Transformations Nice Guys ClubChapter 18
- 4 years ago
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Mark had flown a few times, back when Paul still had the good job. That had been before 9/11, though, and he was unfamiliar with all the new rigamarole. This was a first for Lindsey, but there had been so many firsts lately that she took it pretty well in stride. Being with Mark made it all more exciting than frightening, and she was able to get into the spirit of adventure.
The relationship between the two teens had changed dramatically, and it was not just Lindsey's long-overdue declaration of love that did it. During the long night before, Mark had stepped way, way out of his comfort zone in his determination to find her. He had bullied people, something totally unsuspected by anyone who knew him. Only once before, in his confrontation with Mrs. Grunewald, had he been so forceful. That had been on Lindsey's behalf, too.
As he was pounding on the doors of strangers in the wee hours, the significance of what he was doing hit him. Lindsey had never had anyone but him stand up for her with unquestioning loyalty. She had become the awesome person she was in spite of the constant suspicion, doubt, and unfathomable disapproval of the people who should have anchored her support system. The night before, he had taken on that role in a whole new way, and he felt more pride in that than in anything he had ever done.
It was as they drove to the airport in Lindsey's car that Mark was able to put words to the new feeling he had about her. The key word was responsible. She had had his friendship forever, and recently, his love. Now, he felt it was his duty and his privilege to see that this marvelous creature was as protected, supported, and encouraged as any person could be. She was strong, smart, talented, and a lot richer than him. The one thing she had never had was someone with a 'Lindsey, right or wrong' attitude. His parents were trying to fill that gap, but he was the key.
Unconsciously, Lindsey seemed to be desperate for just what Mark felt compelled to give her. Especially after her latest ordeal, she knew she could make it through anything. But she was tired of making it on her own. The absolute certainty that Mark was searching for her; the assurance that he would answer if she found a phone; the knowledge that he would not rest until they were together; those things had multiplied her own courage and determination.
Mark's simple presence at her practices made her sing better. The fact that he would be with her had made this trip an exciting adventure rather than a frightening ordeal. After her initial reluctance to have him hear her, she now sang right to him. She had finally expressed her love, but had not even figured out for herself all that her love meant. What she did know was that she now thought of him as part of herself, and she had never felt more complete.
It should not have been a surprise that the tickets waiting for them were for first class. Mark knew enough about the airlines to guess how many thousands they had set Jenny back, and he felt a little self-conscious that he was just a tag-along. Lindsey probably did not realize what a treat it was, but was enjoying every minute, refusing to lose contact with Mark except for absolute necessities.
Unlike many first-timers, Lindsey reacted to the takeoff like a great carnival ride, her enjoyment obvious. There were only two other people in first class, so they got a lot of notice by the flight attendant. She had watched as they boarded, never sure what to expect from teens in first class. All too often, they were her most trying passengers. It was obvious at first glance that they were hopelessly in love. Yet, she also sensed a surprising maturity in their demeanor, especially his confidently protective treatment of her. She wondered about the bruising she saw on the girl's face.
When they were cruising and there were no other tasks, the attendant sat on the arm of the seat across from Mark and chatted with them. "Your first flight, Miss Hall?"
"That obvious, huh? Yes, and I love it!"
"Is Dallas your destination?"
"Actually, Ft. Worth," Mark responded.
"Visiting relatives? Checking out a college?" the friendly attendant was well-versed on the reasons teenagers might be traveling, though these two did not seem to be dressed like the typical ones she serviced in first class. Nor did they have the all-too-typical attitude.
Lindsey blushed at the question, but Mark straightened with pride and answered "She's singing with Jenny Ballard this weekend."
"Oh, my! That's the big time! You must be some singer."
"I... I'm pretty new at it. It's only my second time."
"Say, let me see if our First Officer can spare a minute. He's a big-time country fan and just loves Jenny and Amy. I'm sure he'd like to meet you."
It was a very short time later that a late-twenties young man came bursting through the cockpit door with the giggling attendant behind him. He came right up to Lindsey and introduced himself. Then, he held out a notepad. "Miss Hall, could I please have your autograph. And would you do me a big favor and date it. An early autograph from you will be worth a lot of money someday."
Lindsey just stared at him. "Have... have you heard my song?"
"Heard it? The Captain almost booted me off the flight a few days ago. We had finished pre-flight and I had the radio on. He saw tears running down my face and wondered what kind of wuss he got stuck with."
"Then, you liked it?"
"Liked it? I'm so frustrated because I can't get a recording of it. Say, where are you singing tonight. We have a layover and I'd love to go."
Mark answered him. "Tonight they're singing at a club. The big concert is tomorrow."
"That's too bad. I fly again in the morning. Any chance of getting into the club."
"I know it's by the owner's invitation," Mark answered. Looking at the phone in the back of the seat ahead of him. "If I could make a call, maybe I could arrange it." The pilot whipped out his credit card and ran it through the reader, handing the handset to Mark.
When Sonja answered, Mark asked if they were allowed to invite anyone to the club. After a minute's wait, he got an affirmative and asked for the names. Mark had handled the whole thing like he did it all the time. Lindsey just watched in wide-eyed wonder. The pilot stayed for several more minutes, at one point asking about Lindsey's swollen lip and black eye.
