Author's Note: I've been an avid reader of TG fiction for quite a long time. I especially enjoy stories that are sweet and sentimental or those in which the character is punished with love and compassion (if you want to know what that means, read any of the Aunt Jane stories by Tigger). Anyways, this is my first attempt at a story and I hope you enjoy it.
All the usual copyright and "viewing if you're legal" rules apply. There is no sex in this story, the character is far too young, but there is implied violence. It is a work of fiction and all the characters are fictional, any similarities to the living are chance.
Audra: A New Life
by Joanne Foxcourt
Chapter 1: Ransom Demands.
"Remember honey, come straight home after the game," said Aaron's mom, "we have your grandparents visiting."
"I will mom," replied Aaron as he grabbed his baseball glove and hat from the front table. He smiled happily at the start of a new summer with baseball, grandparents, and all of the other fun things kids get to do on their summer vacation. Aaron had just turned eleven and while he was small for his age, he was actually a pretty good athlete and a real fanatic for baseball because it's lack of physical contact gave him a better chance against the boys who were bigger than him.
Aaron's size was unusual for the men in his family. Both his father and older brother were quite a bit bigger when they were his age. He was more like his older sister and mother; small, compact, and cute rather than handsome. He sometimes got teased for his cuteness, looking more like a girl could be a real burden for a young boy, but because of his baseball ability and his general friendliness, the teasing was usually good natured.
Aaron led a good life. His family was very well off, courtesy of both inheritances and a father who had very sound business sense. They lived in a fancy neighborhood and he and his siblings attended a prestigious private school. Being a smart lad in a moneyed family meant very bright prospects for Aaron as he got older. Of course, being nine, he didn't really think about those issues.
***
As Aaron tore down the street on his bicycle, he failed to notice the dark van that had pulled out from around the corner of a nearby street. The van had tinted windows and a license plate that was obscured by dirt and road dust. The man behind the wheel nodded at his companion beside him, "is this the one we want?"
"That's him. He's perfect for us. Wealthy family, young, and easily controlled and we can make a lot of money for the cause if we grab him."
"Do you want to grab him now or wait until after his game?"
"Wait for the game. He is rushed now; he may not stop for us. Besides, it will give us a chance to study him and maybe we will see some other potential sources of revenue amongst his friends."
The driver nodded again and turned to pass Aaron as both headed to the baseball diamond. As the men parked their van a few minutes later, they watched Aaron enter the parking lot to chain up his bike, getting ready for the first game of the season. Most of his team was already there and the men could see that the other team was also ready to go. Carefully, they found themselves some seats in the bleachers and settled into watch the game.
***
"Hey Aaron, ready for the big game?" shouted out Aaron's best friend Mike.
"I was born ready Mike!" Aaron laughed at him. It was their ritual of superstition that many athletes have.
"Can you hang out after?"
"Nah, my grandparents are coming over today and I promised my mom that I'd go straight home."
"Nuts."
Aaron laughed again and shrugged with that "what can I do" kind of shrugs that all kids seem to be able to use. He wasn't that unhappy about it though, he loved visiting with his grandparents.
After that, the coaches for the two teams started organizing their young charges and the home plate umpire shouted, "Play ball!"
***
After the celebration of the win, 7-4 with Aaron scoring twice, he slapped a high five with his friend Mike and jumped on his bike for the ride home. Aaron was feeling pretty happy, he won, scored some runs, and his grandparents were coming to visit. All in all, he though, this was turning into a glorious day.
"Hey kid!"
Aaron looked up at the van that had pulled up beside him and the smiling face of the man at the passenger window, "yes?" Aaron pulled over his bike as the van came to a stop and the two men climbed out.
"My friend and I are a little lost, we're looking for State Lane and we haven't had much luck finding it," said the man as he pulled out a hand drawn map.
Aaron didn't have either of the native caution of girls or the street caution of poorer youths growing up in the inner city. He leaned over to look at the map, "you're close, sir, all you need to do…" His voice fell silent as he felt the prick of a needle and the world started to go black. His mind screamed help, but nothing came out of his mouth.
Both men acted quickly. They lifted Aaron into the van through the side door. The former passenger climbed in after him and the driver jumped in behind the wheel and sped the van off down the road.
***
"Where is that boy?!?" Marianne, Aaron's mom fumed. "He was supposed to be home hours ago."
"Have you called Mike's place mom?" Susie asked. "He usually goes there after his baseball games."
"He had better not, but I guess I had better check."
"Don't get too upset with the lad, Mari," said Aaron's grandmother, "he's just a boy and he's doing what all little boys have done for centuries." Aaron's grandfather laughed at that and nodded wisely in agreement as he looked at his son, Aaron's dad who was also chuckling.
"Still, I'll call and get him to shake his tail home," replied Marianne as she picked up the phone in the parlor and dialed Mike's home. "Hi June, its Marianne, is Aaron over there? I see… Okay… Thanks June."
"He's not there. Mike told his mother that Aaron had left from home straight after the game." Marianne looked worried. "Ken would you take a look around the neighborhood for your brother?"
"Sure mom. Don't worry, I'll find the little brat and bring him home." Ken smiled reassuringly. Ken teased his brother a lot, but he was thinking that this was pretty unlike him; the kid was normally pretty reliable when he made a promise. Ken, too, was getting worried.
However, before Ken could head out of the house, the phone rang. As his father, James, picked it up, he told Ken to wait since it could be Aaron calling. "Hello, Wilson residence, James Wilson speaking."
As James listened on the phone, the rest of the family could see him turn pale and start to shake. He said into the phone, "I see, I understand. I'll wait for your next call."
"What's the matter honey? Is Aaron hurt?" Marianne asked.
"Hurt?" James shook his head, "no, not hurt, not yet. He's been kidnapped!" Tears formed in his eyes as he hugged his wife who had begun crying in fear for her youngest son, her baby. Other cries of fear and astonishment quickly followed.
Fear and worry evident in his voice, but ever the strong one, James' father tried to calm everyone down, "What did he say on the phone son?"
Grateful for the strong, but simple, reassurance of his father's calm voice, James replied, "They want five million dollars in seven days or they said they would start taking away portions of Aaron's life." Marianne cried even more at hearing that.
"What do they mean portions of his life?"
"I don't know. What do we do?"
"We call the police and we start trying to get the ransom together." James' father said. "We can hope that they find Aaron first, but we only have a week and five million is a lot of money to put together in such a short time. Use your cell phone in case the kidnappers call back."
Chapter 2: Darkness.
Aaron could feel the tight rope around his wrists and ankles as he slowly woke. His mouth felt extremely dry from the cloth gag and the blindfold kept him from seeing where he was. All he could tell is that he was lying on a thin mattress and the room had a slight stench to it as though it was urinated in.
"He is waking up."
"Good," replied another voice as Aaron felt the gag being removed from his mouth. "Don't talk boy or we put the gag back in. Now, you will listen." Aaron just nodded as he was given a small sip of water. The voice continued, "We have contacted your parents. Your continued safety relies on them following our directions clearly and quickly. We have demanded five million dollars in seven days. If they fail to do that, we will take away part of your life and the ransom will double. If they succeed, we will let you go as we have found you. Do you understand?"
"Yes sir." Aaron croaked through the dryness of his mouth, "Why?"
"Though you spoke, I will answer, but remember that you are not permitted to speak again. We have a cause for the glory of Allah. We are his warriors and we seek justice and retribution for the suffering and evils that your country has visited upon us. It is both just and fitting that financing this goal comes from you. Allah smiles at the irony of the devils paying for their own destruction. Your ransom will help us as will the ransoms of others like you."
Aaron remained silent as the fear swept through him. He was young and the events of September 11th were a blur for him, but he remembered the fear and who was blamed. For the first time in his young life, Aaron was beginning to understand the evil lengths that some would go to and that he was caught within them through no fault of his own. Silently, he prayed that his parents would save him, he no longer doubted the danger that he faced at the hands of his captors.
