The Transfer

Prudence Walker

 

Part 5

 

"Stephanie?… are you there?… Stephanie!… I'm sorry if I said something stupid to upset you… please, talk to me." A worried sounding Stephen pleaded.

Stephanie's heart raced in her chest, making her slightly giddy. She knew she should answer him as his voice pleaded on the other end of the line. But, she was choked up with emotions, and she felt fearful of the answer of what she was going to ask next.

"I'm here… and you weren't being stupid. I agree with him, I think we are soul mates. I felt something the first time we met," she replied. " I… I love you," she burst out. " I know it's stupid, but I can't help it, and I don't expect you to feel the same… just forget I said anything, okay? I wouldn't want you to feel obligated or anything. Sheesh I should hang up so you can forget me and get on with your life." She said tearfully, trying to get everything out in a rush.

"Wait! Don't hang up… please Stephanie. I love you too."

"Stephen! Stop with the jokes, I thought you said you loved me too," Stephanie answered, getting upset.

"I'm NOT joking, and I did… I DO love you. I felt something as well when we first met, but I put it down to this new body and hormones. But now I know we were meant for each other. I can't stop thinking about you, please will you be my girlfriend until we can officially get engaged?

… Stephanie?… Stephanie?…"

===========

Stephen was enjoying himself on the journey home. He spent several hours a day fishing, as they took their time on the boat. David was content to let Stephen do most of the navigating, while he recovered more fully from the food poisoning. He spent time teaching Stephen some of his hard won knowledge of seamanship, for which Stephen was grateful. Stephen loved catching those tasty snapper. They put up a mean fight to boot, and it was with a sense of achievement, when he finally landed one on board. Most of the catch went into the ice locker to have at home, later. He served it to his dad after cooking it in the galley, getting more compliments. Never had he felt better, the approval of his new dad meant a lot to him and he basked in it.

As they neared the main sea-lanes off the island Rangitoto, David took over the navigating in the busy waters. A myriad of small vessels dotted the calm waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Yacht's and other small pleasure craft made the going difficult, and they proceeded slowly with caution as they entered the Auckland City harbour.

Their docking was further delayed by a cargo vessel, hauling freshly milled logs on their way to some point in the orient. As the two tugs pulled and pushed the sluggish vessel, they asked for priority clearance on the water.

Thirty minutes later than expected, they shut the engines down, drifting into contact against the wharf. Stephen helped get the boat moored and then went back to see what else needed to be done. David was checking the engines, making sure everything was shipshape before leaving. He made a call on the radio, and then started organizing the refueling while waiting on Kelly to arrive with the car. Stephen got the job of packing the semi-frozen snapper into several cooler boxes making them ready for transport.

Refueling was finished and the bill paid, by the time Kelly arrived with the car. She had driven onto the dock so that loading everything took just a few minutes. Stephen got a hug and a kiss on the cheek from Kelly and she was voluble in her praise to him, about his heroism. Stephen in turn blushed, and tried to down play the event as his dad looked on in amusement.

Kelly drove them back though rush hour traffic to the Parnell residence, where Sandra made a fuss of Stephen, then gave David a tight hug and a kiss as tears of joy streaked down her face. Ten minutes later, bags unpacked, and the catch safely in the huge freezer, everyone sat in the lounge while David and Stephen both related the details of the trip to Sandra and Kelly.

Kelly left to organize the meal, and Stephen and his dad took a break from the narrative to get cleaned up before dinner. Looking at Kelly again, reminded Stephen of his change in gender, as his body reacted to her perfume and other noticeable attributes. He took the opportunity while showering to rid himself of a large problem. Oddly, it wasn't Kelly he found himself fantasizing about, while he was masturbating, but Stephanie. He made a mental note to ring her after dinner.

Refreshed, and dressed in clothes that didn't smell of fish, Stephen went downstairs to join his dad in the living room. David was nursing a drink in his hands as he relaxed in the armchair. He motioned to Stephen to get himself a drink from the mini bar. Stephen took out a chilled can of DB Lager, and gratefully chugged it down. The tangy bite relieving the dry fuzziness from his throat.

