfully, saying she had had the best time ever. Karen said that she was glad she had fun and that she hoped Jaimie found a family that loved her as we did. Jaimie said, "I hope I already have." We drove to my home and changed out of our beach clothes. She took a quick shower to get the sand, lotion, and saltwater off and I scrubbed off the lotion I had on. She had a light tan that was starting to come through but thankfully she wasn't burned. She begged me to allow her to wear makeup but all I would let her put on was some lip-gloss and eyeliner like she had on the night before. When Jaimie stepped out of the bedroom in her dress my jaw dropped. Her dress was beautiful. It was a sky blue, sleeveless, ankle length evening dress that fit her perfectly. Jaimie twirled around to show off the whole dress. She had her hair brushed back and tied with a hair clip. She looked more girly than any 11-year-old girl I had seen before. She was embarrassed but I assured her she was beautiful and nobody would ever know what she had down there, the only thing she would hear tonight was how beautiful she is. She gave me slight thanks but still seemed scared. My mother took a picture of her and sent it to my sisters. I took one a couple more before Jaimie started to get annoyed at all of the attention. We left around 5:30 for the 6:00 gala. Jaimie sat in silence, still scared at what people would think. We checked in at the front, I made my donation plus another one on Jaimie's behalf and entered. It was your typical gala event with people in evening gowns and men in business suits. The room was decorated with fake candles hanging from the ceiling with fairy lights slung in-between, tables to one side of the room and a dance floor. A large sign hung on the wall in the back of the wall thanking for our donations. There were few children but Jaimie didn't care as she stuck close by my side. We mingled with various doctors and donors and just about everyone smiled at Jaimie commenting on how beautiful she looked in her dress. Jaimie seemed to lighten up after a while and even considered dancing but still kept close. A few other girls came over and complimented Jaimie on her dress and hair, Jaimie complimented them on theirs and they started to talk amongst themselves. She started to loosen up as they talked about everything except her, going into the usual tween and childhood topics. Jaimie was in her element, she finally got to do what she always wanted and nobody seemed to notice or care. I gave her some distance as I let her do this on her own, she didn't need help socializing she was a natural with girls. As I was standing by watching Jaimie I heard someone say something in my direction. I looked over and the man repeated his question. "Is that your daughter in the sky blue dress?" I replied, "She's my foster daughter." He apologized saying, "Oh, I'm sorry. She seemed so much like you that I thought she was related." I felt happy hearing someone say that who I didn't know. I said, "We get that a lot, but she is just temporarily in my care until the state can find a permanent home." He seemed saddened saying, "The poor child, how long has she been in the system?" I told him, "At least three years. She is recovering from traumatic experiences and thankfully she is now going to be receiving proper treatment." I relay to him the rest of her story, leaving out the gender issues part. He seems genuinely intrigued by her situation. Jaimie saw me talking and comes over saying hello and gives me a weird look. She knew I was talking about her but the man was new and she didn't know how to react to him. The man finally introduces himself to Jaimie as Christian James. I almost passed out in shock. I hadn't noticed it but he was extremely important when he told her his name it took me a split second to realize that he is none other than the governor of the state. I was so busy talking about Jaimie that I didn't take a good look at him. I was even more shocked at what I said as I wouldn't have let so much information get out but he seemed genuinely interested in talking. He talked with Jaimie for a few minutes, asking about her life. I asked his aid what he was doing and he simply said, "She must have struck a strong note with him. There is upheaval in the system here so meeting someone who is in the system firsthand is making an impact on him." Realizing this could be a problem I said, "She isn't from this state, though; she's a ward of the state of Missouri. I'm from here but she is born and raised around Kansas City." The aid didn't seem phased, just said, "It's still the system, just a different version of it. She might be doing more for kids than any adult could do." Jaimie and the governor parted ways, the governor handed her something that looked like a business card. I held onto it for her, saying I'd hold onto it until we got back home. Jaimie nodded and headed back to where the girls were talking. The governor walked over to me and thanked me for doing him a favor, he was looking at a bill that would reform the state's social services system and Jaimie had helped give him some insight into the mind of someone in the system that none of the legislators had. I gave a big smile at that. Jaimie once again was influencing people in ways unimaginable. She always brought out the best in people, and this was just another in a long line of bright spots. The rest of the event was uneventful. After another half hour, Jaimie got tired so we left. Jaimie was tired from the day filled with activity and fell asleep in the car. She slept the whole night and into part of the morning having been worn out by the fun day. Sunday was just a matter of packing up. Jaimie dressed in her boyish clothes again, putting away her girl clothes for when we got home. She mumbled something about hating those clothes to which I told her, "I am proud of you for doing this." We had enough time before our flight so we made an early trip to Boston to pick up something for Michael and Valerie; Michael got a stuffed animal and a hat while Valerie got a simple, "Someone from Boston loves me" charm that Jaimie picked out. I didn't say anything about the charm, but I think Jaimie was trying to get me to send a message to her. The ride to the airport and the plane trip were uneventful, the whole time Jaimie was busy trying to write her reports for school and organize her thoughts. Our plane left in the early afternoon and by evening we were back in Kansas City, with Valerie and Michael waiting for us at the airport. Michael nearly knocked Jaimie and me over with his hug and begged Jaimie to tell him all about the trip, with him eagerly listening to every detail. Valerie was silent but happy; she told me she would wait until they were asleep to get the whole story. Jaimie talked the whole trip back with Michael inspecting his stuffed animal and wearing his new hat. He reminded me about my offer of taking them next time, which I held firm to. Safely inside the house and the bags put down I sat the three of them at the table. I said I had something important to tell them and that it must not leave this house. Jaimie was scared; she knew what I was telling them. Michael looked concerned and Valerie looked at me strangely. After composing myself I said, "Part of the purpose of the trip was for some important meetings, but the other part was for Jaimie. On Monday Jaimie was evaluated and diagnosed as having gender dysphoria. On Tuesday the diagnosis was confirmed by a gender therapist and this past weekend we got a second opinion from a top psychologist that again confirmed the diagnosis. Jaimie has spent the past weekend living as a girl and while at home she is going to live as a girl. She is going to come out as a girl full time after school ends and start next year as a girl." Valerie wasn't as shocked as I thought she would be and didn't say anything. Michael just shrugged and said, "Doesn't matter, I like you any way you are." Jaimie hugged him and thanked him for being the best friend anyone could hope for. We just smiled and let the kids talk it out in Jaimie's room. With the kids in Jaimie's room, Valerie finally said something, "Do you think it's best?" I simply said, "I am going by what the doctors have told me, she is strongly identifying as a girl and has been for years. Part of the reason for her depression and withdrawal from other kids is due to this. She has never been so open, caring, loving. She is almost a different person now." She countered with, "What do you think, though?" "I think this is her true self. I think she needs to be who she feels she is. I don't want her to hurt herself and I believe she would eventually do that if she wasn't allowed to be herself." Valerie looked at me and smiled saying, "That's what I was hoping you would say. You only have her interests at heart; you are putting her needs first." I said, "Everyone keeps saying that, I want to believe it but I am just doing what feels right." Valerie just hugs me and says, "You have finally broken into parenthood." I told her, "I hope this doesn't end Wednesday, she has grown on me and I fear that this was all for nothing if she goes elsewhere." Valerie just hugged me again saying, "You and me both. She needs you and you need her." With that Michael and Valerie left so we could get ready for the next day. Chapter 11: Disbelief and Closer to Being A Family Monday morning was a little hurried. Jaimie had to finish the last of her reports and eat breakfast while I set her clothes out. We made it to school on time and Jaimie handed her papers to the teacher, with a surprised reaction. She then informed Jaimie that she was hoping for an oral report since the kids were interested in her weekend. Jaimie asked that I be present since she felt that some of the stories would be hard to believe which the teacher agreed to. The report was to take place in the afternoon after all the regular work was done. I left Jaimie to fend off the inquiries from the other students until then. As I was about to leave the Dorothy Vega asked to speak with me. Normally she was pleasant but she had an odd air of formality in her request. Seeing the coffee in my hand she gave me an odd look. Realizing what was going on I told her, "fell back into an old habit after Jaimie had a PTSD episode on Wednesday night. I had to spend two hours each night making sure Jaimie didn't wake up in a panic. It'll take a while to get back the hours lost and probably longer to kick the coffee habit again." Odd look aside we went inside to her office. She closed the door and told me, "I just got off the phone with a principal from the city of Winnisimmet, Massachusetts. Apparently, on Friday she had met a girl by the name of Jaimie McKinnon who told her about our tutoring program and asked for the particulars of the program. I tried to ask about her and she gave me a description that is a dead ringer for a Jaimie McKinnon that is a student in this school and who is in your care. Care to explain this?" The color drained from my face. I searched for the right words to protect Jaimie and myself. She sensed there was something going on and let me compose myself, waiting for me to tell her what was going on. After finding the right words I asked, "Do you want the long answer or the short answer, and are you ready to seek legal counsel to protect yourself and/or the school if the answers merit it?" This was serious and her reaction reflected it. She considered what might be happening and stated, "I don't want to cause a problem so whatever is going on will not leave this office. If it has to come down to it I'll back Jaimie with whatever power I have at my disposal even if it means going against the district." This was not the answer I was expecting so I just came out with the answer. "As you are aware I have been given temporary custody of Jaimie pending a permanent placement. As part of the agreement, I insisted that she undergo a psychological examination by doctors to gauge her psychological needs. The psychologist affirmed my initial suspicions regarding Jaimie's mental health and came to a surprising conclusion- Jaimie was suffering from a gender disorder in addition to the suspected depression and PTSD. The doctor got Jaimie a referral for the next day which led to a further confirmation from a specialist. I asked if I should get Jaimie a second opinion and we were given an appointment for Thursday in Boston with a leading specialist. This is why Jaimie had to miss school on Thursday. I had preexisting business meetings on Friday so Jaimie had to come along but the need for the additional evaluation necessitated an additional day." Dorothy didn't say anything at first and then asked, "What were the results and recommendations." I wasted no time saying, "Jaimie is suffering from gender dysphoria and that she was female in mind and spirit and that with her traumatic experiences she was likely to do harm or worse to herself without treatment. The best course of action was to let Jaimie live as a female but to wait until she was out of school for the year to live full time as a female. She is able to dress up during that weekend to get acclimated to things. This is why Jaimie was referred to as female by the principal, while I carefully chose my wording regarding Jaimie she assumed that she was female based on her mannerisms and hair." Dorothy didn't say anything else. She thought it over for a bit and finally said, "The school year ends in under two months, can she last without it becoming a problem?" I said, "Jaimie is content with living in secret for now since she knows this is only temporary. She is willing to set aside her feelings; she would rather have safety than having to deal with the storm that it would cause. If there is a problem I am willing to pull her out and homeschool her. I don't want it to become a big problem and I don't want it to harm Jaimie. I have talked with my lawyers about this and this won't be a problem as I am following all the guidelines and recommendations properly. Jaimie's lawyer has signed off on the recommendations as well and is keeping an eye on me to ensure I don't overdo this." Dorothy just nodded and finally said, "I'll discuss the program in depth with the principal, and I'll try to use the right pronouns. How she was made aware of the program I'll never understand." "It was a slip of the tongue during my meeting with her; Jaimie didn't mean to talk about the program but once she mentioned it and talked about it the principal was enthralled. They don't have anything like this back east and she liked the idea so much that they are seriously considering doing one. Jaimie may have unintentionally helped hundreds of students." Dorothy was pleased with that, especially since Jaimie had given her a lot of the credit. She admitted that if anyone was going to be a representative of the program Jaimie and I was the best choices. The impromptu meeting over I went home to unwind for a bit. I got the call I was expecting from Louis Reagan regarding the jobs program and then got one from the high school regarding the scholarships with an open invitation for Jaimie to attend the awards night that is if I still had her in my care. The date was perfect for the trip Michael wanted us to take so I called Valerie about it. We met over lunch, with Valerie looking to see if her schedule was clear. The dates settled I made the arrangements for four with the hope that I would still have Jaimie then. After finishing with Valerie I drove back to the school for the presentation. I loaded up the accompanying pictures from the camera to the class's computer careful to only add certain pictures while Jaimie started talking. All eyes were on Jaimie as she told about meeting my family, getting to see the different kinds of houses in the city, and the sounds of the big city. She talked about the visit to the different sites and how they were famous for one reason or another. She described going to the museums and what we did there, describing the show lightning show with enthusiasm. The pictures didn't do the sites justice but the kids enjoyed seeing them. She then talked about the Friday activities that got a puzzled look from Ms. Albert. She asked me if this was the whole truth and I just nodded, saying, "I couldn't make this up if I tried, Jaimie really did all those things." I showed the pictures of her from that day complete with commentary from Jaimie. She said, "This is the middle school" "This is the high school" "This is city hall" "This is the main fire station" and, "This is the city council chambers" with pictures of her alongside the principals, the council, the firefighters. The kids were still in disbelief but there was the evidence. I cut in and said, "The DVD of her debate is en route, they needed to do some editing but they were kind enough to record the whole thing." Ms. Albert gave me a close look and asked about the tan we were both sporting. I admitted, "My niece and nephew demanded we go to the beach, Jaimie needed a break from the city and it is a tradition that you visit the beach at least once while in the city." We told her about the trip to the beach with my family. I showed a picture of the three kids together. The picture was conveniently edited to not show that she was wearing a girl's swimsuit. Ms. Albert wasn't too happy with us taking advantage of the days off but I assured her that it was with good conscience as it was a special beach. Jaimie told the history of the beach and about the animals that were there. She read up on that on her own somewhere, I don't recall telling her that. She then told how we stopped at a marsh and looked at the different animals, which they were studying in class. Ms. Albert looked at the pictures of that and asked for copies, they were better than the illustrations in her book. Jaimie smiled a knowing smile as she remembered my insistence on going for that visit. Jaimie wowed them with the claim about the governor on Saturday. Ms. Albert asked if this was the truth and Jaimie showed a business card to her, which she promptly read and did a Google search of which turned up the governor's name and picture. Her mouth dropped at the realization that it was legitimate. Jaime proudly stated, "He talked with me for a bit. He wanted to ask about foster kids like me and I told him about us. He didn't like what had happened to me and I said I am a special case so everyone is different. He said I had helped him make up his mind about a bill that would help kids like me and gave me the card saying if I ever needed help he would do whatever he could to help me." Ms. Albert looked at me for truth and I just nodded and said, "It made news this morning, because of Jaimie's help the bill passed with him signing it. A lot of kids in the state will be getting more help now." In a bit of quick thinking to cover for her, I told her that the pictures from that night didn't come out well so we couldn't show them, but I expected Jaimie would get a special item in the mail from the statehouse soon as thanks for the help. Ms. Albert's jaw dropped again as she read the news online. When we got back home I as feeling a little down about realizing that we only had two days left together. The kids went to do their homework while Valerie came over to talk. Valerie noticed that I was a little upset about something. She sat down next to me and held my hand asking me what was wrong. I told her, "I am not going to have Jaimie after Wednesday. I am a single male without a permanent job who has no roots here. As much as I would love to keep Jaimie permanently I don't think I am going to overcome that handicap." Valerie looked me in the eye and said, "They don't have any reason to remove Jaime. Every person who has seen Jaimie since you took her in has said she is a different person, that whatever you were doing was hitting all the right buttons. You are the best thing to ever happen to her and I would fight tooth and nail alongside you to keep her. Single or not, you are the best thing to ever happen to her." For the first time she since I had known her she passionate about something. I don't know what came over me but I leaned in and kissed her on the cheek saying, "You always know what to say to cheer someone up." She leaned in and I kissed her on the lips, meeting me eye to eye with a look of passion that I had never seen. I just got scared and apologized, "I am sorry, I don't know what came over me. I like you a lot but I don't want this to ruin our friendship." She leaned in and kissed me saying, "I have been hoping you would do that for months. You are such a great person. You are just too nice and timid, you won't jump at things. I am glad you did something bold." I leaned in and kissed her again, this time not feeling guilt over what I was doing. I looked over at the window and saw that the kids peeked in and saw what went on. They noticed smudges on Valerie's face and some lipstick on mine. I cleaned it off before I thought they could see but Jaimie just smiled with a knowing look as Michael gave me a sly look that all but said, "About damn time." I just sat down and pondered what I was going to do now, whether I move forward with Valerie or leave things as they were. She did the same, both of us looking over at each other but not saying anything. Jaimie spent the next few hours smiling at me. After a quick dinner that Valerie and Michael joined us for she joined me on the couch to watch Star Trek again. She was starting to like the show a lot, she didn't like too much television but this is one thing she did enjoy. Michael saw her watching it and said, "Oh no, he got you to watch it!" She just said, "I can't help it if we have good taste." Valerie and I snorted; it was the first time they had disagreed on something. Valerie joked that it sounded like brother/sister teasing. Tuesday saw Jaimie and I going therapy. Jaimie did her homework on the way over and was fine seeing her therapist since I was going too. She was comfortable going in on her own after I insisted that this was something personal that even I didn't have to know about. My own appointment was nothing spectacular, just a get to know you and background session. My therapist did note that I probably had issues relating to my family which was causing me trouble, I simply nodded saying this was nothing new and I heard that before. I was also told that whatever was happening to me now had altered what I was as a person. He had obtained my medical files when I made my appointment and read notes that he used to base his claim on. He said that Jaimie made me see my own past from a new perspective, and that trying to help her was helping me cope with it. The new personality was part of that coping mechanism. I mentioned that he wasn't the first person to tell me that. It makes sense now what Louis Reagan and others were talking about last week but now I started to connect the dots. Jaimie told me her session was uneventful. She talked about the weekend and how my family had treated her as one of their own. She talked about anxiety about going back to school but putting that aside so it would be over faster. She didn't like that she was forced to be a boy during school but she felt it was the best thing for her while school was in session. When she was done and we met up she didn't ask how mine went and I didn't ask how hers went, we agreed that whatever was said was not for anyone else to hear. She told me she was proud that I was willing to go to therapy because of her and I told her I am proud of her no matter what. Wednesday was the big meeting I had been dreading for a week. I gathered all of the files I needed and made my way to Mark's office. I showed him the copies of the new evaluations and the recommendations stated what they said. I told him that Jaimie insisted on starting to live as a girl right away and that she had spent the entire weekend in girls' clothes which included wearing a dress to the gala at the hospital. He saw the notation in the report that suggested she do that and nodded in agreement. Mark asked about how she acted at the gala as it was her first time with so many people dressed as a girl. I showed him the picture of her from that night. He stared for a minute in disbelief asking, "Is that really Jaimie? How did you get her to look like that?" I admitted to him, "My sisters simply did a couple of simple things to her hair and my niece showed her how to put on some light makeup, the rest is just her own body." He still couldn't believe that was Jaimie. I told him about the Friday events and how Jaimie was now a celebrity within the city of Winnisimmet. He asked about what the reactions were and I told him that the ones who were told were trusted friends and didn't say anything and everyone else just saw her as a normal girl. He was concerned about Jaimie's mental health state so I told him about the incidents, how the doctor who examined her said I had done the best thing possible for her that first night in helping her sleep and overcoming the fear of abandonment. Mark grew concerned when I said I was laying down with her. I asked him if he had any kids to which he said he didn't. I admitted that it was an old trick that I learned from my sister when she was trying to get my niece and nephew to sleep, "I was just on my knees on the floor with my head on the bed. It was an easy way of 'laying down' without actually laying down with someone, it works well but it does a number on your knees and thighs. The bigger problem was she held onto my hand so I couldn't move and fell asleep on the floor with my arm raised the rest of the night." I then showed him the bruising from her fingernails in my hand. He got the picture and it dispelled any suspicions that I was doing something inappropriate. To further dispel suspicions I told him bluntly that my sister and mother were in adjacent rooms so anything that went on could be heard easily. They were both awake while she had the episode and were witness to my being trapped for the night. I told about the incident Friday morning. He didn't react, waiting for me to finish telling what happened. He asked why I felt the need to make the visit to the fire station; I told him, "I did it to nip it in the bud. If hearing and seeing fire trucks and ambulances was causing her to panic then meeting the people who were inside them was the best way to get her to come to terms with the fear. It worked, she met them and listened as they explained everything to her and she heard direct from them they dealt with what she had happen to her every day and they were fine. She didn't have any additional episodes despite seeing them respond several times during the next two days." He took note of that. It wasn't orthodox but it worked for her. With that out of the way, I asked about Jaimie's placement. He said it was almost impossible to find her someone. All of the families are either not willing to take her on with her traumatic history or didn't want anything to do with a transgender kid. I felt myself getting saddened. I said, "I want to take her on permanently. Multiple people including both of her evaluating therapists have told me I am the best person for her, even if I am single and without a permanent job. Jaimie has done so well with me that removing her from my care might cause her to regress back to her depression or worse. That isn't including the transgender issue that she is just now facing." Mark had to think it over. He asked me, "How serious are you? Are you ready for the storm that is going to happen this summer?" I told him bluntly, "I am serious. I am serious enough to want to adopt Jaimie. I will wait as long as it takes for it to be approved but I want Jaimie in my life and as part of my family. I am ready to weather the storm; I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe and happy even if it means becoming a pariah. Jaimie's wellbeing comes first. If I have to I'll move her to another place to keep her safe, but I want her to have a permanent home with family that loves her even if it means just a dad." Mark had a huge smile on his face and simply said, "That's all I wanted to hear. I was hoping you wouldn't back out so I prepared the required forms. I'll give you a recommendation when you do finally take out the court paperwork to adopt her." I thanked him and signed off. Jaimie was my foster daughter from now on. She was family. Chapter 12: May Blossoms After the meeting with Mark, I rushed to pick up Jaimie from school. I broke the news to her in the only way I knew, by surprise. I said I needed her to read something important for me. When we got home she was directed to the table where I laid out the paperwork, showing her exactly where to read. She read, "Hereby award permanent custody to John Finn effective immediately." Jaimie reread what was said. She looked at me for signs of what it meant then finally got it. She screamed with joy, rushing to hug me while