Turbulence

by

Julie O

  

Part One

  

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and I was soaking in the sun as we bobbed at anchor off the Southern California coast. We had just finished a great picnic lunch and now we were just relaxing and talking. Bill and I were sitting near the stern and Sean and Karen were sitting near the bow. The two of them were an instant match and Bill and I were both pleased with our matchmaking.

"This is so beautiful!" I exclaimed, as I took a sip of my diet cola.

"I know. Look! Even the sea lions are out here enjoying themselves!" Bill said, pointing over my shoulder.

 

I turned and looked in the direction he was pointing and saw several sea lions swimming by the boat. I could have sworn they were watching us! I might have to have a talk with Marny and Aunt Kayla later on.

"That is cool," I stated

I was really having a great time. Bill was really nice and I had to admit that I really loved the fact that he was very interested in me. I also wanted to make sure that he liked me and wasn't being influenced by my powers. I tried not to think anything that might influence Bill's emotions or feelings. That was difficult, as I was falling in love with him. OK, it might be "puppy love," as it is my first romance as a woman, but then again who knows?

I was wearing my bikini under my shorts and t-shirt. I was debating on whether to strip down to just my bathing suit, but then I looked over at Karen and saw that she had already stripped off her outer clothes. Her bikini was much skimpier than mine. Luckily she had the body for it. So, I decided to follow her example and slipped out of my outer clothes.

I could tell by Bill's reaction that he approved. I had to admit that I looked damm good in my bikini! Like Jenny said, I had a great body and I should be proud of it.

"Would you like me to put some sunscreen on your back?" asked Bill.

"Sure. That would be great," I replied.

I turned around and felt Bill's strong hands rub against my back. His touch did cause me to get slightly aroused. However, I had taken the precaution of making sure my top was well padded to hide my nipples!

"Oh, nice tattoo!" exclaimed Bill.

Shit! I hadn't thought about that. I hoped that he was the type of guy who found tattoos on girls sexy.

"Um..thanks," I said.

"It's Celtic, isn't it?" asked Bill

"Yes it is," I said. "I got it during high school."

I hoped he wouldn't ask too many questions about it. Shit! I should have worn a one piece!

"I like it. Somehow it suits you, Iona," said Bill, "You are so full of surprises!"

I noticed that when he touched it, I didn't get a reaction. At least not one from the tattoo!

Karen, hearing Bill's comments, walked over to join us. "You have a tattoo? Iona, that's so cool," exclaimed Karen.

I turned around so she could see it.

Sean looked at it and nodded.

"I've seen many patterns like that. It's some kind of blessing isn't it?" he asked.

"Yes," I said.

"I want one like that. What do you think, Sean?" asked Karen.

He smiled and didn't say a word. He took her by the hand and walked her back to the bow.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you," said Bill.

"You didn't. I am not ashamed of it," I said.

"I thought about getting one, back when I was in the Navy. But thankfully Roger talked me out if it. Oops! Sorry. I didn't mean to bring him up again," apologized Bill.

I smiled. "It's OK. I am glad he was your friend," I said truthfully.

I remembered that incident. The tattoo was hideous and Bill had a little too much to drink. Bill was still pretty new at the time and he thought the tattoo would give him more credibility with his sailors. Please change the subject, I thought! This was getting too close for comfort. Dating a guy you knew when you were a man can be very complicated.

"So, what else to you like to do?" asked Bill.

OK, I broke my own rule about influencing him, but it was for the best.

"I love to travel," I said.

"Me too!" replied Bill.

We spent the next hour trading stories. I adapted mine slightly and listened patiently as he described places that I been with him back in the old days.

"I need to ask you something, Iona. I would love to ask you out to dinner," stated Bill.

"That wasn't a question, but I would love that too," I answered with a smile on my face.

Bill laughed. "Actually, you didn't me a chance to finish. The dinner I am talking about is next weekend. It is a formal dinner party at the house of the DA. I promise it won't be too boring," said Bill.

"The answer is still yes," I replied.

