John's Gift

by Prudence Walker

 

Chapter 16

 

"Will you marry me and be my wife?" he asked, waiting expectantly.

I heard him ask the question that I guess ultimately, every woman yearns for, but I was miles away in my thoughts. That would have been me asking that question if things had gone differently. It brought with it, the thought of weddings with all that entails, brides wearing white gorgeous gowns with bridesmaids and the groom with his best man. I realized that instead of being the groom, I'd be the one in white, something that hit at the core of my very identity. I realized that if I accepted Sam's proposal, I'd have to release that remnant of John that I carried with me, and embrace being Jan forever. I felt a moment's sadness at the thought of giving up John, as if I was losing all but a few months of my existence as Jan.

'Hey!' I thought. 'Stop being such a silly girl, I still have my memories. I'm sure that knowing what motivates a man, can only enhance my life as a woman.'

"Jan… Jan?"

I came back to the present with a jolt. Poor Sam was getting frantic, trying to get my attention from the mental fugue I'd slipped into. I realized he was still awaiting my answer. I smiled at him apologetically.

"Sorry," I said, meaning my distracted mental state, then realized by his gasp and stricken look, that he thought I'd refused his proposal.

"YES! I will marry you." I squealed, hurriedly. Placing the ring upon my finger and admiring it. The look on his face as it changed from the hangdog look to surprise and then to joy, said it all for me. I leant forward and hugged him, sealing his proposal with a kiss that left us both breathless. After trying our best to win the tonsil hockey contest, we broke apart and gasped our feelings of love to one another. We stood, well he stood, and I was lifted into his arms and carried back to the house. He wouldn't let go of me as I struggled to open the door with my one free hand. We entered to find the others had moved into the lounge drinking coffees and nibbling on some home baked cookies.

Cathy spotted us first, and knew something was up. I held my hand up, showing off the ring. She squealed, in delight, alerting everyone, and came rushing over. Soon, everyone had been told the news and we were congratulated with hugs and kisses being shared around. Cathleen disappeared into the kitchen, coming back with glasses and several bottles of bubbly. Toasts were made and we got rather giggly from the champagne. Well we girl's did. The men took it in like a sponge, not seemingly affected.

Phone calls were made to Cathy's parents and my own. I could see my time being taken up with talk of weddings and preparations for it. Not that I was averse to it, but thoughts of endless fittings and details of every item to be decided on wasn't exactly on the top of my agenda. I still had enough of John in me to wonder if I would survive this immersion into the ultimate feminine experience. 'Oh oh!' no… I was wrong, there was one more thing that could be called the ultimate experience, that of childbirth. Oh well, I'll pass that hurdle later, now I had to survive having two moms take complete control of my life till the wedding.

Cathy, being so close to me, guessed what my thoughts were and whispered that she would help ease me though it. She seemed thrilled to have the opportunity to be involved in this, whether it was because I was her former brother and she got a kick out fitting me out as a bride or just because girl's naturally get worked up over weddings I couldn't tell. I was glad she was happy; to me it was just something I had to go through. One part of me was feeling nervous, wondering if I could handle it, while another part of me was looking forward to it with anticipation… to wear such clothes of satins and silks, to be immersed in the ultimate of gowns, wondering what it would feel like to be a bride.

I asked Sam to stay the night, as I wanted to sleep close to my fiancé, but he sadly declined, saying his mother wanted him home to tell her everything. I figured the phone lines would be running hot tonight between my parents and Sam's, not to mention Cathy's mom. I had made it clear to mom that I wanted Cathy's mom involved with the arrangements, as she was my mom too, although I left that tiny detail out, while talking to my parents.

That night I didn't get much sleep, first, Cathy stayed talking till late, trying to sort out how many bridesmaids we were having, and asking my opinion on what colour material for their gowns. I was getting overloaded with it all. Finally, I called it quits, and said I'd leave details like that up to her. She bounced out of my room giggling, and I hoped I'd done the right thing, but as I settled down to sleep, I remembered. This was my sister. She would look after me.