saying, "Thank you!" I called Valerie and told her the great news. She screamed into the phone in triumph. Michael wanted to know what was going on and screamed as well. With the custody issue settled the days rolled by fast for the rest of the month. The tutoring program ended without much fanfare for the kids, the trip and the evaluations wiped out two weeks of classes but there wasn't much left to cover so we let the kids know they had their free time back. We continued to attend our weekly therapy sessions and the psychologists both noted that we had changed a lot since the first sessions. We explained that the custody situation was settled; they noted that it was definitely related to becoming parent/child permanently. We were happy for the change, as were the teachers. Jaimie was doing excellent in her classes and was even helping other students improve their grades through the increased participation. May brought Jaimie's 12th birthday. She didn't want a party; she stuck to her request that I take her to the museums in Kansas City like I promised. Michael and Valerie wanted to have a small party but Jaimie wanted just the two of us to make the trip. She simply said, "I just want to spend the time with my dad." Valerie held back a tear and just said, "That's my girl." Michael was disappointed that she wanted to do something so boring but was glad that he wasn't being dragged along. Jaimie did allow them to give her a cake but she insisted that it be small. Michael was happy to get some cake, but he would have preferred to be able to get Jaimie something. She said, "You already gave me enough by being my best friend." She gave him a big hug. We smiled at that but Michael was a little embarrassed at the sweet words and attention. After the cake, we spent the evening looking through the exhibits at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art talking about anything and everything. It was the first time that we had just talked as equals with Jaimie listening to me while I listened to her. She enjoyed herself, she said, "This is the best birthday I have ever had." We left later than I had planned but Jaimie was fine with that, she enjoyed the evening and was happy that I cared enough to give her exactly what she wanted. At the end of May, I made another trip to the school to ask for time off for Jaimie, this time I had to ask for Michael as well. Ms. Albert wasn't too happy but I explained that it was due to Jaimie's previous trip that necessitated her presence there again, she was specifically requested by the graduating seniors. It was a rare request, only those with huge impacts on the school get that honor. Michael was going because I had promised him the trip and would be under the same restrictions about writing reports that Jaimie had been. He had hoped that we wouldn't go to museums but he was told we needed to go to at least one to satisfy the lost classwork with something educational. It was either that or not go and he chose to go. The kids were excited about the trip. We scheduled things so that the kids would get a day in New York and a lot of free time in Boston. Michael helped Jaimie with the packing, being extra careful to avoid touching her girl clothes which Jaimie laughed at. She joked, "I am not letting you touch my panties so don't worry about it." Michael grumbled under his breath as he threw her t-shirts and shorts into the suitcase. Valerie handled all of the logistics, renting us a car and hotel rooms in Boston and down in New York. I let my family know we were coming, letting them know that Valerie and Michael were also coming along. They didn't pry into who they were; they simply wanted to see Jaimie again. When we got to Boston Jaimie ran immediately to the twins and hugged them. Michael was looking a bit scared before Leslie scooped him up in a hug. Valerie and I just smiled as he was getting more and more embarrassed at the hugging. I introduced the two newcomers to my family and we went off to the hotel to unwind. Michael and Bryan were fast friends; they shared a lot of interests and were talking the whole trip to the hotel. Jaimie and Hannah just talked about some girl things and enjoyed the ride. At the hotel, we had adjoining rooms that were turned into a large suite. The kids wanted this kind of suite so that they could have privacy while giving us adults our own privacy, even though Jaimie was staying with me and Michael with Valerie. I didn't fully get the joke but then it dawned on me- the kiss all those weeks ago. I got flushed with embarrassment but Valerie said, "They must be hoping for something more" and gave me a wink. I blushed and stammered, she gave me a quick kiss on the cheek as a reminder. The kids were looking on and just smiled. Dinner was simple, just a light meal at my mother's house. The kids all went to play while the rest of us talked, with Valerie listening to my sisters go on and on about the twins and Jaimie and my mother asking her about herself. Valerie answered as much as she could without telling her whole backstory, which was as much as I got out of her. She mentioned how I was becoming like a father to Michael which was a ringing endorsement from her about our closeness. Valerie loved the attention while I was getting a bit uncomfortable with being put on the spot. They got in a lot of shots as my expense making Valerie laugh. The way the questions were going they had an ulterior motive but were being sly about it. Things got intense when they brought out photo albums. I slunk away and checked on the kids. They asked why I was looking odd and I told them, "They are showing pictures of me." Michael and Jaimie nearly toppled me rushing to see, wanting them to start over so they could see them all. My niece and nephew didn't say a word, just giving me a funny expression. Around 9 PM the kids started to get tired so we called it a night. The kids were thrilled that things went smoothly, Michel was proud that he finally had someone who was so much like him. They joked about the pictures saying, "You need to bring some home." Thursday was busy. We made plans to go visit some sights in the city with Michael making special requests that we visit Fenway Park and the Boston Garden. I said fine, but we also had to visit something educational and added the Bunker Hill Monument and Freedom Trail. We drove to the Fens and visited the ballpark with the obligatory stop in the team store to get Michael a cap and t-shirt. The kids love the tour and all of the intricacies shown. Jaimie enjoyed it as much as Michael did; she wasn't a sports fan but loved to hear stories and appreciated the history. Valerie just grinned and bared it alongside me, happy that the kids were enjoying themselves. We stole some glances at one another as we listened to the tour. We both blushed at getting caught by one another. The kids snickered at seeing our blushing. The trip to the Garden was a disappointment for Michael; there were no tours of the interior. He settled for visiting Sports Museum inside it, which he liked more than expected. Jaimie wasn't so interested in the museum but did like that there was a lot of history being displayed. She enjoyed the old photographs and seeing the items on display. They listened as I told them about the only visits to the site before it was torn down, Michael saying, "Too bad you didn't go more often." I could only say, "We couldn't afford it, but at least we went once." Michael tried to ask why but Valerie cut him off saying it was impolite to ask that. Instead of driving over to the Bunker Hill monument we walked. They weren't happy but it was easier on us since we already paid for the parking and it was so close it wasn't worth the drive. The kids settled down once they saw that it was easier than they thought, but being used to driving everywhere they weren't happy at walking at all. Once they were at the monument and staring up at the tall, gray granite obelisk they were thrilled that we could go up inside the monument. Valerie opted to not climb up so I was drafted by them to go along. The climb was a pain in the knees but the kids enjoyed it. The love the view of the surrounding area and loved that I was out of breath after climbing all the stairs. They took some pictures to show they had been up top, Jaimie being sure not to be in any of them so as to not have to explain her clothes to the school. The kids were winded after the monument and elected to eat an early lunch. We walked to the car and drove to Boston Common where we got some fast food they burned off their excess energy on the grass. While the kids were running around I called my Aunt Victoria and Uncle Jorge and talked with them. I mentioned I was in town and that I had some people I wanted them to meet. My uncle said he was making my favorite meal and to come over later, he would feed them some good food. He already knew about Jaimie but didn't know she was transgendered yet so this would be a big thing for her. I told Valerie about the plans and that my uncle would not take no for an answer. She started to laugh at that. She agreed and told the kids the plans. Looking concerned over hearing the news Jaimie asked if they knew, I said, "Not yet." She looked scared but I said, "He isn't typical; if he sees how much you care about me he will accept you. My aunt knows not to cross my uncle and will be nice to you or else." She felt better but I could tell she was tense. Dinner plans out of the way we started our required historical site visits. The kids weren't happy but they took in the sites and enjoyed some of the stories, even asking questions about them to the park rangers and volunteers. After the fourth site, the kids grew tired and we drove to the hotel for some rest. The day had gone by fast but left two hours for them to recover. They fell asleep for a quick nap. Before they knew it we were waking them up for the trip to my aunt's house. This would be the first chance for her to meet Jaimie and she might not take it well. Valerie and Michael were there for support, I didn't know how she would react so it was good to have them close by to help Jaimie if need be. We drove over to the house. It was a two-story wooden house split into two apartments. My aunt and uncle lived on the first floor with nobody living on the second floor. My aunt met us outside in her typical brusque manner. My aunt is not the nicest person when it comes to people. She is an older lady in her late 50s with straggly hair and a hot temper. She is very opinionated and bigoted, traits she picked up from living in the neighborhood for decades. She ushered us in and hugged me and introduced herself to Michael and Valerie. Finally, she looked Jaimie over and said she is beautiful. Jaimie thanked her as Michael and Valerie sat down at the kitchen table with my uncle. My aunt's good nature didn't las long, though. Taking a deep breath I told her about her Jaimie's gender situation. She immediately let loose a string of insults that made Jaimie cry, rushing over to me for support. In no uncertain words, she said, "She is a he? What the hell are you doing to him letting him dress like that? Are you out of your mind? Are you trying to make him gay?" Jaimie was hysterical. I looked over at Valerie and nodded; Valerie took hold of Jaimie and led her to the kitchen while I had words with my aunt. My aunt looked me straight in the eye and saw something that she hadn't seen in years- my uncontrolled rage. She could only mutter, "oh shit" while my uncle whispered to the kids, "cover your ears." She immediately stopped and tried to apologize but it was too late. She got the fuse lit and it was about to explode. The one thing my family knows never to incur is my rage, only a few have had to endure it and when it comes out it comes out hard, fast, and unstoppable. She had made my DAUGHTER cry, had insulted her, and had rejected her. All Jaimie had done was say, "Hello." She stepped out of line and it was time to pay. I was fuming at the ears and for the first time ever Valerie and Michael saw me angered and outraged. They were a mixture of fear and concern with Valerie trying to talk me down but it was too late. Taking a second to collect my thoughts I countered with, "You know I love you and you know I am the only family member who hears the stuff coming from your mouth at times but before today you were talking about others. You stepped over the line; you weren't talking about a neighbor or one of the distant cousins you love to put down, this time you were talking about a child. "You were talking about MY child. Someone who is now YOUR FAMILY. SHE is the best thing to ever happen to me and SHE is suffering. SHE took courage to tell me what was bothering HER and SHE doesn't deserve to be insulted for having the courage to be HERSELF. If I ever hear you say anything bad about HER again I will make sure your life is a living hell. "I own this house. I can sell it and boot your butt to the curb. I am willing to do anything to ensure that Jaimie is protected and if it means cutting you out of my life then so be it. And know this- SHE is already accepted for what SHE is by every other member of the family. They love HER without question. You trying to hurt HER feelings like that is going to cause you to be cut off from everyone else. They won't put up with your crap anymore. They already have had enough of it. Do you really want to be all alone without anyone to help you out? You already have stretched the family's kindness and love to its limits, I can guarantee you that this breaks it." I took a few seconds to calm down. I was shaking and hyperventilating. Valerie grabbed my hand, sat me down, and tried to calm me down. Michael was hugging Jaimie trying to protect her in case my aunt went after her. I finally calmed down enough to hug Jaimie and reassure her that she is alright. My uncle got up and gave Jaimie with a hug. He dried her tears and said simply, "You are John's daughter and he is my godson so you are my granddaughter." She cried into his shirt as he hugged her tight. He gave my aunt an angered look and said, "Apologize to her. No excuses, apologize." She was searching for the words to get out of it but he said bluntly again, "Apologize to her". She reluctantly did so and walked outside with her head lowered in shame. He invited Michael and Valerie to sit and eat with Jaimie, refusing to take no for an answer. I simply told them with a laugh, "He is feeding you; there is no way out of it. Enjoy the meal because he won't take no for an answer. I told you that earlier." Jaimie happily ate the plate of food while Michael and Valerie looked on. They dug in reluctantly but started to eat with more enthusiasm. Jaimie finished her plate and put it in the sink then ran over and thanked my uncle, who hugged her and with a big smile said, "You must be his daughter, you take after him in so many ways. Only he could eat that fast and have the energy to hug someone." Jaimie looked at me and hugged him again. When Michal and Valerie finished they thanked him for the food. He hugged them goodnight and said, "He never brought anyone over before; you two must be special to him." They blushed and said, "He is family to us; he is just returning the favor." They looked at me but I couldn't muster any words just a blush. Outside my aunt reluctantly hugged Jaimie and tried to apologize in the only way she could. Jaimie simply hugged her back and said, "I hope I can be a good niece even if you don't accept who I am." My aunt was fighting back her fear and kept apologizing which caused Jaimie to cry and hug back. They broke the hold and we went off. Jaimie had experienced her first rejection and still had the heart to see the good in people. Driving back to the hotel I reminded them about the first night in town. They didn't get the reference then I said, "I told you the guys cook in the family, he cooked the food and what you ate that night was a pale imitation to what he just made." They finally got the joke and agreed quickly. I said, "You don't have to be so quick to agree" which they laughed at. Chapter 13: Blossoming Love and Reputations The kids were up to something, seemingly planning something in hushed tones while I drove and continuing on at the hotel. We asked them what they were talking about only getting, "Nothing" in unison from them. Valerie and I let them FaceTime with Hannah and Bryan in one room while we talked in the other. They had a lot of fun recounting the evening. They were talking for over an hour before we had to cut them off but whatever they did was kept secret from us. Friday morning we went back to Boston for some more sightseeing without much of a plan. We saw some more sights but nothing of note. We walked along Washington Street looking at the stores and theaters then called it a day early to prepare for the night with the kids opting to spend the time preparing plans for New York or so they said. Earlier in the day, I got a message to call Louis as soon as possible. He simply was reminding me that I was needed at the high school that evening. It was an important night as it was the awards ceremony for graduating seniors and since I was a donor I would have to present my scholarships. I told him that I wasn't just here with Jaimie but had guests with me. I told him about Valerie and Michael. Louis let out a small laugh when I mentioned who they were and suggested that I take them along with me. Jaimie was specifically requested by the seniors so she had to go anyway. To my surprise, Michael wanted to see what the inside of a high school looked like. Valerie was willing to sit it out at the hotel but was dragged along because Michael wanted her to go as well. We arrived at the school and immediately Jaime had all eyes on her. She was shocked to hear that people knew who she was and more so that most of the faculty wanted to meet her. In addition to the faculty attention, some of the seniors who were in the class were going up to her and saying hello. Valerie and Michael were puzzled by all of this excitement over Jaimie. I had trouble explaining that this was due to her last visit which they still couldn't believe had occurred despite the fact that I had shown them the video before. The awards ceremony itself took place in the auditorium. It was a dark and cramped theater with 400 seats with lights twinkling and a large, "WHS" mural painted on the back wall. It was packed with about 300 people so it wasn't too hard to find seats together. When the time for the awards came Jaimie watched in awe as so many were given out to so many people. She knew there were a lot but the actual number and monetary amounts to be given surprised her. When it came time for me to give my scholarships she got the biggest shock of all when the students were calling for her to give the award for students in the history department. She grew embarrassed and held Valerie close. I motioned to her to come forward and Valerie gave her a nudge so she reluctantly came on stage. There was a huge cheer as she took the stage which made her blush. She handed the award to one of the students whom she had met earlier and exited gracefully, still blushing. I was smiling the whole time, Valerie was almost crying at the sight, and Michael was embarrassed at the attention he was indirectly getting. People started to ask if he was her brother which he didn't have a way to respond to. After the ceremony students and faculty were still coming up to Jaimie and hugging her. They told her that she was the talk of the school; everyone was talking about her for days. The talk of it being just a rumor got so bad that they showed the video of her on the morning announcements to show that it was not a hoax or joke. Many of the teachers couldn't believe a 12-year-old could do what she had done but the proof was there, complete with the principal thanking her for the assistance in class. She was surprised to hear that students in other classes were asking why they didn't get to do something like that; the teachers were still trying to find ways to top her performance. William Kelley, A reporter from the Winnisimmet Free Press started to ask questions to anyone willing what the whole student cheering and applause outburst was about. He was told the story and came over to me to allow an interview. I knew Kelley through work with Louis Reagan and he was a decent reporter but I politely declined, I said I didn't want Jaimie in the spotlight as it was a night about the students' achievements, not one child. I added, "She was only trying to observe a class and it was just an unplanned event that took on a life of its own after we left, she doesn't like the spotlight and I don't want her to get undue attention." He bought the reasoning and thanked me for my time. The only thing we could do to supplant Kelley allowed a couple of pictures to be taken. Jaimie was dressed in her unisex clothes so if this ever got back west at least she looked like she normally did but that was no big deal. He took them of Jaimie and me, Jaimie and Louis, and Jaimie and several of the scholarship recipients. Picture taking over Jaimie slinked away to the side to join Michael, Valerie, and myself on a tour of the school. Jake Bollinger granted Jaimie's request for the tour allowing her to get away from the adoring crowds. We made the usual stops that Jaimie had seen before, but we also made stops that I thought would be interesting. I showed them the classrooms and the views of downtown. For the most part, it was the usual boring stops but adding special commentary that the kids laughed at. They laughed at stories about going into the girls' bathroom by accident, stories about enduring fires and foul smells as well as the hot and cold extremes. They enjoyed hearing the fun and humiliation that we had to endure. Valerie laughed at me saying, "This is the first time you sounded so nostalgic, a lot of bad things happened but you sound like you enjoyed the place." I smiled and admitted, "I did. It had a lot of fun memories in addition to the bad ones." I made sure to stop off in the gym so the kids could see the big open space with all the unique features that the school had. The kids loved seeing the rock wall suspended balance beam noting that it had to be a lot of fun to climb both. Michel notices all of the athletic banners hanging off one of the walls. He asked if I was involved in any of them. I reminded him how badly I was at sports to which he shook his head. I told him about my sister Karen's banner up on the wall. He was disappointed that I didn't have more. I told him that I wasn't alone, my sister Leslie wasn't represented either and she was one of the most athletic people I knew. This seemed to please him. Getting into a groove I told him about by brother's accomplishments, which caused Valerie to give me a quizzical look. I nearly fainted at the realization of what I just said. I forgot I never mentioned him to them. I looked away quickly and muttered a silent "fuck" which the kids must have heard as they let out a clear gasp of shock. I never swore in front of them before so it was a first. When I tried to change the subject Michael pried. Seeing he wanted to know the truth and I couldn't win against him when he had his heart set on something I told the whole story. Valerie put her arm around me sensing that it was stressing but I told the whole story not holding back. I told about his great athleticism and records and then how things started to go downhill in his second year. I told about his drug habits and what he did to get money and how it affected everyone. The kids were shocked but listened to the story. They hung their heads in shame but I assured them that they have nothing to be ashamed of; I'd have to tell them at some point. Valerie kissed my cheek in consolation as the kids hugged me and understood. They quietly let the subject drop. We walked around for a bit then headed back to the hotel for another dinner with my family before getting ready for the next day. Saturday morning we woke up later than planned. The kids were already up and had eaten when Valerie and I awoke. They were snickering about something and let us eat while they got changed for the day. When we were done they laid out their plans. Hannah and Jaimie wanted to go shopping while Bryan and Michael wanted to stay in. They had called my mother and sisters and finalized plans while we were eating. Valerie and I asked what we would be doing and they smiled and in unison said, "be alone and have fun." They had planned the whole time to get us alone together and my own family was involved. Valerie and I tried to protest but they called my sisters who told us the same thing, they stated that we were to enjoy the day away from the kids. They wanted to spend time with the girls and the boys wanted to enjoy their own things without worrying about the girls. When Leslie and Karen set their minds to something you had to go along with it. We were trapped into a day together; we just agreed and dropped the kids off. They were snickering as we drove off, telling the twins the plan worked. Valerie and I didn't have any plans for what to do in the city. We winged it, opting to take a long walk through Back Bay along the tree- lined streets and then downtown. We window shopped at some of the boutiques on Newbury Street, enjoying the high fashion and laughing at the huge prices. I offered to buy her an outfit she was leering at but she refused. We strolled through the Public Garden enjoying the other couples and the animals swimming in the lagoon. We stopped at the Boston Common for a bit to see the crowds walking along the paths. At some point we joined hands, neither of us saying anything just enjoying the contact. I kissed her hand as we sat on a bench which she gave me a giggle and bright smile in response. With enough of the people watching done, we made our way to the waterfront and walked along the paths along the ends of the wharves. Valerie was enjoying the boats and sounds while I just smiled. At one stop she leaned against the wall for a rest and the sun caught her hair giving her an angelic look. I had to take a picture of her beauty, it was timeless. I said, "You look so beautiful in the sunlight" and before she could react I leaned in and kissed her. She didn't pull back, instead leaned in and kissed me back. I tried to apologize again but she put her hand to my lips and firmly said, "I love you. I know you love me. You show it all the time. Actions speak louder than words; you go out of your way to help me and Michael. You are so much like a father to him that he doesn't even want to call you John anymore. I know you hold back because of Jaimie and I would be the same if I was in your position. But know that I do love you. I know the kids planned this day so we would get together, they want us together as much as we want to be together." I just leaned in and kissed her again telling her, "I love you." I held her hand as we continued onward, her head on my shoulder with our fingers intertwined. I couldn't shake the image of her on the waterfront out of my head. I was taking it as a sign to do something drastic and out of character but somehow just felt right. I really did love her and now was time to show it in a grand way. We drove to a jewelry store where I asked Valerie to come inside with me. I went right to the ring counter and asked Valerie what size she wore. She gave me a questioning look but gave me the size and the clerk pulled out several rings matching the size. Valerie picked out a simple gold ring with white diamonds with inserts. I asked her what her birthstone was and she said, "Sapphire," without missing a beat. I had her try on the ring and with a perfect fit, I asked the clerk if she could have it set with sapphire inserts instead of the small diamonds. I paid for the ring and inserts and extra for the immediate service and we walked around close by until the ring was finished. Valerie was silent the whole time. She stared at the ring and me alternating back and forth until the attendant took the ring back to have it refit. Time passed slowly. An hour later we had her ring and with the ring in hand I got down on one knee and said, "I am anxious and scared but I know you are the one. I can't hold this off any longer. I hope this is able to hold your heart until I can marry you. Keep this over your heart until I ask for it again. Until that time consider it the key to my heart. Please say yes you will marry me." She had tears in her eyes and said, "Yes I'll marry you. I love you." She put the ring on her necklace rather than her finger, the same necklace I gave her for Christmas. We hugged and I kissed her lips and thanked her for being so loving and understanding. We walked hand in hand until it was time to meet with the family. When we met up Jaimie and Michael saw the ring around Valerie's neck and hugged each other then hugged Bryan and Hannah. Their plan