This is a continuation of The First Date; where Melissa Andrews where she learns that Ted treats transsexuals on her second date with him at the movies. She moves into the 'Big Time' the day after Turkey Day.

 

Melissa Goes to School

by

Karen Anne Summerfield
Copyright November 2002

 

Part V

The Second Date

 

I'd let Ted pick out the movie he wanted to take me to see; it was the newest James Bond flick, Die Another Day. I was aware of all the attention we drew walking to the box office, queued up to wait and going into the lobby. The only time he released my hand since helping me from the car was to pay for our tickets and I sought it as soon as he'd put his wallet away.

Once in our seats; "Why are they all staring at us?" Ted asked while escorting me to our seats. I had to giggle; he seemed upset by the attention we’d drawn.

"Could be that they're staring a pretty honky chick holding hands with a handsome black dude, could be that they wonder why a white chick has a black mama's hairdo, could be they're questioning the apparent differences in our ages or … they just like a leg show."

Ted was glaring at me. "Please never talk like that again, Melissa." He seemed upset by the words I'd chosen.

"I apologize," I said and lifted Ted's arm over my shoulders then rested my head on his shoulder.

"Lift your head," he pushed me off. He flipped my beaded braids lifted forward over my shoulder. As I leaned back again, I felt him arranging them across his chest. "Mind if I play with these?" My answer was to lift one and place the ring on its end between Ted's lips.

"I'm sorry I said the things I did. I'll try to never do it again.

The Bond movie was pretty cool. It was almost non-stop action from beginning to end. As we watched, Ted held me close while using his other hand to play with my hair.

"What did you think of the movie?" Ted asked as he escorted me back to where he'd parked with his arm around my waist.

"Very sleek! I found the plot using DNA and gene replacement to change the villains' appearance interesting. Is it medically possible?" I asked.

"They're doing considerable research in that field, but I'm really not up on it, Melissa."

"I was thinking, if it's possible adapt it to changing one's sex as well. I'm sure some of your patients might go for something like that." I hoped I'd covered my real interests in the subject.

"Well, if it is, putting it into practice is away and it won't be cheap." I could believe that.

*****

I wasn't looking forward to our last game of the season when I put on my uniform Thanksgiving morning. It was only sixteen degrees outside and snow was forecast with a high of only supposed to rise to twenty-four. To afford me as much protection as possible, I smoothed on two pairs of tights underneath the shiny, flesh-toned ones Mrs. Stinson had suggested we all buy earlier in the season then two long-sleeved leotards before putting on my white brief, short skirt and sweater.

"I made you a hot breakfast, Melissa," mom said when I came down to the kitchen.

"I think I'm going to need it on a day like today. Thankfully, they play basketball in a heated gym."

"I'll bet you wish you could wear pants to school again instead of your short uniform when you walk to the bus stop," mom teased.

"Wrong," I smiled. We'd had this discussion before and I knew mom was just teasing me again about my preference or mini skirts.

The only extra protection the cheerleaders had against the weather was a pair of earmuffs and a pair of thin gloves. I put them on with my heavy wool jacket and muffler, before mom drove me to school.

"You have a good game, Melissa," mom gave me a kiss. I'll see you Sunday when I get back." Mom was going to spend Thanksgiving with Mr. Benedict's family in Pennsylvania. Jasmine's family had invited me to have dinner there and spend the entire weekend at their home.

I took my case and garment bag and rushed inside to avoid the frigid cold.

Instead of the usual thirty minutes on the field before kick-off, our coach cut it to just ten. Reluctantly, we shed our coats and scarves and got in line to run our on the field after assuring each others' uniforms were as they were supposed to be. Mrs. Stinson moved close to Helen and lifted the front of her sweater.

"Nice try, but the sweatshirt has to go. Take it off, Helen." We all laughed and teased our friend for getting caught with extra, and forbidden, clothing underneath. Mrs. Stinson ran a tight ship. After discovering Helen's failed attempt, each of us was carefully inspected. The good thing was that it kept us off the field five minutes longer.

