Polly Merman

by Prudence Walker

Chapter 13

 

Sara and Jenna, having seen them enter, and had stood nearby waiting to be introduced, smiled at each other as they heard Felicia's decision. Walking to give Felicia a welcoming hug, Beth introduced Sara and Jenna to Felicia and her uncle. Felicia was lead away to have a blood sample taken so that the DNA code could be extracted and converted. Beth took Don Luis to see Shelly and the girls, and offer him a coffee. Seeing she was going to make instant coffee, he shuddered and shook his head, before taking out his phone. Beth soon found out what the found call was about when ten minutes later a knock at the door revealed two men lugging in several boxes, containing a coffee making machine and supplies of vacuum packed ground coffee.

Beth was surprised and overwhelmed with Don's generosity. Don waved off the thanks, saying it was just a spare unit from the restaurant and that it was a small price to pay. He set up the machine, which had a steamer for making cappuccino coffee. There was even a coffee bean grinder attachment for really fresh coffee. He demonstrated the machine, making different coffees for everyone. Don was of the opinion that food and drink needed to be of the highest quality, no pre processed stuff for him.

Beth took cups of the steaming aromatic beverage to Sara and Jenna, who appreciated the drink, seeing they had to stay by the equipment. Felicia followed Beth back to get her coffee, and was introduced to Shelly and the girls. They relaxed, sipping the fine brew, while they waited. Beth explained what they were trying to do here and the importance of secrecy.

As lunchtime approached, Don made another call on his phone, and Beth and Shelly wondered what was coming next. Just as Sara and Jenna took a break for lunch, a van bearing the logo of Don's restaurant chain pulled up outside. A young waitress, wearing a similar logo on her uniform brought in a lavish spread from the lunch menu. It didn't take long for everyone to dig in, and soon everyone was happily munching away.

A chime from inside the lab, saw Sara taking her plate along with her, as she went back to check how the process was going. Jenna finished her lunch and thanked Don with a hug and a kiss, saying lunch was a wonderful surprise, which made him blush. Jenna then made two cups of espresso coffee from the new machine, and excused herself as she went to take Sara her coffee. Felicia asked a few questions about Shelly and what her thoughts were on the process that she herself was about to undergo.

"I think it's great. It gave me my dream body," Shelly sighed dreamily.

"What! You mean...?" gasped Felicia, as she came to terms with another changee.

"Yup, I was Jenna's brother, but I was always a girl inside. The goo gave me what years of hormones and surgery, had only simulated." Shelly proudly declared.

Don seemed inured to further shock, seemingly taking it in his stride that he was in the company of soon to be three male to female transformations. Although he noted, in each case, the reasons were different. One an accident, one voluntary, and one from necessity. Don could see that Shelly glowed in her newfound femininity, and that her happiness was clearly evident. He hoped Felicia found the same happiness in her new life, as she certainly deserved some from what she had to deal with up to now.

Felicia felt much better knowing the process worked so well. Seeing Shelly and Beth both living happy lives, made her small worries disappear. Her uncle had promised to set her up with a home and a green card. If she wanted to work for him, then a good job was assured, even though Don said it wasn't necessary.

What was left of the uneaten food was packed away in plastic cling wrap and stored in the refrigerator. The plates the food came on were washed and placed back into the cardboard box they came in and taken outside for pickup.

Talk turned to generalities after Felicia was called into the lab. Don seemed interested in the lake at the cabin, after hearing about the abundance of the fish there. He said getting good quality fresh fish was always a pain. Although his restaurants dealt mainly in beef cuisine, he did offer fish as an entree, when it was available. He offered to work out a minimal amount of fresh fish on a regular sustainable basis for the local restaurant in exchange for lifetime free meals at any of his restaurants.

Jenna came in to tell them Felicia was done and that time would take care of the rest. Felicia, with tears in her eyes, hugged them all, before taking her uncles hand.

"I'm ready to go uncle," she smiled, squeezing his hand.

Don took Felicia to his car and promised to keep in touch. He gave them a number to call to arrange for more free lunches on the house, anytime they were working in the lab.

That netted him kisses from all, the woman, as they thanked him again. He reminded Beth to contact him on the wedding date so he could work out the catering side of things. With calls of goodbye ringing in the air, Don with Felicia alongside, drove off.

Happy, but sad at seeing them leave, Beth and Shelly left, leaving Sara and Jenna to finish up and close up. Shelly dropped Beth off at her home before driving back to Jenna's house with the girls.

In the next two weeks, everyone was busy, with wedding plans. Beth seemed to be pulled from pillar to post, by all the women. She didn't mind trying on the gorgeous gowns because she loved the sensations of satin and silks. The standing and waiting like a statue, while they measured and messed about trying for "the look," tended to drag a bit. Being encased in tight bodices and feeling the weight of the gowns when she tried to move, made her all too aware of being in a very special outfit, especially when she ran her hands across it as she admired herself in the mirrors.