worked. My sisters didn't say anything; they just winked and left it for us to say something. The kids wanted to pry but my sisters cut them off with a stern look, they backed off and left it alone. They were content to sit smugly knowing they planned the whole thing. Chapter 14: Beach and the Bigger City The day was busy so far but there was plenty of time left in the day. The kids wanted to go to the beach and with nobody having to work it was agreed to. It was sunny and warm and the water was reasonably warm so it was the perfect beach day. We set off for the store to get some swim trunks for Michael and a proper swimsuit for Jaimie. My mother would be staying home; she didn't like the beach but would be coming by later with our dinner. Michael wasn't happy about getting a suit and swim shirt but he agreed to whatever they got him, opting to agree rather than spend the evening in the hotel with my mother. Jaimie didn't like the outfits that were in the store but agreed on a simple blue bikini bottom and sarong wrap which kept everything hidden. Hannah did the same, saying, "If Jaimie had to wear one I would too." My sisters picked out me a suit and swim shirt for me. The kids refused to go unless I went in and wore one too. Hannah and Jaimie demanded that Valerie gets a swimsuit as well; even if she didn't swim she was going to enjoy the sun and sand. Valerie modeled the outfit for me while the others turned away, my jaw dropped and my mouth watered at the sight. She was doing it on purpose and as Jaimie and Michael looked over they giggled in glee at my reaction. The beach was its usual sandy mess. The sand was strewn with rocks and shells and the occasional plastic bottle. Thankfully it was low tide so we could sit close to the water on the compacted sand. The part of the beach I liked most was devoid of people so we could park close and had the bathrooms close. The kids weren't happy at being far away from the food places but they were won over by having the beach all to themselves. The sand was also cleaner which the girls liked but still had trash and shells strewn about. Unlike last time the kids ran right for the water. Jaimie loved splashing with Hannah while Michael and Bryan wanted to go deeper out. When they did go into the water the girls didn't swim so much as waded, the boys were more daring and went up to their necks but only when I was with them. The kids took turns grabbing my back trying to dunk me while Hannah and Jaimie distracted me. The kids enjoyed seeing me topple over and get splashed by waves which the winds were making larger than normal. Valerie loved seeing the kids play in the water, noting how I was almost another kid out there whenever I came ashore. She was talking a lot with my sisters while at the same time enjoying Michael being a whole new person. Bryan was having a positive impact on him, he was getting his aggression out while laughing and teasing the girls. He talked with Bryan about video games and sports, which he hadn't done back home. Valerie was enjoying being with people who saw her as family even if she wasn't related and being a single mother she had a lot in common Karen. They talked a lot about the kids and Valerie learned about Bryan and Hannah's problems acclimating at times in school and their friendly bond which explained a lot to Valerie why Jaimie and Michael were so welcomed and why I was so concerned with Jaimie. My mother arrived with dinner which we ate at the beach instead of at home. The kids loved the pizza and soda while watching the birds trying to steal the crusts. The kids spent three hours at the beach and fought us when it was time to leave. They were having too much fun. Michael and Jaimie were reminded about the next day and reluctantly got showered and changed. They were wound up still but fell asleep quickly. We were all exhausted from the busy day. The next day was the trip to New York. We were up early and had to get breakfast along the way. The four of us loaded up for a night's stay and left the bulk of the baggage with my mother. The kids only brought along their iPads and their cell phones. Michael received one as a gift the first night but this was the first time he took it out to use. The drive would be long and boring. There wasn't much scenery but when I made a detour to Bourne National Cemetery for a personal visit the kids got to see some of the smaller highways. At the desolate cemetery, the kids stepped out and saw a sea of flags placed in front of every granite and bronze grave marker. I told them that tomorrow was Memorial Day and this was the best way to show respect to those interred here. They asked me why we were here. I quietly I told them that we were visiting two important people and that please be respectful. They kept quiet as Valerie held my hand softly. The first stop was made to Bryan and Hannah's father gravesite. I quietly said, "You are missing out on them. They have grown so much and he looks just like you. She talks and it's like you are talking. They miss you but they are happy and healthy." We stood in silence for a moment then walked to the next stop. This one was very personal. Valerie looked at the name and silently knew whose it was. Jaimie and Michael were silent and stood firm on either side of me. I shed a tear and started, "I took a long time to get here but this time you deserve a visit. You see this delightful, you lady? She is going to be your granddaughter. If you are looking down or up at us then you know about her. I know you weren't the nicest guy towards people like her but she is my daughter no matter what. I love her and I hope that you accept it. See these two amazing people? She is the woman I love and he is the son that I always wanted. They are family and you deserve to have their presence known. I hope wherever you are you are happy and that you have done your penance. Rest in peace, dad." Jaimie and Michael hugged me as I cried. Valerie took my hand and we walked away in silence. Jaimie kissed her hand and placed it over the marker saying, "rest in peace, sir." Valerie had her arm around me saying, "You really love him as a son, don't you?" I just nodded and she kissed me on the cheek. Michael hugged my waist saying, "You are my dad, even if you aren't my real dad." Jaimie hugged Valerie's waist, saying, "You are the best mom anyone could want." I didn't plan on this being so personal but we were closer than we had been before. The rest of the drive went smoother. To cheer me up after that emotional stop Valerie and I were listening to 90s music on the radio while the kids tried their best to not laugh at us singing along to the, "oldies" as they called it. The kids were taking in the sites of the highway and being as well- mannered as possible. The trip was four hours but they flew by fast. They had their iPads and were content to watch Netflix while we drove. Valerie and I changed places after two hours so I could get a break and handle the navigating. The first signs of the city got the kids to attention. There wasn't much to see but they were awed by the tall apartment complexes that dwarfed the ones in Massachusetts. Meandering through the Bronx and into Queens they saw some of the famous sights in the distance and were drawn by how many tall buildings there were. They were so awed by the buildings that they didn't even notice that we had driven through Brooklyn and were now driving over the Brooklyn Bridge. Eventually, they calmed down and we made it to the hotel and checked in. They unwound and got themselves ready for the fun. The kids argued over where to go, still not settled despite days to prepare. Jaimie wanted the more historical sites, Michael wanted the sports sites. Valerie just wanted to see Times Square. I settled the arguments since I was the one who would do the navigating. We would see Times Square and Coney Island. We would visit the Museum of Natural History and New Yankee Stadium. We would also see an early musical tomorrow. I also said that I didn't want to waste time doing the Statue of Liberty tour so I offered a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. This seemed to please everyone so we set out. We grabbed a subway train and made our way to Coney Island for lunch at Nathan's. The subway train was crowded and dirty, the kids didn't mind the crowding as they were staring out the windows looking at all of the stations as we passed by on one of the express tracks. After lunch, the kids saw the museum and the stadium, something I forgot about but worked out in our favor. They begged us to let them see the freak show performances which we reluctantly agreed to. They liked the show and Jaimie charmed the performers while Michael was a little afraid of them. Jaimie rationalized that they were performers so they deserved some attention, Michael just shook hands and thanked them. The stadium held his interest, he liked the look and was pleased to get a souvenir. We rode the subway back to Times Square. The kids loved the light shows and watched as they danced around. They enjoyed seeing the large crowds going in all directions and seeing the traffic flow in controlled chaos. They saw the Toys R Us store and while too old for regular toys loved seeing the Ferris wheel and kids having fun. While the kids were distracted for a moment Valerie got us tickets for one of the kids friendly shows the next day and allowed for some unexpected trip in the morning in case the kids wanted one. Times Square fun out of the way we went to the Natural History Museum next, getting less time in than we wanted but enough to satisfy the kids. Two hours was better than nothing. Thankfully there wasn't much of a crowd and the crew was pleased to allow us a few extra minutes over the closing time to enjoy a couple of exhibits. Michael enjoyed it more than he let on, with Jaimie trying to get him to admit it to no avail. Michael was stoic, refusing to admit he liked learning but by the sly look, Valerie and I knew that he was lying. We walked through Central Park after leaving, getting a chance to see the famous park as it started to light up for the night. The kids were bored fast but Valerie enjoyed it. She held her arm around my waist the whole time, resting her head on my shoulder from time to time. The kids saw what was going on and got the message, we were doing this for her even if I didn't realize it. The boredom of the park took its toll on the kids and even if it was a nice gesture for Valerie the kids wanted to leave. We walked over to the nearest subway station to get dinner at McDonald's in Times Square which the kids were surprised at. The kids were amazed at the fun atmosphere of the chain restaurant. The excitement caused them to get their second wind and wanted to do more but being Sunday night there wasn't much else to do and they would need to get sleep. The reluctantly went back to the hotel suite. Monday morning we got to work visiting some more sites. Michael learned that the team was playing in town so no tours of New Yankee Stadium were possible at times that would benefit us but I said there was something else he might like. He was disappointed but tried not to show it. We rode the subway to South Ferry to get on the Staten Island Ferry. During the trip, Jaimie said she was pleased with seeing the sites along the ferry route, which gave amazing views of the harbor and of the Statue of Liberty. Michael didn't seem to mind the ferry ride as he was looking all around at the different boats in the harbor as well as the islands on both sides. When we reached Staten Island Michael saw the stadium next to the terminal and was happy to get a quick souvenir even if there wasn't any tour, he could see just about everything the stadium had from outside and was happy that I was right about seeing something he liked. We got on the ferry and stood in the front watching everything ahead of us. Valerie was afraid of the water but loosened up as she saw others doing the same. She also held me close, our hands interlocked on the trips both to and from Manhattan. She snuck in a quick kiss on the cheek, which caught me off guard. The kids saw it though, smiling at us. After the ferry ride, we grabbed the train north for our Broadway show. The show was the one thing Valerie wanted so the kids didn't argue, just went along with it. It was a generic Disney musical they were familiar with and knew some of the songs too, even if it was expanded and took some time to get used to. I just enjoyed their company, I wasn't much of a theater goer but I liked spending time with them. Valerie and I had our arms around each other the whole time. The show ended and we drove home. The kids were quiet and played on the iPads while Valerie and I talked. At my mother's home, we picked up the bags and headed to the airport for our flight back. We left with little fanfare and got through the airport faster than normal so we had plenty of time for the kids to do their reports while waiting for our flight. They hated doing them but they didn't put up a fight. It took them less time than they thought and were back to playing on their iPads while we just sat and waited for our flight to be called. We got home around 9 pm and had a light dinner, the kids were tired and turning in early. Michael thanked me for keeping my word, saying, "You are the best dad ever." He said it sleepily but it still brought Valerie and I smiles. Chapter 15: Twins Visit Valerie slept in my bed and I slept on the couch, I didn't want to give the kids the wrong impression about our relationship. It was a small price to pay to have the two of them close by. I was letting Michael's words sink in most of the night. Michael had called me, "Dad" and meant it. Even half asleep he meant it. At school the next day the kids met a lot of questions from their classmates. They saved the presentation for the end of the day and we were asked to attend again to fill in gaps. Outside Valerie got some odd looks when people saw her ring. She just smiled and acted coy while I was my usual quiet self. The other parents knew we were close but people didn't connect the dots yet. After unintentionally holding hands whispers about us being engaged started to flow through the group, whether she planned it or not I don't know but Valerie I walked off hand in hand while the others stared. We drove home to kill time before the presentation. We sat down in the living room and talked through the morning and over lunch barely noticing the time. During the course of the talk, Valerie asked me if I was done with the paperwork for the adoption. I had done the paperwork the day after my meeting with Mark in April and had been waiting the six weeks since for an answer. I told her, "I finished it and submitted it weeks ago. I am just waiting for word about a court date." She didn't seem to respond to that almost as if she was thinking about something important. She asked if I was going to move away if things go bad or if I lost Jaimie, I hesitated and started to shiver at the idea of that happening. Fighting back a sick feeling I told her, "If things get tough we might move. I don't want her getting harmed and I don't want her to become a problem for other people. She just wants to live her life, and if it means we live it elsewhere I am prepared to do so." I paused again and fought back another sick feeling. I added, "If I lose her I don't know what I'd do. I don't know if I could still live here knowing she was with another family. I couldn't live with the memories that this house and this town brings back." I asked her if she would come with us if we moved. I was serious about this, if she wasn't willing to move I needed to know. I love Valerie but my priority is Jaimie's health and well being over my own love life. She had to think about this. She had her home here, a job, and family. It was all she knew. She admitted she was reluctant to leave. I felt a sting of sadness at the reluctance but understood why she was reluctant. I said, "I love you too much to ask you to come with us. I don't want to leave you and Michael in a lurch and have people harm you as retaliation against us." She didn't say anything, I just held her close. Eventually, I told her, "If you love someone set them free, and I would do that to ensure your protection. I love you too much to let harm come and would rather live with the loss than live with the knowledge I was causing you pain." She kissed me, looking me in the eyes and said, "If you go, we go. This is not our home; our home is by your side." I kissed her deeply and hugged her. I wanted more but we had to get going or we would miss the presentation. At school, we just barely made the presentation. The kids told their story to the class. They mentioned all of the sites we visited and show a bunch of pictures. The kids believed them more this time, laughing at some of the minor things that happened. They didn't share the ones of the beach but were happy to show off New York shots. They showed a couple of pictures of the awards night and the inside of the school, retelling the stories I told them much to my embarrassment. The kids were laughing hard at the stories and looking over at me to see my cringing. Ms. Albert noticed the tans again and asked if we were at the beach, the kids said, "Yes we went to the beach and swam in the ocean. We dug for clams and hunted hermit crabs. We saw the birds fighting over scraps of food. We were there to enjoy the family time but we were paying attention to the animals on the beach but it was boring after the novelty wore off." She seemed to buy that. After they were done and school was over more parents noticed the ring around Valerie's neck. A few tried to ask about it but we weren't ready to tell others, she just said it was a special gift from a loved one. It was the truth. They did mention our tans, I could only say, "We are lucky it wasn't a burn" which got a laugh. We still went to our weekly therapy sessions, but the longer we were together the less Jaimie and I needed them. She was strong enough emotionally to have gotten over her past and was secure in my home so she didn't feel abandonment issues anymore. This only left the gender issues which were slowly becoming less of a problem as the end of the year approached. She would attend a separate session with a different therapist. Jaimie didn't mind this therapy appointment as she enjoyed the talks. My own sessions weren't really necessary. Once Valerie and I proclaimed our love I got a renewed confidence and was less anxious. She was finishing what Jaimie had started, going into a part of my personality that was buried and bringing it out to bloom. I never dated anyone nor liked anyone with more than a passing fancy, what we were feeling was something new and intense. Valerie met my therapist for part of a session so he could gauge her as a person and seemed even more convinced that she was the key to my change. Valerie also did me a favor as she watched her for a bit while I finished my session allowing Jaimie to meet with her lawyer while I was occupied. Mark was kept up to date on things. He would check in at my house from time to time and had gotten used to Jaimie wearing feminine styled clothing. Jaimie was scared at first but he assured her, "It is perfectly fine, it is what you need to do and I wouldn't stop you from being you if it meant harming you." She hugged him deeply and thanked him, going back to her homework and letting us continue the inspection and talk. He kept mentioning her change in personality. When she was with Michael during a visit he noted that she acted like other kids who had siblings, having fun but teasing and joking. They fought a little but it turned into a battle of wits, and then turned into a laugh. Mark's only complaint was that we were always at home and that we didn't socialize with others. I didn't know how to answer, just agreeing and would try to get us out more often. Valerie told him that it was hard for the two of us to do because the town kept their distance from the two of us and only socialized with us at school functions. I assured him that if he thought it was to Jaimie's benefit that we go out and socialize we would do that but we couldn't help what couldn't be helped. Mark seemed to understand. Jaimie overheard Mark's complained and took it as a sign that maybe she needed to play with more kids. We started to take Michael to his baseball practices again and helped him warm up. Jaimie stood by my side as I talked with the other parents not wanting to get away from me though. The few girls there to watch their brothers' practice were fine with Jaimie playing with them but thought it odd that Jaimie wanted to play with girls. She just said she wasn't into sports and that she would rather play whatever they were playing than just watching. This seemed to be enough for them and they played away. One of the girls, Jessica, was a quick friend for Jaimie. I remembered her from the tutoring classes as she was one of the few standouts who would help Jaimie help the others. Jessica would play tag and talk while the others seemed to avoid getting closer to Jaimie personally. Michael wasn't thrilled at us being there but he wanted what was best for Jaimie so he didn't protest. He even protected Jaimie when some of the boys were trying to tease her about playing with girls. The worst tormentor was a boy called Scott. He was the boy who had inadvertently brought Jaimie and me together twice. He was a decent student in my tutoring class but outside of school, he was a different person. Michael was targeted by Scott for being friends with Jaimie. Before the two only interacted in school and he left Michael alone but seeing him with Jaimie changed his actions. Michael usually had the upper hand with Scott and his buddies. He outwitted them by saying that, "Jaimie is smart enough to learn now so that when they were older the girls would like Jaimie more than you." They couldn't reply, the logic was too sound. It didn't help that the girls heard this and were smiling at Michael and giggling at the boys, they didn't want to make themselves look even worse in the eyes of the girls. In early June I got terrible news from my sister Leslie. Karen needed surgery and the twins were going to have to stay with my aunt for the week. This had been done in the past when my sister was too sick to care for them but she feared there would be trouble. The kids were always bored whenever they were babysat by her and there might be trouble, Hannah had trouble holding her tongue with her and Bryan was likely to pester her into kicking them out. My aunt could only hold her temper for so long and Hannah had a way of making it extremely short. As if by pure chance the school year had just ended and Bryan had me recall an earlier pledge to allow them to visit. Hannah got wind of this and used her flair for making me do exactly what she wanted to get Leslie to call me. Hearing the circumstances I volunteered to take them in for the week. Hearing Hannah and Bryan cheer I knew the real reason and told Hannah, "Nicely played, one of your finer tricks." With the plans set I told them they would have to be on their best behavior, but since it was an emergency it wasn't really a threat more of a way of keeping things quiet until then. It was enough to get them to at least try if only for their mother's sake. I called Valerie and told her the news; I was surprised that she knew about the problem already. She told me that Karen confided in her that she might need to undergo surgery and asked if the kids would be able to handle the twins being around for over a week. I felt a sting that my sister didn't tell me this but felt pride that she trusted and cared about Valerie enough to tell her. It meant that my sisters were close to her and that she was an official part of my family. She was their sister even if we weren't married yet. Time passed fast as the four of us got into a normal routine of practice and school and the occasional trip into town for lunch at a restaurant. Before long it was time for the twins to come. My sister Leslie put them on an early Thursday morning flight to which I would meet at the airport. They brought only a few changes of clothes and their school bags filled with the necessities, I told Karen and Leslie that anything they would need I would get here. They brought some of the required summer school work to keep them occupied on the plane. Michael and Jaimie were still in school so we were by ourselves for a few hours. They got a quick tour of the town and went over to the diner to eat lunch. They drew a lot of weird looks and people were constantly asking why they weren't in school, the twins were embarrassed. They were used to people not bothering to look at you unless you were the waitress or they needed something from you. While I was in the restroom they were approached by one of the sheriff's deputies who thought they were skipping school. I saw him talking to them questioning them about why they weren't in school and if their parents knew where they were. Hannah was trying her hardest to hold her tongue while Bryan was looking around for me. I made my way over to them quickly and told him what was going on informing him that our state had different start and end dates for school. He didn't believe me. I was getting frustrated and annoyed that he would not listen but thankfully Hannah was carrying school bag with her which contained a newspaper from the previous week. I showed him the picture of their 8th-grade graduation which also included a picture of them and Karen smiling for the camera. He dismissed the picture and tried to continue pestering them. I bluntly said, "If you can't accept that their school year is over I have the number of their principal and you could check, and if after that it still doesn't satisfy you then you could kindly speak with my lawyers and explain to them why you are harassing my niece and nephew while they are on their summer vacation." He politely declined and excused himself in embarrassment. The townsfolk were shocked that I had stood firm and was angered, some murmuring about it among themselves. We left the diner. The twins were embarrassed at being mistaken for skipping school and wanted to stay in the next few days instead of going out and facing the townsfolk. They did insist on going with me to pick up Michael and Jaimie at school that day, glad to finally see their "cousins" as they called them. We wanted to surprise the kids so we didn't tell them that the twins were coming. When they were coming out they hid behind the car while I talked to them. I said, "Do you guys want a surprise?" They said, "It depends on how good it is." I signaled the twins who stepped out, with Michael and Jaimie rushing to them screaming with happiness. Ms. Albert was surprised to see two new children with me. She wanted to know the story and I filled her in. She shook her head and said she understood. She asked about their schooling, how I got them so much time off. I told her the truth, "They did their full school year already, the full 180 school days. It was a light year with no snow days used. They don't start again until the end of August." She asked if they wanted to spend the day at school with Michael and Jaimie so they weren't bored at home. Bryan politely declined, he didn't want to show how he was barely ahead of them but Hannah agreed to do it for a day. She was smart and was on the verge of being a grade ahead so it would be easy for her to help the kids who were almost three years behind. The two did say that they would be glad to help the both of them with homework which knowing them they would be doing anyway. While talking with their teacher Hannah seemed to catch the eye of several of Jaimie and Michael's classmates. Bryan noticed this and giggled at them almost stumbling over seeing her. The boys tried to make a show of their masculinity by trying to fight for her but Hannah looked away in disgust. Michael tried to tell them it wouldn't work as she hates fighters but the boys ignored him. Some of the girls were swooning over Bryan. He didn't notice them, focusing on the boys with a protective glare. The girls walked over to Jaimie and Jessica asked about him. She only told them that he was the best cousin you could want, he was willing to do anything for her and never complained when she asked to play games that he didn't like. They let a collective sigh when he glanced over at Jaimie, he saw them looking at him and gave them a subtle nod as a way of saying, "Hello." Jessica asked if they were going to be dropping off and picking her up, Jaimie remained coy as she didn't want to make promises on their behalf that she couldn't keep. Friday Bryan spent the day with me just watching television while Hannah helped in school. He did some of his summer school work but mostly spent it watching television. After school, Hannah told us all about the day. The boys were