Message-ID: <878eli$9705251838@qz.little-neck.ny.us> X-Archived-At: Path: qz!news.accessus.net!not-for-mail X-Path-Preload: news.accessus.net preloaded to thwart rogue canceller there Followup-To: alt.sex.stories.d Organization: The Committee To Thwart Spam Approved: X-Moderator-Contact: Eli the Bearded X-Story-Submission: From: nostrumo@nienor.IN-Berlin.DE (Nostrumo) Newsgroups: alt.sex.stories.tg,alt.sex.stories.moderated Subject: Repost TG: Phoenix Risen by Krystle Glass (2/3) Hi. This is a repost for Krystle. As usual I DIDN'T write this story and haven't any claim on it. If you have some usefull hints or some good coments, your mail is then welcome. Flames, you know, they will be piped to /dev/null. If you are an author and wish to remain anonymouns or just try to avoid the replies to your work. I offer you the chance of posting your stories and collecting the response for you. This offer only stands for story postings and for nothing else. Enjoy the story. Ciao Nostrumo >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> cut here with a sharp knife <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 2___Phoenix_Risen_______________________________________by_Krystle_Glass_ jogging pants. With a furious blush, he excused himself to relieve the pressure on his bladder. Sharon had made them a breakfast fit for royalty. There were slices of melon; bacon done to a turn, crisp but not burned; pan grilled English muffins (just the way he liked them, he hated them toasted); strawberry preserves; omelets with cheddar cheese, mushrooms, vidalia onions and sweet red peppers; orange-pineapple juice; fresh brewed coffee with cream. Peter knew he didn't have most of this in his apartment. Where did Sharon get all this food? When he asked, she told him that she had seen the sorry state of his pantry and refrigerator. Knowing that ketchup, week old bread and beer (even if it was imported) would not suffice for breakfast, Sharon had checked the phone book and found a market that delivered. She had also found the list of numbers by his phone and called his garage to come fix his car. They had already towed his away and left him a loaner to use while it was being repaired. Sharon may have some fragile qualities but she certainly wasn't helpless. Surprised and touched at her thoughtfulness, and being unused to having anyone look after him, Peter was overcome with joy. Watching Sharon clean-up the dishes, he couldn't help himself. Without thinking he leaned forward, kissed her on the lips and said, "I love you!" His smile vanished as he saw the color drain from her face. Sharon dropped the dish she was drying, and it shattered as it crashed to the floor. Her hands trembling, her face white she said in a small, tight voice, "no .. no you CAN'T. You don't even know me. YOU CAN'T LOVE ME!" With a cry she turned and bolted out the door. Stunned, Peter took a moment to react. By the time he got out of the apartment, he heard the front door bang shut. Hitting the street, he frantically looked around and spotted Sharon racing down the next block. "Goddamned, she's fast! What the hell have I done?" he wondered as he tried to catch up with her. Peter couldn't believe how fast Sharon was. She ran like she was chased by demons, which was not far from the truth. He saw her finally stop running in the middle of the bridge, her head was down and even at this distance he could see her sobbing. Peter pushed himself to further speed as he saw Sharon's head come up. She took a grip on the railing, leaned forward and began to raise her leg. It was a long drop to the river below. She had just gotten one leg over the top of the railing, when Peter caught her. Her eyes were wide and filled with fear, her face covered in tears. With an inarticulate cry she fought his grasp. Peter found himself hard-pressed to keep hold. Her strength was surprising to say the least. With a final heave, Peter managed to get her free of the edge, and enfolded her in his arms. He was really shaken by her reactions. Gingerly he led her back to his apartment. He found the key to the loaner car and drove her home. Sharon sat slumped against the door, her head down, her hands shaking. What broke his heart most was the lost, frightened look in her eyes. When they got to her home, Peter called Dr. G and explained what happened. He was afraid to leave her alone, and the good doctor said he would be there soon. Dr. G arrived shortly and checked on Sharon. When he came out of the bedroom, he went to Peter. "I've given her a sedative. She should sleep now for a while. I'll wait here for a bit. I don't think it's wise for you to be here when she wakes up." "Maybe I shouldn't tell you what I'm about to, but the ethics here get fuzzy. You're both my patients and your welfare's seem to be inter-twined. You must never reveal that you know anything I'm about to share, especially to Sharon." "You have my word, Doc." "Well.... Some time back Sharon was married. She had a son, a little boy. She was also leading