Ted had two rings made from the gold found at the cabin. Hers was going to have several small diamonds inserted, while Ted's was just going to be a plain band. The church was selected and booked and invitations sent out to their co workers at the plant and Ted's relatives. Beth didn't have many relatives. And most of those weren't invited because of complicated situation regarding Beth being a daughter instead of a son.

Watching her sisters go through the same rigmarole for their bridesmaids dresses, Beth a sense of revenge, as she was the one giving directions and suggesting changes. Even though her mother had thought they had found the perfect gowns to compliment Beth's wedding dress, Beth wanted to prolong her moment of power, suggesting that they try on even more elaborate outfits.

Beth soon realised her revenge was not working, as the women, apart from her mom, were enjoying trying on the gowns. Beth had felt somewhat embarrassed and a little guilty at wearing a wedding gown. She still had lapses of self-confidence when thinking of herself as a woman. To wear the gown that is the crowning achievement of nearly every females dream, made her all too aware of her dramatic change, and she felt it hard to relax and enjoy it like the others.

Constance took her daughter aside, while the others changed out of their last outfit.

"Beth, what's up, I sense that you're not entirely comfortable with all this," she asked, waving her hand to indicate the bridal shop.

"Mom," Beth began plaintively.

"Honey, it's okay to be nervous, all girls seeing a wedding getting closer, get nervous, just try and relax and enjoy it. Ted will be a great husband, seeing you have been friends all your life."

Beth tried explaining her feelings of guilt, saying if anyone deserved this, it was the original Beth.

"Honey, Beth died, but in doing so, she passed on a gift and a legacy to you. At Beth's raised eyebrow, Constance explained. "Her gift was to give the joy of experiencing womanhood.

"That's a gift?" questioned Beth.

"Okay, tell me honestly. Hasn't your life improved since becoming female? You didn't exactly stand out as a man, sad to say. You have friends who care deeply for you and a lover that needs and desires you. What did Colin have, other than Ted as a friend?" Constance asked.

Beth sighed, knowing her mother was right, since the change, her live had been one lively roller coaster.

"Okay I admit it, it's been great, and the sex....."

"Beth!" her mom exclaimed, clamping a hand over her daughters mouth in mock outrage. Before she smiled in a knowing way and gave her daughter a hug.

Beth asked, getting back to the earlier conversation.

"Her legacy is to live out her life, but in your own manner, and have children that would give her death meaning. Everyone has an inbuilt need and desire to pass on their genetics in the form of children, in a left handed way, you'll be living her life, so her sacrifice wasn't in vain. I'm sure she will be happy to see you carrying on and making a go of the hand fate dealt you."

"Thanks mom, you made me feel a lot better now," Beth said, as she returned the hug.

"Now missy, go make up your mind on the dresses. Already," admonished Constance, a twinkle in her eye and a quirked corner of her mouth belying the seriousness of her tone.

"Do I get the choice of picking out your outfit?" Beth threw out over her shoulder, grinning as she scooted back out to the girls.

"We'll see," laughed Constance, happy to see the smile back on Beth's face. "As long as it doesn't take a week," she muttered under her breath, as she joined the others.

Beth, with her mom's approval, finally chose one of the first outfits; the girls had tried on, making them laugh. Comments floated her way, like "just like a woman," and "we taught her too well." Beth's response was a non-verbal sticking out of her tongue that had everyone laughing.

With Jenna as matron of honour, and Sara Shelly and Felicia as bridesmaids and three flower girls, the wedding party was looking very lopsided. Ted managed to get a friend to stand in as best man and Shelly managed to coax another she had met at the plant to act as one of the groomsmen, but there was still need for more men to even up the couples. Don laughed, and said with all the male to female changes around here, it was a wonder there was any available men left. He even went so far as to suggest that everyone in the bridal party wear dresses to save confusion. That suggestion got a roar of approval from the women, which had Ted and Jeff looking somewhat nervous, as visions of themselves in long dresses crossed their minds. Eloise came to their rescue, saying she could get the men from her side of the family and even get a few boys to accompany the flower girls.

Cathleen and Donna were thrilled to be included in the wedding party, with Martinique conceding reluctantly, she was rather hesitant at having to wear such cutesy dresses with the very feminine fripperies adorning them. Cathleen and Donna's enthusiasm soon rubbed off and she decide to fall in line with the others. Guests would be few, mainly from Eloise's side for obvious reasons and some from the plant. Don had someone coming but declined to mention who.

Don Luis asked to take care of the wedding cake, as he knew someone in the business. In the next few weeks things started to get finalised. The dresses were altered and ready and the reception plans had been finalised. The women wanted to give Beth a bridal shower, saying it was traditional. Ted's bachelor night was already sorted, and so Beth agreed to have a bridal shower, to the girl's delight.