drooling over her with one boy, Scott, going out of his way to make himself look good for her. The girls were respectful and listened to whatever she had to say. They were disappointed that Bryan wasn't there but understood not wanting to be in school on vacation. Jaimie was by Hannah's side the whole time. Ms. Albert told me the two were almost of one mind and didn't need to be told what the other was thinking. Michael gave them distance while hearing about Hannah all day from the boys. He zoned out the conversation after a while and just focused on school for a change. They had tests that day and the boys did better on them than normal while the girls did about the same. With a chuckle Ms. Albert said Hannah was extremely helpful, she hadn't had the boys so focused all year. Hannah just rolled her eyes, she knew why they were so focused and she didn't want to encourage them. The girls were happy to have someone closer to their age to take the boys off their backs and during recess they got some nice makeup tips from her. Jaimie remained at her side and unlike the past where the boys made fun of her for that Michael could hear the jealousy in the boys. On Saturday the kids wanted to go to the pool. It was too hot to stay indoors and the twins refused to go into town to shop or eat. The pool was the only alternative and being early in the year it wouldn't be too crowded. Jaimie still wasn't out yet so she put on one of Michael's spare swimsuits. Bryan brought his own but Hannah had to borrow Jaimie's swimsuit They all elected to wear their matching water shirts; I reluctantly had to explain to Hannah why she had to wear her top under the swim shirt, she forgot white shirts and water aren't a good combination which got the others snickering. When we got the pool Jaimie was the first into the water. Bryan and Michael took a little longer to get out of the locker room due to a needed bathroom break. Hannah had to wait in line for the showers but was out right behind Jaimie. This short delay left Jaimie alone to deal with the crowd. She was immediately surrounded by boys who were splashing her and making fun of her. The boys appeared and saw Jaimie was in trouble and were ready to rush in to her defense when I stopped them. I calmly walked over and called to the boys, "Scott, Phillip, and Jason. I wouldn't splash and tease Jaimie if I were you. You see that charming young lady coming this way looking directly at you? You guys have been drooling over her for two days, I know you see her and were hoping this would impress her. It doesn't. She considers Jaimie to be her cousin and she hates people who mess with her family and seeing what you are doing she is about ready to jump in there and protect Jaimie. I know you are decent kids and are thinking fully but I know her and if you continue she will not hold back, she will humiliate you in front of everyone here and without remorse. If she is really angry she will do something that you will not live down for years. So please, play nice." The kids stared directly at her and she gave them the look of death. She was perched at the edge of the pool ready to jump down. They backed off of and apologized to Jaimie. Michael and Bryan came over to Jaimie and gave the boys a warning glare; they backed off and started to play elsewhere. Hannah didn't go into the water. She elected to just sun herself, working on her tan. The boys in the pool were constantly ogling her but every time one tried to ask her to come in she just declined. Bryan and Michael eventually got the boys to play with them while Jaimie joined in. At first, they were fine, just swimming and splashing each other. That didn't last long as they started to play rough, trying to pull her under while Michael and Bryan were distracted. As soon as her head was under and she was struggling to get away there was a loud splash and then two boys yanked under water by their shoulders. When they popped back up Hannah was beside Jaimie, fury in her eyes saying, "go near Jaimie again and I'll yank you down by your crotches and not stop until they are ripped off. This is your only warning." The other boys stared at her and started to laugh at their friends, Hannah glared at them and they backed off a well. She stayed by Jaimie's side the rest of the afternoon, word got around to the boys in the pool that anyone who went near Jaimie, Bryan, or Michael were either going to be nice or face her wrath. The girls in the pool were swooning over Bryan. Every chance they had they would swim by him and say, "Hi," to him. He gave them a simple, "Hello" and continued whatever he was doing. They tried to play with Jaimie hoping he would get close to them through her but he was interested in playing with Michael. The girls were disappointed. Jaimie told them that he wanted to spend as much time with his cousins as possible and that even though he was ignoring them he did care that they noticed. They asked if he was coming to any other days, Jaimie could only say, "It depends on how long they stay." They were disappointed but Bryan did give them a smile as they swam away. The kids were enjoying their time in the water when something else happened that needed action. Scott, Jaimie's biggest bully was running around the pool when he tripped. His feet slipped on the edge of the pool and he flew into the deep end hitting the side of the wall as he went down. The lifeguards weren't paying attention and other parents didn't bother to get up. I jumped in after him as others just watched. The kids were stunned, unable to say anything. I grabbed him from the bottom and brought him to the side. He was knocked out but came to and asked what happened, seeing everyone hovering over him staring down at him. He was told he fell in and that I had to save him. He became embarrassed and got up to leave as fast as he could. The kids came over and asked why I jumped in after him. I told them, "even though he was a bully and at times could be a bad person he didn't deserve to get hurt for stupidity. I'd do it f or anyone; you help someone in need even if they are terrible to you." Scott's entourage looked on as we went back to where we were before, trying to decide if it was worth it to play with the kids or continue doing what Scott had them doing. They saw him gone and played with Jaimie, seemingly enjoying themselves without their ringleader and even getting Hannah to join in on some of the fun. When we got home the kids recounted the events to Valerie. She was proud of Hannah, who just shrugged and didn't want the attention. They told her about Scott and how the kids acted and she said, "That's the problem with bullies; their so-called friends aren't really friends and only follow them out of fear or their own needs. Take them away and the real people emerge." She gave me a kiss for being a hero which the kids swooned over, getting me blushing. Hannah rolled her eyes again mumbling, "get a room." Chapter 16: Trouble With A Doctor Valerie offered to make dinner, letting us get showered. After my shower, she said she had to ask a favor of me, something she had never done before. Shad a dinner party to attend and wanted me to go. My first thought was I had to accept but my second was about Jaimie and the wins. I asked about the children and was told that they were requested at the party as well. Michael came over and asked if I accepted yet, I told him that I can't deny his mother's request and let him help Bryan get dressed up. The dinner party was small, just two other people. I didn't ask what it was about and she didn't offer any clues so I just went along with the conversations. The host was a man by the name of Joseph. He was in his early 60s and looked similar to Michael and Valerie but had a different personality. He was obviously rich and powerful man. He had a large house filled with expensive furniture and decorations. Jaimie was dressed in the same dress she wore to the gala. Valerie let Hannah borrow a dress shirt while Bryan wore one of my old shirts and dress pants. Michael had a suit already laid out so he wore that. I wore a suit and tie while Valerie wore a black dress and prominently displayed her new ring around her neck. Jaimie and I asked Valerie if the host knew about her or if they would suspect her as being transgendered and she just assured me that it was fine. How he knew Valerie I didn't know, but he was a gracious host who greeted the children warmly and gave a big hug to Jaimie. Michael and he had some sort of prior encounter as he hugged him and whispered a few words to him which Michael nodded to. Bryan and Hannah shook his hand and shied away from hugs as they weren't that good around new people. The kids were shown into a side room to wait until the dinner was ready. Valerie immediately went into another room with our host's wife Evelyn. She was a short, skinny lady in her 60s but was sweet and affectionate towards the kids. Joseph pulled me aside and asked about my relationship with Valerie. Feeling intimidated at being put on the spot I chose to tell him the truth, "We are both in love with each other, I had proclaimed my intent to marry her but I wanted to adopt Jaimie first so that would no longer be an issue." He asked about my relationship with Michael and I told him the truth, "He is like a son. He has called me dad on a couple of occasions and said I am the best dad anyone could want. He has been trying to encourage his mother and me to get together for months." He asked about Jaimie and Michael and I told him about immediate closeness and how Michael was responsible for me becoming involved in Jaimie's life. I told them of their plans to get Valerie and me together and even how they planned a whole day with my family just to get us alone. He was smiling the whole time, it felt like he was fishing for something but I couldn't place it. He seemed to genuinely want to know. I was thankful that he didn't pry into Jaimie's life. He asked about the ring around Valerie's neck and I said, "I asked her to become my wife and to put it over her heart until the big day." He smiled and said, "You are a lucky man; she hasn't felt that way about anyone else in a long time. If she is doing that for you then she truly loves you." As we finished our side chat Bryan came running into the room. He said Hannah hurt herself and to come quickly. Valerie and I bolted after him as fast as we could. Hannah was holding her arm, there was blood on it running through her fingers and starting to streak down her hand. Jaimie and Michael were holding back tears, in fear that they might be in trouble. Bryan explained what happened. The kids collided when they were running in circles and Hannah's arm banged against a mantle and hit one of the andirons in the fireplace. Valerie tried to comfort Jaimie and Michael while Bryan and I took Hannah to the bathroom to wash up. I grabbed a first aid kid and washed her arm. The wound was deep enough to need stitches. I wrapped the wound in gauze pads and tape hoping this would keep it closed until we got to a doctor. We had to hurriedly thank Joseph for the hospitality but had to leave. I offered to pay for the cleanup but he refused, saying, "This was a freak accident, no need to worry about it." Valerie drove us into town to the county health center. It was the only doctor in town and given the fact that it needed stitches we didn't have time to waste. The place was a little run down with peeling, fading paint and tiles coming up all over the floor. Thankfully it was still open. I told the nurse I had an emergency. The nurse saw the wound and the blood stain and got the doctor's attention. She asked me to fill out forms while the doctor came and tell her exactly what happened. The doctor poked his head out to see what the trouble was and spotted Jaimie. Immediately he started yelling, "What is he doing in a dress? Are you nuts putting a boy in a dress? Get them out of here! I'm calling child services on you! If I ever see you again you will regret it!" Valerie was furious and said, "We have a child in need of medical attention, which is why we are here. Are you kicking us out without seeing to her immediate medical needs?" The doctor screamed, "YES I AM, get that freak and that weirdo out of here. Don't come back!" The kids were frightened; scared something would happen to them if the doctor followed through on his threats. The nurse tried to stop the doctor pleading, "please doctor don't do that, you don't want to get in trouble." He cursed at her, saying he was calling the sheriff on me. The doctor came up to me as we were exiting telling me, "What the hell are you thinking dressing him like that. You are abusing the poor boy." I could only take so much crap from someone until I lost my composure. Valerie saw the anger growing and tried to calm me but decided instead to take the kids to the car while I had my words. I turned to the and told him, "SHE is transgender. SHE is wearing HER clothes. You should know what transgender is, you are a doctor for crying out loud. Or you claim to be one because I have NEVER seen a doctor refuse to treat a patient in immediate need of medical attention for any reason whatsoever. You say I am abusing HER but you are the one who is abusing MY NIECE. I will ask you one more time, please treat my niece." The doctor was outraged at my demand. He said again, "get that BOY out of that DRESS and I will treat HER. I refuse to let you in here until HE is out of that dress." The nurse tried to get us to stay but I said, "We will be at regional medical center. If he does call the sheriff that's where we will be found. Thank you for trying to help but she needs to get this wound taken care of fast." I was starting to tremble. This was the first time in a long time that I had lost control and I was on the verge of hurting the doctor. I couldn't drive, I asked Valerie to drive because I was in no condition to do so. She said this was the most worked up she had seen me, even more so than when I confronted my aunt. It was quiet in the hospital so we were seen immediately. I was barely able to talk, just getting out a gasping, "ppplease yyyou mmust hhhelp mmmy nnniece. Shhe hhas a nnnasty ggash on hher arm", showing it to the admitting nurse. The nurse grabbed the nearest doctor so they could treat her right away. The residents who examined her arm and told me she had to have part of the wound reopened so they could properly stitch it up. I just said, "Ddo what nneeds tto be dddone" as I collapsed into a chair. I was on the verge of passing out from the anxiety attack. One of the doctors took me aside and examined me, giving me something to calm down. I tried to tell him to work on Hannah but he said, "You need help as well, so let us do our job." When my nerves had calmed enough to talk they asked why I delayed getting her there. I told them the whole story. I said exactly happened, "She was denied care at the county health center by the doctor on duty." The supervising doctor excused himself and took me aside. He was checking in on the residents when he heard the accusation. He said, "Is this true, were you denied treatment at the clinic?" Valerie stepped in and confirmed the story. He shook his head and told me, "You did the right thing." The doctor placed a call to the hospital's social services department and their legal departments and within minutes they take our statements. The social services representative gave me the all clear on my actions and assured me that I had nothing to worry about. The doctors also called Hannah's doctor in Boston to get permission to treat her, they got the OK from her doctor immediately. She also informed them that she would be contacting her mother as well as her social worker to let them know about the mess the doctor had caused. She thanked the doctor and the staff for informing her and for taking care of her patient. We were there for two hours before we were released. They sewed up the wound and bandaged it tightly and instructed Hannah on how to clean it. They gave me a cursory exam to see if I was still having my anxiety attack and cleared me as well but informed me to take it easy the next day as it could trigger again. As we were leaving the urgent care one of the sheriff's deputies stopped us and stated that he needed to speak with me. He informed me that a complaint was filed by the doctor and that he was there to take my statement to determine whether I would face formal charges. I said, "I know he did and I expected him to do that." I explained to the deputy, "What occurred was nothing more than the doctor jumping to conclusions and refusing to hear the story. As a medical professional he should have been aware of gender issues but he ignored that. Jaimie is in a dress as she is a girl and if need be I'll produce every document to show that I was following strict orders from her therapists, her doctor, and her lawyer and if there was no abuse taking place." He tried to stop me and defend the doctor but was then told to stop questioning by the hospital's staff that jumped in to defend me. The hospital lawyer in his best court voice informed the deputy, "There was no abuse, the child is transgendered and under proper care of professionals and that Mr. Finn is acting in good faith under strict guidelines set forth by legal and medical professionals. The doctor is abusing the system for his own needs and that his refusal to treat Hannah Morris for a legitimate medical emergency was the only actual abuse that occurred and that should the deputy feel the need to arrest Mr. Finn for abuse that the hospital would stand behind him as would every medical center in the country. Now do you want to be the one to tell the sheriff that or should we?" The deputy backed off and left. Valerie and I shared concerned looks and we both knew that there was going to be trouble soon. When we got home I put the kids to bed. We didn't notice it but Michael was too concerned to go to sleep so he was listening from the doorway. I was in tears. I told Valerie, "I am going to lose her. That doctor won't stop at having deputies investigate. He will come after Jaimie and I won't be able to stop him. It's my newcomer status vs. his decades of work. Blatant ignorance is going to overcome best interests of Jaimie. I can't win out." She tried to reassure me that I did everything right and all would be well but I couldn't see it. "He will find a way." She said I had done everything right and by the books, there wasn't reason to go after me. I simply said, "There are people who share his views and will gladly ignore the rights of others. I fear Mark will be involved, if not him then someone above him. This will be something that earns political points as well as fearmongering points." I tried to get her some distance saying, "please, you know I love you and don't want you hurt. I can crash and burn in this town but you don't have to. People can look at me differently and shun me and it won't bother me but if they do the same to you I fear for Michael and your wellbeing. Please, get some distance from me. Don't get involved. I don't want you two hurt. Please, I told you before that if I had to I'd let you go and I'm asking you to please go. I love you too much to let you two get hurt." I couldn't hold back any longer, I let loose tears. Valerie just put her arms around me trying to comfort me but didn't say anything. I could hear Michael in the next room moving around. He grabbed his phone and dialed someone. He was speaking in hushed tones and all we could make out was, "I never ask for anything but I need your help. Help John. Help dad. Please, I don't want to lose him. I don't want to lose Jaimie. Please grandpa." He started crying, the first time he had cried in our presence. We didn't have the heart to send him to bed; we let him finish the call and didn't mention it to him. He was crying and sprawled out on the bed alongside Bryan, falling asleep beside his best friend. Chapter 17: Trouble Monday morning we awoke to a knock at the door and a deputy handing me a court summons in regards to the custody of Jaimie McKinnon. The deputy glared at me as I received the summons and muttered, "Freak," and, "Fag," under his breath but loud enough for me to hear. The notice stated that the hearing was Wednesday so I would have two full days of shame leading up to the circus. The whole town would try to be there to witness the newcomer get accused of doing something heinous and listening to all of the dirty laundry being aired for their amusement. Valerie volunteered to take the kids to school. She could easily ignore their snide comments and accusations while Michael could endure the kids ignoring him. My problem was Jaimie. I tried to talk her into staying home but she refused. She kept saying over and over that if the doctor or anyone else said something about her being in dresses then her secret was out and I couldn't protect her anymore. It was going to come out anyway and no matter what she would not let him win by making her feel bad or hide. She was going to fight them. I tried to reason with her, begging and bargaining with her but she cut me off saying, "I won't stay home. I am through hiding." Valerie wouldn't help me; she knew not to argue with Jaimie when she had her mind set on something. I only managed, "please, just stay safe." Michael assured me he would try to protect her as much as possible and Valerie told me she would ensure that Jaimie wasn't harassed by the parents. I could only watch as they drove way, tears flowing down my face and a foreboding feeling brewing inside me. When we woke up I tried again to tell Valerie that she might need to give herself some distance from me for the inevitable uproar but she countered saying that she was used to being shunned by them so it was nothing new and I have important things to do so I must focus on them to help Jaimie and myself. She offered to take the twins with her for the day but they refused to leave my side, they didn't want anything to happen to me. They wanted to fight alongside me no matter what happened, I was not going to fight by myself. I spent the morning calling every available lawyer in town then as many in the county as I could find to find representation. Word got around fast and none wanted to represent me. As if that wasn't bad enough most of them said they hoped I lost and was sent to prison. I couldn't find anyone. I had to face the court alone, without support, and without knowing who I could trust. Around noon I got a knock at the front door. I reluctantly walked over to the door expecting the worst but it was Joseph, the host from the night before. He said, "I heard about the incident with the doctor. I heard you also got a summons and needed a good lawyer." I could only reply, "I tried everyone in the county, nobody will represent me." Joseph wasn't fazed and replied, "I don't normally work these kinds of cases but this is special. I can't deny a request from my grandchild. He has never asked me for anything before so if he is begging me to help you, then I have to help." I didn't know what to say. I didn't know what he meant. Then it clicked, "You were the one Michael called last night?" Not missing a beat he added, "Yes, while you were talking with my daughter. You have no idea what it means to me that you were willing to throw away your relationship to protect the two of them." I didn't get the connection before but now it was clear. He was Valerie's father and Michael's grandfather. He heard part of what I was telling Valerie while Michael called him. The familial relationship explained the party. We were going to become a family so he wanted to meet me in person and gauge who I was as a person. I passed the test twice not even realizing that I had done anything. My head started to clear up after the realizations. I could only say, "I am sorry you are involved, I didn't want this to happen." He shut me off saying, "You showed you care more about those kids than yourself, you are family and I protect my family. We will win this and we will make them pay." He looked at the summons and told me to get together every piece of paper I had about Jaimie no matter how small or unimportant. Everything I had was already together but he asked for more, like the certificates from the city and governor as well as the pictures from the trips and finally the names of everyone who had encountered Jaimie. He even took the DVD of the debate saying that it went a long way towards showing her as herself than words could say. We went through the entire pile and made careful notes marking page numbers and dates and who was important and who were character witnesses. We had a long list of people who needed contacting and a lot of coordination to do in the next two days but he said it was all for a good reason. He said I needed to make some important phone calls to key people. Thinking it over he pointed at the biggest name on my list, the one who was with us when we did our impromptu tour of the city- Louis Reagan. He would be the one to help us out the most. I called Louis at his office saying, "I need a huge favor from you. Jaimie and I are in trouble, the state wants to take her away. I need you to get in contact with Principals Rodriguez and Bollinger and William Kelley from the Free Press. We need them as witnesses, they know Jaimie and we are hoping that they can help show Jaimie's adjustment." He asked why they wanted to take her away and I recounted the previous night's events. I then said, "He is trying to get her removed and have me sent to jail for abuse. The hospital is backing me regarding abuse but I need people who know Jaimie to help show that she is truly a girl." I expected the worst but he said, "I'll get right on it and pull some favors; you know I'll do anything to help a kid in need especially the daughter of one of my friends." All I could do was thank him. Reagan was handling things in Winnisimmet; I had to call the doctors at New England Children's and McClaron hospitals. They listened and agreed to help in any way possible, they were as outraged at her mistreatment as their colleagues were and would fight this the whole way. Joseph had the most important witnesses he needed and left me for the day. After hanging up with the doctors I got a call from the school. Dorothy Vega told me it was an emergency and Jaimie was involved in a fight with several boys. This time it was serious, she was badly kicked in the groin and needed a doctor fast. The principal drove her to the hospital herself, not wanting to wait for an ambulance. I screamed, "Oh dear god no!" as I hung up the phone. Joseph asked what was wrong, I told him what had happened. The twins nearly fainted hearing the news, twice in the span of 18 hours someone was hurt. Joseph drove the four of us to the hospital as fast as he could. Inside we were shown to a side conference room where I heard the terrible news. The boys had hit her with enough force that her testicles were badly ruptured and needed an emergency orchiectomy. In addition, the ligaments tendons around her penis were torn and she was essentially impotent for the rest of her life. They needed my approval to perform the surgery. I could only nod and signed off as they performed the surgery. During the surgery, I was informed that Jaimie would need several days to recover and would not be able to attend school until the following week. I told Dorothy that she wouldn't be able to go back again, this was just the start of something larger brewing at the school. I already knew what the fight was about. Dorothy tried to reassure met saying now that it was known that she was transgendered she would be protected. I told her it was useless, the kids would harm her no matter what protections she was entitled to. She had just two weeks left in the year, she would never last another day let alone another week after she was cleared to attend. Valerie came by and I filled her in. She was concerned about me; I was now in a daze and was on the verge of another anxiety attack. My hands were starting to shake and I was stuttering while talking. If I wasn't already in the midst of one I was extremely close to one. Joseph took Bryan and Hannah to his home while Valerie dealt with me. Before they left I told them, "be on your best behavior. Joseph is doing you a huge favor and I don't want you taking advantage of it." They nodded in agreement, leaving without a fuss. Valerie looked me over. She saw the trembling and heard the stuttering. She authoritatively said we were leaving and ordered me to bed, getting the doctor treating Jaimie to agree. I refused to leave Jaimie though, pleading to stay at her side. Valerie was adamant that I go, she was ordering me away. She said she would come back and watch over Jaimie, I was no good to her if I couldn't hold myself together. We drove home in silence; she didn't leave my side until I took an anti-anxiety pill and sleeping pill that the doctor