Then out of the blue, Bill leaned over and kissed me. I felt tingles all over my body! This was more of a romantic kiss than before and I loved every second of it.

When we finished, I looked over his shoulder and saw the head of a sea lion peeking out of the water at us. I was temped to flip it the bird, but decided not to; after all, that wouldn't be very lady-like.

Karen really enjoyed herself and really enjoyed the sailing lesson she got from Sean as we sailed back into port. I sat next to Bill and felt his arm slip around me. Yes, this was happening too fast and I didn't care. If I was destined to spend the rest of my life as woman, I might as well enjoy myself.

 

Part Two

 

I walked in the house after Bill dropped me off. Aunt Kayla was talking on the phone. She smiled and said good-bye as she saw me walk in.

"Marny sends her regards," mentioned Aunt Kayla as if she could read my mind.

"Did she give you a full report?" I asked with a laugh.

"Actually, the sea lion was there as a safety precaution. She would have notified Marny if the boat had problems," said Aunt Kayla.

"So, she didn't tell Marny about Bill and I kissing?" I said with a smile.

Aunt Kayla laughed, "Sorry, dear, we were just interested in your safety."

"That's OK. It's nice to know that I am loved," I replied.

We talked about the day and that Bill had accepted my invite to dinner. I also told Aunt Kayla about the dinner at the DA's house.

"You'll need to get a nice dress for that, my dear," she said.

"Goody! More shopping," I said with a laugh.

I went upstairs to shower and change. Yes, I did pleasure myself as I showered. It felt very good. Afterwards I dried off and slipped into a bra, panties, shorts and top.

I checked my mail and found a message from Amelia. She said that she had passed on the info about my grandmother to her researcher friend. She said that she would get back to me as soon as she knew something.

I then wrote a long e-mail to Jenny, telling her about my date. I really enjoyed the fact that I could share this with her.

I then checked Iona's account and found another message from Nick. He was upset that I hadn't responded to his first message. He then described in very vivid terms what he would do with me as soon as he got to San Diego. He then described all the sexual activities that he had planned for me.

I stared at the message. At least the rest of Iona's previous lovers had given up and stopped e-mailing her. But Nick was different, and I was afraid he would show up expecting the old Iona to spend a weekend of debauchery with him. I printed out the message and also forwarded a copy to Fiona. I was afraid of Nick. I was also afraid that I might not be strong enough to resist what he was offering. As Roger, Nick wouldn't have been too much of a problem. I felt very vulnerable due to my new smaller physical size.

Aunt Kayla read the message several times.

"As far as you can remember, was everything that Iona and Nick did consensual?" asked Aunt Kayla.

"As much as it pains me to say so, yes, yes it was," I said in an apologetic tone. I felt slightly ashamed, for things that I didn't actually do.

"Remember that Iona had no real say in all this," said Aunt Kayla, seeing my shame.

"I know," I replied softly.

"Just keep ignoring him. There is nothing that illegal in this message. Nick is proposing some vile acts, but nothing that is against the law, as it would be between consenting adults," said Aunt Kayla.

"OK," I said.

"Since Iona knew him, he should be detected by your tattoo, so, you will have some warning should he approach you," she said.

"I hope I can run faster than he can. From what I remember, he is very strong; and there is no way that I could fight him," I stated. "This is so frustrating. I'm not used to being scared by a guy like this."

"First thing you need to do is not think of yourself as helpless, just because you are female and physically smaller than you used to be," stated Aunt Kayla.

"It is hard to ignore that Nick is much stronger than me," I replied.

"There is more power in the world than just physical strength," answered Aunt Kayla.

She got up and walked inside. A few minutes later she returned with a leather-bound book.

 

"Here is your first reading assignment. This is not a book of spells, but it does tell you how your powers work. You need to understand why things work, before you start using them," explained Aunt Kayla. "Once you understand why your powers work, then you will learn how to use them."

I took the book from her and opened it up. My education was truly beginning.

