Skirting Disaster

by Elsa b

part 2

 

Colin staggered home after a few too many drinks. He fumbled with his key at the lock and finally managed to open the door. As he stumbled through into the hall he shouted out.

"Marion? Marion? Where are you?"

"In here dear!" replied Marion from the living room, "I've invited Pat to stay for a few days, is that O.K.?"

Colin weaved his way into the living room and nearly tripped over his own feet as he went to sit in the easy chair, which was his favourite. Marion and Pat giggled together as Colin settled down.

"He'll be asleep in a few minutes." Whispered Marion "He just can't take alcohol at all. Luckily , he doesn't try very often, and I can lift him easily enough to put him to bed in the spare room."

"I wonder how Elsa is" asked Pat worriedly.

"I'll ring the ward and find out, shall I?" answered Marion picking up the phone and dialling the hospital. She listened intently for a few minutes, occasionally adding a comment or two, then put the phone back down.

"She's out of surgery, but still unconscious. The doctors think that there will be no more problems now that the tear has been repaired. Carol says she will talk to her as soon as she wakes and assess her state of mind. They say we should be able to see her about lunch tomorrow." Marion took Pat's hand and led her back to the main bedroom, she looked back at Colin, fast asleep in the chair, 'Leave him where he is' she thought to herself.

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Colin felt like he had gone 10 rounds with Mike Tyson, when he woke up. His head ached and his mouth felt like the inside of a used jockstrap. 'Never again' he thought as he struggled out of the chair, his back in agony from sleeping in an awkward position. He slowly made his way into the bathroom, stripped off his clothes and stepped into the shower. As he was adjusting the water to his desired temperature, his wife's sultry voice asked:"Oh! Finally got up then did you?" Colin groaned and held his head. "It's half past ten, Pat's making breakfast in the kitchen, then we are going to see how Elsa is getting on. Okay!" Colin finished showering then went to put on his new casual trousers which he had bought the week previously, together with his bright yellow shirt. Feeling refreshed and ready to face the world, he walked into the kitchen and came face to face with Pat. That was fine, he was expecting to see her there, what he did not expect was that she would be dressed in the skimpiest baby doll set that he had ever seen, with out a robe. His penis immediately made a tent in the front of his trousers, making both Marion and Pat laugh at his red face. Marion promised to explain later, as she gave him a kiss and a quick grope, but to eat his breakfast now before it went cold.

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Ginny was sat at her usual position at the nurses' station. It was 2 am and everything was quiet for the moment. It was one of those extremely rare times on the intensive care ward when all went quiet at the same time. Then, she stopped and listened. She could hear someone weeping. She rose and started a round of the ward, trying to detect where it was coming from. As she moved toward the top doors, she realised it was coming from Elsa's room and went in. Elsa was awake and crying her eyes out, so Ginny sat on the bed and put her arms round Elsa.

"Shh! It's okay! It's okay!" She murmured, "You're not alone, I'm with you." She continued to sit there and rock Elsa till she quietened down, then reached over and pressed a button at the side of the bed. Within minutes, Dr Collins entered the room and sat down in the chair at the side of the bed.

"Are you thirsty, Elsa?" She asked.

"My name is not Elsa, it's Eric and I'm a man. Whatever you have done I'm still me and nothing you can do will take that away!"

"Yes Elsa, you are still a male. " Agreed Carol gently, though even that is doubtful, she thought. "But due to your accident you are no longer a man. It was something which could not be helped, if we had tried to rebuild you as Eric all that would have happened was, you would have looked like a man .You could not have functioned as a man. You're male equipment was none functional, an erection would have been impossible. All the nerves were destroyed. You would have had to remain celibate for the rest of your life. So we chose this way to give you a life which at least gives you a chance of happiness. You are male at the moment, but we can teach you to become female. It will not be easy. There will be times you will scream with frustration, especially with the physical changes as well, but everyone is here to help you. However, we can only help you if you help yourself. You have to decide now, right this minute, are you going to be a man in a woman's body, or are you going to go all the way and become the woman that you can be." Carol reached out and held Elsa as she once more started to sob. She sat there consoling Elsa till sleep overtook her patient. 'You poor thing' she thought to herself, you haven't really had much of a chance.