Mark did not feel comfortable telling about the night's adventure - that would have to be Lindsey's choice. She was still holding the notepad, this being her very first autograph. First, she wrote the pilot a little note, then started her tale. She hardly hesitated, telling the whole story as if it was a great relief to get it out.
The other two men in first class, having heard some of what was going on, could not resist when Lindsey started her story, and soon, she was talking to four incredulous faces. When she ended the recounting, she had made four new friends, as well as fans. Both men were determined to be at the concert. In another instinctive move, Mark asked for their business cards, and said he would try to get them admitted backstage. He could not promise, but both men were grateful. One had a teenaged daughter who thought Amy was the biggest star in the country.
Apparently, the flight attendant spread the word, because before they landed, a dozen people who had heard Lindsey on the radio came up to first class seeking autographs. To her, this was almost as big a shock as the kidnapping. It seemed she had spent her whole life avoiding being noticed, and now, people were seeking her out. She did not think she had done anything that noteworthy, but she was gracious, nevertheless.
Predictably, there was a limo driver holding a sign with Lindsey's name as they emerged from the concourse. She did not notice it, having no experience with such things. Mark noticed, and explained what it meant. With everything else going on, she had given no thought to how they would join their friends after leaving the airport. Mark would get them there, she just knew it.
Rather than being intimidated by the events of the previous twenty-four hours, Lindsey had 'emerged.' Through sports and singing, she had been discovering her unrealized strength. Dealing with her capture and escape had given her even more self-assurance. With her newfound ability to acknowledge and express her love for Mark, the last vestiges of timidity were wiped away.
The greetings from Sonja, Jenny, and Amy were ecstatic, and the good feelings carried through the whole evening. She had just the one number on the program, but once again it was a show-stopper, literally. Just as at the Emporium, the audience was dead silent for an almost embarrassing period when she finished. The ensuing din more than made up for the silence when they came to their senses.
The fire marshall would not have been happy with the way people were crammed into the club, but the owner was thrilled. No one complained, even the many who had to stand, and everyone bought CDs. The pilot and flight attendant were both there, and Mark sought them out to escort them backstage. When they left, one avid country fan had been rewarded and a new one had been born.
Well after midnight, they were all gathered in the Fergusons' suite, hearing more of Lindsey's saga. "Jenny," she said at one point, "Sonja said once that the way to thank all you guys was to pass it on. Could that be to a guy?" When she was assured it could, she explained. "Well, Rich will probably lose his job for helping me. I never heard him play, but he must be pretty good. Could you put in a good word for him, or something?"
Restraining the urge to hug the girl yet again, Jenny said they should invite him over, and have Hank and Margo there. With a little jam session, Hank could tell how good he was. Mark assured them he had Rich's number.
"Say, Mark," Jenny asked, "how did you know to get Rich's address, and call about getting into the club?"
With a shrug, Mark answered "Dunno. It just seemed the logical thing to do. I, uh hope I didn't overdo it. I got business cards from two guys in first class. Said I'd try to get them backstage tomorrow night. One guy has a daughter who may faint if she meets Amy."
"That's fine. We'll make sure their names get on the list. Amy will make sure the girl has a chance to faint. The reason I ask is you seem to have good public relations instincts. You can never make too many friends in this business. The time spent with fans is almost as important as the time spent practicing."
"That's sure not what I read about most stars," Mark observed.
"Thank you. I never wanted to be like other stars. I couldn't have survived fifteen years in this business without all the friends I've made."
When the group broke up to go to their rooms, Lindsey rather shyly approached Jenny, and pulled Sonja along with her. "I... I don't want to do anything you won't like, but I want to stay with Mark. I mean, we won't, you know, have sex, but I really need to be with him. I've held him off for so long, it..."
"You don't have to ask me," Jenny assured her. "He's a great guy, and I can see how much you love him. He's a lot like my Chris. Don't let him get away."
Mark could not have been more surprised, nor more delighted when Lindsey asked if he would come to her room and get her bag. When she explained why, he almost dragged her running down the hall. As they entered his room, though, the reality of her decision seemed to hit Lindsey, and she stood inside the door, hanging her head.
Quickly taking her in his arms, Mark told her "It's OK. I'll take you back to your room. If you're not ready for this, then it's wrong."
Straightening and looking at him, she told him firmly "Ready? I'm more than ready to be with you all the time. I... I'm just not ready for everything. I mean, I want to sleep by you - that was so wonderful this morning! I don't think I can undress for you, and... going to the bathroom and everything... I..."
"Lindsey, Lindsey! I'm so thrilled for every minute I can be with you. Just tell me what you want me to do. I'll do anything if you'll stay with me."
"Mark, you're the person I'm closest to in the whole world. I don't have parents any more, except for yours. But that's not the same, either. I know what I want isn't right, but I need it. I want to live with you and never leave. I know we can't marry, and maybe you don't even want to, but..."
"Don't want to? Are you crazy? I've wanted it since I can remember. And I don't care a bit about what's right and what's not. Let's not even think about when we get back. Tonight and tomorrow night we will be together. Let's enjoy that."
