Mustard Seed:
Faith, Hope, and Love
Can Laura help Leira in her hour of greatest need?
One ~ April 1, 2012 ~ Discovery
“What is it, Sweetie?” said Mark with concern to his wife Leira. He could see her discomfort as she writhed in the bed with pain showing on her face and in her eyes.”
“Darling, please call Dr Robin for me. She’ll take care of me much better than if we went to the Urgent Care or the ER. I can make it over in the car.”
“Sure, Sweetheart. I’ll call Dr Robin to let her know we are on the way. Should I call Laura too?”
“She’ll call us soon so maybe when she does we’ll have something more to tell her.” Leira shared an empathic link with her sister Laura. There was a time when it had been telepathic when they both needed it.
Leira didn’t bother packing a bag and instead Mark helped her into the car. Off they sped toward Dr Robin Lee’s office. Mark was a very careful driver but could also be skilled at safely driving with speed on the few times that called for it.
Leira’s discomfort was being eased because she could sense Laura’s emotion from an amazingly peaceful dream. When Laura woke then she’d become aware of Leira’s situation.
Before Leira could realize that time had passed, Dr Robin had her in her special exam room and had made Leira as comfortable as she could. Leira had taken a battery of tests after she’d seen Doctor Lee with her pain and some other unusual symptoms.
Thank goodness for Laura’s dream because the pure joy that had poured thru their empathic link melted the pain and discomfort away. Once Mark saw the effects that Laura was having on Leira, He realized why Leira hadn’t let him wake her yet.
Dr Robin came into the exam room and smiled, “That must be some dream Laura had, Leira.” Dr Robin had treated both sisters since they were nine years old when she had first begun practicing medicine. There wasn’t much about the sisters that she didn’t know. They both were very dear to her and she would do anything for either of them.
“Yes Dr Robin, Laura was there for me when I needed her most, again.”
“Well let me know when you need some help from me and I’ll do what I can to ease your pain.”
“I will Doctor Robin. Do you know what’s causing this?”
“I have my suspicions but I’m going to wait to voice them until the results come in from the Lab. I’ve put a rush on them so it shouldn’t be too long.”
Dr Robin believed in having all the lab facilities in house which made her care less expensive for her patients and shortened the time that they had to wait on tests. Leira was one of her special patients so she had her lab assistant put everything else on hold in order to process Leira’s test results.
“Leira, for now just summon your hope and faith that all this will turn out alright. I’ve seen the results of the faith that you and your sister have. It has worked miracles and I expect your faith to do so again.” Offered Dr Robin to Leira as she took her hand and looked into her eyes. She injected a sedative that put Leira into a very relaxed state.
Leira’s cell phone rang and Mark answered it for her. The phone notified them that it was Laura. “Hi Laura, We were expecting your call. Leira is in a really bad way right now but we are at Dr Lee’s office and she’s been checking Leira to see what is causing her pain.”
“Thanks Mark, May I talk with Leira a second?”
“Sure Laura.” Mark handed the phone to Leira.
“Hi Lori, I’m not feeling too good at the moment as I am sure you know.”
“Hi Leia, I’m sorry that you are not feeling too well, Sis. What can I do?”
“Please do just what you have been doing, Sis. The comfort coming thru our bond is working wonders for me. Thank you, it really has helped. I’m not sure what errands that I might need but we left so quickly that I didn’t pack a bag so if you would stay put for now, it would be a blessing. Dr Lee promised to come in and talk to us in a few minutes with the results of the tests that she has been doing on me. We’ll call you when we get Dr Lee’s results and we’ll know better what help that we will need.”
“’Kay, Sis. I’ll stay put and wait for your call. I hope you feel better soon!”
“I do too Lori. Bye Sis.” Leira hung up the cell and handed it back to her husband.”
“Bye Sis.” Laura hung up the phone and went back to her bed. When she was completely relaxed, she could send healing and comfort thru the empathic link that they shared. She knew that she could do this much better in the peace and comfort of the cottage and that her sister was right that for now it was best for her to stay put.
Right when Dr Robin Lee told them to expect her, she came thru the door to her office where Leira and Mark had been waiting for her. Leira and her husband, Mark, looked toward Doctor Lee with anticipation
Dr. Robin began, “Leira and Mark, I have results from testing that we did and they are conclusive. First, Leira, you are 5 weeks pregnant!” Smiles came to Leira and Mark’s faces because they had been trying for a child. “Second, Leira, you are in Stage 2 Lung Cancer. We were able to determine that all the symptoms that you have been experiencing have come from either pregnancy or cancer.”