I spent the rest of the evening reading from the book. Just as I had thought, many of my powers could be used by just thinking about them. This was convenient and also very dangerous. I had a temper and the last thing I wanted was to start casting spells just because I was pissed off at someone cutting me off in traffic. The book described how emotions would have a strong effect on casting spells. Strong, basic emotions such as fear, anger, and hate could be used to amplify spells, just as Aunt Kayla had told me.

Other powers still required a spell. The spell was more to focus the power and not to actually initiate it. So, this is why the words of the spell don't work for non-magical people. That was good to know. Likewise, most amulets and crystals had no actual magic in them, they were just amplifiers.

I also found that, while powers varied from person to person, most magical people could cast a large variety of spells. It seemed to be just a matter of how much you wanted to study and focus. Having stronger powers just it made it easier to cast spells, but even a person with weak powers could become proficient in spells.

I looked at the clock and noticed it was now almost 1:00 AM. I had been so wrapped up in the book that I'd lost all track of time. I debated reading some more, but decided sleep was more important.

 

Part Three

 

Sunday morning I joined Aunt Kayla downstairs after my usual morning rituals. I also found out that the batteries were almost dead in the silver wand. I added batteries to my shopping list.

"The book is very interesting," I stated.

"Well, I thought it would be a good place to start your education," said Aunt Kayla.

"I am beginning to see the responsibility that I now have," I replied. I poured myself a cup of tea.

"Eventually your powers will feel very natural, just like you are adapting to being a woman," explained Aunt Kayla.

"There are many things that confuse me about that issue too," I said.

"Like what?" asked Aunt Kayla.

I smiled. She had reeled me in good on this one. I kept forgetting that she was also a therapist.

"Well, my sexuality is confusing. Look at my present situation. I am dating a man that I knew from my old life. I never had any sexual feelings for him then and now I find myself sexually pleasuring myself while I think of him," I explained.

Aunt Kayla sat back and sipped her tea. I could tell she was going to let me talk without interrupting.

"I know that my sexual urges are higher due to the tattoo, but that should have nothing to do with my sexuality. I also still feel aroused when I see certain women. I still feel sexual feelings about women, although I haven't acted on them. I know you told me that I would gradually become more female inside, but that my essence would stay the same. I always considered myself heterosexual, so where does being bisexual come from? It is all very confusing."

Aunt Kayla just nodded and took another sip of her tea.

"I know that my feelings for Bill are real. It is just that I have these lingering feelings from my days as a guy. Am I rambling now?" I asked.

"Your confusion is only natural my dear. Personally, I don't get too wrapped up in terms like gay, straight or bisexual. I understand society's need to have titles like them, it's just that I think the terms are too rigid and simplistic. Most people are too complex to fit into just one of three categories," explained Aunt Kayla.

It was my turn to sit and listen.

"Initially you were Roger, a heterosexual male, in Iona's body, but it has become more complex. You are not the same person as you once were back when the switch occurred. You have become more feminine and you have absorbed and assimilated some of Iona's traits and you may be discovering feminine traits that have always existed in yourself. But your core essence is the same. Your sexually is also fluid. No person is completely one sexual orientation. You may have had repressed sexual feelings for Bill, but you never knew it back then. But does that really matter now?" she asked.

I thought about what she had said.

"No one is judging you, Iona, except yourself," she added.

I wished I had spent less time daydreaming in my philosophy classes. Aunt Kayla was right about the self-judgment I felt strong feelings for Bill and I didn't see it as a gay relationship since I really didn't see myself as a man anymore. The problem was I didn't quite see myself as 100 percent a woman yet.

 

What she said about sexuality also had me thinking. It was so much easier when I didn't know so much! Back in the good old days, men were men and women were women and men loved women and vice versa. But, I knew that was way too simplistic. Even expanding it to include gay and bi-sexuality didn't cover it all.

"This hasn't cleared everything up, but it has helped," I said.

"I wish I could make everything clear for you, my dear, but some things take time," added Aunt Kayla. "But I feel that you are closer than you think."

"Because I am now aware of this duality?" I asked.

"Yes, my dear," she said with a smile.

I sat back in the chair and began to think about my life. I wasn't sure what issue was more pressing, my new gender, my sexuality, or my growing powers.