The Friday of the week that was set for Beth's bridal shower was a hectic one for Jenna and her sisters as they organised the gifts and who was coming, without letting Beth know. Don had agreed to supply the food for the meal prior to their activities later in the evening. The event was going to be held at Beth's place so that it didn't matter if they drank too much, as they could crash there for the night. Ted had his own thing to go to that night and was told not to come home till the next day. Richard promised to look after him, and would let him come home with him and stay the night.

Beth was urged to go spend some time at the cabin with Ted so they could check on the building progress there. Ted had earlier given his notice in at the plant, but they insisted that they needed him, so they retained him as a consultant, and paying him, even though he would only go in when they needed him. Beth enjoyed the time away with Ted. They relaxed, just doing some fishing and bagging some of the gold that was still evident on the surface of the ground near the gold source.

Beth was impressed by the construction. The floor, walls and roof were up, and it looked like it was going to very comfortable there. The builders had a caravan onsite, so they didn't need to leave each night. Beth decided to cook them their meals in the evenings, seeing she was doing for Ted and herself anyway. This with was meet with enthusiasm, by the two builders, and Beth was sure their work seemed get finished even quicker, having relieved them of that daily chore.

Salmon was on the menu, quite a bit, either fried or baked and used cold in salads for lunches. The two builders had arranged for fresh bread, milk and other perishables to be dropped at the roadside, by one of the milling crew that went daily into town for the supplies at the mill. As they passed they would stop at an old chiller box left at the roadside to pick up a list and the money, and then drop it off on the way back, placing the groceries back inside the box with the change. Beth made the most of the fresh bread, making salmon sandwiches for either themselves or the builders. She offered to loan the builders a rod for when they left, to catch their own fish, she even suggested leaving one or two for the milling crew as a thank you for the delivery service.

It was the day of their respective parties and it was with some regret that they left to head back. The time in the bush seemed to regenerate them, and made realise what was important in life. They took a chiller filled with fresh fish back to share with everyone, including some for Don Luis. Getting back by lunchtime they visited everyone and distributed the fish. Don Luis was very grateful, and told them to have a good evening that night.

They drove home, where Beth sighed in relief at seeing her inviting looking bath. The rest of the day was spent getting ready. Beth knowing that her party was being held here was a bit concerned that nothing seemed to be organised. The place looked exactly as it had when they left. Looking in the cupboards and fridge revealed that there was nothing there that hadn't been there before. A honk outside heralded the arrival of Ted's ride. He gave her a long kiss, that almost made her want to call his party off and keep him there.

After Ted left, she made herself a cocktail and waited for the others to arrive. Maggie jumped up onto her lap and was content to sit there purring gently. Beth sat back after finishing her drink, and as the effects of the long drive caught up with her, she started to drowse off. She woke to something tickling her nose, and as she tried brushing it away, the sound of soft giggling made her open her eyes. Wow! The place had been transformed. While she had slept, Jenna had arrived with Sara and Shelly. Once they had discovered her asleep, they decide to put up the decorations quietly so as not to disturb her. There were party balloons in pink and white tied with ribbons of the same colour, hanging from everyplace. The cocktail table was full of nibbles and glasses. Champagne was sitting in ice buckets and there were lots of pretty boxes with bows and ribbons decorating the wrapping. Maggie had a pretty ribbon tied to her tail and she was playing catch the ribbon, which involved a lot of spinning in circles.

"Oh wow!" Beth gasped, as she struggled to come awake. "I love it," she enthused, as Jenna gave her a hug.

"There's more yet," promised Shelly, as she got her hug in.

"Much more," confirmed Sara with a smirk, as she took her turn in the hug fest.

"Oh boy!" Beth giggled, as she saw the three wink at each other.

Constance and Eloise arrived then, bringing Felicia with them. They brought in more presents, wrapped in fancy paper and ribbons. More knocks on the front door, revealed some of the friends Beth had made at work. Drinks were poured and the party started livening up with some music that Shelly had put on.

Felicia had certain satisfied look on her face, as she came up and hugged Beth. Beth wondered for a moment then gasped in delight as she intuited what it meant.

"You've had sex?" she whispered quietly in Felicia's ear.

"Yup, how did you guess," giggled the unrepentant Felicia.

"I recognised the look from the mirror, after being with Ted all night," grinned Beth.

"It was the most wonderful night of my life. Do you realise it was my first orgasm ever?" Felicia admitted, shyly. "I was too young before... you know, and I never had one after, even when I was being... up the rear." She blushed.

"I'm glad you finally got to experience it," offered Beth. "Who was the lucky guy?"

"Oh I met a cute guy at the restaurant, when I was being shown around. I'd just finished my first period, so I knew I was completely female. Don left me in his capable hands while he went to sort out some business with the suppliers. He was longer than expected and rang me to tell me to call a cab back to the hotel. That's when Michael gave me a better offer."