a double life, something she kept from her spouse and everyone else that knew her. Just what that entailed you will have to hear from her, IF she ever decides to volunteer it. One night while she was away from home, leading this double life, tragedy struck. Her family was killed in an accident. She blamed herself, feeling that had she only been home WHERE SHE BELONGED it wouldn't have happened, that they would have still been alive. More than likely she would have been killed also. She felt enormous guilt over having been deceitful with her family. She held herself together until after the funeral. I met her after she had tried to kill herself. Since then I've been treating her for her depression. She has dealt with things within herself that would have broken lesser people. But she has never forgiven herself, refuses to do what she needs to let herself be happy. She feels she doesn't deserve to be happy. She doesn't feel she can allow herself to be loved, since she had once before betrayed the love she had. I have been hoping that in time she could overcome this, find someone to love and accept their love in return. I thought after seeing how well you two had hit it off, you might be the one. I guess maybe she just isn't as strong as I hoped. She isn't ready yet to be more than friends." "Doc, whatever she needs, however she will have me in her life, however long it takes, I want to be there for her. I do love her." "Well tell her that when you see her again. IF she will see you again. I'll leave her a note to call you later. Wait for her call, don't call her. When she calls you'll know she's ready." Sharon did finally call, but not until 2 days later. She apologized profusely, but Peter told her that she had nothing to apologize for. He had acted on impulse, he said. He felt he owed her an apology. They argued back and forth over who owed whom an apology, until the absurdity of it got to both of them and they ended up laughing. They tentatively resumed their "friendship", slowly getting back to where they had been. By the time Peter's family barbecue came around, they both had shaken off the effects of Peter's declaration of love. He had explained he did love her, but would never look for a response from her. He would never push for or ask for more than she offered. He told Sharon that she was important to him. Enough so that he would let her set whatever pace there was to be in their relationship. Sharon told Peter that she felt strongly for him too. She wasn't ready to commit to a relationship as "lovers" and that there were things about her, about her past she was not ready to share. Peter's response was that he didn't care at all about he past, that he knew the person she was inside and that was who he loved. They resolved to not put any label on what they had together, and to just let things develop as they would. The barbecue was held at Peter's grandparent's home. His grandparent's had passed away some years before, and the house and grounds were held in joint trust by all of Peter's relatives. It was an enormous estate and used by any of the family whenever they were in the area, as well as for family get-togethers. There was a couple who lived in the carriage house and served as caretakers. By the time Peter and Sharon arrived there were close to 200 people already there. They covered 4 generations of the Hutchinson clan. It took nearly an hour for Peter to take Sharon around and introduce her to everyone. When he introduced her to his parents, they recognized her immediately from the awards dinner. His father was cordial, but a bit cool. His mother was more easy- going, and although she wondered about her son seeing someone from a lower social class, Sharon's smile and self- deprecating demeanor soon won her over. His mother took charge of Sharon and they walked off arm in arm. His mother was fascinated with Sharon's work with the hospital and had a million questions about what celebrities she had worked with. Peter was left standing with his father, smiling as he watched the two most important women in his life become friends. "So tell me Peter, is this girl another frivolous fling?" His father was always harping about Peter getting serious, settling down and "taking care of business". "No Dad, she isn't. She's very special. I've never met anyone like her. We've been seeing each other for months and we are taking things slow, getting to know each other." "Well, what do you know about her? Where's she from? What's her background? What's her family history? What do her parents do? Where did she go to college? You know you have to be careful. I don't really think she's right for our social circle. She seems very common. She may just be after the Hutchinson money, trying to get to it through you." His father would have gone on, and in the past he would have reacted to his father with angry shouts. "Dad, I don't know where she's from, what her background is, what her net worth is and I don't care about your precious social circle. I