***
James answered the door and admitted the two police detectives. They introduced themselves as detectives Stewart and Bolton respectively. "We're very sorry about this situation Mister Wilson; we will do our best to get your son back," Detective Stewart said after the introductions.
"Thank you Detective, we appreciate both your assistance and that you have managed to keep this away from the press. My wife is not up to the strain of dealing with the press right now."
"Is the rest of the family still here Mister Wilson?" asked Bolton.
"I've sent my other two children with their grandparents until this is resolved. I thought it best to distract them and to keep them from being underfoot while you investigate. My wife is exhausted and asleep upstairs."
"That's fine. If we need to talk to them, we can always call them. I don't think that will be necessary though. We have talked to Aaron's young friend and his story checks out. He did mention that there were some people in the stands that weren't usually there. He wasn't sure if they came to watch the other team, but they looked a bit out place, especially their van. I guess the van was pretty beaten up for this neighborhood."
"That's not a lot to go on is it?" James asked.
"I'm afraid not," replied Bolton, "but that's what we have so far. We've placed traces on your phone line, but I would be surprised if they called from their hideout. You never know though, sometime kidnappers slip up. We managed to monitor the second phone call with the ransom delivery instructions, but the trace ran to a pay phone in a shopping mall. I suspect that the kidnappers are close to that area, but there are a lot of apartments and houses around there and it's a bit rundown."
Just then, the phone rang. James looked at the detectives. "Go ahead and answer Mister Wilson, the trace is automatic and the conversation will be recorded. We're not as archaic as the movies make us out to be," Stewart informed him.
"Hello, Wilson residence, James speaking," James automatically said as he picked up the phone and turned on the speaker.
"Mister Wilson, you have been very bad. You have contacted the police and that has a price," spoke a harsh sounding voice at the other end of the connection.
"A price?" asked James with fear in his voice.
"Yes, the new price is ten million and we will now take a piece of your son's life. You shouldn't have made this mistake Mister Wilson, but it is done and your additional contribution will only help our cause." The click of a phone hanging up was audible.
"What have I done?" James cried. Both detectives looked at each other with concern.
"We're extremely sorry at this turn of events, sir, but all we can do now is find your son or give them the ransom as they demanded. Can you arrange ten million?" Stewart asked.
"I can, but it will be very hard to do," replied James as he collapsed into a chair.
Bolton answered the ringing of his cell phone. "Bolton. I see…"
***
Aaron was shaken awake.
"Your parents made a mistake boy."
Aaron paled and began to shake.
"There are two prices for their mistake. The first is the ransom has doubled. The second is a part of your life."
Aaron felt the needle as the darkness once again began to cover him.
Chapter 3: Found.
"We have some news," Bolton said as he hung up his cell phone. "The kidnappers have made a mistake, they used the same phone."
"How is that a break?" James asked.
"They'll call back, be assured of that, and this time we will have the phone watched."
"What of my son?"
"Hopefully he will be okay. These threats are common, but they are not usually followed through on."
"The 'usually' is cold comfort Detective."
"I wish I could offer more, but we don't know these kidnappers and we don't know what this cause of theirs is. For now, we have to wait until they call again. Get some sleep sir; we'll wake you if the phone rings."
James nodded. He was exhausted, but he didn't know how he could sleep through the fear and worry.
***
"The operation was successful. We're keeping the boy sedated."
"Good. Have you packaged the part?"
"Yes. The note is included. We have destroyed the remaining portions; they won't be able to use what we send."
"The boy will never reach Heaven now, but he is a spawn of devils, so he wouldn't have reached it anyways. Send the package and prepare to call the parents once it has been received."
"It will be done."
***
The doorbell rang, startling James, his wife, and the two detectives as they tried to eat some breakfast. It was a very restless night of worry for the two parents, Marianne had been told about the ransom change.
James opened the door. "Delivery for James Wilson," said the courier, "Sign here."
"What is it?" James asked.
"I don't know sir; it was picked up from one of our courier drop points paid in full."
"I see," responded James as he signed for the package and thanked the courier, closing the door.
"Who was it?" Marianne asked.
"A courier with a package," replied James as he began to open it.
"Careful, there may be fingerprints we can use." Stewart cautioned.
James nodded as he cut the bindings and around the package with greater care. He opened the box inside and found a metal container that was cold to the touch. With it was a note which he opened.
Mr. Wilson,
Behold one of the prices for your mistake. We have taken your son's life as a man; you will find the proof in the metal container. That is his first life that we have taken. Future mistakes might result in other lives, such as a life of vision, if you do not show more caution.
Marianne collapsed crying, "My baby, my poor baby. They are monsters!"
"Don't open the container sir. Doctors have a lot of skill; it may be possible for them to recover what has been lost. Now it is best to keep this container frozen." Bolton said as he stopped James from opening the container.
Tears streaming down his face, James nodded, "I understand, I hope you are right. These people will pay for their monstrous acts." He gathered his sobbing wife into his arms and led her to the sitting room to try and comfort her.
The phone rang. "What?" James roughly demanded as he answered, his normal polite greeting forgotten under the stress of his emotions. His finger stabbed at the speaker button.
"You have gotten our package." It wasn't a question.
"You're a monster. Why have you done this to our son?"
"His many lives are paying for those lives of our people. Do not doubt that we will exact further payment if you fail." The phone line clicked.
Within a minute, Bolton's cell phone rang. "Bolton. You have him? Tail him carefully; we'll get the team in place." Bolton hung up.
James looked at the detective. "He made a mistake Mister Wilson, they used that phone again and one of our detectives is following the suspect. We'll get them."
***
Bolton and Stewart arrived outside the rundown apartment building. Their assistant was waiting with several uniformed men, keeping an additional watch on the building. "We found the van, I think. It's a dark brown, a little beaten up. We also know what apartment they're in," said the young assistant detective.
"Good," responded Stewart, "Let's get these bastards. Get everyone into position and seal off the exits."
***
The apartment door crashed open with a bang, surprising the four men sitting around the table playing cards. One of them jumped up and began running towards the bedrooms. Bolton fired a round at him, taking the man in the lower back. The remaining three raised their hands as additional police entered the apartment.
"We found the boy!" One of the officers shouted from a bedroom. "It looks like he's hurt pretty bad, there are bandages and he's out cold."
"Get the ambulance people up here. We've got to get the kid and this slime bag I shot to the hospital ASAP. Put these others into the holding van and get the forensics team up here. Partner, can you read them their rights?"
As the men were led away, Stewart went through the standard recital, passing the ambulance attendants in the hall.
Bolton called the James Wilson, "We have your son, he's alive and we're taking him to Grace Hospital. We'll meet you there."
Chapter 4: Decisions.
Grandma Wilson picked up the phone, "Hello?"
"Hi mom, it's James. The police have found Aaron and he is at Grace Hospital."
"My goodness! Is he alright?" Grandma Wilson asked.
"Alright? I don't know if I can say that exactly, but he is alive. Mari and I are going to the hospital now, can you bring the kids? I'll explain everything once we hear from the police and the doctors."
"Okay dear, we're very relieved that they found him. We'll see you there." Grandma Wilson hung up the phone, "Children! Your brother has been found!"
"Is he okay, Grandma?" Susie asked.
"Your daddy didn't really say sweetheart. All he would tell me is that Aaron is at Grace Hospital and that he is alive. He said he would explain when we got there, so get your shoes on and we'll go."
***
James raced with Mari to the hospital as fast as he could. His mind was whirling with fear and concern for his young son and he could see similar concern in his wife's face as she clutched the metal box that neither wanted to open. Every now and then, a small sob would escape Mari as she thought of her son, but she was grateful for the strong and calming silence of her husband.