She was indeed nervous about many things, but her love for Mark was strong enough to get them through. When they were finally in bed together, she could not get close enough. At first, the sensation of her breasts pressed against him disturbed her, even though both wore nightclothes. She forced herself not to pull back, and it was not long before the pressure felt so good she wondered why she had been bothered. They both shied away from touching of genitals, but that did not diminish the closeness they both reveled in. Lindsey felt more loved and wanted than ever in her life. Mark felt like the luckiest high school guy in the world.
At the main concert Saturday night, Lindsey stunned thousands into silence with her song. Afterward, the two men from the plane came backstage with their families, and several more life-long fans were born. Jenny got Lindsey's promise for the next concert, and told her Hank and Margo would be working on another number for her. The sales booth had sold every one of the thousands of new albums they had brought along, and everyone was asking if there were any more songs by Lindsey.
Arriving back home after the concert trip was a tough dose of reality for Mark and Lindsey. The very first task was moving her out of the Halls', this time for good. Trish and her mother were more than willing to take Lindsey in, but when Norma asked her to come to their place, there was no question of her choice. Mary and Floyd were asked to be away from the house when Lindsey moved her things, and they seemed more than willing to avoid the confrontation. Lindsey knew she had to have a face-to-face with her parents, but was not ready, yet.
The Ventris' rental house was already full, but the girls were as eager as Mark to have Lindsey move in. Mark moved his things to the basement before anyone could suggest it, and they all overwhelmed her protests and installed her in Mark's former room.
Their two nights sleeping together had been wonderful, but both of them seemed to understand it would be best not to push that kind of togetherness. Just living in the same house was more than they had ever hoped for.
Norma arranged to pick Lindsey up during lunch hour on Monday. In the car, she told the girl they were going for birth control pills.
"But... but... we haven't... we won't... I couldn't," Lindsey sputtered.
"Honey," Norma replied gently, "I believe in my heart that you and Mark will be together the rest of your lives. I think you are just starting to realize how much you love him, and I know how he loves you. No matter what you think right now, you are going to want to express that love in every way. If it happens, I just don't want grandchildren quite yet."
That kind of thinking was still beyond Lindsey's imagination, but she had so much respect for Norma, she did not put up an argument. After the events of the last few days, and her changes in attitude, she had the wisdom not to make any kind of vows to herself, either.
After school, the legal issues had to be addressed. Mark called Marty, Dex's lawyer who had helped Lindsey get the settlement from the school board, and set up a meeting. Norma and Paul both accompanied them. Lindsey and Mark had talked over the weekend about what she wanted to happen, and Mark laid it out. "Lindsey wants her parents and Frank Schermer charged with the lowest level offense that requires jail time. She does not really want any of them in jail, but wants it hanging over their heads for as long as possible. Do you think that can be worked out?"
"I think I can get the DA to go along with a Class 4 felony, and to refuse any bargain. Do I understand you will probably agree to some kind of a deal before there is a trial?" Marty asked.
"You're right," Mark responded. "She does not want her parents in jail, but feels she has to do something to shake them up - change their lives."
"Very astute," Marty complimented them. "What about the ones who abducted her?"
"We have an idea, but first, we'd like the three of them to meet Lindsey, Trish, Sonja, and myself for dinner. Do you think that's a bad idea?"
"With no police or lawyers present? Would you feel safe?" Marty asked.
This time, Lindsey responded. "They're not dangerous people. They're just misguided in their loyalty. What we talked about is the women's shelter where Eric and his Mom went. I've heard of lots of people sentenced to community service. If they had to work at the shelter for so many hours, would that be OK with the DA?"
"The DA is always eager to settle cases. But aren't you being too easy on all these people? What they did qualifies as kidnapping, you know," Marty told her.
"'Honor thy father and thy mother' is still something I believe," Lindsey responded. "I'm afraid I don't love them, and I certainly don't like them. But I could not live with putting them in jail. As for Schermer, I want to talk to his sister Sonja before anything is decided about him."
"The poor girl who drove is about out of her mind from fear," Lindsey went on. "Who knows what she has had to live through. Maybe I could actually help her. Sonja told me about Jenny and her 'pass it on' philosophy. Here's a chance for me."
As she had many times before, Marty wondered how she had been so fortunate. Most people in her profession spent a lot of time trying to help bad people out of problems they deserved. Ever since taking a chance on a fourteen-year-old Dex, she seemed to have good people one after the other seeking her help.
After what had happened to her the last year, Carol Jensen should have been impervious to surprise, but Dr. Waxman managed to blow her away. When Carol and her daughter Jessica had finally fled from her pervert husband before he got around to raping Jessica, it was both freeing and terrifying. Jessica was safe, but wounded, with a fear and hatred of men that could cause her life-long problems.
By sheer luck, they had all ended up at Dex Madison's house over Christmas. There, the caring exposure of Dex, Eric, and the father of one of the other women had helped to quell her own fear, and at least get Jessica interacting with Eric in a normal fashion.