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All that night, Elsa dozed and then woke up. Every time she woke, the same thing kept coursing through her mind. She was now physically a woman and no longer looked like a man. Yet all of her thoughts and feelings were as they had always been. SHE WAS A MAN!!! "NO" she corrected herself, "I only think like a man, my body is now female". Whatever she wanted to do, her options were now limited to what she could do in a woman's body. What was it that Carol had told her? She could be a man in a woman's body or become the woman you can be. Her mind roamed backwards and forward over her life. Remembering the good times and the rough times .The times he was called 'POOF' and 'FAGGOT' the time when Sophie Jones took him into the girls' toilet at the mall, and the older woman said oh! Aren't those young girls sweet? The time he was beaten, senseless, behind the bike shed because he was queer. Had he really, ever been much of a man at all? Or was that just wishful thinking? Gradually, as the night wore on, she could feel her mind inexorably drawing closer to the realization that she had no choice. She had always been a very feminine man, perhaps now she could finally fit in somewhere. She dozed off once more. …………………………………………………………………………….

Elsa woke, once again, at 7am and lay there thinking to herself. She ran through the last few weeks, again, what she could remember of it. Her girlfriend had told her then that she was effeminate, as she broke off their relationship. Elsa chuckled to herself 'What would she think now'. She had always had trouble with her body acting like a woman, and with her mans body, it had been out of place. Now her body matched her mannerisms, so, 'What do I really think about that?' Carol had said that the option to be male was gone, but was she ever really male in the first place. Her attitude had never been what you could call manly and definitely not macho by any stretch of the imagination. She had always preferred the gentle approach over the aggressive, and had more than once shocked people by offering a hug to a troubled spirit. On the whole, she realised she did not have much to lose, and everything to gain, by trying her best to accept it. She had no illusions about how difficult it was going to be, she had lived all her life as a man and knew no other way. Now she was being asked to forget all she had ever been taught and relearn to live. Could she do it? She could only try. She reached out and rang for the nurse, not at all surprised when Ginny appeared.

"Don't you ever go home to your husband? "She asked raising her eyebrows and giving Ginny a cheeky grin. "He'll be citing me as the other woman next."

"Would that be true?" Ginny's voice was tense and her whole body stiffened as she awaited the reply. "Are you another woman?"

"Yes!" Elsa stated simply, "God help me .Yes!" Ginny gave Elsa a big hug.

"Oh! I am so glad I could cry. I'd better go and get your breakfast before I weep all over you." She bustled off to get Elsa something to eat.

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Pat, Marion and Colin got into the car after they had finished their breakfast. They dropped Colin off at work, as he had to hand in a report and then continued on to the hospital. When they arrived, they called into Marion's office first, so that she could collect her mail, before continuing on to the intensive care ward for their visit with Elsa. When they arrived, they didn't recognise the nurse on duty, and so they asked her if Elsa could have visitors, explaining that Pat was his sister. The nurse advised them that Elsa had been awake early and that they could go right in. She advised them that the doctor would be coming round shortly, and that he had particularly asked to speak to Pat. Pat agreed to make sure that she saw the doctor when he came, and the two ladies went in to see how the patient was doing. Elsa told Pat and Marion about the conversation she had, that morning, with Carol and her restless night, going over and over it in her mind.

"But I'm scared to death," she admitted, tearfully. "What do I know about being a woman? It took me all my time to act like a man, and most times I failed at that."

Marion broke out into peals of laughter at that comment and Pat looked at her disgustedly.

"Sorry," giggled Marion "but don't you see? The reason you had to struggle to act like a man was because you have always been feminine. You don't have to act like a woman, Elsa, just be yourself."

At that point the surgeon arrived, with Carol, to check on Elsa, so the two ladies were chased out while the examination took place. When the two doctors came out, Marion had gone to her office to do some work for an hour, and both doctors took Pat into a small room. She was told that Elsa was progressing well physically and as such would be transferred to a normal ward as soon as a bed could be found. Mentally, however, she was still very fragile and would need to be positively reinforced as a female for some time to come.