"Let me guess, he offered to drive you there?" Giggled Jenna, who had snuck up quietly to listen in.

Felicia blushed, nodding her head.

"Hey girl's listen up, Felicia here is going to give us the juicy details of her first male conquest," Jenna called, interrupting the others conversation.

Felicia turned yet a deeper shade of red and hung her head in embarrassment.

"Come on love, it's just us girl's this is just part of having a hen party. Tell you what, I'll tell you about my first time in exchange okay? It's got to be more exciting than discussing dress patterns." She laughed, as she raised her voice on her last words and looked pointedly at Constance and Eloise. The laughter that followed the guilty looks on the accused, broke up the slight tension, and gave Felicia the confidence to tell everyone about Michael.

There were tears in most eyes as Felicia told of being transported into heaven at her first of many orgasms that night. Felicia's only regret was not experiencing a male ejaculation, so she could compare. Beth winked and told her she had the better deal and left it at that, refusing to go into details, which prompted a few teasing boo's. To which Beth looked smug and said a lady never tells. That earned her several cushion bruises and a tickle attack from Jenna and Sara. As promised, Jenna regaled everyone about her first time with a boy. She started off saying; she was no lady, which was met by loud unanimous rebuttals and a lot of giggling.

The champagne was disappearing, and the nibbles were losing a fighting battle as they were surrounded and mercilessly attacked. Talk turned to the less erotic, and Eloise asked Beth about her plans. Beth managed to survive the questioning explaining that by being independently wealthy, she had no real commitment, but she wanted to continue helping Jenna in her research part time. Just then the doorbell rang, which when answered, revealed the girl that had delivered lunch at the laboratory. She was still in her uniform and she was carrying a foam box.

"Compliments of Don Luis and the Steer Way to Heaven Restaurant." She said, bringing the box into the kitchen. She went out and brought in another, along with a case of champagne.

Opening the boxes revealed a variety of food. There were three large hot roasts. One was a delicious smelling beef fillet roast. There was a roast leg of pork, complete with waist expanding crackling, and a tender leg of lamb roast, garnished with rosemary. Included, were hot baby potatoes and a choice of salads or mixed vegetables. Each roast came with it own pot of gravy flavoured with the meant juices from each roast. The other box revealed desserts, ranging from layered chocolate cake to trifles.

"There's no need to wash any thing afterwards, just use the plates and utensils supplied, and leave everything in the boxes. I was told that no food was to be brought back, so either eat it all, (that got a howl of approval), or share it around yourselves," explained the girl.

She had no sooner left, before everyone was digging in. Beth, like a lot of others, just took a small serving of one type of meat and its gravy, and trying either vegetables or salad with it, then going for a refill, trying one of the other cuts of meat. Silence almost reigned, chewing noises and the clink of cutlery, and the moans of delight as each worked their way through the choices. Maggie made the rounds, enticing everyone to give up a portion of meat. Regretfully, they all sighed, seeing the amount of food left, knowing that there was no room to eat more. Beth couldn't remember a nicer meal, and knew that Don might regret his offer of free meals at the restraint, as she was definitely going to become a regular visitor.

"I think we are all going to need to work out after this," groaned Constance, patting her tummy suggestively.

"Just what I was thinking," laughed Beth, looking down to see if she could detect a bulge. "I don't think Ted would appreciate a wife he can roll down the street."

"Oh I don't know, as long as he can roll you into bed," giggled Shelly.

"We should form a club," suggested Jenna. "Stair Ways of Exercise."

Everyone groaned. More cushion bruises headed Jennawards. It was then that Sara suggested that they give Beth her gifts. Jenna agreed, managing to extricate herself from beneath the cushions she'd piled over her body, in a futile attempt to escape the tickle torment that the others had happily joined in on.

Beth felt overwhelmed by the gifts, even shedding a few tears as she opened the boxes. It wasn't what was inside that made her feel that way, although seeing what was inside, did contribute to her emotional state. No, it was the feeling of love and belonging, which made her want to cry with joy. All, apart from Eloise and her friends at the plant knew of her original form, yet none of those that knew treated her any differently than as she appeared. Accepting her as the woman she was with all the love of a true family. Beth felt so privileged just to be accepted as one of the girl's.

There was lots of hilarity when Beth opened some very sexy negligees and baby doll nighties. Calls for a fashion show, had her blushing, which prompted more giggling. One small box revealed a rather long pink vibrator, that someone instantly christened, "Tireless Ted." The idea was, someone suggested, that if Ted was too tired, Tireless Ted could take over. Beth laughed and said it would never get used. That brought about another round of laughter. Clothing wasn't all she got. Someone anonymously gave her a book on "pleasing your man," which on opening, seemed to be all about exotic sexual positions. Beth suspected it was from one of the girl's from work. Needless to say it was passed around to the accompaniment of lots of sniggers and laughter.