Mark replied, “What is the prognosis for treating the cancer, Doctor?”
Dr. Robin answered, “Stage 2 cancer is advanced and active and if untreated leads to Stage 3 which has cancer spreading throughout her body and is very deadly. If Leira were not pregnant, I would recommend Chemotherapy but that would likely cause a miscarriage or irreparable harm to her fetus, perhaps even death. If Leira elected to not be treated for cancer in hopes of delivering her baby, cancer would render her incapable of carrying her child full term even if extreme measures were used to try to keep her body alive.” Leira began weeping as Mark lent his shoulder and tried to comfort her.
Dr. Robin continued,” I’m sorry but your best option is for Leira to have an abortion and start treatment for cancer.”
Mark held his wife but was able to ask,” Doctor what about a surrogate? Can we get her fetus transferred to another woman’s womb?”
Dr. Robin spoke with concern, “If there was some way to save her fetus’ life then I would try it. Her fetus is too large to be transferred. If we remove her fetus from her womb then her fetus would die.”
Leira suddenly stopped crying and snapped alert as if something amazing had occurred to her. “Dr Robin, if there were near perfect tissues match and my entire reproductive system was transplanted intact would my baby live? Is there a chance that would work?”
Dr. Robin answered her, “That might be possible. Keeping your fetus in your womb would protect it since there is no better incubator than a mother’s womb. However, I doubt any woman would be a surrogate in that fashion since it would require her own womb and reproductive system to be done away with. Even if a transplant were a success any future children would be from your eggs and not hers. It would be difficult to ask a woman to give up her ability to have her own children.”
Leira’s face came alive with hope. “So if she doesn’t have a reproductive system of her own to discard, she might be willing to be a surrogate? Let’s say I have a person to be a surrogate covered. How would we proceed?”
Robin’s face contorted with deep concentration and then with a sudden moment of understanding, she relaxed and replied.” If you have a surrogate, and I know who you might have in mind now, then it might work. Please tell me who you are thinking of for your surrogate.”
Leira replied, “My sister Laura. Since she is a transwoman, she doesn’t have a reproductive system of her own to dispose of to make way for mine to be transplanted.”
Mark answered, “Of course! Laura would do it and she’s a near match genetically for Leira. They would be identical twins except that Laura has a Y chromosome instead of a X.”
Dr. Robin exclaimed,” Laura could be our answer! We were thinking alike, Leira. When you proposed someone who was a near twin of you she was really the only candidate. In this case it is fortunate that she hasn’t had a chance to get her GRS done yet because that could have hindered the transplant taking having a second surgery so close to the transplant. The team will have more options starting with everything not touched by surgery.”
Leira smiled,” Great minds think alike! Laura is the only woman that I would trust with both my baby and my womb. So how would we proceed when Laura agrees to be my surrogate?”
Robin’s brow furrowed a bit as she concentrated then she began to speak. “We’d have to get John’s Hopkins involved and hope that our challenge would get them to throw research dollars into it. If so we’d get our best medical minds working on our problems of keeping our surrogate and your baby healthy and bring her to term so her child could be delivered by C section. Once your reproductive system was removed then we could treat your cancer. Trauma of giving a transplant should be negated by a greater effectiveness of cancer treatment without dealing with your reproductive system. “
“Dr Robin what about after I am over the cancer and the baby is born and we are sure that my womb is a permanent part of Laura? Questioned Leira.
Dr Robin answered. “Afterward she could carry another baby or babies for you and since you two are so close to identical, your eggs could let Laura be the mother of her own baby without anyone and especially her child noticing a discrepancy. It could work!”
“Dr Robin you have given me hopes both for myself and my baby. Thank you so much! What do we do now?” Leira had been uplifted by the faith that this could work.
Dr Robin answered with confidence, “Why don’t you contact Laura and have her come here so we can discuss it with her and while she is getting here I will see if I can get Johns Hopkins interested in this case. I’ll get our genetic test results that you two had me run while you were trying to help Laura cope and see if that speeds up our process.”