"I appreciate your patience with me," I said. "Thank you so much."

Aunt Kayla smiled and then got up to give me a hug. I truly needed that!

 

Part Four

 

The next couple of days went by without any major problems. I was absorbing the books that Aunt Kayla loaned me. I didn't see this as work, as I really wanted to know everything I could about my powers. I bought a nice dress for the dinner party. The dress I bought with Jenny was a bit too sexy for the event. I would save that one for a private evening together. I was also working a bit more. I was still waiting for Amelia's reply on information about my grandmother.

Thursday evening I was working the late shift at The Reef. I was getting used to the job and I didn't even mind the high heels all that much anymore.

There was a good crowd there that night, and I was actually having fun. I then got a very strange sensation from my tattoo. I immediately felt on guard. My senses perked up and I scanned the area for the person I had feared might show up here in San Diego, Nick.

I scanned the room but I didn't see him, then the warning sensation suddenly went away. Maybe he was just cruising the neighborhood. What was good was the fact that he didn't come in The Reef. Just in case I scanned the room to see where our bouncers were located. I might need their help just in case Nick returned.

The rest of the night I tried to put myself at ease. I had my early warning system and I hadn't felt anything since the first sensation, so I tried to convince myself that everything was OK.

At the end of the shift I had just about put Nick out of my mind. I walked out to the parking area with Karen when I was suddenly hit by the same warning sensation. I looked to my right and saw Nick walking towards us.

"I thought that was you in there," stated Nick, as he flashed a smile.

"I'm not interested in you, Nick," I answered and continued walking towards my car.

"Come on, Iona. I know you want me," he said with a smile.

"Beat it, she said she wasn't interested," snapped Karen.

Nick looked at Karen and licked his lips.

"You want to join us, Blondie?" leered Nick.

He then walked closer to us. Karen ran back into the club to get help.

"Come on, you slut, you know you want to be with me," sneered Nick as he glared at me.

"It is all over. I am a different person now. Please leave me alone," I replied, as I backed away from him. I tried to stall for time. I was also hoping he would just leave.

A slightly confused look came over Nick's face.

"I don't understand, Iona, you were always so eager before. What has changed?" he asked.

Karen then came back out with one of our bouncers.

Dan was 6-5 and played second-string football for one of the local colleges and he usually managed to scare off most threats in The Reef. Nick didn't seem to be scared.

"Why don't you leave the ladies alone buddy," shouted Dan.

Nick smiled and turned to meet Dan. In a split second Nick kicked Dan in the stomach. Dan was on the ground trying to catch his breath and I felt fear and anger rushing through my body. Karen was next to Dan trying to help him.

"Enough games, slut, you are coming with me!" exclaimed Nick.

He grabbed me by the wrist and pulled me towards him, His hand engulfed my wrist and I knew it was impossible for me to physically pull away. I tried to hold my ground as the defiance in me grew, but he was too strong. I was being dragged along like a rag doll. I felt helpless, as I was physically unable to resist him. I felt my anger growing.

"Dammit, bitch, why are you fighting me?" yelled Nick.

"Let me go! LET ME GO!" I screamed.

What happened next was amazing. I suddenly focused on his hand wrapped around my wrist and concentrated. I watched as my wrist suddenly glowed bright red, almost as if was on fire. Nick screamed and released me. I watched as he held his hand and moaned in pain. He then cursed me and ran off down the alley. I then joined Karen and Dan.

"I didn't see what happened, what did you do to him. He screamed like you hurt him really bad," said Karen, who was on the ground helping Dan.

"I kicked him, really hard. I guess he couldn't take a little pain," I lied.

"Damm, remind me never to piss you off," mumbled Dan.

We helped him stand up and then we helped him back into The Reef. Tom, the manager, immediately called the police. Tom seemed very angry with me.

I told the police the truth, more or less, about my relationship with Nick. I said that I had dated him back east, but that I hadn't seen him in over a year, which was true. The police ran his description and name and found out that he had a few outstanding warrants. The most serious one was for using the date-rape drug.