Shelly had brought along a video, one of those girl flicks that seem so popular. Beth finally gave into showing off her new apparel, but only after insisting that everyone get into a nightie as well. A raid on her drawers soon had everyone prancing around in scantily clad bodies that nobody seemed to mind in the least. Beth got lots of catcalls, when she paraded around in her new gifts.

"Get it off," and "shake that bootie," were some of the more printable ones.

Instead of being uncomfortable, Beth relaxed and started strutting her stuff, as if she was a stripper and her audience was a group of horny men, instead of her friends. The room rocked with merriment, especially when Shelly jumped up with a twenty-dollar bill and stuffed it into Beth's heaving bosom. Beth grabbed Shelly and whispered in her ear. Instantly, Shelly laughed and put her arm around Beth's waist, with Beth doing the same to her, then with Shelly whistling the tune, they started doing the Can Can. Sara and Jenna were soon invited to join, and with encouragement from the audience, they were soon joining in. With their short nighties, the high kicks were showing off their panties, along with a lot of leg that would have had the men folk drooling.

Exhausting themselves, the dancers collapsed into a laughing heap on the cushions that were left on the floor. More wine flowed, and everyone sort of fell into a comfortable position, while the movie was started. Beth didn't remember much of the movie, although she did find a use for the box of tissues that was handed round after a rather emotional scene. It wasn't until someone nudged her, that she realised she had dozed off. Assisted by Jenna and Shelly, she was poured into the middle of the bed and trapped there by the two of them crawling in on both sides. Getting a hug and a kiss from her sisters, and resisting the urge to say, "night John boy," she let herself drift off in the warmth and security of her sisters, feeling a familiar thump as Maggie leapt on the bed and walked her way up to her favourite position on the now crowded pillows.

The morning sun was too bright and loud, as Beth opened her eyes and winced. Her head was fuzzy and her thoughts were filled with cobwebs. Moving her head carefully in case it fell off like it felt it was going to do, she looked around. Jenna was still asleep, and nestled in against her back, like a pair of spoons. Of Shelly, there was no sign and Maggie had vanished as well. Slipping quietly out of bed, she shushed the sheets, as their quiet rustle seemed magnified in her hung over state.

Moving with care into the bathroom, she greeted her dishevelled appearance with a sigh. Washing her face seemed to help clear away the cobwebs, as she then tip toed into the lounge. She counted three bodies there, Sara was sprawled on the couch, and her two friends from work were lying on the cushions on the floor. Assuming the others had stayed the night meant that Constance, Eloise and Felicia must be sleeping together in the spare bedroom. Noises in the kitchen had Beth head there in search of Shelly. Smells of breakfast cooking made Beth feel a bit queasy as she entered quietly. Shelly's bright and happy greeting got a poor response as Beth held her hands over her ears. Seeing her distress, Shelly laughed and picked up a glass with some sort of concoction inside.

"Here, drink this. I guarantee it will cure your head and stomach," assured Shelly, grinning as Beth chugged it without a pause, before grimacing.

"How come you're all bright and cheery this morning?" grumbled Beth, feeling her stomach settle as the mystery drink started acting.

"Can't handle our drink sis?" sniggered Shelly boastfully.

Beth deigned to reply, deciding to remain silent while her head cleared. She watched Maggie with baleful glare, as the kitten begged for food at Shelly's feet.

"Traitor," she muttered with mock anger. Beth then smiled, as Maggie trotted over to her and begged to be picked up. "At least I'm still useful, huh!" Beth asked, scolding the kitten as she picked her up into her arms. A loud purring reply, as Maggie settled comfortably in Beth's arms, was her only reply.

By the time Shelly was finished cooking breakfast, Beth was feeling much better. She had managed to wake the others, feeling deliciously evil when she realised she wasn't the only one hung over, as she listened to their protests on being woken. To her credit, Beth did offer them the dubious pleasure of sampling Shelly's guaranteed cure. Their painful expressions and groans at tasting the vile concoction was music to Beth's ears. 'A suitable punishment for letting her get drunk,' Beth thought with a grin.

After breakfast, their was a mad scramble for the bathroom, as everyone wanted to put their faces on, before anyone else saw the ravages brought about by their excesses from the previous evening. The leftovers were then divided into three, as Eloise couldn't take any, being in a hotel. Constance and Beth took less than Jenna did, seeing she had more to feed, as Shelly and Sara were still living with her. Finally Beth had the house to her own again, as her guests eventually left. She rattled around, cleaning up the small messes left behind. She had refused the offers of help in cleaning up, saying it was something she wanted to do. Maggie kept her company, dodging in and out of the furniture, as she warily avoided the dreaded vacuum cleaner.