Mark answered, “I’m on it! Thank you Doctor!” Doctor Lee left her office and Mark pulled out his cell phone and said to Leira, “Are you up to talking with Laura or should I?” “I feel up to talking to her, Mark” Mark dialed Laura with Leira’s cell then handed her cell phone back to Leira when it began ringing.
Laura answered, “Hi Laura!”
Leira replied, Hi Sis. I need you here to talk to you about the results we just received from Dr Robin. Could you come join us in Dr Lee’s office?”
Laura replied, “Sure Sis! I’ll be right there. Say in about 10 minutes.”
Leira replied, “Make it 15 minutes sis. Its not an emergency and I need you here in one piece.”
Laura giggled, ”OK Sis. See you soon. Bye!” Laura was already out the door and to her car when she hung up. She got into her car, put on her seatbelt and drove down the winding driveway. Her cottage was visible in the rear view mirror as Leira and Mark’s home came into view ahead of her. The cottage’s driveway merged with their home’s driveway and she continued out into the street toward Dr Lee’s office.
Leira answered, “Bye Sis!” She hung up his phone, returning it to Mark, and said, "She'll be right here. She didn’t waste time asking why so we’ll have to fill her in when she gets here.”
Ten minutes later, Laura was escorted into Doctor Lee’s office where she joined Leira and Mark.
Leira began to speak to Laura while Laura listened carefully. Laura waited for Leira to finish before she replied. Laura sat across from Leira holding both her hands as she looked into Leira’s eyes and listened.
“Sis I have some bad news but we have a plan to deal with it and it involves you if you are game. Doctor Lee is checking out details to make sure we haven’t overlooked something. She will be back in momentarily to fill you in on details and let us know her findings. Sis, I have lung cancer and its bad… stage 2 … and I’m also pregnant. Doctor Lee suggested an abortion since my baby would die whether we treated my cancer or not since it’s so small now, five weeks. Transplanting her fetus to a surrogate womb would not work since my fetus is so large that it would kill her fetus to remove it from my womb. We brainstormed and thought that if there were a surrogate who received my entire reproductive system intact then my baby would be OK for a transplant especially for someone who was a near genetic match like you are. Mark and I would like for you to carry my baby if we can work out details.”
Laura enthusiastically answered. “Oh Sis yes… I’ll do it!” Laura was glad that a simple yes from her could open a way for her sister and baby to be healthy.
Leira squeezed Laura’s hand that was held in hers as they sat across from each other. “Thank you from both of us Laura. We have one more request, if this works out and you are up to it, Mark and I want you to be a surrogate for another child between us. Then you are free to have your own children. You know Sis that since we are near twins they will be as if yours were born from your own womb.”
Laura thought of everything that Leira had done for her and smiled, “Sure Sis and I will carry as many children for you and Mark as you would like for me to. It’s only fair for your gift that you will be giving me.”
Leira was relieved with the faith to know it would work out. “Thank you, Sis! Now all we need to do is wait for Doctor Lee to see her findings and find out a prognosis.”
Dr Robin Lee came into her office as if on cue with a clipboard full of documents cradled in her arm. She noticed that Laura had joined Leira and Mark since she had left her office.
Dr Robin was always glad to see Laura, who thrived in spite of her challenges. “Greetings, Laura! I’m so glad to see you again. Have your sister and her husband filled you in on our hopes and your contribution?”
Laura held Dr Robin dear for all of her help. “Hello Dr Robin, I’m glad to see you too. Leira and Mark have filled me in and I have agreed to be Leira’s surrogate. I want so much for Leira and her baby to be alright. It will be quite an adventure for me since I never ever expected to be pregnant. ”
Dr Robin realized how easy it would be for Laura to be swept away with this but she deserved to know what to expect. “Laura, I appreciate your enthusiasm but you must understand that Leira’s plan is very experimental and long term you bear a greater risk. Basically, Leira in not choosing an abortion has a poor prognosis for life and surgery gives her a chance to live. However Laura, you are healthy and even if a transplant withstands her pregnancy it isn’t any guarantee that you may reject it later and with so much more being transplanted than is ordinary, transplant rejection would likely cost you your life. Are you really willing to take that risk?”