Arriving at Grace Hospital, James and Mari rushed into the Emergency Room and were greeted by the two detectives. "Good, you brought the box," mentioned Stewart, "the doctors have been waiting for this."
"Can we see our son?" Mari asked.
"I'm sorry ma'am," replied a woman's voice behind her, "he was brought in sedated and we're examining him to understand the extent of the harm that has been done. I'm Doctor Anne Sharpe; I've been looking after him since he arrived."
"Can you help him Doctor?" James asked.
"I hope so Mister Wilson," replied Dr. Sharpe. "We're depending a great deal on what we find in this container. I don't want to raise your hopes, but we have very good surgeons here and if it is possible, it will be done. However, it is important for you and your wife to give serious thoughts to what to do next if we are unable to repair this injury."
"I understand Doctor and thank you."
Dr. Sharpe smiled kindly at the two parents as she headed back to the examination room with the metal container. She felt badly for the two, but even more so for young Aaron. The way the damage looked didn't give her a lot of hope in the container and she was beginning to think that the parents were going to face some difficult choices.
***
"Mom!" Ken called as he entered the waiting area with his sister and grandparents. "How is Aaron? Have you heard anything?"
"Not yet honey," Marianne replied, "the doctors are still examining him."
"What's taking so long Mari?" Grandma Wilson asked.
"It's the nature of what they did to him," Marianne replied as she began to cry again. "They hurt him terribly. My poor, sweet, baby." Grandma Wilson gathered Marianne into her arms as James came back from the counter area.
"What did they tell you James?" Grandpa Wilson asked.
"Not much. The doctors are still working on him." James replied.
"What happened dad?" Ken asked.
James sighed. He dreaded telling his family this, but they were going to know soon enough. "The kidnappers told us that they had taken away his life as a man."
Grandma Wilson gasped, "Oh my God!" Ken and his grandfather went white as sheets.
"What does that mean dad?" Susie asked, before Ken could hush her.
"It means, sweetheart, that they hurt your brother very badly down there. The doctors are trying to help him." James informed his daughter quietly.
Before anyone else could ask questions, Dr. Sharpe came back out, "Mister and Missus Wilson, can I speak to you privately for a while." Her face didn't hold out a lot of hope for the Wilson family as James and Marianne followed her into a private room.
"Tell us Doctor, we have to know," James asked quietly.
"Its grave news sir, I have to be honest. The monsters that did this to your son were very careful to ensure that we would be helpless to repair their work. We tried, but too much was missing and we couldn't repair that."
"I… See…" James responded as Marianne began to cry once again. "What are our options?"
"We have three. The first is to do nothing other than to ensure basic urination function, but this will leave Aaron effectively sexless. The second is to try and attach a prosthetic from skin grafts, but it will never function sexually. The last is to make him a girl and give him some hope of a normal life."
"What?!?"
"I understand Mister Wilson, believe me, but the third option is really the best. The other two options leave him with no future possibility of intimacy and that may cause even more damage to him in the long run. As a woman, he would at least have options for intimacy even if it was with another woman. We have saved a large number of nerves and that will allow him to still experience pleasure."
"I can't think… I don't know… What does Aaron say?"
"I don't want to pressure your decision Mister Wilson, Aaron is still not awake. The sedation that he was under has worn off, but the stress to his body and his young mind has put him in a coma. His vital signs are strong and we have every reason to believe that he will come out of it in a few days or a week, but we don't have that much time. If we are to make use of the nerve cells, we will need to act almost immediately."
"Can we have a few minutes?" James asked, "Marianne and I need to discuss this."
"The specialist is on his way, and he will be here in about fifteen minutes. Once he is here, he will need to know your decision. Time is of the essence."
"I understand, we will let you know by then."
Dr. Sharpe quietly left the two alone.
***
"What do we do James? He's my darling little boy, I can't lose him!" Marianne cried.
"Oh my love, I wish I knew the right answer," James tried to comfort her. "We need to do what is best for Aaron. We need to give him a chance at recovering his life, his hopes."
"How would making him a girl do that?" Marianne asked, "His hopes are shattered with this."
"I don't know Mari, but I fear a lifetime without intimate love for him if we don't agree to this. Is that better or worse? I don't know. I wish Aaron could answer this question. I feel like I'm betraying him with that answer."
Marianne pulled herself upright as if she had reached a decision. "My beautiful son is treasure to me. It's not a result of his outer skin; it's a result of his generous heart and his warm smile. That he would not be able to share himself deeply with another would be a great loss to him and to others. We have to give him a chance to find a new path to happiness. The Doctor is right."
James kissed his wife tenderly. He knew she was right, Aaron was a strong, generous, boy who was open and honest with his love and affection. To leave him without a chance or a slim one at best, of having that reciprocated as an adult would be almost criminal.
Together, James and Marianne rose to give their answer to the Doctor.
Chapter 5: Audra.
James and Marianne had sent their other two children home with their grandparents. The surgery was going to take a long time and there wasn't much point in everybody staying at the hospital. Of course, there was no way that either of them could leave, they wanted to be there.
The sun was just coming up when Dr. David Caine, the specialist who was working on Aaron came into the waiting area. He could see that the two parents had stayed awake most of the night, they looked exhausted and their eyes were rimmed with red. "Good morning folks. The operation was successful."
"How is he?" James asked.
"Aaron is fine, though the coma is still hanging on. The signs are good though, so we are hopeful that it will be a short one. An important aspect of recovery is for both of you as well is that you must start thinking and speaking of Aaron in the feminine form. She will be struggling with her new identity, with the conflicts inside her, and she will need help and reinforcement. I wish I could be easier on you with this, but it is critical for her and it is equally as critical for you."
James nodded as Marianne spoke quietly, "We will need a new name for her."
Dr. Caine smiled gently at them, "You can see Aaron now, and your voices might help to bring her out of the coma."
***
James had been researching names and they had finally found two that they felt suited their child. The first name they chose was Audra, meaning "noble strength." The second name was Jennifer, meaning "fair spirit." For them, it summed up their child and the hopes they had for her future. Audra Jennifer Wilson was the name now around her wrist and beside her door.
It had been several days since the surgery and Audra was still not out of her coma. Both parents spent hours every day talking to their child, trying to wake her. They talked, they pleaded, they ordered, they cajoled, but so far without avail. Today, Marianne sat beside her new daughter gently washing her face with a soothing stroke. She had often done this for Aaron when he was sick, so she had hopes that it would help Audra now.
"Mommy?"
James sat bolt upright in the chair where he was reading the newspaper as Marianne leaned forward and said, "Yes sweetheart?"
"I hurt mommy."
"I know sweetheart, I know, but you're awake now and you will get better."
"Okay mommy." Audra murmured as she fell back to sleep, real sleep this time and not the coma that had claimed these last few days.
James looked at his wife with tears in his eyes as he sprinted to the nursing station, but he was also smiling. "She's awake!" As a cheer went up from the nursing station and Dr. Sharpe was paged. James went back to Audra's room and hugged his wife who was still stroking her child's brow.
***
It was late at night when Audra awoke again. Her parents had been sent home by the doctor to get some rest and to tell their family the good news.
"Mommy?"
The lack of answer scared her for a moment until she realized that it was late and that she was in the hospital. She didn't feel much pain, she felt mostly numb from the waist down, but she didn't really understand why.
"I see you're awake angel," came a soft voice from the doorway as one of the night nurses entered. "Your mommy and daddy went home for awhile, to get some sleep. They'll be back this morning to see you."
"Oh. Thank you, ma'am."
The nurse laughed, "Call me Nurse Williams sweetie, 'ma'am' makes me feel so old. Better yet, why don't you call me Angie?"
"Okay Angie. I'm Aaron." Audra replied as she stuck out her hand.
"I know sweetie," Angie smiled, "would you like something to drink?"
"Yes, please." Angie held up a glass with a straw so that Audra could drink.