"She has had a very traumatic night, and though she is accepting her situation at the moment, she is still very fragile. That nightdress was a good touch, a few more things like that and possibly cosmetics, perfume, etc. Can help her come to terms with herself that much quicker." Carol thought for a moment before continuing." Also, and this could happen at any time, she will start to consider her sexuality. It is very important, and I can't stress that enough, that we all accept whatever she becomes. As a man she was attracted to women, although she is undergoing hormone treatment, that may remain her orientation. Alternatively, she may gradually become attracted to men or stay at any stage in between. Whatever, it is important we encourage, and not condemn, her choice." Now it was Pat's turn to stop and think before answering. How was she going to handle this side of things? Oh! She knew that there was no danger of an incestuous relationship, because although she and Elsa had always been close, there had never been anything improper. No, what worried Pat was if she and Elsa both wanted the same woman. Would it be every girl for herself? No! They would work that out, if and when it came up.

"I think we can manage that all right!" she finally responded" she has a lot of good friends, all rooting for her." Carol and the surgeon then recommended that Pat go and get some lunch and come back in the afternoon, by which time, it was hoped that Elsa would be on a regular ward. Just then the physiotherapist arrived to talk to Elsa so Pat said her goodbyes and went off for lunch.

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As the weeks went by, Elsa's strength grew rapidly. Although she still walked with a limp, and had great difficulty in walking upstairs, due to her bone damage, she was gaining mobility daily. Dr Carol Collins kept a close eye on her and was only concerned about one aspect of her mental state. Elsa had made a miraculous transition to a feminine state of mind and was now in no danger of committing suicide as a result of that. However Carol was still concerned that Elsa had no memory of the accident and was afraid that, if not dealt with, it could cause greater problems down the line. Elsa had undergone intensive counselling sessions to try to bring it to the surface of her mind but, so far, nothing had worked. That was all that was keeping Elsa at the hospital, if they could just deal with it, she would be able to go home and pick up the threads of her life. She wouldn't be able to work for months yet and even then only light jobs, but she would be able to start to live again instead of just a hospital existence. That night Elsa lay awake, thinking of the achievement she had made that day. She had climbed all six steps with no stick, just using the handrail and was delighted with her progress. She forced herself into a relaxed state and was just dozing off, when a lorry outside braked heavily with a screech. Elsa jerked awake and screamed and screamed. She was absolutely hysterical when the nurse came rushing in and tried to calm her down. Elsa sobbed in the nurse's arms for about ten minutes before she started to become coherent once more. Five minutes later Carol, having been called as per standing instructions, arrived at Elsa's bedside.

"Want to talk about it?" She gently suggested. Elsa, still quietly sobbing, nodded her head yes.

"I heard a screech of brakes, and suddenly there was a moving wall coming at me, I couldn't get out of the way. I heard a scream, felt an agonising pain, then nothing."

"That was the accident you were reliving, Elsa." Carol told her. "The brakes you heard were a lorry outside, the sound must have triggered the memory. How do you feel now?"

"Weak" replied Elsa "but not as afraid. I really thought that the wall was crushing me." Carol gave Elsa a sedative to calm her down, before continuing,

"That shot will help you sleep, you will probably dream that dream again in the future, but it should not be as bad as this first time. That was the breakthrough I've been waiting for. If you settle okay in the next couple of days, we'll think about letting you go home and just continue as an outpatient. How does that sound."

Elsa murmured drowsily as she drifted into a drug induced sleep.

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Elsa couldn't settle as she was so excited. Four days had passed since her nightmare had reawakened her memories and now she could recall everything that had happened. As Carol had told her, it no longer frightened her as badly as on that first night, though she woke up sweating a couple of times as a result of dreaming about it. She was assured that that would recede as time passed and if she was troubled about it, Carol was always available to talk.

Now, she was to be discharged and she was anxiously awaiting Pat to take her home. HOME. It was like a dream. She hadn't thought about it at first as she had been so ill but now, she realised, she was very homesick. Pat came bustling into the ward, her usual, active self, and gave Elsa a kiss on the cheek.