"OK girls, let's go!" She pulled open the door. 'Move it!" We ran in line, outside in the frigid air to our places on the sidelines.

"It's snowing!" Kitten announced. "Hey, Jazzie, do they cancel the game for snow?"

"I wish. Quiet now," Jasmine replied. She started a cheer.

For the next two hours, the only time we stood still was for the band playing the National Anthem; we wanted to keep moving in a futile attempt to keep warm!

"Dad will pick us up in about twenty minutes," Jasmine told me when she returned her phone to her purse.

"I thought Ted was going to?" The look my friend gave me caused me not to want the answer.

"If you're disappointed now, I best tell you the rest." I knew I didn't want to hear her explanation.

"Theo will be at dinner later with a ... friend."

"Friend like a date?" I needed to confirm and finalize what I was being told.

"Her name is Beverly." Jasmine gave me a little hug. "Promise, you'll still have fun." I wasn't sure how. I knew that Calvin was coming over too, which left me out.

I made only polite conversation with Dr. Jade as he drove us. He carried my bags until handing it to Suzi inside.

"I'm sure you'd like to bathe and change, Melissa. Suzi will show you to one of the guest rooms."

"Thank you," was all I could manage. I followed their maid upstairs. The guest room was three times the size of my bedroom and nicely decorated. Suzi took off my earmuffs, scarf and gloves then helped me out of my coat.

"Leave your soiled clothing in the hamper, Miss Melissa. I'll attend to it later."

"Thank you, but that won't be necessary." I sat to remove my sneakers and socks. Without asking, Suzi removed the bells from my hair braids.

"It's my job. Please do not interfere with my performance of it, Miss Melissa?" I decided it wasn't worth arguing about. Suzi moved my case and started to unpack it; placing things in the dresser until she found my makeup and toilet articles, which she placed in the bathroom.

"Will you require assistance, Miss Melissa?" Suzi had already raised my sweater to my armpits. I slipped it off then allowed her to remove my cheerleader skirt.

"Thank you, that will be all, for now, Suzi."

"Dinner will be at five thirty, Miss Melissa," she smiled, curtseyed and left my room.

It felt great to soak in the hot tub, but I didn't linger that long. Once thoroughly warmed I wrapped in a towel then went to the bedroom, all clean, fresh and shaved. For dinner, I'd brought a white angora sweater that's my absolute favorite. With it, I was going to wear my yellow tartan mini kilt; though short, it very heavy. Dad's aunt, who's Scot's, had given it to my parent's before I was born with the expectation I was going to be a baby girl. I am a girl, but not quite as she'd thought. I put these on with black tights and black platform, leather knee boots, then sat to do my make-up.

A soft knock and the door opening startled me.

"Ok if I come in?"

"Hi, Tina!" I jumped up to meet her embrace.

"Hi, yaself, honey chil'. Wow! Ya lookin' real kewl, mama," Tina doesn't really talk blacklish, but it went with her stage persona. She switched to cultured English.

"Jas' told me you were here when I got back. Tina sat on the bed.

"Finish your makeup," she flicked her long nailed finger for me to return to it.

"Melissa, do you have any plans for tomorrow?"

Remembering, "I did, but think they're canceled," I said with a bit of self-pity. Ted had said on our last date at the end of October that we'd go to New York to see the Christmas lights.

She ignored what I'd implied. "I want you to come to the city with me?" My mood instantly brightened.

"You would! Great! I'd love to see Rockefeller Center all decorated and the tree there."

"Well, the studio is near by. We can do that after, maybe."

"Huh?" I blurted.

"My producer wants to meet you," she said.

"Your producer?"

"What I say, mama." She started to giggle. "I gave your raw tapes to Adriann, he's an editor, to see what he could do with them. He showed the finish to Big John before I told him they were private. BJ wants to meet you.

"I think he wants to talk 'contract'."

"Let me call my manager and attorney," I quipped. "Are you serious, Tina? Me?"

"You've not seen your tape. Theo joked about you being my competition. No joking about it; you are darn good, girl!" Tina's smile reinforced what she'd said.