DO know that she is the kindest, gentlest, most unselfish, unpretentious, modest, down-to-earth person I have ever known. If it wasn't for her and how she's helped me, you would not be seeing me here today. I had gotten to the point where I began to hate you. But she's helped me get past the fact that you are such a stiff-necked, arrogant bastard and love you in spite of yourself." His response, delivered in such a matter-of-fact tone, and accompanied by Peter's boyish grin, left the elder Hutchinson speechless. With a chuckle Peter left his father standing there with his mouth open, and he set off to find his cousin Sid and see about starting a softball game. When he recovered his composure, Peter's father went into the house. He had things to find out and he knew just who to call. The family had chosen teams for the softball games. The kids had a game going in one field, the adults and teens in another. The older folks and babies watched and cheered. As it turned out Peter and Sharon ended up on opposing teams. She looked great. She was wearing pink shorts, white Reeboks, white and pink athletic ankle socks, a hand-painted white blouse with a picture of teddy bears and butterflies across the back, and a pink cotton baseball type cap. Peter had worn a pair of hiking shorts and a polo shirt, but by now it was hot enough most of the men had stripped down to bare chests. Sharon thought he looked so handsome and many of the spectators drooled over his rugged good looks. Sharon's team had first at bats. Whenever a woman got up to hit the men would all crowd in and tease them mercilessly. Sharon got the same treatment as the other ladies. Peter's cousin Sid called to the pitcher," Take it easy on her! We don't want to make it too hard for Petey's new girlfriend her first time here!" So the pitcher lofted up a big fat easy pitch. If they were expecting Sharon to swing and whiff like some weakling and act the part of a flighty, flirt, they were in for a surprise. Sharon connected solidly with the ball and used her whole lithe frame to drive it way past the outfielders (now acting like second infielders) and all the way back to the edge of the field. By the time anyone recovered enough to go after it she was already rounding second base. As she crossed home plate, well ahead of the ball, all the women were cheering. Even the ones on the opposing team. That would teach the men to take the women for granted! Later, when her team was fielding, one of the teen cousins hit a wicked line drive straight at Sharon, expecting her to duck or dodge aside. Instead the ball landed in her glove with a loud "slap!" and she pegged it to first base, catching Sid in a double play. She certainly didn't throw like a girl! The game broke up eventually, with no accurate score, and it was time to eat. Sharon and Peter found a spot under the shade of an old maple tree. It was cooler there and away from some of the noise. It was pleasant, as they sat, looking at each other and just enjoying each other's company. They were just finishing their plates when Ned Jr. came over and told Peter his father was looking for him. Peter left Sharon under there in the shade to find out what his old man wanted. He didn't see his Uncle Ted, who had been drinking a bit too much, approaching from the other direction. "You did WHAT?!" yelled Peter. He was outraged at his father, nearly ready to revert back to the old hostilities. "You heard me. I said I had her checked out. I don't know just what she is, but I do know she's a phony. Until four years ago there was no record of a Sharon Phoenix anywhere." "Dad, what do you think gives you the right to meddle in my affairs? It is no business of yours who I see or where they are from." Peter struggled to remain in control, to not let his anger best him. "Look. As head of this family, it is my obligation to protect it from schemers, riffraff and golddigging bimbos. Obviously you haven't matured enough to take responsibility and protect the family's interest. I DID learned that she has spent time in a psychiatric hospital. She some sort of fruitcake son." Seething inside Peter worked to calm himself. "She is no fruitcake. She's had a hard time in life and had been strong enough to seek help with depression. She sees Dr. G just as have I. There is nothing but good in Sharon." "I can see there's no reasoning with you. I want you to stop seeing her. Drop her. That's an order." His voice never colder or more stern Peter replied, "Dad, go to hell. I intend to marry her, IF she'll have me. I love her and you better get used to the idea." With that he turned and left the library. His mother was on the other side of the door. It was obvious she'd heard their conversation. "Good for you Peter. I love you father but he can be such an ass at times. Sharon's a wonderful girl. Follow your heart." He hugged his mother close, touched by her support. "Thanks Mom." Peter's Uncle Ted had a reputation as a drunk and a lecher. Today was no exception. Once he'd had enough