Laura knew that she owed her sister to take the risk. “Doctor Lee, if I do nothing either Leira or her unborn child will surely die, and if this all works out then both of them will survive. I’m willing to take a chance on my own life to save both of their lives. Yes, I really want to do this, Doctor Lee”
Dr Robin was satisfied that Laura understood the possible consequences so she continued, “Leira and Mark that means that we are one step closer to saving Leira and her unborn child’s life. John’s Hopkins has a research team with funding that is willing to tackle a challenge like yours. They agree in principal to Leira’s plan. They are sending a private jet to take all of us to their research facility in order to start tests on both Leira and Laura to see if they can flesh out Leira’s plan to make it a reality. They sent contracts for both of you to fill out which includes all the paperwork they need to get started. All of the medical info has been pre-filled out from your records" Dr Robin handed Leira and Laura a contract packet.
Dr Robin continued, "They plan 3 days of intensive testing and then they will know whether our present technology can indeed perform a miracle that we all are hoping for to occur. Both Leira and Laura will be paid research stipends which should cover their expenses both for testing and implementation of our plan. I have arranged for a colleague to cover my practice during our tests so I’ll be able to help you during that phase. When it goes to implementation, I’ll leave you in the guidance of our researchers. Tomorrow we'll begin to find those answers at Johns Hopkins, so I would suggest you three make arrangements for a prolonged absence.”
Leira marveled at all the work that Dr Robin had done in such a short time. “Dr Robin thanks so much for putting this together so quickly! You are truly a miracle worker. And thank you for being with us thru our testing because it will put my mind at ease having you there.”
Dr Robin smiled and felt good at being able to help the twins again. “You are welcome, Leira”
Laura questioned, “Dr Robin, Can you explain why they decided in our favor so quickly?”
Dr Robin explained, “Your genetic workup that you two had me do for you on Laura when you hoped to prove that you two were identical twins so you could prove to your mother that you two were sisters. If it were now we’d get a brain scan for proof but our science hadn’t proven that out yet then. Even though it didn’t accomplish your goal then, now it proves that Laura is a close enough match to you to do a transplant without drug therapy to prevent rejection.”
“There is still one thing that has me baffled, Dr Robin. How could I be pregnant? I had my last period like always.”
“How was the flow your last period?”
“It was rather spotty but I have had light and spotty periods before. But I felt the whole PMS before and felt the same discomfort otherwise that I usually do/”
“Laura, how was your last period? I believe that you’ve told me that yours have been at the same time as Leira’s from the time that you started the special HRT that I prescribed.”
“Well I never have any of the messiness of course since I don’t have a uterus, but I feel the other symptoms including PMS and it was a normal period for me.”
“Leira, your spotting can be normal in a pregnancy, but the rest of the symptoms were you experiencing Laura’s period. Her brain is as female as yours which sends out autonomic responses to control the organs that should be present but are not. Coupled with that is the fact that she is fully hormonally female including the hormones would come from her uterus. Together it means she can experience anything about a period except the physical results from organs that she doesn’t have. The short of it was for once, that courtesy of your empathic link, you were experiencing a sympathetic response. So you thought that you were experiencing your own period but it was really Laura’s”
“I guess it’s only fair that after me experiencing yours from the beginning, that you should experience mine once, Leia”
“No worries, Lori! I was just curious and its something to file away for the future. Besides, if all goes well and you become pregnant with my child, neither one of us will be experiencing periods.”
“That’s true but I bet if you can experience my period then you’ll be in tune with me to experience pregnancy along with me.”
“That’s something that you both may have to deal with in the future, First things first, I’m off to get some details taken care of before we go get on that jet.”
“Thank you so much!” both sisters chorused in unison.
Dr Robin excused herself, “Meet me at Lulation General Aviation Field to board our Johns Hopkins Jet at noon tomorrow”
“We’ll be there!” both sisters chorused again and each giggled at each other.
Mark looked at the sisters having fun and just shook his head. He knew better than to make any comment about their cutting up. He was hopeful however that both sisters had the faith to make this impossible dream come true for both Leira and their unborn child.
Two ~ April 2, 2012 ~ Journey
Leira, Laura and Mark called and received permission from their jobs for leave for our testing phase and giving them a heads up for a possible extended stay for treatment. Finally, all four of them parted from her office to make preparations for their journey.
Dr. Robin already had a weekend trip bag packed so she spent most of the remaining time communicating with her friend Kathryn. Dr Robin tried to answer questions that their hurried information transfer had hinted at but not covered. In the end it would be up to the researchers to do adequate testing to get a complete baseline. But since Dr Robin was so familiar with the girls she could save time by pointing them in the right direction and perhaps already having the answer.