Together, we went down to the great room where the family was assembled before the blazing fire. I avoided eye contact with Ted or his date. First I greeted Mrs. Jade then Calvin and Jasmine. Ted stood with the woman when I finally turned to acknowledge him.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Ted," I managed. He repeated it to me.

"Melissa, I'd like you to meet a colleague of mine, Beverly." I think my jaw dropped as much as hers did when we faced. Doctor Martin recovered before I could.

"Pleased to meet you, Melissa," she said with her hand extended. "You look well." I felt sick. Dr. Martin had been the first physiatrist; mom had taken me to see when I declared myself five years ago. I'd been her patient for three years.

"Thank you, Doctor Martin." I limply shook her hand. "Nice to see you again." I sensed a deathly quiet descend upon the room - I wanted to die! Tears filled my eyes.

Tina bulldozed me from the room before I was crying in earnest; she'd been right next to me still.

"Why?" I wailed. "Why does it all have to end? Damn it! Damn it, God; what evil did I do to deserve this?" I was bawling my eyes out.

I cried for some time before I recovered my wits enough to realize I was in Tina's apartment and she was with me. I met her eyes and waited for her to say something.

"You are going to be OK, Melissa," she whispered reassuringly.

"After I'm dead. May I borrow a knife?" She made a small smile. "Would you do the honors … please?" I asked.

"All of us know what Beverly does. Were you once her patient?" I could only return a slight nod. Tina smiled again. Standing, she pulled me up.

"Let me fix your face."

"I don't want to go." My protest was ignored.

I was shaking terribly, mostly it was anxiety over what I just knew I was going to hear or be told, but had cried all I was going to when I re-entered the room with Tina. I couldn't meet their eyes, which I knew were staring at the freak in their presence.

"Feeling better now, Melissa?" I took a deep breath and faced them. It had been Mrs. Jade who'd asked.

"Thank you, only a little, ma'am.

"Go ahead. I guess I'm ready," I said, inviting the attack and onslaught of whatever they were about to launch. Suicide by armed attack was acceptable. I'd never be able to commit it myself.

"No harm will befall you in our home or from our family or friends, Melissa. My profession, those of my son and Doctor Martin are to help and heal. My wife and daughters, though not physicians, only wish to help and never harm." I wanted to believe. I just wanted to be accepted for what I was, a girl.

Suzi diverted my attention, curtseying with her tray before me.

"Wine, Miss Melissa."

"Thank you. No, I'm only sixteen." Ignoring my refusal, Suzi set the glass beside me, curtseyed and left to serve the others.

'As your doctor," Ted smiled, causing me to look in question. He lifted a dollar. "You retained me to advise you, remember.

"I prescribe that you swallow the medicine beside you."

"Hey, girl?" I looked towards Calvin, seated next to Jasmine. "You're more girl than most I've met. Anyone gives you any crap about … let 'em deal with Calvin Jackson. You were there fer me!" He gave me a big smile and a thumbs-up. Jasmine did the same.

The conversation turned to the snow, our football game that we'd won where I'd cheered with Jasmine and our squad then returned to me.

"Has Melissa seen her tape yet, Tina?" her father asked.

"No, not yet, father."

"I have," Dr. Martin answered. She returned to me with a warm smile.

"You are going to be one of the best, Melissa." Tina raised her glass in a toast. Before and during the wonderful meal, there was no discussion of my gender and very little reference to it.

Once we'd finished, I excused myself to use the bathroom and wash my hands. Suzi was standing in the bedroom when I emerged.

"Dr. Jade requests your presence in his office, please, Miss Melissa?" I know my face showed my dread of what was to come. Obediently, I followed her to the chamber.

I didn't expect it to be a Victorian museum of sorts, though the furnishing in the house had given hints. Without thinking, I followed Suzi's curtsey to him behind the positively huge desk.

"You requested my presence, sir?" Before answering he shot a glare of disapproval towards his maid. Suzi dipped then moved away, but didn't leave; I heard her at the bar with glasses.