"Slowly sweetie, you haven't had much in your stomach for quite a few days."
"Days? What happened to me? The last thing I remember is these voices telling me that I would have to pay the price because my parents made a mistake."
"You've been asleep for day's angel, you had us worried."
"I'm sorry."
"Oh no, don't apologize. Very evil men did evil things to you. You don't have to apologize to anyone for that. Remember angel, you didn't do anything wrong and you don't need to apologize for it."
"What did they do to me Angie?"
"I can't tell you that angel; your parents will do that. It wouldn't be right for me to tell you."
"Okay Angie, I'm tired, I think I'll sleep some more."
"Sleep well little one." Angie responded as she stroked the hair from Audra's eyes.
***
James and Marianne felt a lot better in the morning as they entered the hospital. While they both dreaded telling Audra what had happened, they both felt better knowing she was awake.
"Good morning folks! I have some more good news for you." Angie told them as they approached the nursing station.
"We could use good news Angie!"
"Audra woke up last night and we chatted for a bit. She seems quite bright and is a most delightful child. You may have to fight all the nurses to take her away from us if this morning is any judge," Angie smiled at them.
Marianne smiled back gratefully. "Is she awake now?"
"Yes and we've called for Doctor Coulson to come down to help you."
"Doctor Coulson?"
"That would be me," a soft, pleasant voice from behind said, "Sheila Coulson at your service." The Wilson's turned to see the smiling face of an attractive younger woman. She had an almost pixie look of irrepressible humor with deep compassion in her eyes. "I'm her to help both of you and Audra through what will be a trying experience. From what the nurses have told me, you have named her well. In one morning, she has charmed all of them with her grace and strength. This will be difficult, but I believe that her strong character will see her through. Are you ready?"
"Thank you doctor," James said after that breathless rush.
"Sheila, please. We'll be spending quite a bit of time together and I simply hate formalities."
"Sheila, then, I guess we're as ready as we'll ever be. I'm James and this is my wife Marianne."
"Mari, for short," smiled Marianne in greeting.
"Do you want me to explain what has happened or would one of you prefer to do it?" Sheila asked.
"I'll do it," James responded.
Sheila smiled, "That's a wise choice. I'll observe and if I see a bad reaction, I can sedate her quickly. Don't be alarmed if that happens, denial and anger are definite stages that she will experience."
***
"Mommy! Daddy!" Audra cried as her parents entered the room. Both rushed over to her and hugged her gently. "I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to worry you."
"Don't apologize sweetheart, you're not to blame," Marianne told her.
"How do you feel slugger?" James asked.
"I hurt a bit daddy, down there, but I guess I feel okay. Nobody will tell me what happened. What happened daddy?"
James felt the tears well up in his eyes as he sat on the bed beside his new daughter. Brushing them away, he sighed deeply and took Audra's hands in his own. "This is going to be very hard for you and I want you to understand that your mother and I love you very much. We love you as much as we ever did and that love was already boundless."
Audra look frightened at those words, "Am I going to die daddy?"
James breath caught in his throat, "no slugger, you aren't, though you might sometimes wish you had. You have to be strong. You have to have courage to accept and to grow. Can you promise me that you'll try?"
"Yes daddy, I'll try."
James smiled at her gently, "Those men that kidnapped you did a very bad thing to you. They did this because we tried to find you and help you. They are evil men and they have been caught and will be punished. However, what they did to you couldn't be repaired, all the doctors tried."
"What did they do daddy? Oh no, it's down there!" Audra cried out and tried to reach down.
James held her close, "Yes, it's down there. We tried, the doctors tried, but there wasn't anything we could do." He could feel Audra sobbing almost noiselessly into his chest as he held her. "We couldn't leave you like that. We had to make a decision for you; you were in a coma and couldn't do it for yourself. Oh, my darling, sweet, child, we had to make you into a girl."
Audra screamed, "No! No! No!" Her head shook wildly, her denial echoed through the corridors of the hospital. Sheila quickly stepped in and injected a sedative into Audra. As James gently laid her back down, her body continued shaking and her head still turned back and forth in denial. Mercifully, the sedative put her to sleep.
James and Marianne held each other and cried.
***
Angie heard Audra's scream of denial as she was preparing to depart her shift. She sat back down; her eyes tearing at the pain that sweet child must have been feeling.
"Are you okay Angie?" Marie Jacobs, the day nurse who was taking over for her.
"They told her. Oh that poor, sweet, child."
"Go home and sleep Angie. I can see she has already stolen your heart. Sleep and come back to work strong for her. She'll need that."
"Thanks Marie."
***
Sheila sat with James and Marianne in the room. "I'm sorry I had to put her to sleep, she was going in to hysterics."
"It's okay Sheila, I don't think I could have taken that otherwise," James smiled wanly.
Sheila accepted the smile, "we need to discuss something important."
"What's that?"
"You need to understand the stages she is going to face before she wakes up again. For her, Aaron has died, and she will face that in five general stages."
"What are the stages?" Marianne asked.
"The first stage is denial. She will attempt to deny that it has happened and she'll be able to maintain that until she sees for herself. Next is anger. She'll be angry at you, at the doctor, and at herself. The third stage is bargaining. At this point she will be desperate to regain herself and she will bargain with whomever she thinks can do that. The fourth stage is depression. We need to be very careful here and watch her closely. It is critical that she pass this stage to the final stage of acceptance. It is our goal to get her there in one piece."
"How will we know when she reaches a stage?" Marianne asked.
"It's usually quite obvious Mari, especially anger and depression. Bargaining doesn't last too long because it's fruitless and often people discover that quickly. Some or most of these stages can happen quite quickly and they may happen here. The nurses know what to watch for and will help when neither of us is here."
"How much longer will she be asleep?"
"A few more hours, rest is good for her right now. It will help to heal both her mind and her body."
"Is there anything more we can do right now?" James asked.
"Well, Audra will be here for a few more weeks at least, but you need to prepare for her to come home. What will be truly hard for her is that the nature of her injuries will almost certainly require her to wear dresses for the next four to six weeks, so you need to be able to show her that being a girl isn't a bad thing, that there are rewards to it. Don't try to strip away her life as Aaron, but try to introduce the feminine and encourage her with rewards. Above all, don't punish her for behaving like a boy, that will cause her to rebel, but don't reward her for the masculine. It's positive reinforcement, not negative that you want to use."
Chapter 6: Stages.
Audra awoke several hours later with her mother sitting quietly beside her. Her mind was still reeling from the revelation her father made earlier in the morning. She kept repeating "no" in her mind, over and over again.
"Mommy?"
"I'm here sweetheart," Marianne replied, "Are you okay?"
"Tell me it isn't true mommy? Please! Mommy…" Audra cried softly.
"Oh, my darling baby, I wish I could tell you that. You don't know how much I wish I could tell you that." Marianne responded gathering her daughter into her arms.
Audra cried softly as she fell asleep again.
***
Ken and Susie finally arrived home after the extended stay with their grandparents. Both were a little frustrated at being kept away from their brother and nobody would tell them anything. Today, finally, their parents were going to tell them what had happened and let them visit Aaron at the hospital.
"Mom, Dad, we're home!" Ken shouted as they entered.
"We're in the front parlor son," James called, "We need to have a family talk."
Entering the room, both Ken and Susie could see the strain on their parents faces. Obviously the lack of sleep, coupled with worry for Aaron had left them exhausted. "How's Aaron? Is he coming home soon?" Ken asked.
"Sit down kids, this is really important." James told them quietly. Both sat quickly, they could see that their parents had something very serious to tell them. "I really don't know how to say this; it's very hard for us. Do you remember what I told you about the injury he received?"
"Yes Dad." Ken responded as Susie nodded.
"The doctors tried very hard to help him, but they couldn't. We didn't tell you that night, but we talked to the doctors and finally agreed that the best thing for Aaron was to make him into a girl."