Later, she and Jessica had both been recruited to participate in the 'restoration' of Gary Blum, the husband of Kirstin, another guest at Dex's [read 'Gary's Gauntlet']. Unbelievably, she had spent a wonderful night of sex with Gary at Kirstin's insistence. Coupled with a night Dex had spent with her, without intercourse, she had for the first time in her life experienced some of the tenderness, excitement, and passion possible in a relationship with a good man.
Carol's divorce was over, and the assets had been split. Unfortunately, she had not been allowed to have a job for many years, and was having a tough time finding one. She and Jessica were living with Carol's parents, Jeanine and Len, and though they were very welcome, it was not what she wanted for her life. Even with the alimony and support, she had to have something more than minimum wage for them to live independently.
Now, she sat at lunch as Dr. Waxman explained a truly unbelievable new program soon to begin. She was offering Carol a job, one that she had no real experience for. Yet, she was acting on recommendations from Eric and Sandie, and was willing to risk her learning quickly. The pay was better than she was finding in anything else she applied for, and it sounded like truly worthwhile work.
When Dr. Waxman had told her about the women being nude the entire time, Carol had been predictably shocked. When she said that most of the staff were male, her shock had increased. She perked up when told that all employees must be comfortable being naked, and would be expected to spend some time naked with the clients each day. When told that she would have to go naked around home for a while, Carol knew she could not have the job.
With tears in her eyes, Carol told Julia "It sounds so wonderful, but I'm afraid I can't consider it. You see, we live with my parents right now, and they are very straight-laced. They've been great to me, even though they thought Rodney, my ex, was a mistake from the start. Mom would absolutely have a stroke if I went naked in front of Dad."
"So I take it he would be all right with it?"
"No, he would be very upset. But once he heard why, he would not stand in the way."
"So, what's the worst that could happen?" Julia asked. "Would they throw you out?"
"I... I don't think so."
"But I take it they would never agree to let you do it, is that right?"
"Yeah. Funny, isn't it. I'm an adult with a teenage child, and I'm worried about parental permission," Carol said bitterly.
"Well, even if you weren't living with them, it would not be good if they were strongly against it," Julia assured her. "We can arrange it so you get your 'practice' at the homes of other employees, I guess. The disadvantage is you won't get the constant, long-term exposure. That seems to be the best thing for getting used to nudity."
Carol was silent and thoughtful for a while, then said resolutely, "Dr. Waxman - Julia, I'll take the job. I'm going to just show up naked for dinner and see what happens. This is just too good to pass up."
"So the nudity won't bother you, just your parents' reaction?"
"This is terrible to say, but ever since I was little, I've had this urge to show myself off for my Dad. Believe it or not, I'm looking forward to it! Does that make me a pervert?"
Chuckling, Julia assured her "No, not at all. Sexual attraction within families is poorly understood and always underestimated. Approval from your father is very important to you. That includes your body, right?"
Lindsey spent a very fitful Friday night. She again slept on the hideabed in Sonja's apartment, and Sonja could here her tossing several times during the night. Sonja felt sorry for her, but there was not much she could do but be a friend. The hardest part for Sonja was that she knew exactly what Lindsey was feeling. At Dex's holiday party, Amy had pulled Sonja into the singing, and she had been 'discovered.' Her parents were there, and their anger at her performance had taken a lot of...
When Beth led Andy down the stairs naked that Sunday morning, he saw Julia, and tried to retreat, but Beth was having none of it. Julia's reassuring smile and Beth's firm lead somehow got him to the living room. Seeing his mother lying on the sofa with her arm over her eyes was enough to force the thought of his nakedness from his mind. One of Andy's biggest recent fears was Gretchen's health. He did not think he could have kept her schedule, and did not understand how she could. He had...
Mark had first gotten naked in front of his family on a Monday night. Going to school the next day had given him a break, but as it turned out, stripping when he came home was almost as hard as the first time. Since his ten-year-old sister Tori had been waiting all day for an explanation of erections, it was doubly trying. Norma decided that when it was her turn, she would do it Friday afternoon. Staying unclothed through the whole weekend should force her to get over the worst nervousness...
After dinner at the Waxmans', Jeanine was subdued, but not hostile. Carol was pleased that there did not seem to be a rift developing between her and her mother. Julia, of course, was a genius, and as Carol thought back on the conversation at their house, she remembered specific things Julia said to Jeanine that must have made a huge impact. The next day, Jeanine acted in a surprisingly normal way, although Carol noticed a definite flush and an occasional recoil as she looked at her...
To perhaps alleviate some of the confusion of many, many names, here is a list of some that are mentioned, but were introduced in previous episodes of the Transformations series. Dr. Julia Waxman, Psychiatrist, Director of Transformation Frank Waxman, Julia's husband, General Manager of Transformations, former fashion exec, General Manager of Magnuson Foundation. Gerald Magnuson, wealthy philanthropist, primary backer of Transformations. Paul Ventri, CFO of Transformations and president...
Walter had been taking care of the Charles' pool for as long as Faith could remember. Although Mercedes frowned on it, Faith had always enjoyed chatting with him while he worked. Walter was a story-teller, and he was able to hold her spellbound, even now that she was in college. For his part, he welcomed her attention, always amazed that a bitch like Mercedes could give birth to such a genuinely sweet person as Faith. Mercedes literally did not notice the presence of Walter or the numerous...