After they had arrived at their home, Mark and Leira set to their task of packing while brainstorming on all things that they would absolutely need for their journey and their needs for their extended stay. Leira was glad for her stipend but it meant that they would have to tap into their savings for Mark to be with her thru their entire experience. Once they had successfully made it thru their testing phase, Mark was going to see if he could telecommute to his job to lessen their financial strain.
Mark was first to finish packing and he had likewise come to a similar finish when he was considering any other items to take along. Leira was still engaged in packing when she noticed that Mark had finished.
“Mark, are you finished packing already?”
“Yes, Dear. Is there anything that I can do for you?”
“Actually Mark there is something. Do you remember our necklaces that we had sent to our jeweler to replace their string with a gold chain and to clean up?”
“Yes Dear. Would you like me to pick them up?”
“Please Mark. I’d like to give Laura hers and start wearing mine as we start our journey.” The necklaces had been lost even though her mother had tried to find them many times once she had realized that Laura was her daughter. Leira had recently discovered them in a secret compartment of one her mother’s jewelry boxes. They didn’t look as fabulous now as they had to the two young girls long ago so she had sent them to the jewelers to restore their former glory before they both could start wearing them.
“As you wish” said Mark with a smile remembering ‘The Princess Bride’ and he left to go to their jeweler.
Laura didn’t drive quite as quickly and actually made it home in 15 minutes. It was beginning to sink in that she had the potential to become a more complete woman than medical science had thus far been able to offer to those with Harry Benjamin Syndrome. She already had a GRS surgery bag packed complete with all the things she had gleaned from things written and chats with women who had undergone the experience.
Laura didn’t have the rest of the things packed that she would want for a possible year stay away from home but she did have the list on the computer that she had completed for the year abroad that she had planned from part of her inheritance from her parents. It was actually her mother, on their trip back from Leira’s wedding, who had recommended that Laura find a way to go on such a trip after she’d recovered from her GRS as a way of finding herself. Laura hoped that if her Mother was looking down from heaven that she would be proud of how both of her girls had turned out.
Using her packing list for her year abroad as a guideline Laura soon had all her packing done in a very efficient manner. Laura lost herself thinking about her past as she packed almost on autopilot. She owed a lot to her sister who would not take no for an answer when she advocated things Laura would have liked added to be whole
Laura called a cab to take her and her luggage to the airport to meet with the rest of her family, which they counted Dr Lee to be a surrogate mother to both sisters, for the trip to Johns Hopkins.
Leira had decided that with everything that she was bringing that she would take her own cab to the airport. She’d gotten done more quickly than Leira and Mark so she went on ahead so she would have time to get a Mocha Frappuccino® Blended Coffee from Starbucks for herself and she had taken orders from the rest of her traveling companions.
Robin smiled as she saw 2 other cabs pull into the private jet area where their jet had its doors opened ready to receive the four of them and their luggage. Leira and Mark were getting out and the cab driver was helping them take their luggage to be loaded on the jet. On the other side, Laura was getting help from her cabbie to get her luggage loaded on the jet. Laura distributed the Starbucks orders to the appropriate people prior to boarding. Soon the luggage was all loaded and the four of them entered the plane. Evidentially the head researcher was hitting the ground running because she, herself, flew down on the plane to be their contact and share the ride up to John’s Hopkins with them.
“Greetings! I’m Dr Kathryn Jenkins, and I will be heading up the research team that will be helping this miracle to occur. I already know Robin from college. Robin thank you so much for trusting me with this important matter.” Kathryn gave Robin a hug. “Robin can you introduce me to the rest of our group?”
“Sure Kathryn. Kathryn this couple is Leira and Mark Walters.”
“Hi Dr Jenkins. Thank you for taking us on and I am glad to meet you”, greeted Leira
Likewise Mark replied, “Thank you Dr Jenkins from me too”
“You are both welcome. Leira may I have your contract?
Leira got out her signed contract and handed it to Dr Jenkins. Dr Robin resumed the introductions, "And Kathryn, this is Laura Landers.”
Dr Jenkins smiled, "I'm glad to meet you Laura. Do you have your signed contract as well?"