prescribed and was fully asleep. I woke up late the next morning to the sounds of an empty house and a knock at the door. Joseph was there with several cartons of documents. I helped him inside knowing what was inside would make or break my future. Joseph was all business. He said, "I know you are concerned about Jaimie and I am sorry that she was harmed, you tried to stop her from going to but she wouldn't let you stop her. You can't stop people from being idiots and you can't protect Jaimie every minute of the day. The doctor had powerful allies and he knew just who to let the information slip to so she would be harmed. We will get him hard, you have him by the balls on one thing and looking at the evidence I think you may have him by the neck. He won't survive as a doctor; he may not even last as a free person." He filled me in on what happened after he left. He told me that word had gotten around about Jaimie and that I was at the hospital without the twins. Someone claimed that I left them alone. A deputy went to investigate the claims and cornered the twins in the house. He demanded to know where I was and what I was doing leaving them alone. He was about to take them in when Evelyn, his wife, confronted him. She bluntly stated that they were not alone, that she was caring for them. She stated that the claims were erroneous and that the deputy had no business in the house. She said if he did not leave she would file a complaint against him. He tried to state that he would call child services on me but she said, "I am the last person you want to threaten. I am a lawyer, like my daughter and husband. I know exactly what the laws are and what you are doing is nothing but harassment. Leave now or I will personally have your badge yanked off your chest." He left as fast as possible. I thanked Joseph for putting the twins up at his house. He said, "I am doing this for family. Valerie cares a lot about them as does Michael. If they are important to them then they are important to me. My wife adores them and enjoys their presence, so it is no imposition." We got down to work. The most important thing to do was get a continuance until Friday. Jaimie was not going to be released until Thursday and they could not have the hearing without her. He told me, "I sent an immediate request for a continuance due to the medical emergency, the judge has to approve of it due to the nature of the situation." He said that it helps me more; I could get my ducks in a row and really go after them. I asked, "What about Jaimie? How could I help her if I am dealing with the case?" He had the look of a wolf on the prowl as he told me bluntly, "You make them pay. You did everything by the book inside and out and had the foresight to get her someone who was looking out for her interests so that you weren't overstepping boundaries. You did no wrong and you have all the backup any person could ever hope to have in your documents. She is not going to lose you and you are not going to lose her. So let's get at it and help her." He was fired up and it gave me some hope. He said since they are going to use this against me I had a right to know what I was up against. A package soon arrived after him containing the affidavit from the doctor, my personal medical records, Mark's notes, and Jaimie's file. I understood every other document but I was puzzled about one thing. I asked why my medical file was there. He didn't seem surprised stating, "They are going to go after your past. There may be things in there that they might use against you so take a strong look at it." He noticed that there was no police report from the sheriff's office, which he stated was going to be big. I told him that the deputy was all but ran off from the hospital when he came to get my statement, the report would have included the statement from the doctor and hospital's lawyer backing me up which Joseph stated, "No wonder they ignored it, the whole possible abuse would be thrown out if that was admitted. We have a right to that report since its public records, and we will submit it." I examined Mark's notes closely. I could see several key dates were missing. They were important dates, they were the dates that I showed him the evaluations and informed him about Jaimie living as a girl at home. Joseph asked me directly if this was true, I said it was and the proof was with Jaimie's lawyer. I recalled, "I had Mark forward every note, form, and evaluation to Jaimie's lawyer. This person should have Jaimie's complete file from before I became her foster parent until today. I have no idea who was hired on her behalf but I do know that this person has the missing parts of the file. Whoever removed them from this file doesn't know about the existence of the duplicate. If we can get those we can get the file tossed out and the real notes admitted." Joseph thought it over. He said you really were thinking ahead and covering your tracks to have done that. I simply said, "I simply said that this person needed to know everything that was going on and Mark agreed to share everything with them. I told him never to reveal who the lawyer was, only to work with that person so I was not overstepping things." He asked why they had my medical file. I said, "They are going to say I am a danger to her, that I am unfit, and that I belong in a mental institution away from people. They are going to use the fact that I am currently undergoing therapy as a way of proving that I still have the problems I had in the past and I am definitely unfit." He said all that was irrelevant and the fact that I was asked to undergo it as a way of helping Jaimie to see her own therapist spoke more to my benefit than against it. And coupled with the fact that I was no longer in need of it was beneficial to me as well. Then I mentioned that I was given anti-anxiety medication the last two nights, he stated that given the circumstances these were medically necessary and thus irrelevant. I wasn't convinced and asked how they got my file. He looked it over and thought the same, asking me if I was a patient of the doctor. I admitted, "I had never seen the doctor before Sunday night." This got his eyebrows raised and he said, "Then this file is stolen because only you can give access to your medical files without a court order and I guarantee you that this was not obtained with one." I remembered having to sign off on forms before, so I asked if there were any forms from the hospital in the file. None were there. I started to smile a little at the sheer idiocy of the situation admitting, "Someone forged my name. This hospital only transfers patient files with written requests. Whoever obtained the file did it on my behalf using my name and signature. A copy of the signature should be included in the file to show it was received." Joseph knew I was on to something and said, "I need to make some calls. This is going to be bigger than we thought. Someone is definitely going to jail now." I told him that the absolute last date that I knew the file was accessed with my permission was the same Monday that Jaimie went to her first evaluation. It could have been accessed no later than that Tuesday. That was almost two months ago. Any time after that was done so without consent. He made note of this. The phone calls took a while. Evelyn dropped off the twins and hugged me. I thanked her for looking out for them with the deputy, she laughed and said, "I haven't had that much fun talking down to someone in a long time; I forgot how good it feels to protect someone you love." I got the twins up to speed and they were angered by what they were hearing. They asked about what I meant by needing to sign off and I told them, "remember the call to your doctor when we were in the emergency room? This is the same thing. They need to access your file so they don't give you medicine that could hurt you, and can only do it if you give permission. It's their way of ensuring that only those who need it get the file, it doesn't belong to the hospital, it actually belongs to me. Someone getting it is stealing my file." They understood and Joseph simply agreed. He explained to me what was going on, "The calls were placed to Massachusetts General Hospital to inquire about my file. They said that the file was requested Sunday night by a Dr. Eliot. He provided them with a written signature form that was faxed back to them. He said that it was extremely important so they overnighted the file to him. He was asked the nature of the request and he stated it was a medical emergency and that they needed to know certain aspects of the file that I couldn't recall. He initially asked to access the file electronically and was told that my file hadn't been digitized yet." Joseph told them that they had accidentally given the file to someone posing as my doctor and that the file was about to become center stage for a legal issue. This prompted the hospital security and legal counsel to be notified. There is now an investigation ongoing in Boston regarding the theft and that the doctor is likely to face criminal charges over the incident. Evelyn figured out was happening without being told. She proudly said, "Thank goodness the digital age hasn't entirely taken over." I tried to stifle a laugh but Evelyn's heartfelt joke made me let loose. Laugh out of the way I ask, "What about the other calls?" He said they were to friends in the attorney general's office as well as the federal courts. The doctor and state attorney are in for a legal storm as soon as they are sworn in. I didn't mean to but I had tapped into a larger issue with the office that they were aware of, only this time they had direct evidence. They would investigate further and if they found the missing notes they would forward them to the courthouse then issue an arrest warrant for the guilty party. There was little else to do than prepare for the next day. Evelyn drove the twins back to her home and I drove to the hospital to check in on Jaimie. Thankfully she was awake. She had IVs in her arm and was dressed in a hospital gown. She had a bandage around her crotch and looked like she was exhausted but gave me a wide smile as I entered. I told her that I blame myself for not forcing her to stay. She refused to let me blame myself saying, "I would not listen and I told you I would face whatever happened. You couldn't stop them even if you tried; they were going to hurt me no matter what. I asked if she was feeling better and she said she was except that there was just a dull ache, "Down there." She said she knew what happened and that despite what they were thinking they helped her more than hurt. No testicles meant no male hormones, she was going to become a girl a lot easier now. The boys messed up big time. I told her that we were going to have to go to court on Friday and that there is a strong chance I might lose her. I could barely get those last few words out before choking back tears. She tried to say, "Nothing will happen," but I said, "It might, and I need to prepare for the inevitable." I told her that when she is released on Thursday I was packing all of her clothes, boy, and girl. She didn't want me to and said she would not leave me but I told her we must prepare just in case. I was fighting back tears again and couldn't last much longer before I broke down completely. I kissed her and let her relax, telling her I'd be back tomorrow. She fell asleep as I was leaving. Valerie gave me space, not letting Michael come over at my request. Michael was taking Jaimie's assault harder than anyone. He felt responsible for not protecting her and wouldn't see her in the hospital despite Jaimie's requests to see him. The twins were still with Joseph, keeping busy by helping Evelyn cook and clean. She comforted them, offering them space when they needed time alone but keeping a close eye on them. They enjoyed her attention; they rarely see their paternal grandmother so having someone who was like one was a joyful experience to them. Wednesday I spent the whole day with Jaimie. She was bored and was trying hard to keep me occupied more than I was keeping her busy. She sensed the problem within me and tried her hardest to comfort me. She knew I was on the verge of a breakdown and kept trying to comfort me as best she could, remembering how I was when she was after her PTSD episodes. Late Wednesday Michael visited her at his mother's insistence. He tried to keep his distance, not wanting to hurt her. He was tearful, telling her that he blamed himself for not being able to protect her. She comforted him, kept telling him he couldn't be her big brother all the time. Thursday Jaimie was released from the hospital. She was still sore but she held her head high refusing to let people get her down. The staff saw her out. Several doctors were saying they would be there for her tomorrow to help her win. They told me that they were going to rip the doctor a new one, he messed with the wrong kid and they wanted payback. Jaimie was proud that she had supporters who cared so much about her. I was still a nervous wreck but Jaimie held onto me to support me. Valerie drove us home. We met up with Joseph who dropped off the twins. I thanked him for housing them for the past few days and he said, "They were angels; Evelyn enjoyed their company a lot. She was happy to have someone home after so many years." The twins thanked him and then hugged Valerie and Michael. Valerie and Michael gave Jaimie a hug then left us alone for the night. If this was to be our last night together I felt that it should be Jaimie and me with the twins as reluctant company. The twins let us have our own time together even if they were still in the house, letting Jaimie and I cry and hug. Friday morning I prepped the twins hoping they would not be called to testify but knowing they would want to do so to support Jaimie. They refused to dress up; they would wear their normal clothes. Court or no court they were not going to dress up for the farce that was this trial. Bryan and Hannah both wore jeans and t-shirts. Jaimie put her foot down for the first time. She refused to wear boys' clothes or a suit to the courthouse, demanding to wear her sundress and demanding to wear her hair girly. Jaimie would be making a statement by wearing the dress, she would not hide who she was anymore and I couldn't stop her even if I wanted to. Hannah helped her put on makeup, she then put some on herself. We met Michael and Valerie. Michael refused to dress up either. He wore matching t-shirt and jeans just as the twins were wearing. They stated that, "We are going to wear the same outfit to show we are family, nobody is going to tell us otherwise." Valerie was wearing a suit, I asked her why she was wearing one and she said, "You will find out. Now is not the time." She was carrying a briefcase, keeping it close to her so I couldn't see what was inside. I averted my eyes when she got in the car so I couldn't see the contents; whatever was in there was not for my eyes and was important to her. Chapter 18: Day In Court We drove to court in silence. Jaimie tried to reassure me that whatever happened, she would always love me and be thankful that I helped her when nobody would. Every time she talked it made me feel worse and worse, she was optimistic but I was always expecting the worst to happen even in the best of times. Valerie and Michael drove behind us, they were going to come no matter how much I pleaded with them not to. Michael said he didn't want to lose me and Jaimie and wanted to be there to say goodbye just in case. Valerie was silent, not saying anything and not looking at us. She had something on her mind and was focused entirely on it. Inside the kids were ushered into a side room, they were not going to be allowed inside the courtroom and would see it all on camera. A deputy was with them at all times, as was a social worker. Nobody would be allowed inside without the approval of the judge. The twins tried to come with me but I told them, "Stay with Michael and Jaimie. They need you. I know you two and I know you won't hold back, I don't want you to hurt anyone on my behalf. Please, just stay with them." The hugged me and joined the others. Valerie excused herself while I met with Joseph. He had all of the files and had his witnesses standing by. He also said that he had a surprise for the court, that I would appreciate it when it was sprung. I asked about Jaimie's lawyer and whether she or he would appear and he said, "She is already here; she is meeting with her client as we speak." I gave him a puzzled look but he said, "All in good time, now let's go kick some butt." Joseph saw who was the state's attorney and glared. The man was tall, skinny, well built, and sporting an expensive suit and plastic smile. His name was Lance Jones. Seeing him standing in the courtroom Joseph muttered, "It makes sense now." I asked what this was about and he said, "He's the sperm donor. This isn't about Jaimie it's about you. He knows he can't beat your evidence so he is going to humiliate you and make you into some sort of freak." I didn't follow, but he continued, "He is Michael's real father. He abandoned Valerie after he passed the bar. He used my reputation to earn a good paying job. When Valerie told him she was pregnant he brushed her off, dumping her on the spot. He refused to acknowledge Michael as his child and has ignored them ever since." I asked what I had to do with this. Joseph bluntly said, "Word got around about your engagement. He is jealous that she gave her heart to someone else and is using Jaimie as a way of getting you two separated. He is going to try to make a move on Valerie soon, likely right as she comes out of her meeting." There was strong resentment in his voice; this was going to be a lot more personal than it already was. I hoped that Valerie had the strength to resist him. She knew I wanted her to get distance from me but I had a new fear that she might not be able to resist old urges and join up with Jones. Looking over at the guy I could see some features that Michael had but it was only slight, Michael took his looks from his mother's side of the family. Michael would be a looker when he grew up, but I was grateful that it was Joseph that he was going to look like not Jones. Coming back to reality I shook my head and simply said, "He missed out on a wonderful boy. Valerie deserved better than that scumbag." He slapped my back and said, "That's why Valerie and Michael love you, you care more for others than yourself." We fell silent as the judge walked in. The court was in session. The honorable Judge Mitchell was presiding. He stated that this was supposed to be a simple custody hearing over whether or not I should continue to be allowed to have custody of the girl who had been placed into my care just two months before. This wasn't the situation; this was being turned into a spectacle for the town. The judge called the court to order. He was handed a note from the clerk then called both lawyers to speak with him. Jones argued vehemently against something but Judge Mitchell shut him up fast. Judge Mitchell made an announcement for the record, "Due to the short notice and distance, multiple witnesses are going to testify before the court via live video conference. The County of Suffolk, Massachusetts has graciously allowed the use of one of their courtrooms, judges, and court officers. All witnesses, in this case, will be sworn in two jurisdictions and all testimony will be usable in both jurisdictions. Anything said in Missouri will be used against you in Massachusetts and anything said in Massachusetts is usable against you in Missouri. You may proceed, Mr. Jones." Jones was hamming it up for the judge trying to win him over before we had a chance to speak. He knew this was a one of a kind case and that the judge was out of his league and that he could get away with accusations and statements that would get him tossed out any other time. He played up the ethical issues and tried to make it look like what I had been doing the past months as illegal and immoral thus justifying destroying our family before we could make it official. I sat ready to go toe to toe with him over his claims, holding back trying to respond while formulating my counterattacks. Joseph assured me that this was nothing and since I had been smart enough to bring with me every document, correspondence, notice, bill, and statement I had just in case I needed them I would win easily. Jones whipped the gallery into a frenzy against me as he ended his statements. The judge called the court to order. He addressed me directly. He stated that this was supposed to be a standard hearing but in light of recent developments the state was going to take direct action instead of doing it by a simple review. The judge thanked the state's attorney for his opening statement the stated that he wanted to know the whole story from my point of view. I told him all I could. I rehashed all of the events of the past year, leaving out some of the private details about me and Valerie. I showed every picture, every award, every honor Jaimie had earned as thanks for her work and suggestions. I showed every doctor's report, every piece of evidence that what I was doing was right and within the guidelines set by professionals. I even submitted the DVD of her debate to show how she was a changed child. I was on the verge of tears when the judge thanked me for my testimony. Joseph gave me a nod saying, "You did everything you could; now it's up to Jones to prove his case." Jones composed himself and called his first witness, Dr. Eliot. The doctor moved through the courtroom with an air of righteousness. He was sworn in and Jones started his questioning. "Doctor Miles, how long have you been practicing medicine?" "20 years" the doctor replied. He then went on to list his employment history and his accolades. This made some impressed but we weren't. Jones goes on to ask about the night in question. "Describe what you saw, in detail if you please." The doctor began his spiel as I sat back cringing at all of the garbage he was spewing. He then told what happened after we left, "I decided that the man was in the wrong and called the sheriff to take the kid away from him. I gave my report to him and got the man's name from the form the man was trying to fill out when the argument started." The gallery was appalled by what the doctor had said. Jaimie was outed as transgender. Whispers about my motivations for having her started to fly as did the claims of me being gay, tried to rape her, and so forth. It was getting hard to focus on the doctor when I remembered something he said in the clinic. He said, "That boy" which meant he knew Jaimie. If he knew her then he was likely responsible for her not receiving help for her mental health problems. I scribbled a note to Joseph that said, "Ask about how he knew Jaimie was born a boy." Joseph gave me an odd look then I jotted down, "No mental health help under him" Joseph got the picture and grinned. Turning back to the front Jones said, "Doctor, did you refuse to treat that girl or did Mr. Finn remove her from your care before you could treat her?" The doctor quickly replied, "He removed her. I had every intention of treating her, that is once that boy was out of those silly clothes." With that Jones simply said, "No more questions" and let Joseph go to work. Joseph went right at him. He asked immediately, "How did you know that Jaimie was born a boy?" Dr. Eliot wasted no time in responding, "I have been his doctor for four years." Joseph grinned. He walked right into our trap. Joseph asked, "That was before her parents died in a horrific car crash and Jaimie was in a coma for while?" Dr. Eliot said, "Yes" but had a look of distaste on his face. Joseph went after him again, "Doctor, did you read the recommendations regarding Jaimie's aftercare?" Dr. Eliot admitted, "I read them and I told them they weren't needed. The kid was fine. He didn't need a shrink. He was fine." Joseph asked again, "So the pediatricians and hospital staff at the trauma center stated that Jaimie needed psychological help in dealing with the aftermath of the crash and you on your own free will told her new foster parents that she didn't need it?" Dr. Elliot proudly said, "Yes." Joseph had a grin on his face then asked the obvious, "Do you have any training in psychology?" Dr. Eliot stated, "No." Joseph had him in a bind. He finished this line of questioning with, "So you are saying that you have no psychological training yet stated to Jaimie's foster parents that Jaimie did not need any psychological help to deal with the aftermath?" Dr. Eliot was getting angered. He loudly said, "I don't need any training to know that the boy was fine and didn't need it." Joseph had him. He went after him further, "So you are telling me that the trauma center staff, two doctors at the regional medical center, and two leading psychologists at two of the top hospitals are all wrong in their written statements that Jaimie McKinnon needed psychological counseling, all because you, Dr. Elliot, without a minute of psychological training or experience, claim Jaimie did not need?" Dr. Elliot shouted, "YES! They are wrong! That boy did not need any help!" Joseph shot back, "And based on what, your own gut feeling? We should take your word over their years of experience and knowledge in the field?" Dr. Elliot again should, "YES!" which got the judge banging his gavel. Joseph had made his point. Joseph changed his line of questioning. "Doctor how familiar are you with transgender individuals?" He simply replied, "I don't believe in that garbage. You are either a man or a woman, and you are going against nature to be another gender." This got Joseph in a groove, going back and forth to the doctor. "Doctor, is that your opinion as a medical professional or as a person?" "It is my opinion as a medical professional." "Have you ever actually read up on the subject or had a patient who was transgender?" "No. And I do not intend to treat one either." The judge looked a bit disgusted by his statements. The doctor was in a bad spot with the judge on two fronts. Joseph started in on him with a fury. "So you are saying for the record that you have no knowledge of it, and you are purposely ignorant of it?" "Yes, I refuse to even research it." "So if someone were to come into your office, say they were another gender and want treatment, you would refuse to give it?" "Yes." "Then you are saying that you are not only unfamiliar with it, you refuse to research it, or even acknowledge it, and you would also refuse treatment for it?." He didn't respond. Joseph stated, "Your honor, I demand that the doctor answers the question." The judge said, "Answer the question doctor." Doctor Eliot said, "I know that you are either male or female and no matter what you try to do you cannot become the other gender." Joseph had him. "Then you have no answer to that, you can't answer that. You have no medical basis for the claim, it is not, in fact, a medical basis it is your personal opinion. You have allowed your personal opinion to overrule your medical training and are willing to go against everything that it means to be a doctor by refusing to treat a patient." The doctor refused to say anything, ignoring the statement glaring at Joseph angrily. Joseph continued on, "Having shown that your personal opinions overrule your medical professionalism I ask if you would then refuse to treat someone who was with someone who was transgender?" "I would want that person removed before I would treat that person" "So you would violate the rights of a patient by refusing prompt and necessary medical treatment because you have your own opinion about someone else?" "Yes." "Then doctor, you are saying you would violate not only the rights of a patient but the law because you refuse to believe that a person can be transgender?" "Yes." The doctor's reply brought the gallery to an uproar. The doctor had broken a cardinal rule of being a doctor in that he had openly admitted he would refuse to treat someone in need. He also admitted that he had broken the law in his refusal to treat Hannah. The doctors realized his mistake and tried to leave the courtroom. A piece of paper was handed to the judge. He looked it over twice and had a few words with the court officer. The judge then stated, "Doctor Eliot in light of your testimony you are hereby detained. You have admitted to committing a crime in court and thus pending an inquiry by the state you are to be detained until such time as charges can be brought." The doctor tried to resist but seeing handcuffs he stopped. After watching the doctor being detained Joseph started speaking again. "Your honor in light of the testimony of the doctor I am calling two rebuttal witnesses. The first is Doctor Schilling who was the attending emergency room doctor and the second is Doctor Myers, the resident who initially treated