"I guess that one didn't touch the sides," his dad laughed. "You'd better have another. Drink it slower so it lubricates your tonsils this time." He added, as he got up and refilled his drink. He threw another can to Stephen, who caught it one handed from his seat on the sofa. They sat there, not talking, each deep in their own thoughts as they relaxed.

"Dinner is served." Sandra called, as she exited the kitchen where she had been helping Kelly.

"Hmmmm, something smells good," both men agreed, as they sat down at the table. Kelly, attired in her short uniform, served them roast pheasant with lashings of vegetables. David carved the succulent fowl as Kelly offered Stephen the task of opening the bottles of champagne. Kelly took off her white apron, which left her in her short black dress and sat down opposite Stephen.

Stephen didn't blink an eyelid as Kelly leaned forward revealing her ample décolletage. He watched calmly as she reached out with a pair of tongs to serve out the vegetables. Kelly was more than just a servant and always ate with the family, as though she was member of it. Stephen knew Kelly was only flirting and suppressed a smile as he saw her puzzlement when he showed no outward reaction to her charms.

The meal was excellent, and Stephen showed his thanks to the chef, (Kelly) by giving her a kiss on the cheek as he walked past her on the way to the kitchen with a hand full of plates. She blushed and went to return the kiss, but ended up with a handful of dishes as Stephen passed them to her and dashed back to get more.

After dinner was cleared away and the dishwasher running quietly, everyone returned to the lounge to hear the rest of the story. Stephen, unaccustomed to drink, was feeling the effects of the alcohol and started to get sleepy. David nodded to Kelly, who then helped Stephen get to his room where he flopped on his bed. Seeing that Stephen looked like staying that way, Kelly undressed him, sighing as she gazed on his naked form. Pulling the sheets over the sleeping young man, she kissed him goodnight and quietly left the room.

===========

The next morning, Stephen woke with a fuzzy head and a dry mouth. A knock on the door preceded Kelly, asking him quietly, was he awake and decent. A grunt from Stephen in reply was enough for Kelly to indicate assent, so she entered, bearing a breakfast tray.

"Come on, rise and shine," she said brightly, opening the curtains after setting down the tray. "There's an aspirin for your head and a nice glass of orange juice to wash it down. And eat that toast before it gets any colder."

"Thanks, you're a real friend indeed," Stephen said gratefully as he sat up in bed. "Oh-boy! I think I drank too much last night," he mumbled, as he hastily swallowed the aspirin. "What happened last night? I vaguely recall you helping me to my bed, but everything's a blank from then on." <P>

"Well… after I undressed you… I kissed you and we had hot passionate sex."

Kelly giggled, then burst out laughing at the startled expression on Stephen's face. She relented, and reassured him nothing happened… after the kiss.

Stephen blushed and said, "I wish I'd been there for that." And then grinned mischievously up at her.

"Well if you're willing…" Kelly smiled back, leaving the invitation unfinished.

"Umm… maybe I'd better eat my toast." He evaded, hastily grabbing a slice off the plate.

Kelly laughed good-naturedly, and then kissed his forehead before sweeping out of the room with a swivel of her hips.

'Oh boy, oh boy.' Stephen thought, his face blushing as a certain part of him poked its head up under the sheets. ' I could really go for her, if it wasn't for Stephanie. Darn, I forgot to ring her last night.'

Stephen finished his breakfast, then went and showered before dressing casually. He picked up the phone and dialed his old home. He wasn't sure just what he was going to say, but he hoped that his thoughts about Stephanie being the one for him, wouldn't be thrown back in his face.

Finally, Cathy answered, and recognized his voice. He heard her calling for Stephanie and then say goodbye, as Stephanie picked up the extension. Stephen and Stephanie talked, and the subject of their feelings about the other finally came round. Stephen's heart was pounding and his throat seemed to constrict in nervousness as he asked her to be his girl. The silence on the other end at his words, made his heart almost stop and he wondered if he'd been to rash in blurting it out.

"Stephanie?… Stephanie?…" he called anxiously into the silent phone.

"I'm here… I think?" a low voice answered.

"Well? What's your answer?" Stephen asked, getting on edge.

"YES!"

============

Stephanie heard him calling to her. The realization that he had asked her to be his girlfriend had stunned her. It was like a dream come true. Her heart leapt in joy and she felt sure her mom could hear it beating. Suddenly aware of the time passing, she took a deep breath and gave Stephen, his anxiously awaited answer.