After the police, left I gave Karen an edited version of my old life back east. I told her that I had been a big partier and had come out to start my life fresh. I was worried about her reaction.

"I don't care what you did in the past, Iona. From what I've seen, you are well on your way to the redemption you are seeking," said Karen.

I could sense that she really cared for me.

Tom, who had been eavesdropping, stepped forward to talk to us.

"I appreciate that you are trying to start over. But I must warn you that we can't have any more problems here. You can't bring your sordid past into my place. We are lucky that Dan is OK," he said angrily. "You should tell him you are sorry."

"Tom, do you realize that Iona was almost abducted this evening. She doesn't need you to threaten her and make her feel worse than she already does," snapped Karen.

I felt good that Karen was so quick to defend me. I was too conflicted by what had happened to stand up to Tom. I was angry and scared about Nick's attempted abduction. I was also trying to figure out how I was able to get away from him.

"I just don't need troubles here," retorted Tom. I didn't like the way he was staring at me.

"Hey, Boss, don't blame her. I shouldn't have taken that guy so lightly," added Dan, "Iona, I don't blame you for what happened."

"Thanks," I said. I was on the verge of tears.

"Come on, Iona, I'll drive you home," said Karen. She glared back at Tom as we got up to walk out.

"I'll follow you home, Iona," stated Dan.

I could tell that he felt guilty about not being able to protect me. However I appreciated his offer. I was afraid that Nick might still be lurking out there.

I just nodded. As we walked away, I could feel the eyes of Tom staring at me. He saw me as trouble and was probably thinking of a way to fire me. I didn't care about the stupid job, but I did care about my reputation.

Karen drove me home in my car, while Dan followed. He ensured that I got in the house OK. I watched as he drove Karen back to her car. I turned to see Aunt Kayla standing there in the hall. I then broke down in tears as she held me.

We sat out in the garden and I instantly felt better. I told her what had happened including the whole incident with my wrist.

"You say that you saw your wrist glow red?" asked Aunt Kayla.

"Yes. I didn't feel any pain, but it looked like hot steel," I explained.

Aunt Kayla excused herself and retrieved a book form her library. After several minutes, she found what she was looking for.

"Somehow, you evoked a very powerful protection spell. I am amazed you managed to do it, with so little experience. I must admit that I am very impressed," she exclaimed.

"I was just angry and scared. I told him to let me go and it just happened," I said.

"It is a spell that protects you from harm. Your fear and anger was transformed into physical energy. I am sure Nick has a really painful burn on his hand. The energy released was in direct proportion to the threat," said Aunt Kayla as she read about the spell.

"So, if had used more force, the spell would have been stronger?" I asked.

" Exactly. That's what makes it so powerful. If you don't restrict it's power you could really hurt someone. I will e-mail Amelia and Fiona about this. I know they will find this very interesting. Now, the big question is how are you doing?" asked Aunt Kayla.

"Better, thank you," I replied, "Do you think he'll come back?"

"I doubt it. But if he does, he will regret his decision," Aunt Kayla answered in a firm tone.

I nodded in agreement.

"I will also have to tell Bill about this," I said softly.

It was Aunt Kayla's turn to nod.

 

Part Five

 

Amelia and Fiona both called and talked to me about the incident. Like Aunt Kayla, they were both astounded by my outburst of power. Amelia added that she was due to get the information on my grandmother soon and she would e-mail me a copy as soon as possible.

The rest of the day dragged. I waited until lunchtime to call Bill. I got his voice-mail and left a message for him to call me. I had nothing to do but wait. Aunt Kayla had a full afternoon of clients, so I grabbed my cell phone and walked over to talk to Jacob.

"Well, this is a pleasant surprise. I am very pleased to see you, my dear," announced Jacob.

I gave him a hug and followed him into the house. He poured us each a brandy and we sat out on his deck. I updated him on what was going on, including my dating Bill.

"So, do you think he'll understand about my sordid past?" I asked.

Jacob smiled and took a sip of his brandy.

"If this young man is anything like you describe, he'll understand," said Jacob.

"Love is so different from this side," I said softly, almost to myself.