“Yes I’m Laura and I am glad to meet you Dr Jenkins. Here is my packet.” And Laura handed her contact packet to Dr Jenkins
The interior of the jet looked a lot like one of the blood bank busses with the medical bays with supplies scattered throughout where ever space would permit and with chairs which could be configured as patient beds. An enclosed office with monitoring station was situated in the back of the jet near the entrance. Two of the beds were already occupied. The person in the bed farthest from the rear door where we entered was already hooked up to monitoring equipment and IV’s. It was clear from the snoring that the patient was soundly sleeping even with the noise we had already made entering the jet.
“The person sleeping and sawing logs is Terry Sommers, a doctoral student. I started Terry’s pregnancy IV's after picking Terry up in Branson. Mo. With the intense effects of the hormones being started if was found that it was easier to include sedation in the mix, timed to take effect when the uncomfortable symptoms begin. Terry is asleep from the sedative and should be soon entering that more intense phase of the hormonal treatment.” She hated to obfuscate but Dr Terry Sommers of the Jaime's Hope Foundation was not someone who would be easy to hide. Best guess would be that they would try to pass off the alter ego as Dr Sommers' sister.
“Across the aisle from Terry Sommers is Jason Majors, a masters student. Greetings Jason! This is Leira and Mark Walker, Laura Landers and Dr Robin Lee.”
“I’m very glad to meet you all.”
“We picked up Jason in his hometown of Eufala, AL and he’s not yet reached the phase where the sedatives kick in yet. Both Terry and Jason match the experimental parameters, who have agreed to participate in the testing phase of the research. Our added test subjects are current medical graduate students at John's Hopkins, who have received a DNA profile as part of the human genome project research.”
“Jason, I’m Leira, may I ask you why you are willing to do this for someone that you had not even met till now?”
“Well to explain, I’ll need to tell you all a little story first. Is that okay with y’all?”
“Sure, go ahead!”
“This occurred in April years ago at the Majors family home in Eufala, AL where I just came from.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hey, Jason!" called Leigh to her sibling, who was headed up stairs. "I've got something to show you. Would you like to join me in my bedroom for a moment?"
"Coming, Sis!" agreed Jason Christopher Majors as he followed his sister into her room.
Leigh closed the door behind her sibling because this conversation could not be overheard. She directed her sibling to the bed where they sat down side by side.
Leigh Lynn Majors hugged Jaycee, who she knew to be her sister, but it was too dangerous for either of them to let that secret escape.
Leigh had found out six years ago about her sister, who had to pretend she was her brother. Leigh had found Jaycee in her room crying after her birthday party. Jaycee admitted that all the masculine gifts were too much and what she really wanted was a doll or a pretty dress. It was then that they decided that they had to keep this secret and that Jaycee had to keep pretending to be a boy. Their father had a problem with anger management but had thus far not harmed them or their mother. However both their Father and Mother were members of a hate group, with tactics like the KKK, directed against LGBT individuals. Jaycee became a very good actress in order that her parents would not have any suspicion that she was not the boy that she appeared to be.
Leigh gave Jaycee a small box wrapped in pink paper and tied up in ribbons. "Happy twelfth birthday, Jaycee!" Jaycee untied the ribbons and carefully removed the paper to reveal a jewelry bon underneath it.
"Open it!” Leigh prompted. Jaycee opened the box to reveal a beautiful silver locket on a silver chain.
Jaycee hugged her sister and gave her a peck on her cheek and told her," Thank you so much, Sis!"
Leigh returned the affection and prompted again, "There is more! Like I said before, Open it!"
Jaycee did as she was told and inside the locket were pictures of 2 infants. "That's me and you as babies! I hope you like it!” Leigh told her sister.
"I love it, sis! It's a wonderful present. Thank you again" Jaycee hugged her sister again.
Jaycee's face furrowed up with a frown. "There isn't anywhere I can keep it. I can't risk being discovered which is why I have denied myself feminine things."
"I know, sis!" Leigh comforted, "That's why it isn't engraved yet but I'll do it when we are both adults. I can keep it for you in my Jewelry box until you have a place to keep it yourself."
Jaycee was relieved," That's wonderful Sis. Thank you for looking out for me!"
"That's what big sisters are for." explained Leigh who was 2 years older than Jaycee. She continued, "I'll have another present for 'Jason' at his party but this is the real one."
Jaycee smiled, "I'll think about this present when I have to be properly pleased at something that Jason is supposed to like."
Leigh observed, "You are quite the actress. I wish you could be yourself. It's not good for you to keep all this bottled up inside you, sis. I hope you never forget it’s only a part you are playing for now!"