liquid courage, he looked for some nubile young thing he could corner alone. He'd used his bulk and greater strength to pin them and depend on the family motto of "Don't make a fuss" to keep them quiet. There were few ladies in the family he hadn't tried to score with. Today Sharon was his intended victim. Just a couple of things he didn't count on. One was Sharon wasn't about to cooperate or pass him off as "harmless". The second was fourteen year old Ned Jr. had developed quite a crush and his eyes hadn't been off of Sharon for a second all afternoon. When Ted tried to corner her, Sharon pushed him back. When he tried to grab her arms and pin her against the tree, she fought him with more strength than he expected. He found himself in a real struggle and made the mistake of trying to cover her mouth to quiet her. Sharon bit him between the thumb and forefinger. In pain he let go with his other hand, his own yell drawing the attention he'd sought to avoid. Everyone turned in time to see Sharon's knee connect solidly between his thighs and her right fist to nail him hard enough to make his head snap. Peter had just come out of the house when the commotion was in full swing. His uncle writhing on the ground yelling about "that bitch tramp", half the older generation deriding her for "assaulting" him. Many of the women were silently applauding her for doing what they had wanted to for years. It was Ned who spoke up and said he'd seen everything. When Peter heard what his uncle had tried, he snarled, "Uncle, you are a pathetic piece of shit. I'd beat you senseless if Sharon hadn't already kicked your ass. I'd better not see you again for a very long time." Ted's wife glared at him through tears and said, "This is the last time Ted. I've stood by and turned a blind eye to your antics for too long. Tomorrow I'm seeing our attorney about a divorce." Just as Peter and Sharon turned to leave, there was Peter's father. "Well, Peter, I see she's shown her true colors. Fighting and causing a scene like so much POOR WHITE TRASH. Now do you see I was right?" Peter was about to tell his father to fuck off, but Sharon stopped him. "Mr. Hutchinson, you may be able to cow and bully some people. You may be able to use your money and influence to buy your way through life. You may not even like me very much. Personally I don't care. I don't care about your money, influence or power. None of it impresses me. What people DO impresses me. All I've seen from you is someone who abuses what they have, someone who makes themselves big by beating others down, someone insecure with themselves. You're a little man with little dreams, imprisoned by your fears. You don't live life because you're too busy trying to guard and hoard your money. I gave up caring about other people's opinions years ago. As much as you resent me though, I am not angry at you. I pity you." As Sharon and Peter finally left, his mother was there. She hugged Sharon, and the look she gave her husband promised a long, unpleasant night. As he dropped her off at home Sharon said, "I'm sorry things got so ugly today." "It's not your fault. Uncle Ted has been deserving more than what happened for a long time. And my father has been in need of a good telling off for longer. But I know my mother and everyone else loves you. So what are two bad apples out of so many?" She kissed him good-night, ever so gently on the lips. With a stroke of her hand across his cheek, she closed the door. Her answering machine was blinking furiously. Peter's mother left a message saying not to worry about his father. He wouldn't be causing her anymore trouble and would she please call her May in the future. Sid called to see if she was available to play softball next week. He said his team needed a ringer. But seriously he hoped she wouldn't think ill of the rest of the family because of Ted or Petey's dad. Ted's wife called to thank her for decking Ted. She was holding off on seeing the lawyer for now. Ted was more than contrite when he sobered up. Not to mention that he was hardly able to stand or walk, and had ice packs on his eye and "other injury". It seemed all he'd needed was a kick in the ass. She thanked Sharon again and asked her if they could have lunch next week. Ted called to apologize. He knew she probably would never want to see him again but he hoped that somehow he could make amends. Sharon though he even seemed to mean it. As Peter drove home, the day replayed itself in his mind. He smiled when he thought of how dumb they'd looked as Sharon drove the ball over their faces. He felt a cold anger at his father, but more than warm at his mother's support. She'd not taken sides much while he was younger. He chuckled at so many of his aunts and grand-aunts commenting on "that sweet young thing" saying he'd better not let her slip away. Even Sid, who usually made a pass at Peter's dates, told him Sharon was a keeper and that if he was too stupid to marry her, then he would be FORCED to court her himself. Court? It wasn't like Sid to speak like that. In fact Sid usually made light of everything and was a confirmed bachelor. Well, he and Sharon were facing a busy next few weeks. They wouldn't be able to see each other for a while, which gave Peter time to do something that had been nagging at him. The next day, Sharon was awakened by a knock. It was still early and she had no idea who it could be. Peter always called first before he came over. When she opened the door, she was surprised to see his father standing there. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Sharon. May I come in?" "Of course. Please. Can I get you some coffee?" "No thank you, I won't take up much of your time. I came here to apologize for my outrageous behavior. There was no call for it. You're right, for too long I've let my money rule my life. It, and my arrogance, almost cost me my son. I thought things had improved between us because he was finally seeing things my way. My wife disabused me of that notion. She made me see that it was you who gave him back to me. For that alone I owe more than I can ever repay. I love my son. I always have. I guess I don't show it enough. And I am proud of him. Proud of the man he has become." Sharon laid a hand on his arm. "Then go tell him. It's never too late to start over. I know Peter loves and respects you. You are both alike in many ways. You may be surprised at how much you have in common." "Well, you are the first person I couldn't intimidate or infuriate. I respect that. You're quite a remarkable young woman. It isn't every day you find someone with your blend of compassion and strength. Like silk covered steel. Thank you again." With that he took his leave. Sharon, closed to door, humming and smiling. It promised to be a great day. Peter and Sharon were out celebrating. Peter's business had hit 10 million dollars in sales. The program Sharon had begun at the Children's Hospital was being adopted at other hospitals all over the country. She had used her contacts as a make-up artist to pull together artists, surgeons, chemists from all over the country. They had developed a network to provide cosmetic care and facial reconstruction for disfigured children and adults nationwide. Best yet it was funded totally by donations and didn't cost hospitals or patients a dime. She had also gotten a contract to head up the make-up and special effects for a major motion picture. It meant going away on location overseas for 6 months, and a year in the states. Not to mention 6 months of heavy work planning the effects. Crystal Illusions had hit it big. After dinner they strolled through "their" park. The stars were out and it was so clear. When they got to the bench where they had met, Peter asked her to sit. "I have something important to ask you. I don't want to pressure you. Take as long as you need to answer. I'll wait for as long as it takes." He reached into his pocket and drew out a small velvet box. He feared another severe reaction, as when he first proclaimed his love. But lately Sharon had seemed less fearful, less skittish about intimacy. Dropping to one knee, Peter opened the box. Inside was a flawless 1 carat diamond solitaire. It was set in platinum and gleamed in the lamplight. 'Sharon, I would be honored if you would consent to accepting my hand in marriage. Sharon, I love you will you marry me?" Sharon's heart beat furiously. She'd sensed this day would come. She both dreaded it and looked forward to it. "Either I can surrender to my fear forever, or I can face it down." she thought. "Peter, I love you too. Before I can answer, there are things you have to know. Please take me home. I have something you have to see before I can explain." When they got to her house Sharon had Peter sit while she went into the bedroom. She came out holding what appeared to be a picture. "Peter, before I met you I was married. I had a son, a small boy. I loved my family with all my heart. They were my entire life. But I also had other problems to deal with, things that caused me to begin leading a double life. I would have never done anything to hurt my family, but I'm not perfect. In regards to this I was weak. One night while I was away from home, indulging my secret life, there was an accident. A fire broke out and my family was killed, our home destroyed, burned to the ground. I blamed myself. If I had been there the fire never would have happened. If it had I could have gotten them out in time. If I had been responsible they would still be alive. My son would be 7 years old now. I managed to stay together until the funeral was over. No one could hear me screaming in my mind. Once they were laid to rest I tried to kill myself, because I felt I didn't deserve to live. After failing even that I met Dr. G. He literally saved my life. He helped me resolve some of the things that had troubled me before the fire. He helped me learn to live with the pain and guilt." Peter already knew most of this. He could sense there was something more. Handing