"Oh my God! Are you serious?" Ken exclaimed.
"Very. This is not something I would joke about Ken, you should know that."
Susie looked stunned, "Aaron is going to be my sister?"
"Yes sweetie, she will be. You have to help her; she hasn't grown up with this." Marianne told her daughter.
"She? Her?" Ken asked.
"Yes." James said firmly, "She and her. You have to get used to it and you had better start now. Your sister is Audra Jennifer and you will love and treat her like you always have."
"No sweat Dad, I didn't mean it that way. I think my brain has just gone numb."
"I know the feeling son, believe me I know the feeling."
"When can I see my new sister daddy?" Susie asked.
James smiled at her, "Today. Audra should have come out of sedation by now."
"Sedation?" Ken questioned.
"Not surprisingly, Audra lost it when I told her what happened. The doctor had to sedate her to keep her from going into hysterics. She woke up a while ago and talked a bit with your mother before falling asleep again. She's in denial now, but the doctors don't believe that it will last very long. After that, I expect she'll be very angry, and probably mostly at me."
"At you?"
"Yes, at me. Those monsters did this to her, but all she really understands right now is that I told the doctors to make her into a girl. It will take a while for her to see past that."
***
"Hey brat, how's it going?"
Audra looked up as her brother and sister walked into the room. "Ken! I'm so glad to see you. You too, Susie, I didn't mean just Ken."
Susie ran up and hugged Audra, she was already crying. "I'm so glad you're okay!"
"I'll be better when everyone stops playing games with me," Audra responded while hugging her sister back.
"Games?" Ken asked.
"Yeah, they keep telling me I'm a girl. Can you figure that?"
Ken looked at his new sister sadly, but decided it was better to drop it. Obviously, Audra didn't want to hear the truth right now and he gave Susie a warning shake of his head as she was about to respond.
"So, I hear you've been lazing about watching TV and reading magazines all day." Ken commented.
Audra laughed, "Hey, its summer vacation you know!"
"When do you get out?" Susie asked.
"Soon, I think. The doctor thought in a couple of weeks. I want to go home, but they're trying to make sure everything is okay."
"We're you scared, you know, when…" Susie whispered.
Audra shuddered, remembering the darkness and the voices. She nodded at Susie, afraid to speak for a moment.
***
Audra was awake when Angie came into the room later that night to change the dressings on the wound. "Well, hello angel! How are you feeling?"
"Hi Angie! I'm okay."
"I'm just here to change your dressings and see if you need anything. Do you want me to screen the dressing change?"
"I'd like to watch Angie. May I?"
"You can angel, but I'll warn you that it may upset you. Can you be brave for me?"
Audra nodded her head. She had been waiting for this, the proof she needed that everybody was fibbing to her. She didn't really understand why everybody would do that, but she just couldn't believe that you could make somebody in to a girl.
"Okay angel, lie back a bit and lift your knees. This may sting a bit, but I'll try to go as gently as I can."
Audra complied with the instructions, feeling very strange as she did so. It didn't seem normal as she watched Angie carefully removing the dressings. It stung a bit, but it wasn't that bad, she had felt worse before. As the last dressing was removed, Audra looked over and down at herself and bit her lip. Outwardly, she tried to look calm, but inside her mind was screaming at her, "It's gone! It's gone!"
Angie sensed Audra tensing at her first sight of her new anatomy. She knew this was a risk, but Dr. Coulson felt it important for Audra to see this when she was ready to ask. Angie's heart was breaking at the obvious mental pain that the girl tried to hide from her, an effort that stemmed from trying to be brave as she promised. Pretending not to notice Audra's reaction, Angie quickly changed the dressing and smoothed the hospital gown back over Audra's knees.
"You were very brave angel, I'm proud of you. Do you need anything or did you want to sleep?"
"I'd like to sleep Angie. Thank you."
"Okay angel. Sleep well." Angie responded as she closed the room door behind her. She hurried to call Dr. Coulson.
***
In the darkness, Audra seethed anger at her father. Her mind screamed at her, "He made me into a girl. He must have hated me as a boy because I was small. Why else would he make me a girl?" Over and over again these questions pounded through Audra as she tried to come to grips with what happened. Hot, angry tears streamed down the sides of her face.
Audra's tears were interrupted by the opening of the door and Dr. Coulson walking in. "Hello Audra, Angie thought that you might need someone to talk to."
"My name isn't Audra, its Aaron."
"I see. Do you hate Audra that much?"
"What?" Audra asked, surprised by the question.
"Do you hate Audra that much?"
"Audra doesn't exist."
"Ah, but she does. Audra is you and you are Audra. Why is that bad?"
"I'm a boy! Not a girl!"
"What's wrong with girls?"
"Nothing."
"Then why would being one be so bad?"
"I don't know, it just is!" Audra shouted, frustrated at the questions. "I hate him!"
"Hate who? Aaron?"
"My dad!"
"Why?"
"He did this to me! He made me a girl, but I'm not a girl!" Audra cried.
"Why would he do that?"
"Because I'm small, not like Ken, and people say I'm cute like a girl."
"You're wrong Audra. I think you need to learn something here. Evil men kidnapped you. They brutally and cruelly tore something away from you because they believed it would destroy you. Your father made his decision because he wanted you to win. Your father believed you were stronger than they. Do you know why he called you 'Audra' after?"
Audra shook her head.
"It means 'noble strength' and he believed that it was a name that demonstrated who you are. Your father loves you beyond all imagining. He didn't do this because he hated who you were. He did this because he loved you and trusted you to succeed."
Audra began crying in deep, wracking sobs as Dr. Coulson's words sunk through the anger and denial that she had been keeping. She was a bright child, she grasped quickly that the doctor had told her the truth.
Chapter 7: Home.
The morning after Dr. Coulson had seen her, Audra's parents came by. "Hi sweetheart," Marianne said, "how are you feeling this morning?"
"I'm okay mommy. I saw."
"You saw, sweetie?" Marianne asked.
"I saw down there. It's true isn't it?"
"It is sweetie. I'm so sorry."
Audra looked at her father. She could see the pain in his eyes and in his face as he looked back at her. At that moment, she was absolutely sure that Dr. Coulson was right.
"Oh daddy, I'm so sorry!" Audra cried.
James rushed over to her. "Why are you sorry angel?"
"I blamed you daddy. I thought that you didn't want Aaron, that you made me a girl because Aaron wasn't much of a boy."
James felt the tears trickle down his face hearing that. "Audra, I love you. I loved you as Aaron and I love you as Audra. This was the hardest decision I have ever made. You never disappointed me as my son, you made me proud. You will make me proud as my daughter. What is on the outside matters very little."
"I prayed."
"You prayed?" Marianne asked, surprised.
"I asked God to make me become a boy again. I even promised to be good, to do my homework, and be nice to my sister. It didn't work, did it?"
Marianne held her, "No sweetheart, it didn't, but God will still love you like we do."
***
"Hiya cupcake! I have news!" Marie, the day nurse, chirped as she entered Audra's room. Marie had picked 'cupcake' as her pet name for Audra since Angie had stolen 'angel' before she had a chance. There was almost a competition between the nurses on the floor over who got what pet name for Audra.
"News?"
"You betcha, great news it is. You get to go home today!"
"Home? Today?" Audra suddenly panicked.
"What's the matter? Isn't that good?"
"It is. It isn't."
Marie laughed, "Well, what is it cupcake?"
"All my friends, everyone, they'll know."
"Know what?"
"That I'm a boy pretending to be a girl."
"Audra, sweetie, you aren't pretending, you are a girl. You are a beautiful, friendly, girl. Every doctor and nurse in this hospital loves you to death. Anybody who rejects you is refusing to allow sunshine into their lives."
Audra blushed at the compliment. "I'm scared."