"Come by the fire, Melissa." He rose, came around the desk then gently took my hand to lead me there. Near a pile of cushions, he tugged my hand down a bit until I settled onto them then he lowered to another pile on the other side of the hearth. "I find this a good place for chatting, with my wife and my three children." Suzi knelt with a try between us. On it were three glasses on small trays. One went near me and another was placed next to him.

"Tonight, I'm your doctor and order you to take your medicine," he beamed. 'There is no intention you cause you to become intoxicated."

"I'm not permitted alcohol at home and I abide by and do not disobey the rules I'm to supposed, sir," I softly challenged. I'd not touched the drink I'd been given earlier nor the wine glass set by my place at dinner.

Curling my booted feet under, I arranged the cushions to rest comfortably and meet his gaze.

"I also do not lie… If you've questions, I'll answer them best that I can or respectfully decline to answer, sir."

"Tell me why the presence of Beverly upset you so, Melissa?"

I picked up the glass. "I think I'll be disobedient tonight." I sipped a sweet cherry drink.

"She told you I was her patient once. What more must I say?"

"You told us enough to guess. Beverly confirmed only that you had encountered each other previously; nothing further. It was only your actions, which indicated that it might have been in a professional capacity. Beverly would not discuss it. She respected your confidentiality; I assure you.

"Yes, Melissa, some of us are quite aware of her medical specialty."

I took another small sip. "That is very nice. Please don't get me drunk." I set down the glass.

"I was Doctor Martin's patient for three years, sir. I'm a transsexual; I was not born the girl I appear to be." He chuckled, causing me to glare.

"Trust, Melissa, you are more of a lady than most others."

"If I may ask, what is you sexual orientation?"

"Uncertain..." I answered truthfully and took another sip. As I placed my glass on the tray, I noticed Suzi staring at me, just a few feet away.

I plunged forward; they knew little, but enough and I thought it best to present my side. "I liked dating Ted. I liked him holding me and even kissing. I also admit, I've had fantasies of a sexual experiences with your daughter."

"I'm one hundred percent sure that while Jasmine may be your close friend, her desires are not in that direction." I'm sure my smile and the look I gave caused Dr. Jade to rethink his statement.

He chuckled, deeply, "I'm being reminded that I've two daughters, correct?

"Tina moves to the beat of her own drummers. I make no claim to having a full understanding of her, Melissa."

At a soft knock on the door, Suzi rose to answer it. "May I come in, father?" I heard Tina ask. I saw him nod.

Tina sat close to me. "You OK, Melissa?"

"Yes, thank you."

"In our family, we all understand exactly what you are." I thought her quick look towards their maid was to signal her for some of the liquor.

"Miss Melissa?" I turned to meet Suzi's pretty eyes. "I understand much more than any other here … I've been where you are now and have been completely accepted here." She smiled. "Trust them, they will help you."

"Thank you, Suzi. Knowing that helps me a lot."

Tina changed the conversation completely. "It's nine o'clock. You and I have a big day tomorrow and my car will be here at five o'clock, so you have to be up around three, Melissa."

"Three!" I protested.

"Three," she repeated. "Say good night.

"Suzi, see to it that Melissa is in her bed shortly and lights out," she ordered their maid.

****

"Let me sleep," I mumbled. Suzi pulled me upright.

"Use the bathroom and take a shower. Miss Tina will be in as soon as she's dressed to help me get you ready." I was standing in my long nightgown before I was fully awake.

At least breakfast was waiting when I emerged. Tina was eating hers there.

"Good morning. Sit and eat while Suzi gets started on you hair," Tina greeted.

"As fun as the cornrows were when you were a cheerleader, football season is over and it's got to go." I didn't argue; by then, I was tired of it too and after twelve weeks it was looking ragged.

Suzi didn't waste time undoing all the elaborate braids; she chopped them off at shoulder length then unbraided the rest with Jasmine's assistance; she'd come in to help. As soon as I'd eaten the food, Tina started to manicure my nails. As soon as they'd untangled my hair, I was bent over the sink so Suzi could shampoo and condition my natural hair. Tina and Jasmine resumed my nails as the maid went to work creating a new coiffure.

"Tell me what I can expect today, Tina?" I asked.