him the picture, she told him, "This is a picture of me and my family." It was the same photograph he'd seen in her bedroom. The little boy must be her son. But he didn't understand. The woman in the picture didn't even faintly resemble Sharon. She was too short for one. Her eyes were the wrong color, hers were brown and Sharon's were green. She didn't have the beauty mark Sharon had by her lip. "Peter, the family I lost was my wife and son. I'm the person on the left." Peter looked totally lost. The person on the left was the man. Was Sharon trying to tell him she was a man? No way. "Peter, you said you'd give me time. I know this is a shock to you. I will understand if you don't want to see me again. Go home now. Call me in a few days if you want to talk and I'll try to answer your questions if you have any. If you don't call I will understand." In a daze Peter left, his mind whirling. He hadn't seen Dr. G in a couple of months. Maybe he could help him sort this out, make some sense of it all. He couldn't see or hear the silent anguished sobs coming from the other side of the door. It was a very confused and distraught Peter that saw Dr. G the next day. He looked as if he hadn't slept. In fact he hadn't. Peter hadn't even gone home. He'd walked all night, his mind a whirl of emotions and questions. Finally when the sun was fully up, he'd stopped at a pay phone and called the doctor. "Doc, I don't get it. Not at all." He'd related the evening's events to Dr. G, from their celebratory dinner to Peter's proposal and Sharon's revelations. Dr. G's brow was furrowed in thought. "Peter, given the situation and the fact that Sharon has told you her deepest secret, I feel I can fill you in a bit more. You see, son, Sharon is transgendered. That means that she is of mixed gender. Now understand, we all have male and female components to our mental and physical make-up. Typically, we lean predominantly more one way than the other. In the transgendered person, these traits are not so polarized. Many have very strong components of each. Or their physical and mental genders are out of sync. Sharon is somewhere in there. When she was married she struggled for years with her inner turmoil. She was born physically male, but her mind and feelings had a very large female aspect. This is what lead her to leading a double life. She was a transvestite, or so she came to label herself. She would take time to go off and dress and act like a woman. I don't mean she'd go out looking for men, but just take on the outward appearance and mannerisms of a woman. Then she'd go out and do very normal things, take in a movie, have dinner, go shopping. She didn't get to that point overnight, but slowly over a period of years. The entire time she would be riddled with guilt." "But Doc, surely her wife must have known?" "No, Peter, and that's where the guilt came from. You see most transgendered people live with the constant fear of discovery, live with the fear of rejection, of being labelled freaks and perverts." "Well Doc, it IS pretty strange. I mean men are men and women are women. Except for gays I guess." "Now you're confusing gender with sexuality. They aren't the same at all. Gender has to do with emotions, feelings, attitudes, how you look at things. Sex is about the physical person. Sexuality is about who we find attractive and sexually stimulating. A person can't do anything about their gender. They can change their sex. They can either come to terms with their sexuality or let it rule them. There are more options than just heterosexual and homosexual. There is also bi-sexuality where the person is attracted to both sexes. There is asexuality, where the person really has little or no sexual drives. There is also, like gender, a lot of gray areas." "So are you saying Sharon is gay? Or has she had a sex- change? Or is she one of those she-males you hear about in those porn magazines?" "In Sharon's case I believe that she reacts to a person's essential self, without regard for their physical sex. So in effect she is not gay, but falls into one of those gray areas. She is neither she-male, nor has she had sexual re- assignment surgery. I believe Sharon was on the border between the transvestite and the transsexual. The trauma and guilt over losing her family, her attempt at suicide, was the catalyst for her to become a transsexual. She felt her feminine alter-ego, and her everyday male self were to blame for her family's death. So she felt they too had to die, resulting in her suicide attempt. Her mind especially sought to purge the existence of her male ego. She was left with just the purest essence of her female psyche." "But why didn't she then get the surgery you talked about? Why not go ahead and become what she portrays?" "That too is a result of the guilt. She did allow herself electrolysis, to remove the male aspects of her body and facial hair. She had some very minor cosmetic surgeries to give her a more feminine facial appearance. But for her to let herself