"We know cupcake. Angie and I are going to help your mother get you ready. You have nothing to fear, trust me. Has Dr. Sharpe been by to see you?"
Audra nodded.
"Did she tell you about the things you need to do?"
"Do I really have to wear a dress?"
"Yes, I'm afraid so. It's not that bad though, I promise. Millions of women wear them every day and we haven't died from shame over it! Did she tell you about the stents?"
Audra blushed and nodded.
"It's important cupcake. I know it can be embarrassing, but you need to look after yourself that way. You have to be brave. You are brave, right?"
"I'll be brave Marie."
"I know you will, Audra, you are the bravest person I have ever met."
***
"Susie!"
"Yes mom?" Susie answered.
"Time to go and bring Audra home from the hospital."
"Isn't daddy going?"
"No, he and Ken are preparing Audra's room with the final touches and planning a special dinner."
"They're cooking?" Susie asked with surprise.
Marianne laughed, "No, we're going out. Audra doesn't know yet."
"Is that a good idea? I mean, she is just getting out of the hospital and she's not used to being a girl yet."
"I asked your father that same question. Audra loves that restaurant and your father has spoken to the owner. He wants her to feel special tonight and he thinks that going to her favorite place will help."
***
"Time to get ready Audra, your mom and sister will be here soon."
"Angie, you came!"
"Of course angel, I have to see my favorite girl off to home don't I?"
Audra smiled and gave Angie a hug.
"Okay angel, we need to get you cleaned up a bit. Your mom is bringing some clothes, but you, my dear, are in dire need of a shower. The bandages came off yesterday, so there is no reason you can't clean yourself."
Audra giggled at Angie. "Okay, okay, I'll shower."
"Hey, and use the shampoo and conditioner in there!" Angie called at Audra's retreating form.
"What are those?" Audra giggled at her as she scurried into the shower.
As Audra showered, Angie gathered up the many cards and gifts the child had received over the weeks she had spent in the hospital. It was obvious that Audra was very well loved by those around her and it was just as obvious to Angie that Audra prayed every night trying to become a boy again.
As Angie finished cleaning up, Audra's mother and sister came into the room with Marie. "Hi Mari, Audra is showering, but she should be out soon."
Marianne smiled at the nurse; she knew that Angie and Marie had been rocks for Audra. She had already sent letters with high praise to the hospital administration for the care and concern that these two had shown her daughter. Just then, Audra stepped out from the bathroom, her towel wrapped around her waist like a boy.
"Mommy!"
"Audra, sweetie, Susie and I are here to take you home."
"I know mommy, I'm glad to be going home. I'll miss Angie and Marie though."
Marianne laughed, "I'm sure they'll miss you too. We brought some clothes, though I guess you won't be happy with them."
"I already know that I have to wear a dress."
Susie nudged Audra, "Hey sis, you know that your towel is supposed to be higher, huh?"
"Susie!" Marianne admonished, but Angie shook her head at her. Angie obviously felt that this exchange could be beneficial.
"What do you mean Susie?" Audra asked.
"Well, you're a girl now, and girls tuck their towels under their armpits so that boys can't see their chest."
"But my chest doesn't look any different."
"That's because you're still young. When you get older, it'll look like mommy's and all the boys will want to see it."
"So?"
"Silly goose, you don't want ALL the boys to see it!"
"Oh!" Audra exclaimed as she tugged the towel over her chest.
The adults in the room looked at each other and smiled. They were all thinking that this was a breakthrough in helping to get Audra to think like a girl.
Marianne cleared her throat. "It's time to get ready Audra." She held out a pair of simple cotton panties for Audra to step into. Audra dropped her towel and Marianne saw, for the first time, the work that had been done on Audra. Obviously everything was still healing, but Marianne could see that the surgeon had done superb work, that Audra would be indistinguishable from other girls.
Audra sighed as she stepped in to the first item of girl's clothing she had ever worn. She had to admit, they were comfortable, though it looked strange not to see the tiny bulge in the front she usually made. "What is this puffy thing in my underwear?"
"It's a pad sweetie. You're still healing and you might bleed a bit for a while. The pad will catch that and keep you from ruining your clothing." Marianne replied.
"Oh."
Marianne held up a simple cotton dress. It was light blue with very little lace or trim around it. She wanted to find a simple dress, one that wasn't overly feminine, and this one seemed as basic as it could get.
Audra stared at the dress for a few seconds. This was a big step, wearing it was like a final admission that she had become a girl. Remembering her promise to Marie, Audra bravely raised her arms so that her mother could lower the dress over her. Tugging the dress into place, Marianne told Audra to hope onto the bed. From there, she placed some white ankle socks on her feet and buckled on a pair of black shoes. "Let's tie your hair back into a ponytail and then we'll be all set." Marianne told her as she combed Audra's hair back and tied it high on her head with a light blue scrunchie.
"Goodness angel, you're a living doll!" Angie exclaimed.
"That she is." Marie agreed, "Shall we unveil the new Audra for the mirror?"
Reluctantly Audra climbed down from the bed and allowed herself to be led to the mirror. Seeing her reflection for the first time, Audra gasped in surprise. Before her was a girl, a cute girl, definitely a girl. She fainted.
***
Audra groaned as she woke up. She opened her eyes to see the worried look of three adult faces above her. "What happened?" Audra asked.
"You fainted, angel." Angie replied.
"I fainted?"
Marianne laughed, "Yes sweetie, you did. I think the shock of seeing how pretty you really are did it. Are you okay now?"
Audra studied herself in the mirror for a few seconds. The girl in the reflection was pretty. She had long, light brown hair, clear blue eyes, and a tiny button nose. In her simple blue dress, ankle socks, and black Mary Janes, the girl in the mirror was a picture of youthful innocence. "I'm okay mommy, I was just surprised."
"Well, sweetie, if you're feeling better, we should be going home. Daddy has a surprise for you and then we're going to go out for your favorite food!" Marianne said.
Audra gulped, "Out for food? But everyone will know."
"Know? Yes, they will know that Daddy and I have the two prettiest daughters in the whole city."
"You have nothing to fear Audra, just smile at people and they will fall in love with you right away. You have no reason to feel shame or concern." Angie told her as well.
Marie pushed a wheelchair into the room. "Hospital regulations, one free exit ride to a customer!" Audra climbed on to the chair and Marie began wheeling her down the hallway to the nursing station, everyone else trailing.
At the nursing station, a crowd of nurses and doctors had already gathered. Angie knelt in front of the wheelchair, "Angel, in the time you have been here you have made a real impression on all of us. Your bravery and sunny smile have brightened our days and nights. We are all happy that you are going home and sad that you are leaving us. To mark this special day, all of us have a gift for you." With that, Angie brought out a gold necklace with an angel charm. "The eyes of the angel are made of amethyst which brings courage to the wearer. On the back is an inscription. Do you want me to read it?"
Audra nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
"It says: For our Angel of Grace Hospital."
Audra felt the tears leak from her eyes as Angie clasped the necklace around her neck while everyone at the nursing station clapped. "Thank you Angie and everyone. You have all been so nice to me and I will miss you."
Marie touched her head from behind the wheelchair. "You'll be back to visit, cupcake, so we'll see you again."
Audra held the angel on the necklace as Marie wheeled her out to the car.
***
"Okay Ken, they're on their way. Is everything ready?" James asked.
"You bet, Dad." Ken replied as he surveyed the changes they had made to Audra's bedroom. They wanted to be very careful not to overdo the feminine, but they also wanted to mute the masculine a bit. The walls were repainted a baby blue, the original bed was replaced by a four-poster bed done in white and covered in baby blue comforter with light pink trim. A make-up table, though without any make-up yet, was placed in one of the corners and a stand-up mirror was placed near the door. All of the new stuffed animals that had been sent to the house instead of the hospital were placed on the bed. The boy clothing was removed and replaced with girl's clothing. Heeding the warning from Sheila Coulson, James had made sure that Audra's baseball posters, toys, and other mementos of Audra's past were kept intact and in the room.