"Ready, girl" Pat said grinning" then let's go home!" Elsa was already climbing into the wheelchair that the hospital insisted that she use to go to the car. Elsa said goodbye to all the nurses, Including Ginny, who had come down especially from intensive care, as Carol gave Pat some last minute instructions and emergency phone numbers. Then, it was off to the front door and back to the land of the living.

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Colin was outside in the car waiting for them, and as they came out of the hospital door opened the car door for Elsa to get in.

"I have a surprise for you!" He told her, grinning fit to burst

"What is it?" She responded, excitedly.

"Wait and see, lady" he told her mysteriously. Then, with Pat in the front and Elsa in the back, they set off. Turning left at the lights Elsa twigged what the surprise was. This was the way to the station, not her home, but she didn't object in the least as she was too glad to be out of the confinement of the hospital ward. In a few moments they pulled into the staff parking area at the station and out came John pushing one of the station wheelchairs. Elsa was sniffling, trying her best not to cry as the emotions crowded on her. She was pushed along the subway and into the lift, up to the platform above, where all of the staff waited to greet her. She was pushed to the Area Managers office and went in to be hugged by Alysson, his secretary and all round Jill of all trades. As they hugged Elsa felt Allys' hands start to wander to her lower regions caressing her bottom gently. Elsa wondered for a moment whether to say anything, but decided that she was enjoying it too much. Ally told her to go straight in as she was expected, and She would have a talk with her afterwards. Elsa went in and talked to the Area Manager and his assistant for half an hour. Mostly about how she was feeling and that her job was secure when she was ready to resume, but take as long as she needed to recover. They touched briefly on the accident and told her that the enquiry had exonerated the entire railway staff involved. A couple of new guidelines had been drawn up to ensure that that type of accident should never happen again, but all of her staff had been commended for there exemplary conduct during the emergency. That pleased Elsa because that reflected on her abilities as a supervisor as well as on her staff. At the end of the meeting, Elsa felt as if she had been put through a wringer and asked if they could go to the buffet for a coffee. Pat thought that they should go home straight away, but Elsa pleaded with her as she wanted to see her fellow workers and hear all about the station. They spent 30 minutes in the buffet while everyone on the station came to see Elsa. Some were merely curious, having heard of the accident and its aftermath; some were downright snide and had to be protected from Elsa's fast growing circle of friends. Most though, were genuine caring people, who were full of admiration for the trials that Elsa had already overcome. An hour later, they were back in the car and heading for Elsa's home and a badly needed rest.

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Pat went on ahead to open the door, while Colin assisted Elsa out of the car and into the house. As his arms slid round her waist, she felt a tingle all over her body. She was close enough that the scent of his aftershave filled her nose, and she realised that what was pressing into her side was Colin's erection. Her mind was in turmoil, she couldn't be reacting to her best friend like this, He was married for goodness sake, and she wasn't ready for this yet. However Colin was the perfect gentleman and merely helped her into the living room and onto the bed settee, where she quickly fell asleep. She awoke about two hours later feeling drowsy but refreshed.

"Oh! Awake are we?" Asked Pat in a jocular tone of voice, "I thought you were out for the duration." Elsa stretched languorously and dreamily replied,

"I needed that, I feel much better now. I think I'll get up and make a drink."

"You'll do no such thing!" declared Pat heatedly "You were told to rest for the first week or so, I let you go to the station, but from now on you rest. Do I make myself clear young lady?"

"Yes mum!" said Elsa facetiously "I'll be good."

"I'll yes mum you if you don't behave!" declared Pat laughing at the picture of her self 'mothering' Elsa "if you want a drink you stay there and I'll make it." Pat came back after a few minutes with two steaming mugs in her hand. I'm sorry it's only instant coffee, but I ran out of fresh and haven't had time to shop. I've been too busy running backwards and forwards to the hospital, while someone who will be nameless." At that point she glared good naturedly at Elsa, "was having a good rest."