"I can only guess. My studio really liked your video, but they'll never produce it since it copies mine. There's really no predicting, but I think the first thing they'll want is a vocal. Tom, my manager, will ride in with us and there may be music from the studio."

"Do I ever get to see the tape that has everyone so worked up?"

"In the car."

Apparently satisfied with my hair do, Suzi went with Jasmine to select my outfit. Tina went to work with her makeup.

Everything was a whirlwind around me; the two hours flew by quickly.

When I went out with Tina to the waiting limousine, we were dressed identically; my polished black leather clothes were from Jasmine's closet. As tight as the calf-length skirt was, I had a little trouble descending the stairs wearing the platform boots with their fat, seven-inch heels.

"Slow down, you'll mange, Miss Melissa," Suzi cautioned. She held one arm while we were on the staircase. At the bottom, she released her grip on the sleeve of my fitted jacket and ascended the stairs to carry down a garment bag and carryall. Those contained other outfits Tina thought were appropriate.

"Good morning, Miss Jade," the chauffeur greeted. Tina introduced me to Charlie, the studio driver.

When the large car was underway, Tina placed my tape in the VCR and turned it on for me to watch while she looked at the contents of a large envelope that had been on the seat when we'd gotten in.

"I'm certainly impressed with my performance even though even my untrained eyes picked up at least some of the mistakes in both my dance and vocal."

"You're good." She turned off the system and started a CD.

"Here's the music. Listen to it as you read the lyrics. Start to sing when you feel your ready, Melissa." The song, a slow ballad titled, Make My Day, was easy for me to pick up.

"I'm not sure this is really me, Tina."

"Sing it anyway. We get big bucks to perform, not to just be ourselves."

"Ooooh … I'm gon-na make you pay,

You stole my man… just to play

And now, you're gon-na pay

You think you're cute and getting away,

Boy, do I have news for you

Bitch… you're gon-na pay!

And MAKE MY DAY!"

"Good. Again." The second time through, Tina sang along too and the third time began coaching me and continued through the other stanza and final chorus.

When Charlie stopped the car to pic up Tom Silverstein, I had the music and lyrics memorized. He listened one time, smiling throughout, then had me repeat it with his own timing and inflections for me to insert.

"Great, you're gonna be a star, I can feel it," Tom complimented.

"Relax now and give me some background for the liner notes, 'Lissa."

What's your full name?"

"Melissa Susan Andrews." I gave him my basic history and answered the rest of his questions until we'd stopped. It wasn't even seven o'clock.

"BJ, this is Lissa Andrews," Tom introduced me to the produces in an office nearly the size of one floor of our house.

"Lissa, Big John, 'BJ' Carponi."

"It's Melissa." I corrected. "Pleased to meet you Mr. Carponi." At sis foot six or seven and built like a weight lifter, it was easy to see how he'd acquired his nickname.

"BJ, Melissa. I'm happy to meet you too," he smiled.

"Ready to go to work?"

"I guess." He smiled again, "This way." He led me through a side door and I panicked a little, realizing that Tina and Tom weren't with me.

There had to be fifty people in the cluttered room, milling about.

"Get moving; we've a record to cut!" he boomed. A flurry of activity was set in motion.

I soon found myself seated in a soundproof room with a headset and microphone. On the other side of the widow, a man and woman had their hands poised on an array of slide controls and BJ loomed in the background.

"Hi, Melissa. I'm Alexi." The young woman's words came through the earphones. "I'll be directing your recording and Razor, here, will record.

"Ready for a run through?" she cheerily asked.

"I guess."

"Melissa Andrews, Make My Day, take one." Her voice said then the music started. I lost count of the number of takes and coaching as I went along. Finally BJ's voice boomed.

"Wrap it.

"Come on out, girl." I exited the recording booth to be met by another girl and skinny guy with green hair.

"For the shoot, we'll start with those leathers." The guy had started fussing with my hair as she hurried me through the large loft to a stage filled with more people and all sorts of equipment.

Near noon, another wrap was called and I was allowed out from under the glaring, hot lights.