Ms. Morris in regional medical. Both have signed sworn statements about the wound and the lack of treatment by Dr. Elliot required minor surgery to be performed to properly close it. In addition, they are testifying that after discussing with hospital legal counsel the doctor's actions are in fact tantamount to verbal assault on Ms. McKinnon and physical abuse on Ms. Morris and that the hospital has already placed two complaints with the state's licensing board as well as with the county prosecutor's office." Judge Mitchell agreed, Jones tried to object but since it was his own witness who opened the door he had to allow the witnesses. Jones swore under his breath and stared at me angrily. Doctor Myers testified that I brought Hannah into the emergency room and collapsed from an anxiety attack. The doctor stated that I was barely able to speak after the argument and that I needed to receive an anti-anxiety pill to calm my nerves. Described the treatment of Hannah's wound and that the delay caused by Dr. Eliot caused her more pain and suffering than was necessary. He stated that I was adamant that they treat her first and that I would not take the medicine until they examined her. He added that he saw Jaimie in the dress and did not think anything of it and that if she was undergoing treatment for gender dysphoria as per her therapist's recommendations then this was not abuse but actual treatment. Doctor Schilling stated that he observed us entering the hospital with Hannah wearing a bandage. He stated that I was barely coherent and that I was on the verge of a panic attack. He listened as Valerie told Doctor Myers about the delay in care. He took me aside and tried to treat me while they worked on Hannah. He prescribed the anti-anxiety medication so that I would be able to calm down and tell the story. He called for the hospital social services and legal department to come to the location so we could tell the story. To our benefit, he stated that he informed the deputy as we were exiting that there was no abuse and the only actual abuse was done by the doctor who refused treatment. He stated that the transgender issue was a moot point as Jaimie was receiving treatment for the disorder and that she was wearing the dress at the advice of her therapist and that doing so was treatment and not abuse. Jones tried to object several times but was overruled. He stated that the doctors were stating hearsay and not actual witnesses. Joseph stated that, "They are eye witnesses to a claim that is before the court. They directly refute the claim of abuse. After speaking with legal counsel they affirmed that it was not abuse and that the only abuse there was being conducted by Doctor Eliot." The doctors were dismissed having provided the court with damaging testimony Jones tried to continue on his anti-transgender road and called the nurse at the health center. "Ms. Riley, can you describe the event in question." She started her story reiterating what the doctor had said but added, "The doctor said he was going to call the sheriff on them and that I should just toss the file in the trash. He said that the man was a psycho dressing that boy up in a dress. He said he would show him a thing or two about medicine." Jones asked, "Did you do anything to stop them from leaving?" "I did, I tried to reason with the doctor but he wouldn't listen. I tried to get them to stay but they said the doctor made his point and that it was better to go to the regional hospital. I said the doctor knows he is wrong and risks getting in trouble but that didn't stop them. I noticed at this point that the man was starting to have trouble speaking and was shaking as if going into a panic attack." Jones was losing at this point. He tried to turn things on her. "What do you know about the child in question?" "I knew the child from working as a nurse in the school; I helped patch Jaimie up many times after getting into fights with the larger kids. I could see that the man was sincere. He had made a change in Jaimie over the past two months since her last fight and that the child was clearly not in any trouble and not being abused. I tried to stop the doctor but he just wouldn't listen." Jones said no further questions and let Joseph have a go. Joseph saw an opening and exploited it. "Nurse Riley, how long had you noticed changes in Ms. McKinnon?" "She started to change as soon as Mr. Finn started his tutoring program, from talking with teachers and parents they stated that she was one of the best in the program and her work was the talk of the school. Once she moved in with Mr. Finn she was an entirely new person, being more outgoing and enjoying school. She also was never in my office anymore; in fact, the last time was the afternoon she was taken in by Mr. Finn and her social worker." Joseph continued, "Did you notice anything unusual about Ms. McKinnon while in school, anything that would show that there was a gender issue going on?" "yes, I noticed the clothes were a little different. She wore more unisex cuts and colors and her hair was styled differently. After seeing her in a dress that evening I finally connected the dots which is why I tried to stop the doctor." Joseph continued, "Are you familiar with transgender individuals?" "Yes, I have to keep up with new, more modern medical issues for school and the clinic. Despite the doctor's old fashioned style we who work in the schools still have to be up to date on new things because if we aren't we risk violating the rights of the students and that would, in turn, put the school in jeopardy of being sued." "So you were aware of what Mr. Finn was trying to explain, yet the doctor would not hear of it?" "Yes, he ran off a person in need of help because he did not want to listen to reason. I am just glad that poor girl wasn't more seriously harmed, I genuinely wanted her to get treatment and tried to call to see if she was OK at the hospital but was not allowed to know due to privacy rights." Joseph was pleased with the turnaround. He proudly said, "No more questions your honor, Nurse Riley thank you for your testimony". Jones sulked in his chair. His second witness had backfired. Regaining his composure he stood up and started his next attack. He had a thick folder that was marked, "Social services" which we knew to be Mark's file. He started to read the previous statements in the report, going on and on about Jaimie's actions. He started in on me as if I wasn't there and tried to paint me as someone who manipulated and transformed a child into something else by claiming she had a medical problem that nobody else had seen and that I created it to get her into dresses. He tried to show that I was a manipulator and that I was actually harming him by making him into something he wasn't. When he finished his tirade he submitted the file as evidence and the judge looked it over. I looked over at Joseph and nodded. Jones made his third mistake and this one will cost him dearly. Joseph got up and asked that the court makes note of several issues with the exhibit. He pulled out the notes I drew up and went over them page by page showing that there were pages missing from the file. Jones looked on sensing trouble, trying his best to look like he was still in control. He looked over at me again and I mouthed, "gotcha". Judge Mitchell demanded to know what was going on. Joseph with a look of anger stated, "The state is offering up tainted evidence. Multiple pages are missing from this file, all of which are key to the defense of my client. We have copies of the original on hand courtesy of Jaimie McKinnon's lawyer. Each of these pages was copied directly by Mark Sylvester from his file and should still be in this file. As you can see your honor, they are not." The judge looked at the markings and the notes and put the puzzle together. Joseph continued on, "I spoke with the state attorney general's office and had Mr. Jones' office searched. Within Mr. Jones' office were multiple pages from this file, locked in his desk in a folder marked 'private files.' Your honor, not only did Mr. Jones offer a falsified document as evidence he tried to hide the real evidence. I ask that this file is removed from the record and the testimony regarding it be stricken." The judge agreed pending confirmation that it was falsified. Valerie came into the courtroom and addressed the court. She introduced herself as Jaimie McKinnon's lawyer and that she is offering on her client's behalf the entire file. The pages were shown to the judge, which matched the exact missing pages and therefore should be used as evidence. Judge Mitchell looked over both files and noted the discrepancies. He noticed what was written on the pages and asked that Mark Sylvester be called as a witness to verify the file and the notations. Judge Mitchell looked down at Jones. He advised him to not leave the courtroom under any circumstances. He stated that the state would be wise to consider charges against him for the attempted deception and had the testimony regarding the file removed. He then had the full file that Valerie submitted placed into evidence. Mark had come into the courtroom just behind Valerie and took the stand when the Judge was done berating Jones. Mark offered the events that took place in his office, "The file was seized on Monday by Mr. Jones who stated it was being taken in conjunction with an investigation into Mr. Finn. I asked if he was going to return the file after photocopying the contents and he said he would retain the entire file and any and all relevant documents. He was unaware that Ms. Johnson had copies of the entire file in her own file." The judge asked, "Why were there two copies of the file?" Mark stated, "Mr. Finn told me that on the advice of counsel he had hired a lawyer for Ms. McKinnon to oversee her lest he oversteps himself, therefore, allowing her to have legal assistance to ensure that her best interests were being taken care of. Ms. Johnson contacted me several days after the initial meeting with Mr. Finn. She introduced herself as Ms. McKinnon's lawyer and asked for all pages of Jaimie's file and asked that any new pages be forwarded to her for her own copy of the file. Mr. Finn stated that he had asked when counsel was retained that the lawyer is given every file and paper so that he or she was up to date on everything. She was complying with this in asking me for copies. Mr. Finn only asked for the copies to be made so that should anything happen to the originals there would be a backup copy in safe possession, which as you can see came into play today." Joseph asked about the file that Jones submitted. Mark looked the file over and said, "I can see that multiple pages were removed from the file and from the contents of those pages they all dealt with statements by Mr. Finn regarding Ms. McKinnon's evaluation results and subsequent treatments as well as the notice that she would begin wearing clothing full time after school and at home. I kept my copy of the doctor evaluations in a separate folder alongside other documents so those were never seized by Mr. Jones." The judge asked if he still retained the documents and Mark produced them. He stated that these were identical copies of the files that I had already submitted to the court in my earlier testimony and that were within the file that belonged to Ms. McKinnon's lawyer, Ms. Johnson. He was excused with thanks. Chapter 19: Tide Turns Jones didn't have any other witnesses to produce so he started to go on the offensive against me. He produced a large medical file with the words, "Massachusetts General Hospital" on it. He began to list some of the events of my life that I had spent years trying to forget or recover from. My therapy referral and subsequent hospitalization for mental health evaluation. My referral to special education when I entered the 5th grade. My diagnosis of being autistic. My time taking anti-anxiety medication. Every detail of my medical history that he could find to make me look bad was aired. He went on and on that, I was unfit to be a parent and that the state made a huge error in allowing Jaimie to be placed in my care in the first place. He particularly loved harping on about my anxiety issues, stating, "Someone who has such problems being around people is bound to harm someone vulnerable." He was hamming it up when the judge told him to get to the point. "My point, your honor, is that Mr. Finn is completely unfit to be a foster parent let alone the adoptive father of Jaimie McKinnon. If he is allowed to retain custody I fear for the child and the safety of others." The judge didn't offer a reply, waiting for Joseph's reply. Joseph did his best to hold back his anger. When Jones was done he simply said, "Your honor, I ask that this record is tossed out as evidence and all statements made regarding Mr. Finn taken based upon information obtained from the file be stricken from the record. Mr. Finn's medical record is stolen property. This file was illegally accessed and obtained by none other than Doctor Eliot." Judge Mitchell demanded that he back up his claim immediately. Joseph continued, "We have evidence that Doctor Eliot used his fax machine to send out a falsified request for the file to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. I have here the request that was submitted by the doctor, I also have the sworn statement that he has no rights to access this file and that Mr. Finn gave him no such permission." Jones jumps up and screams, "Objection your honor, we have the written request!" Joseph asked then that the request then is placed into evidence and that I am allowed to examine it. He agreed. I burst into laughter at the form. It didn't even look like my signature. I looked up at the judge and proudly stated that it was a forgery. The judge did not take the charge lightly. He demanded proof that it was a forgery. I opened up my wallet and brought out everything I had that had my signature on it. I produced several copies of expired state identification cards and my passport card. I even produced my old selective Service card and my social security card. Each contained various forms of my signature but not one looked like the signature on the form. To show the judge that I was serious about this I even signed a piece of paper several times in various long and short forms of my name to show that I couldn't possibly sign the way it was signed as my penmanship was simply too messy and agitated. With the signatures a clear forgery Joseph then informed the judge that the doctor had no right to even request my medical records in the first place as I have not been a patient of his and to even have in his possession any part of my records is possession of stolen property. I stated bluntly to the judge that I have not had an examination by a regular medical doctor in nine years, as the records clearly indicate. I stated that the last access to that file would be in April when I started therapy at Jaimie's request. At no point in my year in this county did I have an examination by a regular doctor especially not Dr. Elliot. Jones couldn't say a word; he quietly asked that the records be withdrawn. Judge Mitchell asked if there is a way to verify that the doctor had initiated the request, to which Joseph stated he had two witnesses who could testify to that that were awaiting their turn on the teleconference feed in Boston. Dr. Eliot again tried to leave but was held in place by court officers, this time having handcuffs placed on him. Judge Mitchell stated that the doctor was to be removed to a holding cell as he has shown that he is incapable of staying put. The crowd started to complain again as Dr. Eliot was hauled away. Jones could only sit down and rest his case. We would be up next and we needed some time to get our witnesses in order. Joseph asked for a recess which Judge Mitchell granted. Judge Mitchell then went about ensuring the connection to the court in Massachusetts was active and the witnesses and court officials were ready. The kids were fed lunch, with Valerie checking in on them. Valerie relayed that the children wanted to testify at the end, not wanting to leave without their voices heard. I told her not to let the twins testify, that I did not want them involved. She nodded but told me, "They told me they knew you would say that and they are going to do it anyway and if you didn't like it too bad." Judge Mitchell heard what I said and nodded at me, then said he was denying the request. Valerie was in full lawyer mode and stated that as this was a hearing for Jaimie's rights to have me as her father she had a right to make her opinion known and the children had a right to testify as they were direct witnesses to the entire case and that denying them a chance to testify the judge was leaving this case open to an immediate and winnable appeal. He reluctantly agreed to let them testify at the end. Before she left the courtroom Jones walked over to Valerie. He looked right at me and then at Valerie and started to talk with her. He tried hard to keep his voice low but Valerie was visibly sick. Jones was trying hard to make get her to talk to him but after a minute of his pleading, Valerie snapped at him. Jones didn't take the hint to leave her alone. Valerie loudly and with fierceness I hadn't heard before told him, "You have some nerve trying to sweet talk me. You dump me when I told you I was pregnant with our child. You refuse to acknowledge his existence and spread rumors that I cheated on you and he was some other guy's child. Now you want me to leave the man I love who is 1000 times the man you could ever hope to be. And doing so while you are on the verge of going to jail! Get lost. I love John and I will marry him as soon as he wins this. Don't ever try to contact me again, don't ever try to claim my son as your child again." The gallery heard everything and Jones saw the look of anger, disappointment, and disgust among the crowd. Valerie needed a minute to collect herself but I leaned in and told her, "I am proud of you." As Valerie collected herself Joseph and I had a word in private. I asked who he had scheduled and he said flatly, "Anyone who had met Jaimie in Boston. Apparently, word got around that Jaimie was in trouble and they wanted to help. We have several dozen people wanting to testify on her behalf. They know about her gender status and they still want to help her." I couldn't respond, a lot of people wanted to help and I was powerless to help her. Valerie slipped into the room and asked if I was alright. Joseph gave us a minute alone, slipping out the side door. She asked if I was angry with her over keeping the secret. Her head was held low and she couldn't look me in the eyes. I hugged her deeply, kissing her cheek. I couldn't hold back. I said, "They chose the best person possible, someone who could look out for her interests from right beside her. You saved my skin today; you had her best interests at heart the whole time. I only hope that after hearing the truth about my past that you still love me." She looked me in the eyes and said, "I love you no matter what. It made you who you are today, and I am thankful for your struggles because it saved Jaimie and brought us together. I know it even helped Michael, he loves you as a father and you love him as a son." I kissed her on the lips then said, "We better get ready, there are a lot of people waiting for us." The court was back in session and we called our in-person witnesses. Dr. Bourque was first, he was the therapist that diagnosed Jaimie initially. He said Jaimie had all of the classic signs of multiple traumatic events and needed counseling. He stated that Jaimie had never received any sort of counseling before coming to my care. He also testified that he gave the initial referral for a gender dysphoria evaluation. He stated that I was asked by Jaimie to undergo therapy as well as her, that she would not do it unless I also did it. He stated that I gave in and was receiving therapy but was almost finished with it, Jaimie's presence had solved a lot of my person problems and that the longer we were together the better I was doing. Jones didn't even try to cross-examine Dr. Bourque. He was disinterested in the case and was just letting Joseph go through the motions until Judge Mitchell had his say. After Dr. Bourque was finished Dr. Wiles testified. She was the one to diagnose Jaimie as having gender dysphoria and she should start immediate treatment. She also said that she was the one to recommend that Jaimie starts living full time as a girl while attending school dressed as a boy. She recommended that she live full time as a girl after school ended. She stated that she gave us a referral to a second evaluation by a colleague in Boston at my request so that we had no doubt that she was suffering from gender dysphoria. The final witness in court was the deputy sheriff who questioned me in the hospital. He said he took a report from the doctor but upon talking with me and seeing the diagnosis and recommendations from the doctors he stopped the investigation as it was a baseless claim; he stated that there was no abuse in that I was only following doctors' orders. Jones tried to question the reason why he stopped but the deputy stated that the doctor had already said he refused to listen to them and since I had produced the required paperwork there was no basis for the claims. Jones fell silent and excused the witness. To the surprise of the court, the deputy produced a police report complete with the conclusion that the allegations were baseless stating that it hadn't been mentioned yet but he had one of the copies of the report to back up his claims. Judge Mitchell turned and asked Jones why he did not have this in evidence. Jones mumbled, "It's all in black and white, there is nothing to the claims" which the Judge asked him to repeat for the record. He then informed Mr. Jones that this report should have been presented from the start and that the state has no legal basis for claims of abuse and that this whole farce was a waste of time. Joseph said, "The state's case is in shambles but we are not ready to ask for the case to be thrown out yet, we still have to show evidence to support my client's right to be Jaimie McKinnon's parent." Judge Mitchell agreed to continue the proceedings, stating, "I agree that the state's initial basis is utter garbage as there is no abuse, however, Mr. Finn's ability was in question. These witnesses must prove that he is capable of handling Ms. McKinnon." The fact that he called Jaimie, "Ms. McKinnon" was an eye opener. He was leaning towards my favor but sounded like he had doubts. Judge Mitchell was informed that this was it for the in-court witnesses and asked that the court initiates the questioning of witnesses in Massachusetts. Jones tried to object but Judge Mitchell overruled him before he could finish. Since he himself had initiated the faulty evidence and was trying to make the claim against myself, Jaimie's gender status, and more importantly against the right of me to continue to be Jaimie's father that we had a right to present rebuttal evidence. The link started and a judge on the other end started as if they were also in court. "All rise. Justice Matthews presiding in Suffolk County, Massachusetts on behalf of and for the county of Hadley, Missouri. This is a matter of the people vs. Finn regarding a petition by the state of Missouri to terminate the custody of John Finn over Jaimie McKinnon. All witnesses please stand in front of the camera and be sworn in. Any testimony given today will be accountable in two states per joint agreement by the courts of both states. Any attempts to give false information are punishable in both states. Please be seated." The first witness was Doctor Allen, the doctor who diagnosed Jaimie at New England Children's Hospital. She reiterated what I had already stated and confirmed that the document was authentic. She also stated that it was also recommended that Jaimie lives as female at home until school ended at which point she would live full time as a female. She also stated that my family knew about her gender issues and were supportive and that if they were not I had threatened to evict them and cut them off financially. The judge raised an eyebrow but the doctor said, "He was serious; he was willing to cut his family off to protect Jaimie. He chose Jaimie over his family." She was then excused. Next was Doctor Brewer from McClaron Hospital. She too confirmed what I had already stated and confirmed the authenticity her evaluation report. She testified about the gala we attended and confirmed the story about the governor as she had been an eyewitness to the conversations. She said that Jaimie was eager to go to the gala and that she was eager to enjoy herself. She stated that Jaimie was energetic and was enjoying talking with other girls and that nobody had given her a second thought that she was anything but a happy little girl. The third person to testify was William Kelley, the reporter for the Winnisimmet Free Press. He testified about the authenticity of the awards night and the school's reaction to Jaimie. He also mentioned that upon talking with several of the teachers that a few remembered me as a student and that seeing Jaimie with me was like seeing a totally different person, the claims by Jones about my past troubles were true but that I had changed as a person. Judge Mitchell was going to say something about referring to suppressed material but Jones and Joseph both allowed it since it was already stated by my own allusions, it just confirmed previously stated claims. As a bigger shock, he also stated that researching into Jaimie's past turned up the news about her accident and no mention was given that she was undergoing any kind of treatment after the crash. Jones tried to object but Kelley stated that it was public record, stating the exact issue of the Kansas City Tribune that article about the accident was from. The judge overruled Jones and allowed the statement. The fourth and fifth people to testify were Sergeant Collins and Ms. Yeardley, both of Massachusetts General Hospital. They stated that they were investigating Doctor Eliot for the medical record theft and stated that he had both called the hospital and faxed the signature form to them to obtain my medical records. They stated that my signature did not match up to the signature on file and that he had purposely gone around the normal practice of electronically obtaining files that were standard practice today. The sergeant stated that this is the first time that anyone had obtained my file in nearly a decade and this fact sent a red flag to the records office and should have been disallowed without verbal consent by me or someone designated by me but due to the claimed urgency it was transferred without this requirement. He stated that there was access to the file recently but it was done so via normal means. The sixth and seventh witnesses to testify were the principals of the middle and high schools. Both testified that the stories about meeting Jaimie were true, that she had made a big impact on them. Both stated that Jaimie's presence was a surprise to them as they were not told that she would be attending the meetings. Alice Rodriguez testified that she was told by Jaimie about the program that brought the two of us together and how successful it was. She stated that Jaimie's glowing report about it inspired her to look into the program and start on in the city. She stated that Jaimie was going to help hundreds of kids learn and that she was the most thoughtful, intelligent, and caring child she had encountered and that it was a crime to take her away from me. Jake Bollinger testified that Jaimie had listened to the meeting and asked to observe a class. He stated that what Jaimie did in that class was the talk of the school for days and that she sparked an interest in alternative learning that the teachers had not considered before. Her appearance at the awards night was by special request of the seniors and that she was one of the few people to ever get a special request to appear. He stated that her short time in the school changed things for the better and that she was welcome at that school whenever she wanted. He added that he knew me from our days in high school and that I had changed dramatically since then. Whatever Jaimie was doing was creating a better person as I was not the same timid, quiet person he knew. The eighth and final witness was Louis Reagan. He confirmed all of the stories about the school trips and the awards night and vehemently defended my past. He said that I had been a withdrawn person who was constantly bullied in school and was stuck in a system that didn't know how to deal with people with my problems. He said that Jaimie had transformed me, that he had seen me several weeks before leaving for my big trip and I was still a withdrawn, sullen