Morning brought with it, the demands of several parents to see them later, and I had a call from Becky about developments in the lab. I sighed, all I felt like doing was lying in bed looking at my ring, and remembering the feelings Sam had awoken in my body. Cathy showed no sign of tiredness as she joined me for breakfast. I did see her in a huddle with Misty, whispering in her ear. I wondered what was going on, but declined to ask, figuring it will soon be revealed.

José was already eating; in fact, he finished as I sat down. He congratulated me again on the upcoming nuptials and asked if he would be needed this morning. I told him I'd ring, explaining I had to go to the center first before visiting my parents. I finished before Cathy and told her I was just popping across to the center to see what was up. She waved okay, as she spooned another mouthful of cereal into her face.

Getting into my office, I put a call though to Becky. She came into a few minutes later with Sapphire in tow. Becky looked animated, as she started to speak.

"We think we have the equipment ready for you," she looked at Sapphire, who nodded.

"Okay, so when do you want to do it, I thought it would have been a few more days before you would be ready," I replied.

"I've spoken to our two candidates and it seems they are ready to do it as soon as possible." Sapphire answered.

"Let's see this equipment first, and then we'll discuss when we'll do it." I said, standing up and moving towards the door. They both rose and led the way to the lab where they showed me their mockup mind swap machine. It looked impressive even knowing it was fake, the two headsets were connected to an EKG machine and an old large IBM machine complete with reel-to-reel magnetic tape spools. On the front panel was an immense array of indication lights that would have looked acceptable on any Star Trek movie.

"WOW!" I gasped. I was impressed, and asked how they had got it together so soon.

"Well… we had it from the early days. Some of it was just sitting around in storage, gathering dust. When they place the headsets on, the EKG machine picks up their normal nervous impulses and we run an output from that to our Xmas light display on the IBM. It looked impressive in out test we carried out." Sapphire stated with confidence.

"So it does, even switched off," I agreed. "Maybe we can do it tomorrow, after I get my initial bridal arrangements sorted." Boy, did I make a blunder mentioning that. They wanted details and congratulated me when I gave them the news. I spent another 30 minutes chatting to them just on the merits of different types and styles of bridal wear, not a subject I was comfortable, knowing very little about it. I had to let them talk so I wouldn't make a fool of myself in offering an opinion. Luckily, Becky got paged which cut short the conversation and I managed to escape back to my office. I called José from there, and arranged for him to get Cathy and meet me at the front in five minutes.

It felt kind of odd to be driven around when I had a perfectly good car to drive around in. José laughed when I mentioned it. He said he was getting paid even when he wasn't driving, so it made sense to utilize his time usefully. I accepted it as part of my new status and it was good not to have to deal with rush hour traffic.

Arriving at home, mom rushed out to give me a hug and saying how pleased that Sam was the one for me. She hustled me inside while Cathy followed behind. I was surprised somewhat, when I saw Cathy's parents were there as well. Mom said they had decided to all meet together. Just then, dad popped his head in the door and gave me a big hug.

"Honey, about time you decided to settle down," he joked.

"Hey! I'm not that old," I protested. "I've got plenty of time before I need to do that," I added.

"Kidding honey, I'm just glad you found your man, it's a wondrous time when you find your soul mate."

"Thanks dad," I said, blushing a little. "I do feel pretty giddy at the moment, I must admit."

My real mom came over and the tears in her eyes, spoke volumes as she hugged me. Her whispered, "I never thought I'd see my son in a wedding dress," was accompanied with a wink and a squeeze.

My whispered reply, "nor me mom…nor me, but here I am, a bride to be. I can't be happier mom," made her sniffle, and the tears streamed down her face. My emotions too, were starting to overwhelm me as we clung to each other. "It's okay mom, I really don't mind now, at least, I'm able to have a family sometime and if I turn out to be anything like you, I can't go wrong."

She smiled, wiping her tears away, then stood back to let my real 'dad' join us. He came, and held mom and I, he gave me wink, before pulling mom away, so I go talk to my parent's. Discussion soon turned to wedding arrangements. I told my parent's that I wanted Cathy's mom and dad involved, as I felt really close to them. After getting assurances that it was acceptable, I left both my mom's to discuss the details, saying I'd go along with anything they decided. My only input, was mentioning a few names I'd like to have in the bridal party. I was soon lost in the intense debate on style of gown for both the bride and the bridesmaids. My parent's insisted on paying for everything, even for new outfits for my real mom and dad.