The next half hour was spent talking, about plans for seeing each other again, and how they were going to mention it to their respective parents. Stephanie felt overwhelmed by a joy born of hope for the future. She knew Cathy and Keith would be overjoyed at the news. In her mind, she knew they were destined to be together. She started imagining the two of them sometime in the future as man and wife, so certain was she that this was the only possible outcome. What worried her about it would be the possible reactions of her old parents. Would they consider her beneath the standard of their expectations as a suitable bride for Stephen? Time will tell.

Hanging up, after getting a promise of a meeting soon, she bounced into the kitchen where Cathy was working.

"Mom, I have good news," she grinned, squirming a little with impatience.

"Oh! That's nice hon." Was the distracted reply, as Cathy tried vainly to rid the stove of a stubborn stain.

"MOM! This is important…"

"Sorry hon, you know how I get sometimes," Cathy apologized, pulling off her rubber gloves. "What do you want to tell me? Was it some news from Stephen?"

"You could say that. Stephen asked me to marry him." Stephanie replied squealing in delight.

"Stephen asked you to…?" Cathy started to say. Her eyes widened as the words sunk in, leaving her speechless. "But,<...> but you hardly know each other. Shouldn't you just be friends first before getting engaged?" she spluttered, finding her voice again.

"Mom, it's okay. It won't be tomorrow. We are going to wait until I graduate, at the moment we are just verbally engaged. And we were already friends. You could say we just clicked together…"

"Oh honey, are you sure he's the one?" Cathy asked worriedly, as she hugged Stephanie close to her.

"Mom… Stephen's my soul mate. I guess I knew that when we first met. The incident on the boat proved that, Stephen feels the same way towards me as I do towards him." Stephanie explained, as she sat down next to her mother in the lounge.

Cathy looked searchingly at her daughter, seeing, perhaps for the first time, a look of maturity that she had for so long awaited.

"Honey I'm really happy for you, and to think just a while back, that I was worried you were going to miss finding someone. Will he be doing the traditional thing?" Cathy inquired.

"What… Asking dad's permission?" Stephanie giggled.

"Don't worry, he'll say yes… if I have anything to say about it," Cathy added with a smile.

"Oh mom, I feel… so free, like everything's finally coming together."

"So, have you set a date yet?"

"Mom!" Stephanie sighed.

"Just asking, I want plenty of time to plan it, and your dress will have to made." Cathy said dreamily, as she envisioned her daughter in a glorious white gown.

Stephanie paused, thinking also about a wedding gown. It had been one of her dreams (pre-Stephanie) to be the blushing bride wearing the ultimate of feminine finery. Now, it looked like it was within reach. She could almost feel the sensations of satin and silk with lace everywhere, caressing her body as she took that special walk up the aisle.

===========

"Mom…dad… I have an announcement." Stephen said at the lunch meal. "I've asked Stephanie to marry me." He went on, dropping the bombshell into the conversation.

"What!" Came from both parents.

"I asked her to marry me, and she's accepted." Stephen repeated.

"Whoa there, just a minute, you hardly know the girl. Besides, she's hardly worthy of you." Sandra interjected angrily.

"Mom, I love her; and, not just because she saved my life. We are soul mates in the truest sense of the word. I consider myself lucky that she finds me worthy of her love." Stephen explained, feeling a little upset at his mom's reactions.

"Hmmm, I thought it was you going to save her, that ended with you in hospital. I don't see that, as saving your life." She retorted heatedly.

"Mom… that wasn't what I was taking about. Something happened to me when I was in the storm. I didn't mention it, because I thought it was too unbelievable, but if she hadn't come to me as a vision that night, I wouldn't be here. I'd be fish food." Stephen paused, as he gathered his thoughts about that night in the storm.

"She knew I was in trouble, and I saw her that night. She was floating above the sea to my left, and as I started to swim toward her, I felt the rope that allowed me to survive. If not for my changing directions, I never would have found it."

Sandra was silent as she digested Stephens story. She realized finally, that she owed Stephanie a debt that couldn't be paid. She felt awful about what she had said earlier.