person. He said that Jaimie had made me into a more outgoing and caring person and that I was one of the best fathers he had seen. He praised me for coming out of my shell and that Jaimie should be thanked for helping save someone from their longtime funk. He stated that taking Jaimie away would be a crime and that she would never find a parent like me. This brought a cheer from the crowd in Suffolk County and a gavel pound from both judges but the impact was still there. With Louis done there were no more witnesses to call. The supporters could offer only scant evidence and moral support but not help out much. They still stayed to await the finish. Jones was concerned; he knew he was in deep trouble and that he was going to jail. He asked for another recess but it was denied. Joseph stated that we rested our case. Valerie asked that the children be brought into the courtroom so they could tell their story. Judge Mitchell asked why they wanted to testify and Valerie said bluntly, "They are no fools. They have watched this whole hearing and want their say. You have been talking about them but nobody has asked them directly. They want to say their piece and that is it." The judge agreed to the request, they deserved to at least have a say in the matter. Chapter 20: The kids have their say The kids were led into the courtroom from the side room they had been in all day. Bryan led, followed by Michael, then Jaimie, then Hannah bringing up the rear. Bryan and Hannah stood on both sides of Jaimie trying to keep her safe and examining the room for trouble. Valerie stood beside them and asked that they are sworn in as witnesses. Jones tried to object to their testimony but Judge Mitchell told him his role was finished when the deputy's report was submitted into evidence and to not say another word. Michael was first up. He told the whole story about us, starting with when we first met to today. He continued, "Dad was constantly trying to get me to befriend Jaimie so that I could have a friend my own age, he was concerned that Jaimie and I didn't have many if any friends and that the two of us might be a good pair. When he was tutoring us he cared about all of us students; he wanted us to always do better. He saw Jaimie having problems and always wanted to help her. When he saved Jaimie and took her in they were new people. He loves her like a daughter; she loves him like a father. He would never hurt anyone and especially never hurt Jaimie. He and mom are very close and Jaimie and I tried to get them together. We want all four of us to be a family." Jones let out an audible grunt of anger to which Michael told him, "just shut up and let me speak, you had your chance with me and you chose yourself over mom and me" leading to laughter from the gallery. Michael had heard the exchange between his mother and Jones and knew the hidden truth, the boy was angry. Judge Mitchell listened to his story. He then asked him some questions, "Why did you call out to a total stranger?" Michael replied, "He looked like he needed help. We were always taught to help people in need and he needed help." Judge Mitchell asked him, "Why did you and he get along so well?" Michael smiled and said, "He is fun. He listens to me and did what I wanted to do. He said I reminded him of his nephew, that we liked the same things and that I was interesting in that I was not afraid to speak my mind. He looked after me, showed he cared about me when nobody would bother with me. He cared about me as a person like I was family. Even if he was just a neighbor he was family. I never had a father so I don't know what it is like but he was the closest thing I could get to a father and I wanted that." He started to break down and hugged his mother. The judge excused him. Jones tried to say something but Valerie shot him a glare that quickly shut him up. Next up was Bryan. He was holding back frustration all day but held himself together. He said, "Uncle John is always there for mom, whenever she needed a babysitter he would drop what he was doing and rush watch us. He stayed up all night whenever we were sick or were too scared to sleep. He was always trying to get me to get out and play, he didn't like that I played video games all the time." Judge Mitchell asked him about Jaimie and my relationship. He said, "When we met Jaimie I was happy that Uncle John was finally caring for someone else, she is a nice girl and fun to be around. We were told that she was a boy becoming a girl and held her tight, we wouldn't let mom or auntie or grandma say or do anything to hurt her. We heard Uncle John warning them if they hurt Jaimie they would be cut off and tossed out on the street. When we got home we told her she was a girl no matter what people said. We would protect her, she is our cousin and we protect our family. Uncle John cares about her deeply, he never cared about us in the same way that he does her. We don't have a father so we don't know what it is like but we know Uncle John and he loves her a lot differently than he loves us, it's what we see in our friends' fathers so we know he loves her as his own daughter." Judge Mitchell asked him about me before Jaimie and he said, "Uncle John was always there. He was never with anyone, he had no friends and he had no job. He was always at home and he never went out. He didn't do anything, and when he did he always did what we wanted to do. He changed since Jaimie, he knows what he is doing and he took her everywhere. He loves her. He doesn't have to say it, we know he does. I hate that Mr. Jones was so mean to us and trying to take Jaimie away, Jaimie is too nice to have people being mean to her because she is a girl born as a boy." He was getting angered and Valerie had to calm him down, the judge quickly excused him thanking him for his testimony. Jones again tried to say something but Bryan pulled towards him making Jones jump back. Hannah took her brother's place in front of the judge. She told how Jaimie was the nicest girl she had ever met and that she was glad that I had found someone to dote over. She said that Jaimie was into all of the fun stuff she was and that she liked to play with her more than anyone else she had met. She knows about her being born a boy and that it didn't matter, she loved Jaimie no matter what. She started telling about me, "Uncle John cares about us. He watches us whenever we need someone to watch us. He stayed up when we were sick and cleaned up our messes. He made sure we took our medicine and made sure we didn't stay up too late or didn't play games too long or didn't watch too much TV. He cares about us. With Jaimie he was different. I mean that. He looked after her differently than he looks after us. He acts the same way with her that my friends' dads act, the same loving actions and stricter discipline." She was having an impact on the judge; she was always articulate and wouldn't hold her tongue so this was Hannah in her element. Judge Mitchell asked about how Jaimie and I acted around each other. Hannah looked at me and smiled saying, "He is different as Jaimie's dad than as our uncle. They have a lot in common, they like the same things and watch the same TV programs. They talk about the same things at the dinner table. He is never like that with us. He likes some things and talks with us about things but it's not the same, he is still Uncle John but with Jaimie, it's like he is a whole other person. Jaimie and he are so much alike it has made everyone in the family think she was always meant to be his daughter. She makes him such a better person. He is calmer, happier, enjoys being around people. She made him into a new person and it's making us like him more." Judge Mitchell nodded as she made her statement. He thanked her for the plea and then started to ask her about the doctor. He said, "can you tell me about the night your arm got hurt?" She replied, "I hurt my arm while we were playing and Uncle John took us to the doctor in town. The nurse tried to help but the doctor was screaming at Uncle John and Jaimie. He said to get her out of the dress and leave. We tried to ask for help but he kept saying Jaimie needed to get out of the dress first. My arm started to hurt more and I asked if we could go somewhere else so we left. The doctor was yelling at us as we drove off." Judge Mitchell asked, "Did the doctor ever try to look at your arm?" Hannah gave a quick, "No. He was yelling at Uncle John and Jaimie. The nurse tried to comfort me but the doctor wouldn't look over at me. He acted like I wasn't even there. When we got to the hospital they looked at my arm and had to cut into it to make it bigger so they could stitch it. They asked why it took so long and uncle told them about the mean doctor. Uncle was having trouble talking and breathing and had to have a doctor force him to sit down and give him a pill. We saw a deputy talking with Uncle John as we were leaving and left and got scared that the might arrest Uncle John because of what the doctor had said." Judge Mitchell asked her if her arm was OK and she just said, "It is fine now, uncle and Mrs. Johnson have kept it clean and changed the bandages. The doctor told us to come back another day but we won't be here since we have to go back home soon. Uncle John sent us to stay with Valerie's parents during the week to protect us so he hasn't been able to spend as much time with us as he wanted. He has been so concerned about losing Jaimie that he has been barely able to sleep and eat. He cares about her, please don't take her from him." The judge thanked her and excused her. Jaimie was the last to speak. Hannah and Bryan tried to stand beside her but Jaime said, "I need to do this alone." They moved off but were ready to jump to her side if needed. She hugged Valerie and Michael and then hugged me and approached the judge. Jaimie told the judge her whole story. She told about the accident, retelling everything she could remember and everything she felt about it. Judge Mitchell asked, "Do you miss your parents?" Jaimie admitted, "I do. But I found a new parent, one that loves me and wants to help me." She told the judge about the foster care system. "John was the only one who didn't see me as a dollar sign. He wanted me to get better, to make friends, to have fun. He wanted to hire me for a job so I could have my own money to pay for things for myself that my foster parents wouldn't buy me. I refused to do it out of fear of what they would do to me if they found out I had money and even when they knew about it I didn't want to do it because I didn't want to be different than the other foster kids." She told about how I saved her those times. "The first time it was pure luck. He was just there to go to the bathroom and saw them trying to hurt me. The next time it was because he wanted to get the school and Mark to help me. He was only there for a meeting but it was the right time and right place to save me." She explained how I took her in, meeting the doctors, the examinations. "John opened his home to me. He bought me clothes to wear, told me that they were mine to keep no matter what. He told me I needed to go to the doctor to get checked out and that I needed to go to the psychologist to get help with what was bothering me. He talked with me, actually sat at a table and talked. He listened to what I had to say and didn't make fun of what I said. He didn't make fun of me for crying, he just let me cry and told me that I needed to let it out." She had tears in her eyes as she said this and continued, "He forced me to go to the doctors. I wouldn't go unless he did the same thing so he made an appointment for himself just so I would go in. He showed that he wasn't lying, nobody had done something like that for me before. He cared enough to do what I was going to be doing." She composed herself and told the judge, "He was the only one who bothered to try. I was afraid that he was just trying to get close then abandon me again but he kept trying to help me even when I said I didn't want help. He cared about me like nobody had since my parents died. He loves me the same way my real dad and mom loved me, he was the only person who truly got me and who wanted to help me be a better person." Judge Mitchell asked her about her gender issues. She said, "John insisted I undergo the first exam which said I was suffering from what happened after the accident. When I started to talk about the times in the past where I dressed up as a girl and what the foster parents did to me and started to cry about what happened he was there for me, letting me cry myself out and listening to what I had to say. John listened and didn't judge me, he said it was important and that I should get the second doctor to examine me and explained what was going on with me. He said he would be happy with whatever the doctor said and he would support me no matter what. I am glad that he did. They let me talk to someone who would listen; I could finally say what I wanted to say to someone who cared and be who I wanted to be. I knew I loved being girly and I am happy that I am a girl. I am a girl. I have boy bits, or rather had them but I am a girl. I want to be all girl. I want to live as a girl. I want to be allowed to become who I am meant to be." She was fiery, giving a passionate response that made the judge take notice. She continued, "John is the greatest thing to happen to me because he listened to the doctors and let me be me. I love him. He is caring and helpful and he tries to do what is right. He treats me as a daughter and I want to be his daughter. He cares about me, he loves me. He will do anything to help me be who I am. Please don't take him away from me, please don't take me away from him. I don't want to lose him. I don't know what I'd do if I lost him as a father. He doesn't deserve this treatment; he just wants to help me be me." Judge Mitchell let her calm down. He leaned in and said, "Tell me about Monday in school. I was told there was a problem." She looked up and told him, "John begged me not to go to school. He tried to reason with me but I wouldn't listen. I told him I had to go; I wouldn't let the doctor win. When I got to school things were fine but when recess came the boys cornered me. They knocked me down and said 'we heard you wear dresses and want to be a girl, well sissy enjoy this' and started to punch me and grab my hair. They knocked me down and started kicking my groin, making it hurt really badly. They kicked my sides and were going to kick my head when the teachers came." She continued, "They took me to the nurse who told the principal what happened and she took me to the hospital. I was in a lot of pain and they were trying to tell me what needed to be done. John came and was in tears as I was put under. I woke up and they told me what they had to do to me. I was happy that they had helped me, I know what was going to happen thanks to those things and the kids who hurt me helped me more than hurt me." She looked at me and smiled. "John was crying the whole time he saw me and had to be taken away by Valerie under orders from the doctor, he said it was for his own health. When he came back Tuesday he kept blaming himself for what happened. I tried to tell him it was not his fault, I tried to tell him you told me that you can't blame yourself for something that was not your doing but he kept blaming himself. I yelled at him, telling him that he did everything he could to stop me and that I wouldn't listen, they would find a way to hurt me no matter where I was." Judge Mitchell could only look down at Jaimie and see that she was serious in her claims. He asked her, "Do you want to be a girl?" Jaimie quickly replied, "I am a girl, John is just helping my outside match my inside. I lost part of my boy bits because of my desire to be a girl but that was something that helps me a lot to become a girl. I would do anything to become a girl. I am a girl. I love John, he is the greatest father in the world and loves to help people. He wants to help me and I want to be his daughter so I can help him." She burst into tears. Judge Mitchell didn't say anything. He just dismissed Jaimie and asked that everyone remain in the courtroom while he pondered his decision. Chapter 21: Face to Face with the Judge The judge sat in chambers for over an hour. The link with Massachusetts remained active and nobody in either courtroom left. Judge Mitchell finally came in and it looked like he was about to render his verdict. He sat down and said, "Mr. Finn, please step forward. I wish to ask you a few more questions that have been puzzling me for some time. These are just to fill in some gaps in the whole story, I have my verdict almost fully formed but I want to hear from you direct as a person not as a defendant." I walked forward, expecting the worst. He began, "You have no permanent job, is that correct?" "Yes your honor, I live off of my winnings, investments, and accrued interest. Even with millions in assets, I live as I have always lived; I don't spend money unless I have to, I am thrifty or frugal or cheap if you need exact words. I don't like to spend just to spend, I'd rather money is spent on others than on myself. If you must say I have a job, then the closest would be philanthropy, I have spent millions helping others but just thousands on myself." He asked about the pool, "Explain what happened at the pool. You jumped in to save someone who was obviously hurting Jaimie, why?" I told him what I told the kids, "Scott can be a bully but he didn't deserve to get hurt or worse, die. He didn't learn his lesson but his friends did. I would save anybody who was hurt and needed help, I can't sit idly by when someone needs help. It wasn't how I was raised, it isn't how I taught my niece and nephew and it isn't how I want to teach Michael and Jaimie. He could grow out of his bullying and become a decent person but at least he has the chance to do it. If I sat back and let him drown he wouldn't have that chance and I couldn't live with the guilt of letting him drown. It's the same drive that caused me to try to get Jaimie help, I can't sit idly by while someone needs help." He then asked, "You have had your personal problems over the years, and I noticed you are twitching. Is this due to the case?" I could barely say anything just saying, "I have been fighting back an oncoming anxiety attack due to the stress of the case since this morning. Mr. Jones and Doctor Eliot's actions have been bringing up a lot of anger and frustration and suppressing it is becoming extremely difficult. I have held my tongue but at the cost of tremors and an inevitable collapse when this is through. In the past I had problems with my outbursts, I let my rage and anger build up to the point of explosion and instead of channeling it to another outlet I let it release. It always ends badly. I can deal with it for so long but if there is another factor like the night at the doctor's office it gets to be too much and either I collapse or I get sick to my stomach. It takes a lot to cause these attacks, and they are only triggered by a lot of physical and mental stress." He finally asked, "You spent a lot of time alone with Jaimie, what did you two do during that time?" I told him the truth, "When I wasn't helping her with her homework or study for school she was reading the books I gave her and I was researching her condition and how best to help her. We would spend hours watching Star Trek together, as I said before she found she liked the show and enjoyed watching it with me. Whenever Michael was over she would play with him or he would watch whatever game was on TV with me while she read. She let Michael have a lot of time with me while she entertained herself, and he would give us family time so Jaimie and I could enjoy ourselves while he did something else." He finally asked me the most important questions. He asked, "What drew you to Jaimie?" I stated honestly that, "She had a look of sadness and pain that was always on her face in class. I recognized it; I saw it in myself for a long time. I wanted to get her help. It is one thing to have it linger for a week or two but this went on for months. To me, there clearly was something wrong with her that wasn't getting fixed and I knew what would happen if it didn't. I kept asking because as time went on she didn't appear to be getting any better. I just wanted someone to do something to help her. I didn't plan on being so involved in her life any more than I was involved in the other students' lives. Being involve happened by chance and I am grateful that she had that chance." He asked about her gender issues. "You have been trying to help her a lot but nobody said how you felt about it. How do you feel about it?" I gave him the only answer I could, "I support her 100%. She needs someone to support her and I want her to be happy and if it means that she becomes a girl then so be it. I just want her happy. I blame myself for her attack. I should have stopped her from going to school. I should have forced her to stay home. She tries to tell me it was not my fault but I can't help but blame myself for it. She was hurt because of my failure." I was starting to tremble more, my hand visibly shaking as I spoke those last words. Judge Mitchell nodded at every answer I gave. He dismissed me and looked over the crowd. All eyes were on him. Jaimie was sitting with Valerie and holding hands with Michael. The twins were behind her, towering over her standing cautiously. Chapter 22: Decision Reached Judge Mitchel began, "This has been a long day's testimony and needless waste of time and effort by the state. The fact that there was a written police report stating that there was no abuse taking place and there was written reports clearly stating that Mr. Finn followed every procedure for assisting in Ms. McKinnon's transition should have prevented this travesty from occurring. I am demanding that Mr. Jones face an inquiry by the state's legal ethics board as well as an investigation by both the district attorney's office and the state attorney general's office." He looked at Jones and glared. "I am also issuing an arrest warrant for Mr. Jones and Doctor Eliot for perjury, giving false statements, theft, and identity theft. I am further adding a charge of assault to Dr. Elliot his verbal actions against Ms. McKinnon. I applaud Mr. Finn for being brave enough to stand before the court and have his reputation battered, abused, and ripped to shreds due to these two miscreants. He didn't deserve any of this; these two men abused the system to get their revenge on someone who was innocent and only guilty of having the kindest heart in this county." Jones was in handcuffs before Judge Mitchell finished his order. He continued, "Mr. Finn stood by his morals and helped a child be who she wanted, sorry make that NEEDED to be. I also applaud him for having the foresight to ensure all proper procedures and protocols were followed in Jaimie McKinnon's medical care. I applaud him for seeing a problem that nobody else saw and admonish the social services department for ignoring the needs of someone in need. There were far too many oversights taken in Ms. McKinnon's case, she should have had proper care as soon as she was placed in the system despite what Dr. Elliot stated. I hope Ms. McKinnon's impending lawsuit brings about changes because this travesty should not be left unanswered." Judge Mitchell looked at me and nodded approvingly. He continued on by saying, "furthermore I find that Mr. Finn has been an exceptional parent and that his example is one that should be copied nationwide. This man has spent thousands of dollars of his own money seeking medical advice from multiple professionals, flying across the country ensuring the health and wellbeing of this child. I find that his past is irrelevant; he has changed thanks to being in contact with Jaimie. I find that his past made him the perfect match for Jaimie McKinnon. Single parent or not he is to be awarded permanent custody of her." The kids cheered. Judge Mitchell smiled at Jaimie and said, "Mr. Finn, I believe you have some documents for me regarding the adoption?" I was stunned by the last statement I said, "I don't have them on me; they are still in the courthouse somewhere. I filed them weeks ago but never heard back." Valerie handed her copies of the paperwork to me and addressed the judge saying, "I have my client's copies, your honor, if these will suffice?" Judge Mitchell looked over and smile as Valerie said with great enthusiasm, "I have copies of everything for Jaimie McKinnon if you do so recall. Mr. Finn made sure we got copies of this just in case." She gave him a wink and he laughed at his lapse in memory. Judge Mitchell shook his head smiling saying, "He really did go the extra mile for her in hiring you." Judge Mitchell smiled at us and continued, "Jaimie McKinnon, do wish for Mr. John Finn to adopt you as his daughter?" Jaimie enthusiastically replied, "YES!" Judge Mitchell signed the order and asked her what name she wishes to choose, Finn or McKinnon. She proudly said, "I want my name to be Jamie Ann Finn, after my new aunt's middle name and my new father's last name" Judge Mitchell signed the order and Jaimie hugged me as well as Bryan and Hannah. Judge Mitchell then closed the case and offered his congratulations. Before we were able to gather our things he looked at me again and said, "I believe you said something earlier about marriage to a lovely young woman?" He then gave me a wink which I took as my cue to ask something important. I looked at Valerie and saw the ring hanging out of her shirt around the necklace. Valerie realized what was going on and took her ring off her necklace and handed it to me. I placed the ring on her finger and asked, "Will you do me the honors and become my wife?" She hugged me and said, "Yes." We both with tears flowing down our faces. Joseph slapped me on the back in support and Michael hugged me. Judge Mitchell still wasn't ready to leave yet and had us all stand together. He said, "please remain; there is one more thing to do. I don't need to ask you two if you love each other or if you take each other as man and wife. You have shown that answer already. By the power invested in me by the state of Missouri, I do hereby pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." We embraced and passionately kissed. We were breathless while the kids were giggling at us. The feed was still active as we heard cheers and whistles. The crowd in Winnisimmet loves the scene while the courtroom in Missouri was silent. The crowd wasn't happy with what had happened and kept their tongues in check until they were out of the courthouse. I could see trouble was brewing but right now I didn't care, we had more important things to take care of. Chapter 23: Family Together We left the courtroom to pull the necessary paperwork to adopt each other's children. Judge Mitchell personally approved the paperwork without any delay, forcing the clerk to endure a long, cold stare for his role in, "losing" my previous adoption paperwork. I asked why he was going out of his way to help us and he simply said, "It is the least I can do for you and your family after today." We thanked him for all his help and he left us to begin our life together. We went home to find both houses vandalized. They just smashed windows and painted graffiti on the walls but it was a clear message. Jaimie and I weren't wanted in that town. Valerie and I had the kids wait in the car while we inspected the damage. Nothing was taken, just the outsides were smashed. Valerie said, "We can't stay here, they will come back and do worse." I couldn't argue, it was true. I asked, "Where will we go?" I genuinely did not know where we could go now. She said, "We have no choice, we have to go to dad's house." We called Joseph and told him the news. He told us, "You don't have to apologize, just get over here. Evelyn is waiting for her granddaughter and great niece and nephew." We got everything of value and all of our clothes together and drove off. Our homes were no longer our homes but I would gladly trade them for my family's safety. The kids were sad to go but when they were told they would be staying with the Johnsons they were extremely happy. Jaimie was the first one out of the car and hugged Joseph tightly; thanking him for everything he had done for us. She leaned in and kissed Evelyn, asking her if she could call her, "grandma." Evelyn started to cry, she kissed Jaimie and said, "I would not let you call me anything else, my little granddaughter." Michael just rolled his eyes and said, "That didn't take long, she is always emotional." Jaimie smiled and said, "good, I love being emotional" which got us laughing. The twins asked if they could do anything to help. They didn't want to impose again and offered to unload the car. We refused, telling them that they needed to have some fun with