"That is because you are more in tune with your emotions as a woman," stated Jacob.

I felt better talking to Jacob. I also appreciated the brandy.

"So, tell me about Marny. How did you meet?" I asked.

"It was back in war. I served on the same ship as her fiancé. We were best friends and had served together for years. I was stunned when he told me that he was getting married and even more stunned that he asked me to be his best man. Unfortunately, it never happened," he said sadly. Jacob then took a deep sip of brandy.

I reached over and put my hand on his. He looked at me and smiled.

"We were torpedoed and I was one of the few survivors. The ship had gone down in seconds and only the bridge team had a chance to get off. I made it to a raft, along with the other survivors. It was so cold. We were off the coast of Greenland and we were very lucky to be picked up by a Canadian destroyer. When I was well enough, I tracked Marny down and told her what had happened," said Jacob, his voice drifting off, as he if he was reliving the incident.

"And you've been friends ever since?" I asked.

"I guess you could say that. Actually, she gave me a reason to live. I felt guilty that it was I that had survived and not him. Telling her what had happened was the most difficult thing I ever did. I went back to sea. I volunteered for every difficult mission that came up. I guess I had a death wish, but it was Marny's letters that changed my attitude," answered Jacob.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"She restored my will to live. After the war I opened up a charter boat service in New England. I offered sailing vacations, fishing charters and things like that. Marny convinced me to start whale-watching tours, long before it was fashionable. I fell back in love with the sea and I fell deeply in love with her, but she could only see me as a friend. Eventually she told me her secret, and I guess our close friendship has given me this long healthy life," he stated. "Never underestimate the power of friendship."

I sat there. Their story was both very happy and very sad.

"Don't feel sorry for us, my dear. We have had over 60 years of friendship and I wouldn't trade that for anything," he said in a comforting tone.

I got up and kissed him on the cheek.

We talked for another hour before my phone rang. It was Bill. I said good-bye to Jacob and walked over to the seawall to talk.

"What's up, Iona? You sounded troubled," asked Bill. I could hear the concern in his voice.

"We need to talk about something," I said softly. I then told him what had happened the night before and all about my past. Of course, I told him the edited, non-magical version of Iona's past.

When I finished, I waited for his response. There was a long pause before he began to reply.

"Thank you for your honesty. I know that it must have been very difficult to tell me this. But I don't care about what you did in the past. I only know the girl I've been with out here," he explained.

I felt a tear dripping down my cheek.

"I suspected that you were hiding something about your past, and I knew that you would eventually tell me. This changes nothing between us," he stated.

I felt such relief. I looked over at Jacob's house and saw him sitting on his upstairs deck. I gave him a thumb's up and he waved back.

It showed me that people were willing to forgive someone for mistakes made in their past.

 

My problems suddenly didn't seem so monumental.

 

Part Six

 

Saturday morning I was lost in my studies. I was sitting in the garden totally absorbed in the book that Aunt Kayla had loaned me. Tully had found her way onto my lap and had fallen asleep there and I barely noticed.

"Penny for your thoughts, my dear," asked Aunt Kayla.

Her voice startled me. I didn't know she had sat next to me.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't hear you come out here," I answered.

"I've been out here nearly twenty minutes," replied Aunt Kayla.

"Well, if you don't mind, I do have a question for you," I asked

"There's a surprise!" she exclaimed.

I laughed. "This book doesn't differentiate between good and evil. Why is that?" I asked

 

"Because, my dear, magic isn't good or evil. Only people can have those traits," she replied. "There have been people with powers in all cultures throughout history. Some used their powers to help and others used their powers for personal gain. Some cultures accepted them and other cultures did not. To strengthen their rejection of those with powers, they declared them all evil."

"The winners write the history," I said as I thought about what she had just said.

"Maybe not the winners, but those in control often write the history and decide what is right and wrong," added Aunt Kayla.

"There is so much to learn. I am just beginning to feel comfortable as a woman, and now I have to adapt to having powers. What happened the other night scares me! I had no idea of what I was doing and yet I hurt him. What happens if I get really angry?" I asked.