The next evening, both Norma and Paul seemed distracted, so much so that Mark commented on it. Assuring him that nothing was amiss, the whole family watched a couple of shows together, then the kids went up to finish the last homework before bed. Left alone in front of the TV, Norma said "Penny for your thoughts." "Oh, I guess I've just been thinking too much. When Dr. Waxman talked about the pay and the college benefits, it just made me depressed that I can't give him the college he...
[Muriel & Clark] Early December Clark was elated when Muriel told him about their weekend. He had loved her deeply since he first met her. She had been married, then, and his sense of honor had prevented him from ever revealing his feelings. When she became widowed and penniless, he helped her and Dale out of natural human concern and kindness. At the same time, he had hoped that someday he might earn her attentions. Although he had never married, Clark had been in an eight year...
They were not even onto the freeway yet when Andy pulled out his phone and called Julia. He spent several minutes explaining how he knew Andi and how they had picked her up. Julia asked if she had any pills with her, and when asked, Andi said 'no' and started to cry. Julia then asked if she knew what the pills were, getting a tearful shake of the head. Julia told Andy that there was not much she could do to help the girl. It was going to be a very, very rough night. She warned him that...
[Dale] Early May Dale had always run for conditioning, but in the last miserable week, since finding out about the cancellation of his scholarship, he had stretched out the distance because it was the closest thing to a drug that he would ever indulge in. He needed it now more than at any time since the plane crash. It was a week and a half until finals, and then, his world would undergo another wrenching change. Even though he had known since the first few weeks that he really did not...
Sleep came only in frustratingly short bursts for Barbara that Friday night before she checked in to Transformations. Remembering the one big erotic adventure of her life had not made sleep any easier. Oh, it was a wonderful memory, but it was another time, and she wore another body then. Her ex, whom she had been so in love with, had taken the last vestiges of pride in her body with him when he abandoned her. After several short, unrefreshing snoozes, she went to the bathroom, then rummaged...
Over the next few days, Mark experienced a lot of that same feeling from the first night in his parents' room. He was naked, and everything else about the world seemed to go on as if nothing was wrong. It didn't make sense! How could everything be so... normal? Of course, he didn't really know what disaster he was expecting. His family, even Tori, would never ridicule him, even the frequent times he was erect. No one else but the family would see him. It was just... he couldn't even...
Back when her parents tried to get her to attend the Schermer retreat, Lindsey should have been more suspicious when her father caved so easily. Suspicion, however, was not yet a big part of her nature. She had no reason to suspect her parents of doing anything drastic to her, certainly nothing physical. They were closed-minded, mean-spirited, suspicious, paranoid - the list of their passive faults was very long. But there was no reason to suspect them of any form of violence. What had...
After fainting on her date with the doctor, which was definitely going to be her last date with him, Chelly had a day off and called in sick the following day. With what was going on in her head, she was not safe around patients. The emotional drain from finally admitting that her whole sexual life had been spent seeking the wrong kind of man was devastating. She could not get the restaurant manager's words out of her mind when she came to in his office. He had assumed she was a hooker....
[Missy] March Missy should have felt frightened, or miserable, or something. Instead, she felt mostly numb. Truthfully, she felt a little bit of satisfaction, too. Melanie Farnsworth, her mother, actually looked like she had tears in her eyes! Of course, those could not be tears of sorrow for her daughter. They would be tears of frustration that her efforts to make something of the girl had taken a major setback. Missy's father, James Farnsworth, just looked grim. James Farnsworth looked...
[Rachel & Naomi] Early September The late evening was not at all the usual time for new residents to enter the Tee. Norma was waiting, naked, to meet Rachel and Naomi, as she usually did for new entrants. She had also recruited Mary Hall to join her. It had been decided that the two newcomers would just be taken to their rooms, leaving all of the introductions and the tour until the next day. With a little shuffling of room assignments, mother and daughter were able to be housed next to...
[Jessica] Early July In an unrecognized form of self-punishment, Jessica resisted the urge to call Julia after she moved out. In fact, she resisted for almost a week, until the day the case documents arrived at the lawyer's office. During that week, Jessica hardly left her room. Her landlady was a kindly woman with strong mothering instincts. Like almost everyone, she felt the urge to help Jessica, and after a few days, she had the whole story. Jessica found it surprisingly therapeutic to...
[Missy] Mid July The Farnsworths arrived at the main entrance of the Tee on Saturday morning. After considerable discussion, Andy and Andi had been chosen to be their greeters and escorts. They were clad in standard staff shorts and shirt. "Mr. and Mrs. Farnsworth," Andi said as Andy opened the door. "Welcome to Transformations. I'm sure Missy will be happy to see you." That, of course, was a blatant lie, and both parents' expressions showed that they realized the falsehood....
[Erica & Julia] Late February "Is it OK if I start wearing clothes again?" Erica asked Julia after dinner one night. "Of course it's all right, Erica. As a matter of professional interest, can you tell me why you don't want to be naked any more?" "I guess it's because I don't need it any more," Erica answered. "In fact, it's starting to make me feel different from the other kids. No, wait - that's not right. I felt different from everyone from the first. I thought I could...