Jaimie and Michael while we did the work. The truth was we wanted them to forget the day and just enjoy their short time here; they had already endured enough trouble and didn't need to go through more. Valerie, Hannah, and Jaimie started to put out clothes away while Michael, Bryan, and Joseph watched a baseball game. I joined Evelyn in the kitchen hoping to talk with her. She and I had barely said two words during the past week, it was our chance to get to know each other. I asked her about Valerie before Michael. She smiled and said, "So you finally want the real story?" I nodded and listened quietly as she said, "Valerie was a miracle to us. We were trying for years to have a child and when we were blessed we doted on her. She didn't like the attention but took it in stride. We were fairly new to the town when she was born having moved from the big city to the quieter life out here." I asked about her friends. I started to get tearful as she told me, "She had trouble making friends growing up. The kids were intimidated by her rich and powerful parents and the townsfolk weren't too keen on outsiders coming in. She kept to herself in school, she made a couple of good friends who like her for her but she never found many others. She had few boyfriends and those that did date her were scared of doing something to anger us." I asked the big question, about Jones. She shook her head and said, "Jones and her dated while they were in law school. She was incredibly bright and had a full future ahead of her until the last year. He was a year ahead of her, graduating thanks to her help. He even passed the bar with our help. He secured a job through my husband's connections, unable to get one on his own." I knew what was coming next but she continued on. I was getting angered listening. She took a minute to quell her anger as well, finally saying, "just before her last year in school Valerie and he was living together. Sometime during the summer, she became pregnant by him. She told him they were expecting and he gave her a cold reception. He didn't want kids. He hated them. He blamed her for what happened. He kicked her out on the street. She had nowhere else to go except back with us. He refused to return her phone calls or meet with her to talk. When Michael was finally born he refused to sign his birth certificate and instead claimed someone else was the father. She was shunned by the town for what happened, nobody wanted to hear the real story, instead assuming the worst about her. She had no friends now, those who were friends with her married and moved away or were forced to leave her side." I was fighting anger and she was smiling now. She was watching my reaction to the story. She continued, "Valerie was heartbroken. We could only support her, be there for her. She continued on at school, I would watch Michael while she was in class and we both helped her prepare for her bar exams. She was a natural lawyer and she had a keen mind that earned her a job working for a friend's firm. They knew about her situation and part of the job was being able to work from home without the need for a sitter or nanny. She excelled at her job and is the best in her specialty. It was easy work for her, which is why she got so much free time with Michael." She looked at me and kissed my forehead. "Until you came along that is, you have been the best friend she ever had. She talked about you from the start. You treated Michael like a person. You were great with him and you cared about him. We were concerned about you being close to him so much but she told me 'he gave me his mother's phone number and a bat. He told me to use both if he ever got out of line.' We were puzzled and she said 'he wouldn't do that unless he meant that he would rather be hurt than hurt Michael.' You won her over right away; she was enamored with you long before you had the courage to do anything about it. She loves you deeply." I could only tell her, "She means the world to me and I am happy she chose me." Valerie walked in and saw us talking and tried to turn around. Her mother told her, "come here young lady" which she complied. She told her, "He knows the whole story, and loves you enough to hear it out and get angered and saddened by it. You two were meant for each other." She leaned in and hugged us. Chapter 24: Return To School Saturday morning I sat down and had a talk with Jaimie, Michael, and Valerie. I asked them if they wanted to stay in Missouri or leave. I stated that things were too chaotic and dangerous to remain so we would have to move to another county. Valerie was silent and waited for the kids to give their answers. She had an idea what they would say but let them say it first. Michael stood and said, "I want to go home. Your home. I have had enough of this place; the people act nice but are mean. They don't like us and don't even try to get to know us. They don't deserve us." Jaimie stood and said, "I want my family. I want the people who love us not people who hate us. I'll miss the kids here but I want to go where you know you have help. I miss Aunt Karen and Aunt Leslie. I even miss Aunt Victoria and Uncle Jorge." Valerie softly said, "I told you before what I would do. I'll stand beside you. We need to go to Winnisimmet, it's your true home and it's where your loved ones are." I tried to reason with them. I said, "What about Evelyn and Joseph? We would be leaving them behind?" They stepped into the room and chimed in, "We are fine. You have phones and you have computers. You have holidays and vacations. You will see us and we will see you. You need to do what is best for your family and that is moving away. Two cousins, two new aunts, another grandmother, plus a whole new school will be the best thing to ever happen to Michael. Jaimie is already a big hit there. Valerie has found herself a kindred spirit in your sister and the twins love having her as an aunt. Go east, enjoy your new life. We will always be here to greet you with open arms." It was settled. I knew better than to argue when any one of them had their hearts set on something. We spent the rest of Saturday night as a family, eight people enjoying each other's company as a family. On Sunday morning we got up early. After the tear-filled hugs and assurances that they were always welcome back I took the twins to the airport alone. They would be returning to Boston and I was going along to escort them. Jaimie and Michael wanted to come along but I wanted her to have more time with her new grandparents and he needed to adjust to having a sister. I would be back the next evening. I dropped the twins off and was met with a big hug from my sisters and mother. They weren't at the courthouse at my request so they had to be filled in on what happened. Karen looked at Hannah's arm and was angry with me but held back for her sake. They asked about Jaimie and Michael and all I could say was, "They are coming home. They want to move here to be with family, they don't want to live there anymore." They asked me what I meant, I wanted to tell the whole story but all I could say was, "They want their cousins and aunts and grandma close by." They screamed in delight then demanded the real reason. I held off until we were at Karen's house and the twins were settled back in. I finally told them what went on during their week in Missouri. Leslie was sickened. My mother couldn't speak only looking at Bryan and Hannah closely. Karen finally said, "They have a home here no matter what." The next morning I met with Alice Rodriguez. I told her that there will be two new students this coming fall. I relayed that their records should be arriving soon from Missouri and that I hoped the school was ready for them. Alice knew what I was talking about but still, she asked if it meant Jaimie was going to be attending. I confirmed, "Yes, she and her brother Michael will be attending seventh grade this fall." She asked about Michael and all I could say was, "There isn't much to tell, he's an average student but he loves Jaimie and protects her so if she has trouble he will be in the mix." I asked if Jaimie's transgender status will be a problem, she said, "She has a lot of supporters, a lot more than you may realize. I'll let you see for yourself in the fall." I was puzzled but she said, "Don't worry; this is something you have to see to believe." We discussed Jaimie's classes. She told me that she knew Jaimie is too advanced for regular work in at least one area and that she would be bringing in someone to help her with advanced classes at some point if she needed it. She may even be moved into the eighth grade, provided she can handle the additional work. I thought about what she was saying. I told her I'd discuss it with Jaimie. I knew she would never accept this offer, she wanted to be a regular person and being treated differently and leaving kids her own age would go against everything she stood for. Alice asked about Michael's schoolwork. I told her, "As a student he is average but he tries very hard. He will be reluctant to let Jaimie go to another class but he will want what is best for her. He should have no trouble finding friends now that he doesn't have to deal with preconceived prejudices against him and his mother. I continued, "I hope that she is able to find protection in the eighth- grade class if/when that happens." She assured me, "She is popular with the kids this summer, especially the eighth graders. She will have a lot of support when the time comes." I still didn't know what she was talking about but she said, "They know about her and they know about what she has done for them. She made a lot of allies among the kids in this city." I said, "I'll keep an open mind and an eye out on her but hopefully you are right." We exchanged handshakes and I went on my way to catch my flight back. I called Valerie and told her the kids had a new school. She said Jaimie had received several phone calls from people during the day. I tried to ask what it was about but she said, "Jaimie wants to surprise you." We met at Joseph's house again. He and Evelyn pulled me aside and said, "Jaimie has an announcement to make" which got me concerned. They smiled and said, "Don't worry, this one is a happy announcement." Jaimie came in and told me, "We have an appointment at the school on Wednesday. We are to appear before an assembly of the entire student body. Before that, we are to meet with my old class." This was the last place I wanted to take her. She said, "You need to pick up my school records anyway, and Michael and I need to take our last tests. The principal agreed to let us take them early so we would not have to return again." I asked what this was about and she said, "I want to give them a special gift, something from the heart. Some of the donors from the McClaron Hospital called asking about us and wanted to help us out. I told them that we were leaving but I wanted to do something special for the school since they were not responsible for what happened and we decided on a big upgrade to the school." I was stunned. Jaimie still cared about her classmates. She cared about the school. Despite what they had done to her she wanted them to have something to help them. This girl was something special. I hugged her and told her, "You are truly a one of a kind person. Nobody else but you could do something for a place that had caused you so much torment." She kissed me and said, "They gave me the best gift of all, they gave me you." We spent Tuesday just relaxing with Michael asking about the city. I told him about the bad parts and how he might see things that scare him, people who were bad, and people doing drugs and drinking in public. He listened intently and said he would avoid the bad parts, he was just happy that people there weren't fake like the people here in Newhall. I had never heard anyone so happy to see that city but there he was the first person to want to see it all in Winnisimmet. Wednesday brought us back to their old school. Dorothy Vega met us and brought the kids to a private room where they could take their tests in peace. One of the teachers volunteered to oversee them. No mention was made that Jaimie was in a dress and wearing makeup, just a simple, "Hello." While the kids were taking their tests I asked for Jaimie and Michael's school records. The secretary gave me a glare and said something about Jaimie under her breath, not loud enough for many to hear but loud enough for the principal. Dorothy fired her on the spot. "Jaimie is a student at this school and as such is offered the same protection as any other student regardless of her transgender status. We do not tolerate that kind of behavior from our employees. Please leave, you are hereby terminated." The secretary tried to protest, but Dorothy persisted. "If you do not leave now I will have you escorted out. If you persist I will ensure that you are never allowed to work as a public employee again." Stunned that someone would stand up for a so-called, "freak" the secretary left. Everyone else in the office ignored her as she left, not wanting the same fate and giving her a look of utter disgust. They finally said, "We are better off without her" and helped find the needed records. The tests didn't take long. Both of them had spent their free time studying when we weren't spending time as a family. They spent the rest of the time talking with Dorothy about the move and relaying how excited they were to move to the big city. I told Jaimie about the plans that Alice had proposed. As I expected Jaimie refused the offer. She would not take 8th-grade classes and refused to be allowed to skip a grade. She would rather endure the boredom of 7th grade alongside Michael than be given special treatment. Dorothy looked at me surprised. Jaimie told her honestly, "I may deserve it but I don't want it. I am already causing enough of a stir for the students I don't want two grades to be disrupted because of me." Dorothy was genuinely surprised. Jaimie never sounded so firm in her beliefs and never stood up to authority figures before. I asked Dorothy about the kids who hurt Jaimie. She was hurt, struggling to tell me the truth. She finally admitted, "Since nobody would come forward we can't do anything about it. We know who did it, it was Scott, Philip, and Jason. Jason and Philip are proud of what they did but Scott hasn't been the same since. He is acting differently, almost remorseful to the point of self-pity. If I didn't know any better I swear he regrets it. This isn't the same Scott who has been the school bully for two years, this is someone else." I didn't know what to say. Scott was an enigma and I hoped this was the start of a new life for him. With that revelation, we made our way to their old classroom. Ms. Albert heard the knock on the door and announced to the class, "We have special visitors. I want you all to be on your best behavior." She opened the door and said, "come on in, we have been expecting you." There was a loud gasp from several students. They looked in shock seeing Michael and Jaimie alongside me. Phillip started to laugh yelling, "Hey look Jaimie's in a dress!" Jason shot back, "What a queer! We knew he was a fag!" Dorothy pulled the two out and sent them to the office. They cursed under their breath about Jaimie but were told immediately to shut up, they broke the rules in what they said and would pay the price. I expected Scott to say something but he was uncharacteristically silent. He wouldn't look at Jaimie, trying hard to stare at his desk and the floor. Jessica asked, "Is that you, Jaimie?" The others didn't know what to say, Jaimie simply said, "Yes, it's me. No more being Jaimie the boy, I am a girl from now on."' Jessica and several girls ran over to her and hugged her. Some of the boys got up and looked her over, with one saying, "You look nice, this suits you better." Jaimie blushed at the compliment. Seeing Scott looking troubled I asked if I could speak with him alone, which Ms. Albert reluctantly agreed to. Away from prying ears, Scott mumbled, "What do you want?" I told him, "I know it was the three of you who attacked Jaimie. I saw it in your face as she came in. I asked your principal about you earlier and she said you aren't acting the same since the incident. I wanted to let you know that I know you are a good kid, but you need to know that you are a good kid. What you are doing will only get you into trouble, you smart and have shown in the past that you are good. Don't continue down this wrong path. I can guarantee you that the other kids will accept you as their friends and enjoy your time with them if you stop being such a jerk." Scott was fighting back tears and looked like he wanted to say something. He kept trying to speak but nothing would come out. He had deep regrets about the incident but he couldn't articulate them. He wasn't a bad kid, something was driving him to act wrong. Scott finally mumbled he was sorry. He didn't say what was really bothering him and I didn't feel that he wanted me to pry. As much as I wanted to help him he was making it clear that it wasn't wanted so I backed off. I made a note to have Dorothy keep an eye on him. I led him back into the room and was immediately asked what that was about. I only said, "A heart to heart. He needed to hear someone tell him what he already knew." The big introduction over we went to work. Jaimie said her peace, "I loved this school and I loved all the kids in it. It was home more than my foster home. It is thanks to this school that I have a dad, brother, and mother. We are moving east but I can't leave without giving my home something special. You all have been good to me and bad to me but I still love you all no matter what. Please, take this special gift from me and use it to better yourselves." She handed each kid an envelope with their name on it. Inside was a check for $500, made out to each student. She hugged each of the kids and shed some tears when reaching the girls. They all said, "We will miss you" as she moved on. She hugged Scott without hesitation. He tried to pull back but the other kids paid no attention to him. He whispered something into Jaimie's ear which I didn't hear but it made her smile. Much to her surprise, Jaimie got a hug back from Scott. She shed a tear and said, "Goodbye guys and I hope you spend your money wisely." We thanked Ms. Albert for their time and moved on to the gymnasium and the assembly. Chapter 25: Assembly The assembly was makeshift and last minute. Several teachers voiced their anger and frustration but the principal assured them that it was worthwhile for the students. Every class was there, every student was seated. We weren't the least bit surprised that there were a few people in the back that I recognized as town officials, all of whom were eyeing me angrily. Neither Dorothy nor Jaimie invited them, they had no business there but showed up anyway. Dorothy called the assembly to order. She began by saying, "I wish to thank you all for allowing this last minute assembly to take place. I know it is a hurried time of year but this is something that couldn't wait. I am going to introduce some important people to the school and I hope you can keep things dignified and listen to what they have to say." With that, she signaled us to enter and again there was a collective gasp from the students. The students saw Jaimie and didn't say anything. Those who recognized her smiled. The good start ended quickly. Three town officials tried to storm the podium to get us removed but were stopped by several men in business suits wearing visitor tags like the one I was wearing. They held them back, not letting them get to us. The men in suits immediately demanded to know who the men were. They were told, "We are members of the town council; we demand this freak be removed from our school." The suited looked at each other and said, "On what basis? She is a student at this school and has done nothing to warrant removal. You, however, are disrupting a public assembly and if you do not leave we will arrest you" To the horror of the three town council members, they showed police badges. They were state police troopers, and their faces showed that they were not joking around. One of the on rushers cried, "You have no right to stop us." The larger of the troopers stated, "on the contrary, you have no business here. You were not invited so you are in fact trespassing on the premises. And seeing as this is a state sponsored function, not a town function you have no business trying to horn in on the presentation. We will not allow you to disrupt this anymore so please leave the school on your own or you will leave in handcuffs." They left under escort saying, "You will pay for this," to which one of the troopers shot back a quick, "And for that, you are now under arrest for threatening an officer." The kids laughed as he was placed in handcuffs. With the theatrics over Jaimie and I stepped to the podium. I told them, "I am sorry for the theatrics but I guess some people just have to be the center of attention even if it doesn't concern them. That is fine, what we have to say is not going to matter to them anyway. By now you have heard the rumors about Jaimie, as you can see they are true. She is transitioning from a boy to a girl and is not living her life in the shadows anymore. Many of your parents I am sure have talked about her and have said mean things about her. We expected that, just as we expected people to have outbursts whenever they see her. This is going to become a problem in the upcoming year and it will eventually impact all of you. We won't let that happen. We love this school too much to let it happen." "After careful discussion Jaimie, Michael, my wife, and I are leaving town to move east to my hometown. We are leaving here with heavy hearts. We enjoyed living here. We loved the people here. The kids love you more than you will ever know. We talked about what to do to show that love and Jaimie came up with an idea. It is a grand gesture that you all will enjoy." "After the fight last week Jaimie received phone calls of support from several people whom she had met in Boston. They wanted to help her in any way possible but she told them she had another idea. She was going to give back to the school that gave her so much, a family and a new life." "She asked that they spend their money to fund an upgrade to the school. This school is at least a decade behind in technology; she wanted you, kids, to have a chance to thrive more, to compete with the richer towns, to enjoy your school years. They loved the idea. They want to give you the finest computers and wifi in every classroom, brand new smart boards, and new software programs. They are buying new textbooks and giving every student backpacks filled with notebooks, pens, and pencils. They are even getting every kid an iPad filled with apps that make learning more fun." "This will happen through the oversight of the state's department of education, not through the town. The town will have no say in the matter, no matter what they try to do this does not involve them and they can't undo or make any changes to what is happening. It is already paid for through private donations, your parents won't spend a penny in tax dollars." "Renovations are going to be made to the school to allow for the new technology. The school has agreed to work with local vocational schools to allow their students to help do the renovations as well as with local colleges to allow their technology students to learn firsthand how to install and maintain the new infrastructure." "These gentlemen are here from the state's department of education and are officially handing the grant to your principal. She refused to accept the grant unless Jaimie was present to do so. It is through Jaimie that you have these changes coming and it she who you must applaud. So please, thank Jaimie for caring about you despite all that has happened to her. Thank you." The kids applauded as Jaimie stood up and handed the check to the principal. Nobody said anything about her, just cheered and clapped. When she was done she stepped forward and simply said, "Thank you for letting me help you, we are leaving but my heart will always have a spot for this school." She started to tear and hugged me as we walked off. The kids still applauded. The school day ended several minutes later, Dorothy thanked the students and dismissed them for the day. Several teachers came up to Jaimie and asked her, "Why are you doing this?" She simply said, "Michael, mom, and dad. I wouldn't have them without this school." They looked at me and I could only say, "She cares more about this place than it did about her, and she is grateful for what she has. She doesn't need to justify doing something good for others; she just does good for others no matter what." They were still looking at her dress and trying not to notice her being so girly. Jaimie just sighed and said, "No matter what you think I am a girl. I am not a boy in a dress." They apologized and moved on but Jaimie just shrugged it off saying, "I am not going to miss that next year." I laughed saying, "by the end of the summer you won't look the same so it won't matter." She smiled and we left the school for the final time. Michael joined us. He refused to be on stage for the assembly, opting to watch it from the doorway. Outside I was stopped by several parents. I expected the worst and held the kids back. Greta and Quentin, Jessica's parents, greeted me. Greta informed me, "No need to be defensive, you have more supporters than enemies here. What you did for our kids can't be overshadowed by the complaints of people who never met you two. You showed the true nature of some of the people in this town and it just won't stand." This was parroted by several parents. I thanked them for the support but informed them, "We are moving as soon as possible, it wouldn't be fair to your kids to have them deal with other peoples' actions. We thank you for the support but hope you continue with the support when the furor fades." We drove back to Joseph's in triumph, having done something great for the town despite what people thought of us. Jaimie would be a hero to the kids even if their parents thought ill of her. Michael finally said, "She just can't stop being a good person even when everyone around her is bad. You know I love her but I swear sometimes she is almost too much of an angel, she makes us all look like devils by comparison." She just leaned in and kissed him on the cheek saying, "Spoken like a true brother." He blushed and laughed, saying it was true. Chapter 26: New Beginnings Back at Joseph's, we started our search for a new home. We had my sister Leslie and my mother check out potential homes in person for us after we relayed them the information. The next day Jaimie had to undergo a follow-up exam with her doctor. This was to check out her scars check her hormone levels which he was sure was lower now. Since she was 12 and it was on the cusp of puberty they wanted to check her levels to see if the loss of her testicles was going to negatively impact her health. The results were good. The loss of her testicles was meaningless to her; it benefitted her more than anything. The doctor said she was cleared for hormone treatments effective immediately. While the loss meant she would no longer have to fear of becoming a man, the hormones meant she would start to become a young woman. Jaimie screamed for joy, thanking the doctor and kissing Valerie and I. Michael didn't like hearing the announcement; he hated to hear about, "boobs and other things" but was glad she would finally start to be like all the other girls. She was getting her dream come true. We moved for good at the end of June. We had stayed with Joseph long enough and needed to get out on our own. We would be staying with my mother and sister but they were pleased to have us. We were extremely lucky the first week there as Valerie found us a nice four bedroom home with finished basement and an attic, the kind of home I had always wanted to live in. It was perfect for our needs and the kids simply wouldn't let me say no to it. Our bid was quickly accepted and we were set to move in early August. Summer passed by fast, within three weeks of moving it was time to start school. The kids enjoyed shopping for their new clothes with Jaimie loving having to only shop in the girl's section. Michael fought the shopping trips but we were able to talk him into a whole new wardrobe, getting Bryan to ease his annoyance as he helped him choose the clothes. Hannah helped Jaimie with her wardrobe, which meant endless hours at the tween stores watching the endless change of clothes. The last week of August brought a new school year. With it meant meeting the teachers early. The four of us were ready for it, Jaimie was determined to put her past behind her and start anew. To Be Continued in, "True Friends and Family"