The doorbell rang. "Go get that Ken, it's your grandparents." James had given the house staff time off, with pay, since Audra had been kidnapped. The staff would be returning tomorrow, tonight was for family.
Ken trotted down to the front door and opened it. "Grandma and Grandpa Jones! I didn't expect you!" Ken smiled with pleasure. He seldom saw his maternal grandparents since they lived quite a distance away, but he guessed that he should have expected them to be here for Audra's homecoming.
Grandma Jones gave him a hug and kiss as she entered. "How's my lad doing?" She asked.
"I'm doing fine Grandma," he replied as he shook hands with his grandfather.
"You're looking good and fit Ken, how's the summer been?" Grandpa Jones asked.
"Stressful Grandpa, very stressful since Audra was hurt."
"You blame yourself, don't you?"
"Sometimes I do. I'm her big brother, I was his big brother and I should have looked after Aaron. Because I failed to do that, Aaron has become Audra."
"Ken, you're too hard on yourself. You couldn't have prevented this. You're a good man, Ken, don't let yourself forget it. Just look after Audra like you do Susie, she'll need that from you."
"I know Grandpa; my mind tells me that, my heart often tells me different. I'll be watching over Audra, I won't make that mistake again."
Grandma Jones gave him another hug as the doorbell rang again. Ken opened the door for Grandma and Grandpa Wilson. "Lucy and Frank, it's so good to see you again!" Grandma Wilson exclaimed. That was followed by general greetings with hugs and handshakes all around as James came downstairs.
***
For the drive home, Marianne had placed the two girls in the back seat which gave Susie a chance to provide more "wisdom" to her new sister. "Okay Audra, time for another lesson in girlhood." Susie told her.
"Another lesson?" Audra asked.
"Well, two actually and the first is getting in and out of a car in a dress."
"Huh? What's so special about that?"
"You are a goose! You can't just climb into a car in a dress; you'll flash everyone around you. You have to sit on the edge of the seat and then swivel your legs in."
Audra looked abashed, "Oh. I didn't know."
"S'okay sis, that's why it's a lesson," Susie told her. "The second is that you have to sit with your legs together. Girls don't sit like they need to scratch."
Audra giggled.
Marianne smiled to herself. Obviously Susie was going to be a big help getting Audra acclimatized to being a girl. The two were always pretty close, especially for a brother and sister, but this will probably bring them even closer together.
***
Ken was on window watch when his mother's car came down the driveway. "They're coming!" He shouted as he rushed out the door to meet them. He waved at Audra in the car and she waved back at him, smiling. As the car came to a stop, he ran up and opened the car door for her.
Audra, conscious of the lesson her older sister had just given her, swiveled her legs out of the car and allowed Ken to help her stand. As soon as she stood, Ken swept her into a big bear hug and he whispered in her ear, "Welcome home, brat, I've missed you terribly."
Audra leaned back in her brother's arms and noticed the trickle of tears in his eyes. Carefully, she wiped them away with her hands and kissed him on the cheek. "I missed you too, bro."
Ken carried her into the house, his arms around her protectively, to be greeted by "Surprise!" Her father and grandparents rushed to greet her. Within seconds, she was being surrounded and smothered with affection from everyone.
Grandpa Jones picked her up, "My you look just like your Grandma did when she was your age, as cute as a button and as pretty as a butterfly."
Audra giggled as his whiskers tickled her face. "I love you Grandpa, I'm so glad you're here."
"Me too, sweetheart. Your Grandma and I wouldn't have missed this for the world."
James swept his new daughter from her grandfather, "Are you ready for your surprise slugger?"
"Born ready, Daddy." Audra laughed.
James carried his daughter up to her room. "Ken and I worked overtime on this, so we both hope you like it."
Ken flung open the door with a flourish. "Tada!"
James set Audra down so she could walk into her new room. She walked to the center of the room and turned slowly, her face was unreadable as everyone held their breath awaiting her reaction. Suddenly, Audra burst out crying and ran over to her father, "Oh Daddy, I was so afraid!"
Surprised, James picked her up, "Afraid? Afraid of what?"
"That everything I had would be gone!"
"Oh no, sweetheart, we couldn't do that to you. You're Audra now, but you are also Aaron and it wouldn't be right to take that away. We wanted the room to reflect who you are now. Do you like it?"
"I love it Daddy, thank you."
Chapter 8: Release.
Audra's favorite restaurant was Franco's, a Tex-Mex restaurant that specialized in the hot and spicy. Audra was a bit addicted to spicy foods and loved to badger her father into dinner there. With all of the people coming out to celebrate Audra's first night at home, they had to take several vehicles and Audra rode with Grandma and Grandpa Jones since she saw them so infrequently.
"How are you feeling Audra?" Grandpa Jones asked.
"I'm okay Grandpa."
"Just okay?"
"It's hard Grandpa, nothing is the same anymore."
"I understand sweetheart, but it won't be that bad."
"I hope so Grandpa. What will my friends think?"
"If they're real friends, they'll accept you as you are. If they don't, then they weren't real friends and you're better off without them. A real friend is one that you can count on when the chips are down."
"I guess the chips are down."
Grandma Jones smiled back at Audra, "I think you're wrong sweetheart. It feels that way now, but you are beautiful, you have a wonderfully warm personality, and you have a caring family. Your Daddy told me that the doctors and nurses just loved you."
Audra fingered the angel on her necklace. "I guess so Grandma, I haven't seen Mike yet."
Susie, who was riding with them, poked Audra, "Being a girl is a lot of fun. You'll see! Shopping, clothes, makeup, sleepovers, boys, it's the best!"
"Boys?!?" Audra looked shocked.
"What's wrong with boys?" Susie asked.
"I can't date boys."
"Why not? You're a girl now."
"I can't! I just can't!" Audra tried to explain almost frantically.
Grandma Jones interrupted, "It's too soon anyways. Don't fret Audra; you don't have to date boys if you don't want to."
Audra looked relieved.
***
"Wilson, party of 9." James told the Maitre d'.
"Right this way Sir, Mister Franco has reserved a special place for you tonight." He responded as he led the party to a festively decorated table. The Maitre d' looked at Audra, "You must be the guest of honor tonight, I was told to watch for a beautiful girl such as yourself. Please, sit here at the place of honor." He pulled out her chair.
Audra blushed as she sat, but her mind was whirling. What did they know? Did Mister Franco know? He must. What will he think? Audra thanked the Maitre d' for his courtesy.
"Ah, such a delightfully polite child. It was my pleasure." He smiled at her.
"Mister Wilson! Welcome, welcome back to Franco's!" Came the booming voice of Mr. Franco, the owner. "You must introduce me to this fine group of people!"
James laughed, "Henry, you know them all!"
"But, I don't know this delightful looking lass! She is a treasure, no?" He said as he turned to Audra.
James smiled, "Allow me to introduce my daughter Audra."
Mr. Franco gently kissed her hand. "My dear Audra, you grace my establishment with your beauty. Be welcome here."
Audra giggled as she blushed. "Mister Franco, you already know me!"
"My dear child, I do know you and I don't all at the same time, but I will learn in time. I'm so pleased to meet the new you and I want you to know that you are still my favorite customer. One who shares, with me, the love of spice will always be a treasure in my heart."
"Thank you Mister Franco, I'm glad to be back." Audra told him with another blush.
Mr. Franco smiled at her and turned to the waiter, "This is my treat. Whatever they wish, bring it to them, for tonight is a celebration of life!"
James tried to protest.
"Ah, no my friend, I too have missed Audra and her enjoyment of my food. Let this be my gift to her for her courage and her beauty. That she is here for her recovery and her homecoming is special to me."
James acquiesced, "How can I deny such eloquence!"
"Hush, you'll make me blush! I'm but a simple cook."