It has often been said that Christmas amplifies emotions like no other event in the year. It was hard to imagine how the emotional level for the Halls could get any higher. Mary had been a complete basket case since the kidnapping, and the supposed joy of the season had hardly dented her anguish and depression. Officially losing her daughter through manumission was a far more cruel blow than Lindsey realized. Despite all her hangups, motherhood was still the cornerstone of Mary's existence....
Saturday morning was not a happy time for Mary and Floyd Hall because it marked the end of their five days together and the beginning of two or more months of separation. Mary had checked in to the Tee in a hurry and there had been no time for lengthy goodbyes. Of course, they had known it was coming, but had refused to face up to it. Back then, the loss of physical contact did not seem like major deprivation, either. In the last five days, under Barbara's tutelage and insistence, they had...
Sarah had quit her job and moved back to room with Sonja. They would be getting a place together as soon as she found a new job. She arrived in town at the time Judy's piece on Transformations was getting wide exposure. As soon as she arrived at Sonja's, Sarah called Lindsey and Mark and asked them to come over Sunday afternoon. She told them that she and Sonja had worked out the perfect way to deal with their brother Frank Schermer. The plan required a great deal of work, but Sarah...
[Caz] Late August It was through his close surveillance of the Reverend William Matthews that Caz became aware of Transformations. When Matthews began his harangues from the pulpit against Transformations, Caz was notified by his 'inside' contact and immediately sought to find out more. If Matthews was so vehemently against the organization, it might be something that Caz should support. Or perhaps, it could somehow aid Caz in his long-sought revenge - 'the enemy of my enemy is my...
[Caz & Cy] Early October "Counsel for Reverend Matthews called and they want to negotiate," Caz's lawyer told him over the phone the morning after Marty dropped her bombshell. "I will give the Reverend the same opportunity to negotiate that he gave me," Caz said sharply. "Absolutely none." "I was hoping you would say that." Caz could hear his lawyer grinning over the phone. "I still have someone on the inside," Caz replied. "Is it all right to refer to absolute turmoil...
Not again! Her parents wanted to go out for pie and coffee with their friends again after choir practice. Lindsey Hall really did have homework to finish that night, but that wasn't the only reason she was upset. It was just so typically inconsiderate! When she turned sixteen, the stated minimum age for the church choir, it was just assumed that she would join. Her parents never asked her. Lindsey had a very nice voice and liked to sing, but with only a few young people among the thirty in...
Having not visited or talked to his wife since she checked in to Transformations did not make it any easier for Floyd, now that he was about to check in himself. After all the preparations that had been made so he could work from there, he had almost lost his job anyway, just from distraction and inattention. It had been hard enough just existing for the four weeks that Mary had already been gone. He had completely lost track of how much he just depended on her for everything around the...
Hector could not figure it out. She was no virgin, not by a long shot. When she got going, she was a fucking machine. The friends he had invited to help 'break her in' were all begging for return engagements. His 'brainwashing' techniques seemed to be working well until he tried to get her to turn tricks. Then, it was like a stone wall came up. In all the girls he had broken in, he had never run into one like Gem (the name he had given Andi). Usually, they became attached, even devoted...
Andy and Beth waited in Andi's room while she was checked out, then walked beside the mandatory wheelchair as she was taken to the exit. Andy had parked the company van nearby, and before long they were on their way to the Tee. Conversation was sparse, with Andi obviously nervous about what she was getting into. During the night, she had tossed a lot with many misgivings about what she was doing. Ridiculous as spending a couple of months naked seemed to her, the stark reality was that she...
[Cy & Leah] Late September Friday had been an impossible day at school for Cy. His mind could not get away from thoughts about the next morning. Over and over he had decided what he was going to do, and over and over he had changed his mind. As it turned out, Saturday afternoon was just as bad. As it drew near to dinner time, he realized that what he needed was someone to talk to, someone to tell the incredible things that had been happening to him. Dr. Waxman would certainly take the...
[Julia & Ray] Early November Julia was hopeful that Janice was approaching the turning point, so she kept one midday open to talk to Ray. That day, Ray should have realized that something of import was about to happen because Norma and Muriel were waiting for him once again. Missy was also there. Including Missy had taken some thought on Julia's part. On the one hand, Missy was way too young for the upcoming discussion. On the other hand, she was very close to all of the Ralstons. She...
[Erica] Early December Genetics or environment? It is often very difficult to tell which is the primary cause. For a teenaged girl like Erica McCann, the cause did not matter. All she knew was that she was fat, she was a disgrace to her parents and her siblings, and she absolutely hated her life. In the McCann family, style was everything. Both parents, her older sister, and her younger brother were examples of physical perfection, and that seemed to be the most important thing in their...
[Rachel, Cy & Leah] Early January One day as Cy was working right after school, Julia came in and pulled him aside. "I want you to work the early morning tomorrow. Naomi will not be with your mother when she greets you." "Is something wrong?" "Not at all. Things are going well. Up until now, your mother was almost non-functional without her mother. She is ready to do some things on her own, now." "Is Grandma sad about that?" "Oh, no. She is thrilled. Much as she loves your...