While they were deep in conversation, I escaped upstairs with Cathy, where I rang Nick to see how things were going. He said Pauline was coping well with her parent's and they never suspected that she wasn't really their daughter. I asked if they were ready to swap back, saying the option was open anytime. Nick said thanks, but it seemed that after a lusty time in the sack, both of them wanted to continue being each other for a while. I then mentioned the others, offering the same deal. He said he'd sound them out and get back to me. From what I gathered from his comments, I may be waiting a while before I got a request to swap back. I told him, the choice to swap back had to be unanimous between the couples.

That sorted, I turned to Cathy. She had a pad out and was writing names on it of who was coming to the wedding. I mentioned wanting mom (my real mom) as matron of honor and Cathy as chief bridesmaid. I had no further preferences, other than letting Neri in the bridal party as a bridesmaid too. The rest was up to her. Cathy did ask if Misty was acceptable in the bridal party.

"Sure, that's fine. I do want to invite Becky and Sapphire to the wedding as guests," I agreed.

"I'm nervous about being a bride," I confessed to Cathy. "I hope I don't make a fool of myself and trip over the hem while walking up the aisle. I can just imagine falling flat on my face and ending up with a bloody nose.

Cathy giggled at the thought, and promised I'd be ready by the time of the wedding.

"In two weeks?" I questioned, thinking of getting it over and done with.

"TWO WEEKS! You have to be kidding?" Cathy snorted. "It will take two weeks just to get started. We have to go over dress designs, select materials for yours and the bridesmaid's gowns, as well as fittings. Invitations and guest lists to be made. The church and reception have to be planned, not to mention the honeymoon. Caterers to be hired and menus, the cake will need to be made and decorated; there are a million little details to be sorted. I suggest two months minimum." She went on.

"Okay, okay… sorry," blurted out as I realized what an undertaking this was turning out to be… all because I said yes to Sam. Somehow, in my mind, I'd just thought I'd just throw on a white dress and walk up the aisle, say "I do," and then cut the cake and then shoot off on the honeymoon. Two months? Sheesh! I guessed I was in for a long test of my patience.

Cathy cuddled me, seeing the alarmed expression on my face as I thought about what I was in for. She told me, not to worry, most of the details would be taken care of, and that I'd make a beautiful bride.

Two months later…

Wow! Time has flown by. Sitting here in my wedding gown I can hardly believe this moment has arrived. In a few minutes I'll be sitting in the limo, waiting to be driven to the church. Things have really been busy recently. Thinking back, I recall our first official transfer at the facility. It was a couple of days after being proposed to by Sam.

Our two trial subjects arrived, feeling nervous as they were hooked up to the dummy machine. I was standing nearby, ostentatiously checking the readings on our make believe setup. Cathy was going to do the switch, so she was sitting in a similar setup as the subjects, but hidden from view. I was dressed in a white lab coat, as were Becky and Sapphire. The headsets were lowered over their heads obscuring their vision. This was vital as was the robes that they were wearing. Cathy was similarly masked and robed. This meant that they wouldn't know there was a third person involved.

As Sapphire operated the switch, Cathy swapped with the boy, and then quickly swapped with the girl and then back to her own body. The girl only felt the change from female to male, while the boy felt the first change to female seem to flicker as he was transferred from one female body, (Cathy's) to the other. (Donna's) We watched as Sapphire removed the headsets. At first, their reactions were 'normal,' the usual grope and check, followed by surprise and shock. Words of thanks came next, albeit a little haltingly as they got used to hearing their new voices. All in all, it was a very satisfying day. Sapphire is now compiling a list of possible future candidates.

We tested ourselves under different conditions including transferring into each other while one of us was shielded by a Faraday cage. The distance between exchanges has increased with use; we can swap over, up to a couple of miles apart. We can sense each other's whereabouts and have no problem completing the swap.