Pat really was very fond of her new sister, she had always been as close as she could, living at the other end of the country to Eric, but now she felt even closer. She went and sat next to Elsa, put her arms round her sister, gave a soft gentle kiss and whispered to her "I thought we had lost you, oh GOD! I was so afraid we had lost you." Pat started to sob, as all the weeks of pent up emotion broke through. Elsa put her arms round her sister and uttering soothing words and phrases, comforted her till her the sobbing died away.

"I'm here now, safe and well. I may not be the brother you always knew but I'm still me." Pat looked at Elsa with a strange look in her eyes. "What?" said Elsa puzzled.

"I don't really know how to phrase this, without you taking it the wrong way. You see dearest, you always were my sister. You were always more girl than boy. Fate played a couple of cruel tricks on our family, you should have been the girl and I should have been the boy. You were always more feminine than I was. I never told you this, but that time my ex husband felt your bottom and said he thought it was me in the shower. He admitted to me as we were parting that he knew it was you and thought you were far more feminine and sexy than me. I was always the tomboy, the one who would play football and cricket with the boys. You were more into girlie things even then. You were the only boy I know who made sure his action man had a clean uniform on. Who was it learned to cook and sew? YOU! I burn water, while you cook a three course meal fit for a queen. Just be yourself my darling Elsa and you will be fine and always remember that either Marion or I are always available if you need help or advice." Elsa just cuddled Pat and both girls sat in companionable silence.

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In the following few weeks, Elsa's strength began to grow and her movement became more fluid. She found she no longer needed her wheelchair to get around and could move quite freely with the help of a couple of walking sticks. She went shopping on a number of occasions with Marion and Pat (she noticed that when that happened, the two women seemed very close.) and started to increase her feminine wardrobe to a reasonable level. Colin took her to the station on a number of occasions, and they would inevitably finish up in the pub with their mates. It was on one of these occasions that the subject of Pat and Marion came up.

"Colin! Is everything OK between you and Marion." Elsa enquired.

"Fine Elsa! Never been better. What makes you ask?" Colin looked at Elsa in a peculiar fashion and once again Elsa felt a little uncomfortable about her feelings. She could feel her nipples grow firm as he gazed at her body and she thought of the other week when she felt his erection press into her while he was helping her out of the car.

She shivered and shook herself, what was she thinking of. He was married and she wasn't into men. Was she?

"It's nothing, just the way she and Pat look at each other sometimes, I wondered…"

Colin burst into laughter and the more he caught sight of Elsa's stricken face, the more he laughed. He was nearly in tears and was convulsed for about five minutes. Finally he began to quieten and held up his hand to halt Elsa's protest.

"Sorry Elsa, I shouldn't laugh, but being in hospital as long as you have, you must be one the few people who don't know about Pat and Marion's affair. I've known for a couple of months now and they are really happy together. Marion and I have an open relationship that allows us each to do our own thing, while at the same time being partners. We don't mind each other having affairs, as long as everything is kept open and honest. On at least three occasions, I shared their bed and we had a wonderful time." At that moment Sue from the buffet came in and Gave Elsa a message that Ally from the AM's office wanted to see her before she went home if she didn't mind.

"You go ahead love and give me a ring when you're ready to go home. You have my mobile number." Elsa got up from her seat and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks Colin for all that you have done. I'll see you soon." With that she left the pub and made her way back to the station.

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She tapped on the door of the admin office and walked in.

"Ah! Elsa! Come on in." Said Ally, cheerfully." I have a few forms that I need you to sign so that I can release your back holiday pay. You're looking tired girl, are you Ok? You're not overdoing things are you?"

"I am a bit tired, but nothing to worry about. I just have to take things slowly, and it's so frustrating. My joints are aching quite a bit, but the physio says that that will ease with time."

"How are you getting home?"

"Colin says if I ring him, he'll pick me up. He's been good to me."

"I've got an idea, why don't you come back to my place, I'll make you a meal and give you a massage, to take away some of that stiffness."

"Sounds good, I'll just ring Pat and tell her what I'm doing. Then I'll ring Colin and tell him he doesn't need to pick me up."

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