"Stephen, I'm sorry. I just had the idea of you marrying a girl of sophistication and more upper echelon. I didn't mean to belittle your choice. It was just a blow to my expectations."

Sandra hugged Stephen, and ruffled his hair, as the sudden thought came to her, that he wasn't her little boy anymore. No, he was becoming a man and he was making adult decisions about his life and with whom he wanted to share it.

"Mom, I'm the one best suited to make those decisions. I'm sorry if she doesn't meet your standards, but we love each other and that is what counts."

"Stephen, I'm sure your mother knows that," David interrupted. "I'm happy for you and I'm sure Sandra is too."

"Of course I am," Sandra said with a smile. "When are you thinking of having the wedding? Will I be able to help Stephanie's parents with some of the preparations?"

Stephen laughed at his mom's rapid turnaround. As long as she felt part of it, she would be happy.

"Well I need to buy a ring first." Then I'm going to fly down and ask her dad for Stephanie's hand in marriage. We thought about a year's engagement to give Stephanie time for her to finish school."

Stephen's parents looked at each other with the same idea running through their minds. Stephen had put some serious thought into this. Their son had grown up and become independent.

"Well you should be able to buy a nice ring for her. We did promise to give you twenty thousand when you decided to tie the knot." David said with a smile. "Not that you really need it now."

"Huh?" Stephen seemed puzzled. He knew his bank balance was somewhere around two thousand dollars, what was he father alluding to now?

David laughed at his puzzled expression. " I didn't tell you before, but Jeff and Sara, whose lives you also saved, insisted on a reward for your bravery. I banked a check the other day into your account for fifty thousand."

"Fifty…ohmygod!" Stephen gasped, as the implications sank in.

"Of course, you could invest it, or you could give it to me and become my partner in the chartering business," his dad went on. "I'm sure in a years time you'll have enough to live comfortably. Auckland's become a Mecca for the big spending tourists from America, now that we have the America's cup in our hands. With your share in the business, I calculate a figure of about 200 to 300 thousand dollars income for you this year. Next year? It could be double that if you decide to take up my offer?"

"Wow, dad, I do. That sounds fantastic." Stephen gushed excitedly, giving his dad a fervent hug. "Can I call Stephanie and tell her?"

"Why not save it till you go and see her?" Sandra suggested. "You can tell her parents at the same time."

"Right, I will. Thanks, you are such great parents." Stephen said, as tears started to flow.

Stephen felt great as his parents both hugged him. He could tell his mom was itching to know more about Stephanie and how they met. He managed to make it simple, thinking he needed to tell Stephanie exactly the same story so she wouldn't make a liar of him by inventing a different tale.

He went and made a booking for a Friday night flight to Wellington, then rang Stephanie to tell her, his arrival time.

===========

Stephanie asked her father if he would take her to the airport to meet Stephen on Friday evening.

"Sure hon, say, he must like you a lot to keep flying down to visit you," he laughed.

"Well… he has something important to ask you." Stephanie replied cryptically.

She hadn't told her dad of Stephen's proposal, managing to get her mom to sit on the news until Stephen arrived. She was hardly able to hold the news to herself. She felt like singing and dancing round the house.

Julia and Heather were the only others that knew. When they heard the news, the day after, they went into gush mode, saying he was a hunk and asking all about him and had they kissed. Stephanie kept to generalities, no wanting to commit to any 'fact's.' she did appease her friends curiosity somewhat; by saying Stephen was a dreamy kisser.

They forgot the cross examination when she asked if they would like to be her bridesmaids. Discussions on dresses and colours took precedence, and Stephanie let the conversation flow over her like a wave, feeling like she was drowning with an overload of femininity. It was like a dream come true, to be discussing 'her' wedding as a bride. She was so overcome by emotion she swooned, falling sideways onto Julia's lap as they sat on her bed.

She came to, a few moments later with Julia wiping her head with a damp face cloth. She still had her head in Julia's lap and Julia teased her about being a giddy bride.

"Sorry, I don't know what came over me." Stephanie tried to explain, as she sat up reluctantly from her comfortable pillow.

"Just take it easy, we don't want you doing this at your wedding," laughed Heather.