I told Sam about my gift, he was very understanding about it, apart from the initial disbelief. We were making love one night, a week after the trial at the lab. I had told him moments before, while still involved in foreplay, he'd paused, looking oddly at me to see if I was serious. I'd told him I could prove it as we'd started the heavy petting that was leading up to his entering me. He was too busy kissing me to reply, so when I was about to orgasm, after his energetic thrusts of his body, I swapped. Knowing what was happening, I continued to thrust, pushing Sam over the edge as he experienced my orgasmic release. He hadn't twigged right away, as he lay awash in the sensations of orgasmic bliss. Feeling a weight on 'his?' chest, he screamed, as he opened his eyes and saw himself looking back.

Since then, we have swapped several times and not just while in bed. One day, he walked into the room where I had been standing for what seemed like hours while the dressmaker was pinning pieces of the gown on me. He made a remark about doing all the work while I was just standing around. Well the next second, it was him getting material pinned on while I smirked from his body and left the room to get a beer. I did sneak back to check, and giggled a very un-Sam like laugh as I saw him standing silently while blushing embarrassedly. I had sauntered in, with a beer in hand grinning at him suffering there. I knew he was experiencing the fatigue I had been feeling when he'd made his offhand comment. I'd let him stew a few minutes while I'd emptied the can of beer, before swapping back. He'd apologized profusely, later that day.

I had asked him, if what I was able to do, affected our relationship in any way, meaning, did it scare him. His answer was no. The fact I could put him in his place, or rather my place, if he did or said anything stupid like the standing comment, only made us closer. He understood exactly how I'd felt, and realized how his comment had annoyed me.

I'm glad the fittings are over, as I sit here waiting. As time went by and the layers of material built up on the gown I was surprised at the weight. I did feel very elegant as I looked down at the sea of white surrounding me. I was glad when the attention started to fall on the bridesmaid's gowns and they got to experience the time spent standing still. I suspected that Cathy did a sneaky and swapped with Brad on one occasion.

I'd noticed Cathy looking decidedly awkward at one fitting, so I decided to do a sneaky myself. I swapped with Cathy. One of the things we had discovered in the tests was, that we could get a sense of who was actually in the body as we did our exchange. The other thing was, that either Cathy or myself could resist each other from exchanging bodies. I was going to attempt something, that I wasn't sure I could do, but it was worth a shot.

Brad (I'd sensed it was him), suddenly found himself in my body. I had winked at him, signifying I knew what had happened.

He stood mutely, resigned to the fact that his fate was in our hands. About ten minutes passed when I felt Cathy attempting to swap back, I resisted her mind and tried pushing her towards my body. It seemed to work, as the 'pressure' ended and I saw the characteristic shudder as she replaced Sam with herself. I'd deliberately not looked at her, as she realized with a soft gasp where she was.

A soft giggle, made me grin and turn to her, as she realized she'd been busted. I let her swap back after a couple of minutes, feeling rather smug at my joke. We'd had a good laugh later, as she'd quizzed me on my diverting tactic.

Finally, the gown was finished. We celebrated with a party, a girl's only party. Misty and Cathy had invited my friends from school, Neri and Kim and Deb were there along with Julie, the maid at my house. We had got rather tight that night drinking some raided spirits from the liquor cabinet. The hangover the next morning almost made Cathy and I want to swap with our boyfriends, but decided, seeing we'd done the crime, such as it was, we'd do the time.

Everything was starting to come together. The cake was ready invitations had been sent out and the acceptances received. The church was selected and the venue for the reception was booked. Sam had taken me around the jewelry's stores, looking at wedding bands. We had decided to get two. So we could have a double ring ceremony, where we would both place a ring on the other's finger. As I sat here, amid this froth of white lace of my bridal train, I giggled at the memory of the bridal shower.

Cathy had organized the bridal shower for me, using the recreation room at my home. Everyone came, even Joan the receptionist at the research lab. I was told to dress casual, which meant smart, but comfortable. I remember thinking I should turn up in some ratty shorts and a torn tee, but unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on their view) I didn't own anything ratty or torn, and I wasn't about to rip up any of my clothes on a momentary whimsy.