[Leah & Julia] Early March "This is probably the question you've been dreading," Julia said to Leah as the girl held Cy's hand tightly. "If your mother follows through with Bradley, and if you can be convinced that home is much different, will you move back?" "If the reason for my being here no longer exists, it would be selfish to take up a spot, wouldn't it?" Leah answered. Julia should have expected that, perhaps, but it still brought moisture to her eyes. With a sigh,...
Even if Mark had been sound asleep, the sight of his fourteen-year-old sister, Becks, standing naked in the door of his room would certainly have roused him. She was still developing, but her body showed the promise of nice, womanly curves. Because of her interest in sports, she was tight and muscular, but it looked very good on her. He did not have to force his smile of appreciation, and could do nothing to stop a vigorous salute from his cock. "D... do I look OK?" she asked with honest...
When the boys left Dex's Friday night, he immediately called Marty, his lawyer, and outlined the plan. She had driven right over, and after more discussion, insisted on monitoring the polygraph session. Like everyone else, she was absolutely enthralled with Mark's idea, and wanted to make sure there were no legal problems to damage its impact. The polygraph session for Lindsey went extremely well, with a confidence level well above established minimums. Mark spent the rest of Saturday...
His Mom had been prophetic, Andy mused as he drove home after his shift at the store. Back in March, she had started a commercial cooking course at the U Extension. The schedule was terribly hard on her, but she had been certain the department store where she had worked for years was on its last legs. She had been right. The closure announcement came the day before Memorial Day. There were some attractive bonuses offered to keep employees until the doors were shut, and his mother was...
Ryan was on his way from the timeclock to see the first of his 'special' patients. He chuckled to himself that he still thought of it as a 'timeclock, ' even though the terminal that scanned his ID badge and requested his PIN was a long way from what he clocked in and out of at the factory during his summer job. There were only three special patients tonight, one having checked out that day. The three women were special because they had the least visitor activity, and because their...
In the girls' bedroom, just a wall away from the bathroom, Lindsey had definitely been affected by the sounds of Norma and Paul frolicking in the shower. She had just gotten in bed when the couple giggled their way into the bathroom. Just the fact that they might use the toilet with the other present was a jolt to the sheltered girl. When the shower started and it became obvious they were in it together, she could not suppress a gasp. Tomboy that she was, Becks was still imbued with her...
[Julia & Staff] Mid-January "I know you hate to have this subject brought up, but is Phyllis going to have to be a freebie?" Frank asked in the staff meeting the next morning. "Not a problem, this time," Julia answered. "Caz Calloway is covering her for as long as necessary. He offered as soon as he heard what had happened. "On another matter," Julia went on. "I guess you are all aware of the extreme deviation from normal admittance. I could make a joke and say 'Extreme...
Transformations A Love Story I felt a wave of pleasure shoot through me as her lips touched my right nipple... instantly as she touched me, then more as she began to kiss my right breast. Next, her right hand slid to my left breast and she slowly started to circle my nipple with her index finger. My eyes shot open and I let out a sigh - having never been awoken to anything like this. I heard a subtle "mmmmm" come from Danielle acknowledging my sigh, but the vibration of her...
It was the third night of the Transformations team's stay in paradise, following the second full day. Mark had watched with pride and enormous satisfaction as Lindsey's confidence grew by the hour. The previous day, her first day naked, she had not been able to go to breakfast, and had visibly recoiled each time she encountered a stranger. He and her other friends had kept a constant escort, or shield, around her the entire day. When the afternoon team meeting had finished on that second...
Norma let Mary nap as long as she wanted to. She either stayed in the room with her, or was close by for the three hours that Mary stayed in bed, trying to sleep, but mostly tossing restlessly. When Mary's bladder forced her to get up, Norma scurried out to fetch Ryan while she was still in the bathroom. She timed it just right, and Mary screamed when she walked out of her bathroom to see Ryan standing there. Norma was right at her side to make sure she did not faint, but otherwise did a...
Andi still cried a lot. But more and more, they were tears of happiness, or just a reaction to the kindness being shown to her. This place was unbelievable! It was exactly what she needed. She was actually starting to worry a little about having to leave some day, but mostly she just basked in the security and the care. And most especially in the presence of Andy. Her days were very full. She had never exercised vigorously in her life, but she had found what Shannon Torvold told her was...
Julia had been spending almost every evening at the Tee since Mary checked in. She had a strong desire to pull off some kind of miracle for Lindsey. Now, she had given Barbara free rein to work with the Halls together. She still found it hard to believe she had agreed to take such a risk. She had told Barbara not to tell her what was going on. Sill, she needed to be close by in case something blew up. Lindsey had been on pins and needles since coming back from dinner over on the men's side....
After Dottie had finally stopped sobbing and regained some of her composure, Andi and Andy took her on a tour. Again, she was greeted warmly by all of the women, with everyone anxious to show her what they were doing. It was almost as if they were trying to sell her on the place. There was an unexpected crisis when she first saw the hot tub. She started crying again, and almost collapsed. The whole way, Andi and Andy had been holding her tightly, so she did not actually fall. "Th......