"That is why you are learning about your powers. Most of us have abused our powers at one time or another. However, no one would fault you for your reaction to Nick. It was self-defense and you responded accordingly. If you had Roger's strength would you have hit Nick?" asked Aunt Kayla.

I thought about it for a moment. "If it was in self-defense? Yes, I would have hit him."

"Would you have tried to kill him or to hurt or scare him off?" she asked.

"I've only been in few fights as Roger and I never tried to actually kill anyone," I said. "I wouldn't have tried to kill Nick last night, at least not unless it was the last resort."

She smiled, "Iona, your intentions are part of your very being. You had the power to really hurt, or even kill Nick, yet you didn't. Mentally, you have set your limits based on your own sense of morality."

I thought back to the concept that magic wasn't good or evil, it was up to the person's morality. I felt a bit better about having powers.

"So, tell me how you feel about this evening?" she asked.

"I've been so wrapped up in my studies I haven't had time to worry about it," I replied.

"Just be yourself and you will do fine this evening," said Aunt Kayla.

"Is that be myself or my-selves?" I asked with a laugh.

She smiled, "Iona, you are only one person. The split is getting smaller every day. You will always have some duality in your life, and that may be for the best."

I smiled and then looked at my watch. I had to start getting ready for my date. I excused myself and went upstairs to shower.

I was too preoccupied by my thoughts about my powers to be aroused. There was so much to learn and so much to gain. I also debated about my future. Since I was starting over in so many ways, maybe I should seek a new career too. I wanted to do something that I could would allow me to use my powers to help people, like the way Aunt Kayla uses her powers. I thought that with my heightened sense of perception I would make a good lawyer; after all, my "mother" was a prosecutor!

I dried off and styled my hair. I then made up my face. I used a bit more makeup than I normally did, but I didn't overdo it either. I still struggled with eyeliner and mascara. I had the hardest time keeping my eyelids still as I applied it. I don't know how some girls apply it so easily!

My dress was a black cocktail dress. Aunt Kayla said every woman needed a dress like it in her wardrobe. I loved the way it looked on me. I found myself posing in front of the mirror, admiring myself. I didn't even mind wearing heels tonight. I also had my first experience putting stockings on. It took me a few tries to get them straight and there was a bit of a struggle attaching my stockings to the garter belt. But it was worth the struggle, as my legs did look great.

I presented myself to Aunt Kayla and I could tell from her reaction that I had done a good job.

"Oh my! Iona, you look lovely!" exclaimed Aunt Kayla

I felt a sense of joy run through my body.

"Thank you," I answered with a huge smile on my face.

"If Bill doesn't feel you are beautiful then he needs an eye exam," she stated.

I sensed his approach and turned in time to see his car pull into the driveway.

"We'll find out in a moment," I stated. I felt myself trembling slightly in anticipation.

Aunt Kayla met Bill at the door and walked him in. He saw me standing there and didn't say a word. I could feel his eyes all over me and I watched as a smile grew on his face.

"Well?" I asked with a smile.

"Words fail me, Iona. You are gorgeous," he said with a smile.

"I'll accept that," I said.

Bill was wearing a tux. It was a classic black, James Bond, type tuxedo. I had to admit that he looked pretty dashing in it, and I told him so.

"Well, we'd better get going," said Bill, looking at his watch.

We said good-bye to Aunt Kayla and left the house. Bill was the ultimate gentleman and he opened the car door for me. I really liked the feeling of being treated so specially.

"I just want to say thank you to taking me out tonight," I said softy.

Bill glanced over at me, there was a look of surprise on his face.

"I meant what I said the other day. I don't care about your past. What you may have done back then doesn't matter to me," he answered.

Damm, he was too good to be true!

"I still appreciate that you accept me for being me, and not just my looks," I said.

It was strange, but in some ways I was getting the man that Iona needed to save her.

He took my hand into his. No more words were necessary.

The party was a lot of fun. Bill introduced me to the people from his office. Sean was there with Karen. She looked star struck. At first she didn't even recognize me.