At last Friday rolled around and Stephanie was feeling tense as she waited for the flight to arrive. She watched the aircraft land from the observation room and the followed it's path as it taxied to the hard standing next to the terminal. She waited, knowing that it wouldn't be long now; but, in a weird sort of way, she was trying to prolong the moment before she went down to the arrivals lounge.

Her dad was standing by the baggage conveyor when she finally dragged herself from the window and went downstairs. She took his hand and waited, trying not to fidget.

"BOO!"

"SHEESH! Don't scare me like that, you sneak." Stephanie yelped, as she jumped and spun around.

Stephen had a smirk on his face that quickly faded as he saw the expression on her face.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you like that, it was just to surprise..." Stephen tried to explain, before his mouth was engulfed with two lipsticked lips as Stephanie flung herself on him.

Time seemed to slow as the two embraced, still lip locked.

"Ahem! Shouldn't you be doing that in a more private situation?" her dad interrupted. "I'd like to get home sometime this week." He added with a touch of humour.

"Oh hello Mr. Swanson, nice to see you and your daughter again," Stephen managed to say after getting his breath back.

"Have you eaten dinner? Cathy has freshly baked scones for supper, but she could whip up something quick for you if you haven't had a proper meal." Keith asked, trying to move them along.

"Yes I had a light tea at home then I ate a bit more on the flight. I'll just get my bag and we can be off." He went to the luggage carousel, where he picked up a lone suitcase and came back.

===========

"Wow Mrs. Swanson, these are great scones." Stephen mumbled though a mouthful, while buttering another and covering it with raspberry jam. Stephanie was thinking the same as she ate one slightly less rapidly. Promising herself, she would learn how to make them for the future.

"Good, I like to see a boy eat his fill and not pick at his food," Cathy laughed.

She was watching him intently, gauging him with another set of rules, now that he was a prospective husband for Stephanie. So far, her opinion formed at their first meeting, hadn't changed, she still thought he was polite and well mannered. Seeing the way he was tucking into the scones, told her, that he liked her baking, another plus.

Replete at last, Stephen moved so he was sitting opposite Keith catching his attention.

"Mr. Swanson? I have to ask you something… something that will change all our lives." Stephens voice was tinged with some nervousness as he held his emotions in check.

"Go ahead Stephen," was Keith's reply as he sensed the seriousness of the moment. "Do you want to talk to me alone?" he asked, tilting his head towards the girls.

"No, here is fine… anyway, it concerns everyone," replied Stephen as he gave Stephanie a quick grin.

Stephen coughed, clearing his voice. "I… I wish to ask your consent for your daughter's hand in marriage," He rushed out.

Keith looked surprised, and glanced over at both Stephanie and his wife. Their smiles, plus a begging look on Stephanie's face, told him that they already knew and were in favour of this request. He tried to look stern as befitting the occasion, but it was hard not to reach forward and hug the earnest young man in front of him.

"Well…" he said, trying to drag the moment out. "She's still in school and too young to marry…"

"But… but… we don't intend to do it right away." Begged Stephen, trying not to break down in tears, seeing a refusal coming up.

"I'm sorry but my answer is final… of course, you have my blessings Stephen and don't try changing my mind."

The expressions that flitted across Stephens face were priceless as he finally sorted out Keith's meaning. He whooped for joy and flung himself on Keith, planting a kiss on his cheeks.

"Hey!" spluttered Keith as he blushed. "Save those for my daughter," he added with a smile.

"I will, I will." Stephen laughed, turning and embracing Stephanie, as she rushed into his welcoming arms.

Pulling back from Stephanie a moment, Stephen reached into his back pocket and brought out a small velvet covered box. He gave it to Stephanie with a smile, she eagerly took it, as if she thought it might suddenly disappear. Opening it, she gasped as she looked at the sparkling diamond nestled in a gold four-leaf clover design.

"OH! Stephen… it's beautiful." She gushed, putting it on her finger and showing it off to her parents.

"WOW! You are a lucky girl, that must have cost a mint." Cathy exclaimed, and Keith agreed with her.

"Well only the best for the best," Stephen gallantly replied, trying not to blush.