Ted came home about ten o'clock, looking slightly bedraggled and hung over. Beth kissed him, grimacing slightly, at the taste of his kiss. She offered him a glass of concoction that Shelly had left behind for him. Ted slugged it back with hardly any protest, before he went to get a shower. Beth accompanied him, as she quizzed him on his evening. Apparently he had been dragged to a nightclub, where strippers performed for the audience. Beers and snacks were the evening fare and needless to say Ted was well on the way to inebriation. He said they all went back to Janna's home to watch some blue movies and drink more beer. Ted said he didn't remember much of that as he passed out soon after it started.

Cleaned and feeling refreshed, Ted went to get into some fresh clothes, throwing his smoke tainted clothes into the laundry basket. He asked Beth how her evening was, and commented on the pink balloons that still adorned the lounge. Beth grinned as she recalled her evening to him. Ted nearly fell over when she told him of her doing the Can Can with Jenna and the others. He said he couldn't wait to see her in her new nighties.

"Are you up for something to eat?" Beth inquired, hearing Ted's stomach rumble.

"Yeah, I'm famished. I didn't feel up to eating anything for breakfast and what I had last night was squirrel food," he replied. "Is there any of the party food left?" he begged hopefully.

"Sit there and I'll see what I can find," Beth said, giving him a quick kiss.

"Great, you're really the best," Ted smiled, returning her kiss,

Beth went and cut some fresh bread; she'd bought only an hour ago from the local bakery. Cutting slices from all three cuts of meat; she put them on a plate and took both the meat and the buttered bread in to Ted.

"Wow! Looks great, are you going to have some?" asked Ted as he piled his sandwiches high with meat.

"I guess I can have one," Beth answered, as she looked at her watch and saw it was nearly eleven o'clock.

Beth watched with envy as Ted stowed away nearly all the loaf and most of the meat, before he leaned back and sighed in satisfaction. Beth knew her days of eating like that were long gone, but eating smaller, didn't mean she didn't enjoy it. She found that eating slower and making the most of each mouthful was just as good, and probably better for her. Ted's burp brought her out of her reverie.

"Hey! No burping in the house, it's disgusting," she protested vigorously, poking Ted playfully in the ribs.

"Ouch!"

"Serves you right."

"Hmmm."

"Hey stop that."

"I want dessert."

"Tonight?"

"Now."

"Hmmmm."

Ted carried Beth to the bedroom, where their vocalisations became more animalistic as they engaged in the game of 'hide the salami.'

"Stop fussing with the dress dear," came Constance's voice, as she tried calming a fretful Beth. All dressed in white, Beth stood facing the mirror in her room, as she looked at herself in the exquisite wedding dress. The silken seed pearl encrusted bodice, clung like a limpet to her chest, forcing her boobs to create a deep cleavage into which a crystal pendant hung dangerously close to that enticing chasm. The soft folds of her skirt flowed out from the tiny, white corset assisted waist, hid the very restrictive inner skirt that acted much like a hobble restricting her movements to small delicate steps.

She felt nervous, but exhilarated as well. Surrounded by a froth of lace and fabric, she felt like a princess on the way to a ball. She had protested at first at having to wear the innocently delicate looking corselet. She was right in sensing that it wasn't as innocent as it looked. The tenacious grip it exerted on her waist was soon experienced as she gave in to the reason that, "the dress won't fit dear without it." The only thing Beth liked about it was the way it made her look, once the gown was on. She was almost sure Ted would be able to enclose her waist with his hands. She sighed that her shoes with the 3-inch heel and pearl adornments would be hidden most of the time under her skirts. She hoped she could manage the train that was being fixed into her hair by two split combs. It hung down and trailed back about 10 feet. The dress had long gauze sleeves and the cuffs were fastened by eight tiny pearl buttons. She had decided not to have a veil; instead, tiny white rose buds were fastened into her hair, framing her face.

"You look wonderful dear," Constance reassured her.

"I feel wonderful mom," Beth replied, as she smiled into the mirror.

"I'm just going to check on the others," her mother said. "Don't do anything to mess up the dress," she reminded her daughter.

"Darn, I'd thought I'd just pop out and do some gardening," was Beth's parting quip.

"Just make sure you wear gloves then," her mother quickly riposted with a laugh, as she disappeared out the door.

Constance found the bridesmaids all in a flutter as they worked on each other's dresses. Their gowns were a delicate pink with lilac overtones the bodices were similar to the brides in style but without so many of the pearls. The skirts were tight, following their curves to stop at ankle length. The gowns, being sleeveless, meant the women were going to wear long gloves. They were struggling to pull up the beyond elbow length gloves, when Constance arrived. She helped fasten the single pearl button at the end of the glove and helped do up the line of tiny buttons at the slit above the inside of their wrists.

"I won't be able to take these off," moaned Shelly, as she saw how tight the buttons made the wrist part of the glove look.