become totally female, would mean she'd have to forgive herself, let herself heal. That she couldn't do because she feels she should be punished." "Oh, that's so sad. She isn't to blame for anything. I can't imagine having to live with that kind of pain everyday. Doc. I don't know what to do, how to handle this. I love her, but as a woman. It's how I know her. If she hasn't done anything to become female, then why is it she looks so much like one? Besides, I'm not gay. I have no desire to be with a man. But I don't know her as one. I'm so damned confused!" "Peter, remember she's a make-up artist. She deals with creating illusions every day. She's one of the best in her field and has pulled off some amazing transformations. I can't tell you what to do. I can suggest you look inside yourself. Decide if you love Sharon as a person, for who she is, as opposed to what she looks like. Look into your heart and let it lead you." Peter left, finally to go home. he was physically and emotionally drained. He needed time to think and sort things out. Two days later, Peter got a call from Dr. G. Sharon had been hit by a car and was in intensive care. She might not make it he said. Since she had no family Dr. G had arranged for Peter to be able to visit her. If he wanted to. Without a moment's thought Peter sped to the hospital. He was assured that Sharon was getting the very best of care. She was well loved by the staff and everyone was praying she would pull through. When he saw Dr. G, he was handed a letter addressed to him. Sharon was crossing the street to mail it when she was struck. The driver's brakes had failed for no apparent reason. He had been cleared of any negligence. It was simply a tragic accident. Peter opened the letter and began to read: "Dear Peter, I am sorry for hurting you. I should never have let you or anyone become involved with me. It wasn't right to tangle up someone else in my messed up world. I'm sorry for having deceived you. I hope someday you can forgive my selfishness. I am leaving town. I have contacted a Realtor to sell my house. I won't mess up your life any further. You will never have to see me again. I have ruined someone's life for the last time. Good-bye and love Sharon" Shaking, tears freely running down his face, Peter went into the ICU. Taking Sharon's hand in his, he began to speak, softly. If anyone were to get close they would have heard, "Sharon, don't leave me. I love you and I need you. Please come back to me." Peter turned as he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see his father standing there. His mother was off to one side. "Peter, we're so sorry. We came as soon as we heard." With that Peter's father embraced him. Then his mother entered the circle and they kept vigil together. Over the next 3 days they took shifts staying with Sharon. Peter was touched. His father never left the hospital. In all his life he'd never seen his father stay away from his office for so long, and never for anything that wasn't planned in advance. He sensed a fundamental change in him, and that he really cared. Peter's relative and friends all came by, people from the theaters, the hospitals, some of the families that Sharon had helped all sent cards and flowers. There were so many that Peter's mother arranged to have them brought around to patients who had none. She felt it was something Sharon would have wanted done. One night, Peter was sprawled in the chair by her bed, half asleep. Her face was framed by a shaft of moonlight coming from the window. She'd been brought out of ICU but hadn't recovered consciousness. His heart ached to see her, lying helpless, her face swollen and bruised, the wires and tubes and bandages seemed abominable on someone as special as her. He lowered his head and began to weep, his shoulders shaking. Then someone was holding his hand, "there, there, don't cry. It will be all right." He looked up and saw Sharon gazing back at him. "I thought I lost you. I CAN'T lose you. Not now, not ever." "Peter, I ..." "Hush. Please let me say this. Sharon, I love you. When I thought about losing you, I couldn't bear it. No matter what else, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I'll marry you, no matter how that has to be worked out, if you'll have me. I talked with my lawyer. Even if the state wouldn't recognize our union, I can still provide for you just as if it did. I want you as my wife, no matter what anyone says. No matter what else you decide or how you want to continue, please say we'll be together." "I love you too, Peter. Are you sure of what you're saying?" "I've never been more certain of anything." "Then I guess I have to say .... Yes." "Look you rest now. I have to tell Mom and Dad the good news. They been here the whole time waiting with me." "How long?" "You've been gone from us for four days." "Peter, please, get Dr. G. I have something I need to discuss with him." The next day it was a jubilant Peter that went to the hospital. Hi mother and father were with