So dressed in a nice sundress with an empire waist, I was driven home to meet the rest of the guests. I was almost mobbed in the congratulatory greetings. Gifts were handed to me as I was shown a comfortable seat and told to park my butt. The room was filled with chatter and while refreshments and drinks were handed around, I wondered what Sam was doing at his bachelor party. I wasn't left to my thoughts too long as people settled down after getting a drink and something to eat. I looked enviously at the drinks as I still hadn't got one and I felt the need for a stiff drink. I felt somewhat left out, as I hadn't been allowed out of my seat. As the room went quiet, mom came in bearing a silver ice bucket with a magnum of Bollinger champagne in it. She produced a glass and set it in my hand, pouring from the opened bottle. My other mom came in next, giving me a huge smile, along with a plate of assorted nibbles.

Everyone waited, while I sipped the shampers delicately. I felt everyone's eyes on me, which made me acutely aware of everything I did. I looked at Cathy for clues as what to do next. I caught her slight nod towards the gifts, so I started to open them, taking note of whom they were from. I was overwhelmed by the gifts, some of which must have cost a pretty penny. Some from my school friends were less expensive, but still appreciated for the thought that went into them.

Some of the gifts varied from silverware and chinaware to more common things like ornaments and perfumes. I blushed when I opened some sexy nightwear and held them up for all to see. Calls for a fashion parade made me want to hide my face, so hot my cheeks felt. It was all good-natured though, and I felt nothing, but camaraderie with this group of ours. I opened one gift that had no name on it, and as the paper came off and the thing was exposed, I was so shocked that nice ladies could consider playing a joke that I dropped it on the floor. There it lay, just a common cucumber, but the condom that was stretched over it, made the message plain. Giggling from the women soon developed into side splitting laughter, that I had to join in, as the ribald comments spouted forth.

After all the gifts had been opened, and I had thanked everyone personally, calls for a movie to be shown, decided the next activity. Votes for Runaway Bride vied with 9 Months with the accompanying laughter. I think the Tom Cruise movie was enjoyed from the frequent screams for him to "take it off baby." Not that I took a lot of notice, as I was constantly being ear bashed with helpful bedroom tips for a great sex life. I felt like my blushing would leave me with permanently red cheeks as some of the suggestions got wilder and kinkier as the alcohol flowed.

The last I remember of that night was dizzily staggering into the arms of Julie, who must have taken me to my room put me in bed. I woke next morning with a slight fuzziness as I tried to recall the previous night's activities. I dressed slowly, taking care not move my head suddenly, not wanting to risk it falling off. Fortunately, this body seemed to throw off the effects of overindulgence rather rapidly, and the expected throbbing headache never eventuated.

That was two days ago, today I'm getting married. Wow! What with getting my hair done and being professionally made-up, this morning was a mad rush. Having both moms' help dress me and arrange the veil and train certainly helped get me ready on time. I relaxed as they bustled around the bridesmaids, amid the frequent calls for assistance from the girls.

I looked at the mirror I was sitting in front of; hardly believing it was my reflection there. The silks and satins making up the bulk of my gown, along with lacey veils and train held in my hair with a jeweled comb, looked light and feminine in the extreme, but were in fact quite heavy to wear. There were yards and yards of material in this most elegant of gowns, fortunately it felt cool as it slithered against my stockings, and the white waist nipper mom insisted I wear.

What I most noticed, was the noise, everything rustled as I moved. One couldn't help, but feel virginal in a gown like this. The subtle hint of the perfume I wore, surrounded me in an oasis of femininity. My thoughts were interrupted by the honk of a car's horn, signaling the arrival of the bridal cars. I stood, feeling the train pulling on my head as I gathered my skirts in my hands, before moving towards the front door. Suddenly, Cathy, resplendent in her outfit, was at my side, gathering the train in her hands. The bouquets were gathered by another bridesmaid and taken out to the waiting cars.

The white limo, with the satin ribbons adorning its hood, had its doors open and I saw the driver was José. He smiled a cheeky grin as he assisted me inside. The bridesmaids fussed over the gown, arranging it so it wouldn't crease, or wrinkle. I was then given my bouquet, and the door was closed. I watched the others get into the other cars, before we started to move off.