Stephanie hugged him again and kissed him, smearing lipstick over his face. Cathy joined in the hug, grabbing Keith on the way as they tried to make a human sandwich of the two in love. Keith broke first, saying he had a bottle of something to celebrate the happy occasion. Cathy went to get the good crystal out of the top cabinet in their display case. Checking for any signs of dust, she placed them on the small table in the lounge, and waited for Keith to uncork the bottle of bubbly.

"Cheers, and a long and happy life for the two of you." Keith toasted, beaming from ear to ear. They all clinked their glasses together and sipped the champagne, enjoying it, unchilled though it was.

They chatted long into the evening, finding out more about Stephen and his family. Cathy and Keith didn't seem to pick up on the fact that as Stephen paused; Stephanie stepped in, answering some of the more awkward questions. Instead, it seemed to reinforce the fact that they knew enough of each other's lives that this was not just a whirlwind romance.

As Stephen discussed his future and the plans with Stephanie, Cathy and Keith felt assured that their daughter was in good hands and would have a bright future. Cathy went as far to say, that they could sleep together in Stephanie's room, if they wanted. Stephanie hugged her mom in response, needing to say nothing, her expression saying it all.

Later, as Stephen opened his bag in Stephanie's room, he pulled out the nightgown Stephanie had given him. She grinned when she saw it and told him he wasn't getting into bed without it. Stephen shrugged and complied, secretly glad that something that he (as Stephanie) had loved to wear was still going to be allowed.

Then before he jumped into bed, the call of nature raised its head; and, he ducked out into the hallway and down to bathroom. On his way back, he never saw Cathy as she stuck her head out of the laundry door to see him walking away down the hall. She smiled as she saw what he was wearing, knowing that a young man letting a little femininity into his life wasn't a bad thing. A wicked smile graced her face as an interesting idea crossed her mind.

Snuggling together in bed, Stephen relaxed as the silky gowns brushed each other sending delicious sensations though their bodies as a little static crackled between them. Kissing each other goodnight, they were too content just to be together to indulge in anything sexual. As they drifted off to sleep, spooned together, with Stephens's arms around Stephanie, they didn't know the events going on in a room nearby.

Cathy was attired in her sexiest nightie and Keith in his pajamas was grinning, as her intentions were obvious, until he saw what she was holding out in her hands. Gulping, he shook his head no until he saw her look over to her usual piece of nightwear (a soft flannel gown), the unspoken message clear. She helped him disrobe as he took hold of the item she had selected. He shivered both from being naked and the anticipation of the sensations he would feel as he pulled the diaphanous material over his head.

Looking in the mirror, Keith saw the full effect of the red peignoir he was wearing. Cathy put her arms around him sending more signals of pleasure though his already overloaded brain. His little fellow was rock hard and was sticking out at full mast. Cathy looked at it and grinned, licking her lips. She reached out and grasped it, encapsulating its length in the silky material, and then she pulled, leading him like a dog on a leash. Keith came along willingly, almost coming in her hands from the exquisite sensations.

That night saw these two people make wondrous love and someone make a promise to herself that it was going to happen again, soon. The other two that were sleeping together in the house slept on, blissfully unaware of the activities going on in the master bedroom, their dreams filled with images of each other.

The next morning saw all four people at breakfast wearing nighties. Stephen giggled as he saw Cathy leading a bemused Keith still wearing a red peignoir, feeling less embarrassed about wearing a gown himself. Keith tried to pretend nothing out of the ordinary was up, unfortunately, something was. And, it showed, as it pushed out the material. Keith blushed and tried to hide it behind the cereal box he was carrying. The giggles and quiet snorts of barely restrained mirth finally got too much and laughter burst forth from everyone. A group hug ensued and everyone collapsed into the nearest seat as tears of mirth ran freely.

After a hurried breakfast, Cathy said, that "Seeing as there were two 'new girls' here, they should do the dishes," Keith and Stephen both groaned theatrically and put a limp wrist to their brows, which cracked everyone up again. Stephen being used to wearing a nightie was coping easily, but Keith was having more difficulty, though he never complained, knowing Cathy was nearby. They finished and went to get dressed, getting twin wolf whistles from the girls; and as they played up to the audience with an exaggerated walk, adding a feminine wiggle of their bums.