In the planning stages for Transformations, there had been a log of concern about transferring the the effects of Immersion Therapy and re-birthing, as experienced by Shannon and Kathy at Greg's house, to a larger group of people. There was considerable doubt that the same kinds of effects could be achieved when the subject was one of many naked people. The concerns were correct, but not in a negative way. In fact, in a development that should not have been surprising, the group had its own...
The timing was perfect. Andy had worked long hours at the Tee since it opened, forgetting about school in the interim. On days when the high school guys were at school, he and Ryan were the daytime staff, along with Gretchen and Carol. Paul was on site a good deal of the time, but between operational details of the Tee and his growing outside business, his time with the residents had decreased over the months. One mid-morning, as Paul came into the office after breakfast with a new client,...
When Matt picked up Beth on Sunday afternoon to drive back to school, the mood between them was very strained. Other than a few polite questions and short answers, there was silence until they were several miles down the freeway. Suddenly, Beth started giggling uncontrollably. Matt first looked at her in puzzlement, then in disbelief. When she did not stop, he startled to chuckle, carried along by the musical quality of her laughter and his own guess at what she was laughing at. "Beth...
[Julia] Late May "What we're talking about, here," Gerald Magnuson said in his most forceful manner, "are kids who would not fall under the legal definition of abuse, but whose home situations are intolerable." He was addressing a group that included Julia, two other local psychiatrists, the director of County Children's Services, a lawyer for the county, and two counselors from regional school districts. One of the counselors spoke up immediately. "Mr. Magnuson has identified a very...
His parents and Marty were not the only people who cared about Caz. He had become one of those very successful people whose success almost no one begrudged. His long-burning hatred had been unable to kill the basic respect and care for people that had been a trademark of young Carter Calloway. Within his MLM company, there were literally hundreds of people who thought he walked on water. From the many under him who had earned enough extra to stave off bankruptcy, to those who had...
[Janice & Ted] Late November Julia gave it a few weeks before trying what she hoped would be the deciding move. It was a Saturday, and Janice usually exercised late morning, then got her massage. That morning, with her usual pro forma show of reluctance, Janice got on the table and Mark started working on her shoulders. For whatever reason, she always turned her face away from whoever was working her, so it was relatively easy for Ted to slide in and take Mark's place. The first...
[Faith] Early December "I appreciate your calling me first, Mr. Charles," Julia said after taking a call from Max. "Max, please," he said quickly. "I didn't know how Faith would take the news. I don't think we should keep it from her, but I'm concerned." "You're right to be concerned," Julia assured him. "She needs to know, so I will tell her, and I'll be sure that Dale is with her. Max, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your willingness to forgo the visits. I did not...
[Brett] Late December Brett was met just inside the door by Leah, Missy, and Connie. It was surprising how much planning and scheming had gone into his punishment. Given his offense and his attitude toward girls, Julia had decided that his direct supervision would be done by the girls, and all of them would be involved. The boys had been instructed to be friendly and helpful, but not to give him any direction. Julia had spent quite a bit of time at Lindsey's coaching the kids on how to act...
[Nancy, Ron & Julia] Late January "We certainly didn't plan for anything like this," Ron Merker lamented. "I couldn't believe it when the Halls did it to Brett," Nancy admitted. "When I threatened Chelsea with the same thing, I wasn't serious. I'm afraid I am, now." "Brett's punishment was supposed to be a one-time thing," Julia said to the Merkers as they sat in her Transformations office. Julia had come into the office that Saturday morning after her breakfast with...
[Erica & Dozer] Late April She had talked about it with Julia several times. She never knew whether she hoped Julia would talk her out of it or talk her into it. It had been very frustrating when Julia would do neither, only ask probing questions. Finally after six dates with Dozer, the last three ending with very warm kisses, she made her decision. There had never been any question, but Julia had agreed immediately. Dozer had agreed to come over right after school, bring his books,...
[Bryan] Mid May There had been no commitment from the DA people when they left after discussing more naked 'sentences' for troubled kids, but none had been expected. About three weeks later, Julia's admin caught her between appointments and said "A very distraught woman called. She said she was given your name and number by someone in the DA's office." Five days later, there was a replay of Brett's entrance into Lindsey's. There were some differences, though. Only a mother stood...
Denice Jenning’s Week, Friday My week had been crazy at Rogers High School. I was chosen for the Program because was I was in the running to be my school’s homecoming queen. The naughty futa-principal, Ms. McTaggart, thought it would cute to have my rival, that slut Umeko Himura, and me go naked for the entire week. That was the point of the Program, to encourage young people to embrace their bodies and sexuality. To not be ashamed about anything. It was part of a new-wave of laws sweeping...
Although sixteen now, Denice had never been camping before. I enjoyed camping; it was a way of escaping my home-life, where the wife doted only on the dog. Denice was my sister Cathy’s daughter; a single mom whome I visted rarely. Denice had lately become very tempting. Her brown hair seemed to kiss her beautiful neck and her big brown eyes danced every time I took-in her yummy figure. Visits to Cathy’s place became more frequent; and I found Cathy good to chat with before Deniece came in...