"Sorry, Iona. I just have to keep pinching myself to ensure that this isn't a dream," she whispered to me. "By the way, thanks again for introducing me to Sean!"

"Thanks for sticking up for me the other night," I whispered back.

The only thing about the evening that bothered me was the way that some of the people there treated me. They took me at face value. I was just a college student and to some of them I "wasn't up to their level intellectually". Well, I wasn't about to play dumb for anyone!

A few were holding a conversation on the latest international crisis and whether the US should become involved. One of Bill's smart-ass co-workers turned to me and asked me what I thought we should do. I could sense he was fully expecting my response to be humorous and that I would show what an airhead I was.

I gave a clear, concise description of the limitations of using the military as peacemakers and the history of the conflict in question. Soon, I had everyone's attention and they were truly listening to my response. Even the jerk that tried to set me up seemed impressed.

Bill came over and interrupted and pulled me away.

"I need to introduce you to my boss. By the way, I'm impressed with your knowledge of the military and foreign policy. You never cease to amaze me!" exclaimed Bill.

"Are they watching us walk away?" I whispered to Bill.

He glanced over his shoulder, "Yep!"

I smiled and felt a tingle of joy as Bill took my hand in his. I was grateful that I had bought new batteries for the silver wand as it was going to get a good workout tonight!

I knew that this would be an important moment for Bill. I was determined to make a good impression on his boss. The present DA was a woman and she actually remembered Bill, even though he was one of many junior lawyers working in the office.

We stood there and talked for a few minutes. She was checking us both out and I could sense that Bill had made a good impression. She asked me about my plans and I explained that I was starting college after spending a few years traveling. That didn't seem to bother her.

"I think it is wonderful that you explored the world before continuing your education. It will make you a better, more rounded person. So what are you going to study?" she asked me.

"I was going to study engineering, but I am thinking about shifting to history and pre-law. My mother is a lawyer, and I am thinking about going into the family business," I answered.

My answer pleased the DA and caught Bill off guard. There was something about this woman that seemed familiar. It was as if I had met her before.

As we walked away from her, Bill whispered to me, "Just when I think you can't surprise me, you stun me again."

"I am really thinking about going into the law," I stated.

Bill just smiled and shook his head.

The rest of the evening went by in a blur. Bill and I had a wonderful time and I must admit that we were both sad to see the evening come to an end.

While I really appreciated Bill's restraint I was hoping that he would soon take our relationship up a notch. But, I put that thought out of my mind, as I didn't want to influence him with my magic. I wanted it to come naturally.

As we drove back to my place, Bill held my hand the whole way.

We pulled into my driveway and Bill pulled me close and we began to kiss. I felt my body come alive as we kissed long and passionately. Bill's hands were slowly sliding over my body and it felt so wonderful.

We kissed for several minutes before he escorted me up to the house.

"I can't wait until we go out again," I said honestly.

"You read my mind. How bout this Friday? I have a great little romantic restaurant I want to take you to," he asked.

"Sounds great. I can't wait," I answered.

We kissed again. I felt as if I was in a romantic movie and I was the heroine. I stepped inside and watched him walk away. He kept looking over his shoulder at me. He waved and drove away.

I walked upstairs and filled the bath. As appealing as the sliver wand was, I decided to take a bath instead. I poured in some bubble bath and slipped into the hot steamy water. I thought about how wonderful the night was and how good it felt to be with Bill. As I pleasured myself, my problems and fears slipped away for a few minutes.

My body craved release and it didn't take long to bring myself to climax. What was amazing was that the orgasms kept coming. I was hit by one wave of pleasure after another and I sloshed around in the tub in ecstasy. I did my best to keep the noise down, but it was difficult! I finally came down as I slipped down into the tub, until I was almost submerged. I lay there, in the tub, for several minutes, regaining my energy, before getting out and cleaning up the excess water that spilled out of the tub. It was a small price to pay for such a wonder release of joy and pleasure.

I skipped my computer. The world could wait until morning and I climbed into bed and fell into a deep and rewarding night of sleep.

 

End of Part VII

  

  

  

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