They high-fived each other as they parted in the hallway, grinning at the continued giggles coming from the girls. Stephen wondered what had happened to Keith during the night, but figured it wasn't his place to judge, attired, as he was himself. Keith on the other hand, knew exactly what had happened and wasn't adverse to having it happen again, remembering the glorious heights of passion both of them reached that night. Pulling off the peignoir he laid it, folded neatly on his pillow in a not so subtle reminder to Cathy.

Stephen broached the subject of his mother's request that she be able to help with the wedding arrangements.

"Of course she can help," was Cathy's reply. "I'll ring her tomorrow if you like, and we can get things moving."

Stephen sighed in relief and hugged his soon to be mother in-law.

"You two, should get on like a house on fire," he laughed.

The days that Stephen had with Stephanie were full of making plans, and meeting with Stephanie's friends. Heather and Julia were full of questions. Neither of them could get over the fact that their friend was now in the body of a male. They gushed over the ring and wished Stephanie the best of luck and inquired with a laugh, if there were any more like him at home. The days passed quickly and it seemed like only moments, before he had to return to Auckland.

===========

Stephanie returning to school, was quickly surrounded by the girls, all wanting to view the ring. Some were jealous, saying

'You lucky thing, I wish I was you.'

Most congratulated her on her catch, happy to see her in love. Koos sighed, and said.

'There goes another out of my reach.' While crossing out an imaginary entry, in an equally imagined book.

By the end of that first day, everyone had seen it, even the teachers. And by the week's end, the novelty had worn off. Stephanie didn't let her engagement affect her studies. She was determined to get good marks, to prove to the others to herself and the others that she could do it.

Time passed and the exams came and went. Stephanie knew she had done well and the mood at school lightened as the tensions of exams was over and the anticipation of the summer holidays approached. Over the year, she managed to free herself of the addiction from tobacco, but knew she'd be forever on her guard not to succumb again. From her conversations with Stephen, she knew the main drug addiction was not the hard drugs like heroin like she feared, but the milder one of marihuana. 'thank god for small mercies,' she thought.

The last day of school was filled with lots of emotions for Stephanie as she said her farewells to her friends. Would she them again? Her marriage to Stephen was in the middle of December, two weeks from the end of school. And she knew Stephen planned for them to move north to Auckland. With promises to keep in touch, Stephanie walked home in the afternoons heat.

"Yippee!… finally school's over." Shouted Stephanie as she threw her bag on the couch.

"Now dear, just because it's over doesn't mean you stop learning." Her mother laughed, as she walked past with an armful of laundry.

"But it does mean only two weeks until the wedding, mom."

Stephanie continued, following her mom into the master bedroom. She giggled, as she saw her mom place a decidedly feminine garment on her dad's side of the bed.

"Mom? Is dad still wearing your nighties?"

Cathy smiled to herself as she recalled the fun they had each night, since Stephen had visited. Turning to Stephanie, she turned to her daughter and winked as sat on the bed and placed her hand on Keith's new bedroom attire.

"Hon, what your father wears in bed doesn't matter, just don't go telling anyone. He…we, get a certain buzz from it. We used to have sex maybe once a week if that. Now, it's like every night without fail.

"Mom, you know I would never tell anyone. I'm not one of those teenage girls you see on American TV, that say 'oh yuck how gross, my parents are having sex.' If you still have it, enjoy it, I say."

"Thanks hon, that means a lot. I even convinced your dad to wear a pair of satin panties the other day under his normal clothes when he went to work."

"MOM, you didn't? When was this?"

"Yes, and he was hot to trot by the time he came home. It was Wednesday, when you went to Julia's after school and stayed for dinner there. He said it was as if I had my hand on his penis all day, caressing it. He nearly came in his pants several times thinking about it. What with the sense that he was doing something naughty, and the danger of being caught with them on, he nearly attacked me as he opened the door. When he found out you weren't home, he swept me off my feet and we made glorious love."

"Oh mom I'm so happy for you," giggled Stephanie, imagining the scene in her head.

"Ha ha ha, I nearly bopped him one later, when he had the temerity to say the dinner was a little overcooked. After all, it was his fault, dinner was delayed and nearly spoiled.

"Mom, what time will they be flying down?" she asked.