James laughed.
***
The food was wonderful. Audra ordered her usual chili and taco platter, extra spicy and began to dig in as she always did. Susie nudged her. "Huh?" Audra asked, surprised.
Susie whispered, "You're eating like a boy."
"So?"
"Girls take smaller bites; eating like a starving dog doesn't look ladylike."
"Oh."
"And don't say 'huh', polite ladies say 'yes'."
"This is getting complicated!" Audra grumped at her sister, but she slowed down all the same.
Marianne smiled as she overheard the most recent exchange, realizing that she would have to coach Susie in how to reinforce the feminine traits without being too pushy about it. So far Susie was doing a really good job, but Audra was off-balance and she would push back at some point. The encouragement would have to be more subtle.
***
As adults had a tendency to do, they began to forget about the children at the table as conversation drifted to other topics. It was inevitable, perhaps, that somebody would bring up the state of the kidnappers. Audra stopped eating at that point, trying to hear what her father had to say.
"One of the kidnappers was wounded during the rescue," James was explaining, "so he was taken to the hospital. They brought the others in to question them and they had started to get some information when one of the rookies let it slip that their wounded partner had died on the way to the hospital."
"Good." Ken grunted.
"Well, not so good, as it turned out. When the others heard this, they apparently made some sort of grinding motion with their teeth and then collapsed. Apparently, they all had cyanide capsules inside a fake tooth and committed suicide. All the police were able to determine is that these were part of some fundraising cell of a terrorist group."
Audra felt a profound sense of relief wash through her at this information. She had been harboring a hidden sense of fear that the kidnappers would come looking to hurt even more, maybe even kill her. Tears of relief began to course down her cheeks.
"It appears that this was the first time they had tried this…" James was explaining before he noticed the look on Audra's face, "What's the matter slugger?"
"I'm safe?" Audra asked tentatively.
James got up from the table and picked her up into his arms, holding her. "You're safe sweetheart; they will never hurt you again."
Audra clung to her father, crying the strong tears from release of her terror at the kidnappers. James gently stroked her back as her body shuddered at the strength of her release.
Chapter 9: First Night Home.
Marianne brought Audra up to her newly decorated room. "Okay sweetie, we have to get you ready for bed. First, I want you to take a nice, hot, bubble bath."
"A bath? I never take baths!" Audra told her.
"Trust me sweetie, baths are the most wonderful things for relaxing." Marianne replied as she readied the tub in Audra's bathroom. "I think you need to relax a bit and the bubbles will take away your tension."
"Okay mommy, I'll try it."
"Good girl. Let's get you undressed and then I'll get everything else ready."
As Audra soaked in the tub, she quickly realized that her mother was quite correct; the bath was really relaxing and she even began to drift off. Her mother's voice woke her from her reverie.
"Okay prune, time to prepare for bed! First, you have to take these pills."
"What are the pills, mommy?"
"These will help you become a healthy young woman. You have to take some in the morning and at night. It's really important sweetie, if you don't take them, you could become ill."
"Okay mommy, then what?"
"Your stents sweetheart, but I'll give you some privacy for that."
"Those hurt mommy."
"I know, but it's necessary, sweetheart. You did promise Nurse Marie that you would brave didn't you?"
"Yes mommy."
Marianne gave Audra some privacy so that she could look after herself. She could hear Audra crying quietly with the difficulty of the task. Poor child, she thought, this can't be easy for her. Marianne bustled about the room, taking a new nightgown from the closet and preparing a new pair of panties with a pad for Audra. Marianne smiled thinking that Audra would be pleasantly surprised at how comfy the nighty would be.
Audra came out of the bathroom, her eyes were still a little red from crying, but she had obviously made some effort to hide her discomfort and she had wrapped the towel so that it covered her chest. Marianne gave her a hug and a kiss, "I see you remembered about the towel. I'm proud of you Audra. Let's get you dressed and then you can say goodnight to everyone."
Marianne held out the fresh pair of panties, these ones in a light shade of blue, for Audra to step into. Once Audra had pulled them up, having dropped the towel, Marianne held up the light blue nighty for her. "Arms up, sweetie!"
Audra hesitated at the nighty, "Can't I wear pajamas?"
"Sorry sweetie, but the doctors are concerned that more restrictive clothing would cause you harm. You're still healing you know. I think you'll be surprised at how comfy a nightgown is, though, and you may never want to wear pajamas again."
"I'll try, mommy." Audra replied as she raised her arms for her mother. Marianne slipped the nightgown over Audra who shivered slightly at the cool, slippery feel of the silk. "This feels nice mommy!" Audra exclaimed, surprised in spite of herself.
Marianne laughed, "There are some pleasures in being a girl, sweetheart! The smooth, delicate feel of the clothing is just one of them. Okay sweetie, let's go downstairs and say goodnight."
***
Audra lied awake in the dark of her room after everyone had said their goodnights and kissed her. While her homecoming had been surprisingly pleasant, she was having difficulty getting comfortable in the role that had been thrust upon her. Silently, she crawled from the bed and knelt down in an attitude of prayer.
"Please God; if you can hear me, this is Aaron. I know I have asked you this a lot, but I can't help it. I feel so afraid and I can't deal with this. I don't know how to be a girl; can't you make me a boy again?" Audra prayed, her tears sliding down her cheeks. "I promise that I will do anything you ask. Please make me a boy again. Please?"
Audra climbed back into bed again and softly cried herself to sleep.
***
James sat bolt upright in his bed. Audra's screams of sheer terror pierced his soul and bolted out of bed to her room. Inside, he was greeted with the sight of Audra sitting ramrod straight, tears streaming down her face as she screamed her voice raw. James grabbed her and held her. "I'm here sweetheart, I'm here. It was just a bad dream. You're okay." He murmured into her ear.
Audra clung to him crying as the rest of the family gathered at the doorway of her room. "Oh Daddy! They came for me. They were going to hurt me even more. I was so scared, it was dark and all I heard was the voices that told me I would have to pay."
James continued to stroke her hair. "They can't hurt you anymore, sweetheart. You're safe with Daddy, I promise."
Marianne shooed everyone away from the door and plugged in a nightlight for Audra. Then she took Audra from James' arms and hugged her. "I plugged in a light for you, baby, to chase away the darkness. Mommy and Daddy are here now and we'll watch over you. Sleep now, baby, and the light will protect you."
Audra lied back down, her sobs subsiding in the comforting warmth of her parents. As they watched over her, she drifted back into sleep. Both parents kissed her tenderly on the forehead as they got up to go back to sleep.
"I'm worried James," Marianne told her husband. "She has a lot of scars."
"Me too, I'll talk to Sheila in the morning."
***
Audra dreamed again, but it was nicer this time. In this dream, she was a beautiful young woman and she floated through the light on gossamer wings. As she rose, she beheld wondrous gates of pearl. Before the gates stood a man with a long, flowing beard and a kindly visage dressed in shimmering robes of white.
"Welcome daughter, what seek you within?" He asked of her.
"I seek peace, Sir." The dream Audra replied.
"Peace, my daughter?"
"I'm torn Sir, I live between two worlds."
"Oh daughter, your time is not ready. You stand between two worlds, that of men and that of women, but the time will come when you will embrace one of these worlds. Before then, you will face many trials and you will become stronger for them, do not let these trials discourage you. Then, after these trials, you will discover your inner self and you will blossom for the world."
"What am I to be?"
"You are Aaron. You are Audra. You are to be you; and that is truly both and more."
"Thank you, Sir. I will return then."
"Go with our love, daughter."
Audra woke up.
(continued)
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© 2003 by Joanne Foxcourt. All Rights Reserved. These documents (including, without limitation, all articles, text, images, logos, compilation design) may printed for personal use only. No portion of these documents may be stored electronically, distributed electronically, or otherwise made available without express written consent of the copyright holder.