him. The entire hospital seemed brighter and cheerier. The good news of Sharon's recovery must have spread overnight. When they got to ICU, they were met by Dr. G. "Sharon's not here. She's transferred to a private hospital." "Not here? Where is she?" "We had a long discussion last night. Sharon needs some rehabilitation for her injuries. She also needs some time. There are things she needs to do, and I agreed with her. Oh, Peter, before I forget, you left the ring in my office the other night." "Where is it Doc?" "The last time I saw it, it was on Sharon's left ring finger." The Doc had a grin that would have done a Cheshire cat proud. "Mrs. Hutchinson, since Sharon has no living relatives, she said you're the closest thing she has to a mother. She asked if you'd help plan her wedding. Seems she accepted Peter's proposal. She said she would be taking care of the gown, but is leaving the rest up to you and Peter. She drew up a list of her friends she'd like to invite. She said you have six months to get things ready. Then she'll be back." Mrs. Hutchinson had always wanted a daughter. It looked like she was going to get one. She couldn't wait to get started. Try as they might peter and his father couldn't find out anything from anyone as to where Sharon was or what she was up to. It promised to be a long six months for Peter. Sharon gazed at her reflection in the long mirror. She'd recovered from her injuries. With the help of the staff here, and Dr. G, she also finished the emotional recovery she'd needed for so long. She marveled as she slowly ran her hands over her figure. Her breasts, no longer silicone and paint, rose perkily. Full rounded with rosy nipples, she couldn't believe they were really hers. They weighed more than she was used to, but she'd adjusted fairly well. Thanks to the hormones and the skilled surgeons Dr. G had put her in touch with, her waist narrowed a bit more than when she'd had to corset herself. Gone was the padded girdle. Now her own hips flared nicely, blending from her waist to buttocks in a way no artificial hips ever could. Her taut stomach ran down to the tiny patch of pubic hair she had left, to her new sex. The doctors had all done a remarkable job. >From the surgeon for her sexual re-assignment surgery, to the plastic surgeons who performed her other alterations, to the endocrinologist, all the nurses, she owed so much to everyone. Foremost was Dr. G. because of the years he'd spend as her psychiatrist, and the time she'd been living as a woman, Sharon only had to go through the hormones and surgery to complete what had begun so long ago. "Oh dear, you make such a beautiful bride! I'm sorry I'm weepy, but this is the happiest day ever!" May Hutchinson had in truth become Sharon's surrogate mother. During this last week of wedding preparation they had become as close as if they were blood. Peter's father had also been walking around happy as a clam. People had been asking him if he'd had a face-lift. But it was simply that they were so unused to seeing him smile. He was more relaxed these days, and he and Peter had spent time together catching up on so much they'd missed together. Sharon's dress was understated elegance. White satin with touches of lace and pearls, just a few rhinestones. It was high necked, long-sleeved, flaring a the top but fitted from the elbows down. It had a long train and her veil was a confection of lace and pearls. Her bouquet was white roses. Underneath was the naughtiest, sexiest white satin and lace lingerie she could find. Peter had been waiting for six long months for his bride. She knew it hard been hard on him. He'd been calling several times a day since she'd left the clinic, but she'd made him wait until today to see her. She intended to see him *VERY* well rewarded. Her maid of honor was the young man that Peter had been confronted by at the play "Cats". Sharon had a lot of friends in the theater, so the reception was an unusual blend. Her theatrical and unusual friends, many people from the hospitals she worked with, the elite and powerful bluebloods who knew the Hutchinson's, Peter's relatives, all intermingling. Sid was Peter's best man. He kept reminding Peter that he got to kiss the bride, and that he intended to thoroughly enjoy it. The church was filled to capacity. The organist began the wedding march. Dr. G escorted Sharon down the aisle, as her surrogate father. She said he'd been there all through her painful re-birth. He felt truly honored to be able to perform this service for her. Peter looked thrilled and terrified, so handsome in his tuxedo. He was fidgeting like a little boy, and Sharon had to fight back a giggle. Soon they all heard those long awaited words.. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife!" -- +--------------' Story submission `-+-' Moderator contact `------------+ | story-submit@qz.little-neck.ny.us | story-admin@qz.little-neck.ny.us | | Archive site +--------------------+------------------+ Newsgroup FAQ | \ .../assm/faq.html> /