 

Stephen flies down tomorrow on the noon flight and his mom will be coming down on a later flight the next day. She said she'd ring what time the flight is." Stephanie grinned at the thought of Stephen sleeping in her bedroom while Sandra would get the guestroom. Walking back to her bedroom, she then removed her school clothes and padded down to the bathroom in her bare feet clad only in her bra and panties.

 

After the nice shower, she lay on her bed and thought of her plans for Stephen. She had talked to Stephen's mom on the phone some weeks ago to explain her surprise to Sandra. It had been a bit of shock to Sandra when she told her Stephen was a crossdresser. It had been a calculated risk, but she thought it was worth it for what she had planned for Stephen.

She thought that Stephen, although now a male, would regret not being the one wearing the wedding dress and this had sparked the naughty idea she had. She needed both mothers co-operation in this and had decided to set plans in action. Thinking back to that phone call to Sandra, she knew there was a small chance things may go wrong, but thought there was a better than 80% chance things would be ok.

Sandra was pleasantly surprised to hear Stephanie on the phone that day, but when she heard what Stephanie told her; a shock went though her body. 'Stephen was a crossdresser?' somehow it all made sense, and she knew in her heart it was true. The story Stephen told her about the bet and wearing women's clothes at the time of the attack had seemed difficult to believe and it was only the police's confirmation of it from Stephanie, when she was found in his flat, which had convinced her.

As Sandra sat there wondering if was her fault, Stephanie continued to talk. Saying that she loved Stephen and it didn't matter to her, that Stephen wasn't gay, but loved women so much he was trying to emulate them. When the shock has passed, Sandra realized with a lightening in her heart that it didn't matter what her son wore, she still loved him. She listened to Stephanie as she outlined her surprise for Stephen and started to get interested in the plan as Stephanie's enthusiasm started wheels turning in her head. Agreeing with Stephanie, she thought of a few places she could get the work done discretely and promised to get the ball rolling. Stephanie wanted this to be a surprise to Stephen and Sandra promised not to say anything to him.

===========

Stephanie grinned to herself and wondered what Stephen would say when he found out. She hoped Sandra would bring everything with her when she came down. Now came the hard part, she was going to tell Cathy about Stephen and her plans for the wedding. She only knew her from the few months since the change and what she could glean from Stephen, but from her observations and feelings, she thought it would be okay.

"Mom… can we talk?" she asked, as she entered the kitchen where Cathy was putting the dough topping on the Lancashire hot pot (a simple stew, consisting of potatoes, onions, carrots, and cubed beef).

"Uhuh… sure hon, just let me get this in the oven."

"Mom, I have something to tell you about Stephen," Stephanie began after her mom sat down to listen.

"It's about his…"

"Crossdressing?" Cathy interrupted calmly.

"You know?" Stephanie gasped, feeling surprised.

"Well it wasn't hard to guess, but first, before you say anything, I want to tell you that it's okay with me. In fact, it was the trigger that has made your dad's bedroom exercises so much more interesting." Cathy explained.

"Sheesh… and I was worried," Stephanie finally blurted out.

"Look Stephanie, I may be your mom, but I'm up with the things people do. I looked up on the Internet, you know. After that first time with Keith I went looking to see what information I could find. I didn't what to do something without making sure things would still stay the same between us." Cathy went on.

"Mom, Stephen doesn't know I've told you and his mom about this, I've set up a surprise for him at the wedding."

"Sandra knows? How did she take it?" Cathy asked anxiously, knowing not everyone would look favourably on the practice.

"Well, she was shocked at first I guess, but I just told her that I loved him and that he wasn't gay or anything. I think she suspected something already. Then I started telling her about my idea before she had time to dwell on it. She was quiet at first, and then she began to get interested and finally started to add to my idea."

"This idea, what is it? Can I help? Don't tell me he's going to be the one wearing white… or that there will be two brides." Cathy asked. I do want to be able to show off the photo's afterwards."

"Don't worry mom, you'll bet your bride and groom," as Stephanie started to outline her plan.

Cathy chortled, on hearing what Stephanie was planning. The brilliance of it was stunning. The beauty of it all, nobody would guess a thing. Cathy asked if she could tell Keith, saying he wouldn't object and he would keep the secret to himself.

"Okay, but please don't embarrass him. I still have to tell him his secrets out. It could be a bit of a shock."

To be continued…

  

  

  

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