"I'm sure you'll find some nice gentleman to help undo them," laughed Jenna, as she looked at her own similarly encased hands.

"If you get him eating out of the palm of your hand, maybe he'll use his teeth," giggled Felicia.

"These shoes are hard to walk in," came a disgruntled voice.

"Well you're lucky, Martinique, you only have 2 inch heels to worry about, not these stilts we have to wear," Sara warned, looking ruefully at her pink 4 inch heels.

"Okay, I think you're all ready, I'll just go and put my rags on," grinned Constance, as she headed into the spare bedroom.

Jenna helped Beth with her train as Beth moved from the bedroom to the lounge where the others were gathered. Lots of careful hugs were exchanged as Beth was complimented on her dress. Constance came out and did a twirl to show off her fawn coloured dress accessorised with matching heels and a perky little hat. Her skirt was full and soft looking and fell to mid calf. Only a slight sheen on her legs, belied the fact that she was wearing stockings, as the near nude colour, made them almost invisible. Her arms were covered with a light gauzy mesh that ended in a fabric cuff, buttoned at her wrists. She slipped on the short gloves as she waited for a comment.

"Wow! You do scrub up well," chortled Beth, as she grinned widely.

"Thank you," her mother replied, taking no insult to her daughters comment. "You don't look bad yourself, must be the genes," she added with a smile.

"Not wearing jeans!!" protested Beth, making the others laugh.

"Well, I can see she didn't get her brains from me," chided Constance, eliciting another fit of giggles.

Beth hugged her mother, giggling, before whispering in her ear, "I'll get you back for that," with a playful tone.

"I love you too, daughter," was her whispered reply.

A knock on the door had Constance hurry out and open it. There was a low murmur of talk, before Constance came back leading Don Luis and another woman, whose skin showed the same tones as Felicia.

"Everyone, listen please, Don Luis has a surprise for us." Constance announced, hushing the conversation.

Everyone saw the strange woman looking over at them, as if searching for some familiar face, before latching on to Felicia's.

"Oh my goodness! Madre de Dios she repeated," breaking into Spanish, before looking at Don Luis for a sign of confirmation.

Felicia, who had been fussing with something on the shoulder of her dress, turned sharply at the sound of the woman's words. Her face went white for a second, and looked as though she might faint as she looked at the stranger, then she blushed bright red, before turning and lowering her face away. The woman, getting her confirmation in the form of a nod from Don Luis, rushed over and hugged Felicia, crying out.

"My baby, my baby, my baby's come back to me. Mi bebe, mi bebe, mi bebe viajo de regreso de muertos. Thank the Goddess for a miracle, Gracias a Los Dios en Cielo," she wailed, tears flooding down her cheeks, as again she reverted to excited Spanish.

"Mama... I'm not your... son anymore," Felicia stammered, fighting back the tears that threatened to flow. "Mama, please no Spanish, it's not polite in front of my friends. Can you accept me as your daughter?"

Felicia's mother waved her arms dismissively in the characteristic manner of those that are used to expressing their feelings with words and gestures.

"Son, daughter, who cares... you're back with your momma," she cried.

Felicia's floodgates released, seeing her mothers acceptance of her present gender. She cried into her mothers shoulder, as the two stood there and embraced.

Don Luis introduced Felicia's mother to the others when she released her hold on her new daughter and stood back to look her over.

"This is Consuelo Alfonsa Montega Rogue, Felicia's mother. I thought she could attend the wedding as my guest.

Everyone hugged Consuelo as names were exchanged. A brief resume of events leading up to this moment was hurried told as those that needed too, repaired their tear damaged makeup.

"It really is Felicia now, isn't it? There's no returning to Felix?" asked Consuelo, fixing her eyes in her daughters face.

"Yes, I'm a complete woman, thanks to the magic, my friends here developed," Felicia replied.

"Mucho Grande magic. You look much like your sisters, I could tell you were family, from the instant I saw you. Don Luis told me you were alive and what you had been though, but he omitted to say how you looked now. You are beautiful my daughter. I love you as my child, and as long as you're happy, that's all I need to know."

"Yikes, the time is passing. Ladies, I need to go to the church, Consuelo do you want to come with me?" Don Luis asked, interrupting the conversation.

"She can ride with us," Constance stated, brooking no argument.

"Oh my, this dress is damp from all the tears," Consuelo mentioned, looking distressed.

"Come with me, you're about Beth's size. We'll find something suitable for you. Girl's... I think Felicia needs some help with her face, you do that and I'll sort Consuelo out," Constance ordered, making everyone jump to.

By the time the wedding cars rolled up outside, repairs to makeup and a new dress for Consuelo were finished. Jenna and Shelly helped Beth outside to the car. Opening both the backdoors, Beth stepped in and walked through to the opposite side, where she carefully, under the bridesmaid's instructions, sat down; making sure her gown was without creases. Jenna followed her folding up the train in a neat bundle, before sitting herself. The rest of the bride's maids and flower girls took the next two cars, while Constance and Consuelo took the last car.