The ride seemed to take no time at all, although my sense of time was screwed up due to my increasing nervousness. The church loomed near, and José stopped the car, and then rushed to open the door. Somehow, the bridesmaids had arrived before me, I guessed intentionally. They helped free the train from the rear of the limo, and I walked sedately up the church steps.

*FLASH* FLASH* I had forgotten the two photographers would be there, after all, mom wanted lots of pictures taken of her only daughter getting married. When we reached the entrance of the church, I stopped just in front of the half-opened double doors, while the girls fussed over me, getting the train just perfect.

Dad was standing there waiting; looking very debonair in his charcoal coloured suit. Someone must have given the signal, as I heard the strains of the wedding march waft towards me. Dad took my elbow, and my bridesmaids took their positions. 'This is it,' I thought; as I took my first step though the door. All my doubts vanished, leaving me feeling like I was walking on air. So serene, did I feel, that not even the first wave of camera flashes from those in the church could disturb my mien.

I floated up the long aisle, towards the man I was to marry. Sam couldn't take his eyes off me, nor me him. He looked very smart in his tuxedo and the satin sash around his waist was a nice touch. His look of adoration was like a physical touch on my soul. I knew his view of my face was somewhat obscured by the veil, but I could see him clearly. I loved what I saw and tried pouring my love into his eyes.

A slight tug on my elbow, made me realize I had arrived. Dad relinquished his hold on me somewhat reluctantly; a tear glistened in his eyes as he realized he was finally giving away his child for another to take over his responsibilities in protecting and loving me. I gave him a smile, and a quick buss though the veil to show him I loved him, and that he had done a great job raising me.

I turned to face the minister and my Sam and nodded my readiness. The ceremony went without a hitch and we exchanged our vows and rings as a token of our love to one another. Sam raised my veil, flipping it over my head as we kissed. Cheers and clapping accompanied us as we made our way to the vestry to sign the marriage book. Taking a moment to ourselves, before returning to the church, I swapped with Sam long enough to give him a kiss in each other's body. I so wanted him to feel how I felt in my gown of gowns. I'll give him this, he didn't flinch an instant as his own face kissed him. I could see I was going to have fun with my man in the future, and I wondered how he'd react to experiencing one, or two of my periods.

Rice and confetti was thrown over us as we made our way to the front of the church, where we went through the tiresome process of photo time. Over an hour was spent posing with everyone and getting the group photo's just right. At last, we could escape to the limo that would take us to the reception. We kissed in the back nearly all the way, just itching to tear our clothes off and do something together.

The reception was a blast, great food, champagne flowing copiously, and after the speechifying, and cake cutting, music and dancing. Sam was light on his feet and literally flew me around the floor, my veil, and train having being removed before hand, of course. I did the dirty on Sam again, namely swapping and seeing how he coped dancing the girls role. I had to literally carry him a couple of times as he nearly fell off his heels. Apart from that and the intense blushing, you'd never know we'd swapped. Cathy had spotted it though, and was smirking and giggling at us. I hope Brad forgives me for any ideas I'd given her, as I knew she wasn't past, doing the same to him.

Later, when things started calming down, I was given my bouquet for the traditional throw and catch. Before I turned my back on the excited pack of girls, I noted where Cathy was and tossed it over my shoulder in her direction. Screams ensued and a mad scramble for the prize, as I turned, I smiled at Cathy's gleeful look as she proudly held the bouquet aloft. A group huggle followed. I took my leave reluctantly as I went and changed out of my wedding gown and into something suitable for our honeymoon trip. Sam was there with me, and helped unbutton my dress, before climbing out of his tux and into casual clothes.

At last, we were on our way. Just the two of us, heading forward to a life together, I knew that our lives would lead to many new experiences, both for Sam and I. I wondered what being pregnant would feel like and giggled to myself that we would both find out. Perhaps Sam would volunteer to carry one to term, or at least take over for the actual birth. I hoped that the gift would be carried on in our children and so spread out like a wave over the world to bring new understanding in gender roles. Being a woman feels wonderful. I know, because I am one now.

The end.

 

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© 2003 by Prudence Walker. 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.