"You did super, mean that… Better than I managed my first time." Tina had reappeared. Two big guys stood behind her.

"Tom's negotiating a contract; let me buy you lunch." My head was spinning. We started to the lobby and the two men were close.

"Who are they?" I whispered in the elevator.

"Oh, I didn't introduce you. That's Nick and Al." One grunted and the other said, 'Hi'. Neither seemed friendly. "They're my bodyguards. Just ignore them unless there's trouble then move your cute ass with them between you and whatevers."

Though we are both attractive and out attire was sure to draw attention, no one did more than look; some even smiled, as we walked to a little restaurant a few blocks away. She stopped me from going inside however, until one of the guys had gone in and come back with a nod to Tina then took up position next to the other outside and we’d entered.

"If it's a big place like a club, our bodyguards stick close the entire time. Don't ever try to sneak away, Melissa." There was a lot about being a star of Tina's stature that I'd yet to learn.

"You told me that your manager was negotiating a contract. I'm only sixteen; even if I did sign one, it isn't legal," I said while we waited for lunch.

"Their legal team isn't stupid. I was signed up when I was only fourteen. They'll need a parent or legal guardian to sign it with you.

"You're going to need a manager too. Until you know much more than I already do, don't try this without one." Tina gave me lots of advice during lunch. I listen carefully and asked questions, when I wanted to know more.

"Are we done for today," I asked s we walked back to the studio.

"Not by a long shot. They are going to want a lot of photos and you can count on several makeovers. Figure that well be done, rather, they will finish with you about seven, Melissa."

Tina's projection was very accurate. I was very tired, but elated when I settled into the soft seat next to her for the ride home.

Only half listening, Tom explained the contract he'd negotiated on my behalf as well as one to sign him as my manager.

"BJ wants to move on you as soon as he has that legal, Lissa. Get it to your lawyer for review then sign it as soon as possible." He patted my knee as he exited when we'd stopped to let him out at his house.

"See ya," was all I said before the door closed.

"Is he always so pushy?" I asked without expecting an answer.

"Only until he has his claws in and gets to know you," Tina giggled, "he can be worse then.

"Let me look that over." I placed the papers in her hand. She read Tom's contract first.

"Sign this, it's as good as they get." She set Tom's contract to the side then concentrated on her label's; soon to be mine.

"How do you feel about the name change?" Tina asked as she read.

"Could be far worse that 'Lissa Landers', I suppose. I'm kinda partial to Melissa Andrews, but I guess it's pretty vanilla."

"Vanilla is as good a chocolate, both are very popular, I've been told," she giggled. Though I prefer 'nilla topped by milk chocolate." Her eyes were twinkling above her big smile.

"False eyelash topping, add a lot to my appetite too." Tina was referring to the makeup I still wore from my last makeover. Obviously she wasn't talking about ice cream.

I passed the back of my hand up her leather-skirted thigh. "Someday, I think I'd like a taste."

Tina's smile broadened. "Later, hun'. Be patient. OK?" Tina surprised me by turning her back and dropping her head on my lap. "I want to finish this." I had to change positions for both of us to be comfortable.

"They are offering you a lot more than I was to start, you know" Tina had continued to read the document. "One million exclusive for two years, right of refusal if you get a better offer plus ten percent, upfront royalties of ten cents for your contact term and fifty cents above that after. Tell you, girl, this is one damn sweet deal."

"Tina," I was playing with her hair. She moved her eyes to mine. "Are you talking dollars? A million dollars?"

"You got that straight, first time." I let out a deep breath.

"Am I really worth that much money?"

"BJ must think so." Tina continued to read. She folded it, sought my purse then tucked both documents in. "Have a legal beagle read through all that then get your mom to sign, you sign and notarize it all."

She sat up. "I'll tell you my bet is that they'll be at it overtime putting together a promo for you this weekend. You're goin' big time and quick. Try to brace for the ride of your life, girl!"

"What about school?" I innocently asked.

"Get your diploma. I'll ask mother to talk with you about what they did for me."

 

 

 

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© 2002 by Karen Anne Summerfield. 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.