There was a moment of delay, when Beth suddenly remembered Maggie.

"Where's Maggie?" she cried, feeling guilty that she had forgotten all about her.

"Don't fret over her, Ted's organised that, he took her with him this morning. Don't tell me you didn't notice she was gone?" Jenna gently reprimanded Beth.

Beth bit her lip; she had forgotten seeing the kitten with all the people and children running around like mad things. She hoped Maggie would forgive her when she saw her next. Giving the driver the okay, Jenna took Beth's hand in hers, for the journey to the church.

Beth had to wait for the bridesmaids to get themselves sorted, as they gathered outside the church. Showing her the small vestry, where Beth had to wait, with her three flower girls. The bridesmaids left her there, to take up to their positions near the altar. Her father came in and kissed her carefully, before telling her, she looked wonderful. Getting cued, by one of the women from the church, Jeff took his daughters arm in his as they made their way to the entrance of the church. As the organist started the first bars of the wedding march, they stepped forward. Cathleen, being the youngest, walked ahead of them, throwing rose petals from the basket she carried as she had been instructed.

Martinique and Donna followed Beth, each holding on to her train to spread its width down the rose strewn aisle. Beth looked ahead to see her beloved eyes glued to her. She smiled as she saw his jaw drop in amazement. The murmur of people whispering to each other about how beautiful she looked, made her feel heady as she glided serenely ahead in a majestic fashion.

Time raced, stopped, and seemed all out of whack for that glorious walk. Beth couldn't explain how it felt. It seemed to last forever, and yet, was just as suddenly over, as she arrived at the altar and relinquished the grip on her fathers arm. She turned to her, soon to be husband, and took his hand as the priest started the service.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here...." the priest began. Beth tuned out, her world narrowing down to looking at Ted's face. He looked very smart in his tux, and his eyes were filled with love.

"Is there anyone who has just cause, who objects to this marriage...?"

A loud voice spoke out, freezing everyone in their seats and jolting Beth back out of her daydream.

"I object!"

Turning to see whom the voice belonged to, made Beth's heart hammer. It was that FBI rookie, whom Beth recalled with a shock, was one of Eloise's relatives. Wondering what reason he had come up with, Beth was relieved to see Eloise quickly jump up and grab Mr Smith by the ear and haul him protesting, out of the church. She was back in a moment, using a washing of hands gesture and smiling. She spoke to the priests questioning look, apologising and saying. "You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your relatives."

The service continued. When the priest got to the part where the rings were to be exchanged, Ted's best man patted his pockets and shook his head. Beth had a moment's horror at her wedding becoming a disaster if the rings were lost. Ted smiled at her and winked. He turned and faced the main entrance of the church and gave a quick sharp whistle. Beth watched, as Cathleen walked into the doorway, holding Maggie. This Maggie, had her fur all fluffy, as if she'd just had a bath. Around her neck was a pink ribbon tied in a bow and there was some gold objects, threaded though the ribbon...the rings.

Cathleen sat Maggie down in the middle of the rose petal strewn aisle and then stood back.

"Maggie!" cried Beth in surprise, before looking at Ted accusingly, at his sneaky little plan.

"Call her," Ted whispered.

"Maggie." Beth called, holding out her hands towards the kitten.

Maggie looked at Beth, as if saying, "What's it worth?" before meowing plaintively. She stood up and walked towards Beth, seemingly undisturbed by the calls of, "oh look," and "how cute."

Maggie walked slowly, as if sensing the importance of her mission. Once she reached the altar, she looked up at Beth, before asking to be picked up. Beth laughed, and scooped the kitten into her arms, where Ted gently released the rings from the ribbon. Ted slipped Beth's ring on her finger, repeating the priest's words.

"With this ring, I thee wed…"

Beth's heart swelled in emotion as she felt the ring slide over the knuckle of her hand. She admired it for a second, moving her wrist, so that the diamonds set in the band twinkled. Taking the other ring, that Ted had given her, she slipped it onto Ted's finger, repeating the words of the priest.

"I pronounce you, man and wife," intoned the priest.

Beth pre-empted the priests, "you may kiss the bride," by eagerly seeking Ted's mouth for a toe tingling kiss, that nearly swept her away. Distantly, she heard clapping and cheering, as she clung tighter to Ted, but she paid it no mind. Her world had narrowed down to the sensations that were flooding her body.

Part of her mind was concentrating on the physical sensations of being hugged by her betrothed, while another was thinking ahead to the future. Whatever was in store for her in this union, she knew she would embrace it with all her heart. Together with her new sisters, they would rock the world with the benefits coming from their research into the goo. What else was in store? Well, it would have to wait. Beth had a husband and they had a reception to go to.

The end

  

  

  

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