"I love you sis!" exclaimed Jaycee
"I love you too!" replied Leigh She thought that Jaycee was too good an actress at times because she threw her parents off by acting like a bratty brother instead of the loving sister she was really.
Leigh took the necklace from Jaycee. She had not worn it but Leigh knew that if she had put it on then she could not have been able to take it off. She put it in a special place in her jewelry box to keep it safe for Jaycee as she had promised her.
As her sibling got up from the bed, she had begun acting again and it was Jason who rose.
"Thanks for showing me that, Sis. Catch you later!" Jason opened the door and stepped thru it.
"Later, Jason!" Leigh called after Jason as he left. She treasured these special times and hoped all was well with her sibling for now.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
:”You see I’m transgendered, even if I have had my reasons for not transitioning yet. If my help is needed to save your baby, I’ll freely give it. I’m an adult now and I can’t live forever in fear of my parents. The end result of completing the project totally would leave me with a complete female body and that’s how I would leave things. I would really appreciate your gift to me if I am the one chosen to receive it. In any case this testing gives me the reason to get off the fence and a chance to jumpstart transition. I am confident in these doctors’s ability even though it hasn’t been tried before, to save both you and your baby”
Thank you JayCee! I look forward to getting to know you better, You're a good person!"
“Well now with the introductions done, lets all take our seats so we can take off. Laura, once you are settled, we need to get you started on a hormone mix via IV so you will be ready for pregnancy and that the test results will be as close to the actual transplant conditions. I’m looking forward to getting you all settled and then for you to meet our team in the morning and get to work with the testing.. Leira, I’d like you to take a bed opposite Laura. No hormone cocktail for you of course. I’d like to do some initial monitoring of your condition.”
“Of course, Doctor Jenkins” both sisters spoke in unison and then giggled as they took their places on the beds.
Mark found that the over wide aisle was configured so that a chair could be mounted along side either bed with plenty of passage around it. Dr Jenkins removed one of the chairs from the back row and shoed Mark how to install it beside Leira. Meanwhile, Dr. Robin and Dr Jenkins started the IV for Laura and secured it for the trip. They also saw to placing the sensors for the monitoring of Leira’s condition and that of her unborn baby. Once finished with their work, they took chairs opposite each other and Dr Jenkins signaled to the pilot that the jet could be now moved as needed in preparation for taking off when they were cleared.
Leira had Mark look into her suitcase and pullout the necklace cases to give to her. She opened one and admired the work that the jeweler had done to restore and enhance it. She remembered fondly the day that the nice Sunday School teacher had given both her and her sibling the necklaces.
Their pilot made the trip to John’s Hopkins very comfortable and very quickly. With it being after hours, all of them were taken to their living quarters within the research center and settled in for the night.
Three ~ April 3, 2012 ~ Testing
Dr. Erika Johansen, a tall auburn beauty with green eyes, was at Jason Major's bedside as he awoke. As Jason became aware of his surroundings, he realized that he was in the same hospital room on the VIP floor of the hospital wing of the research facility. Still running thru the IV in his arm was the pregnancy cocktail that Dr Jenkins had started last night along with a sedative that caused him to go to sleep quickly. Jason was glad of the early bedtime when he realized that the digital clock on the wall read 3 AM.
Erika greeted Jason with a big smile, "Good Morning, Jason! I'm Dr Erika Johansen, the research team's therapist. I was brought into Johns Hopkins from outside practice specifically for this project. "
"Good Morning, Dr Johansen. Looks like they didn't spare any expense with the pharmaceuticals. I had a wonderful sleep. Is there any reason why we are starting so early?"
"Please Call me, Erika."
"OK, Erika."
"I was told that this particular cocktail works better when the subject is asleep. We have to get an early start due to project security. I imagine that you were able to consider the implications of this research should you be the one chosen for the transplant."
"The worlds first pregnant man. The tabloids would have a field day if this got out that it was even planned."
"That's why project security feels that you should be incognito or rather incognita. You are to pose as a woman for as long as project security feels like it is necessary. When I became involved with the project, the seriousness of disguising you in that way was brought to the leadership and security's attention. They still maintain that this is the best way of dealing with the situation even though it may raise issues for you."
"What will that mean for me, Erika?"
"Jason, I was concerned about imposing a gender expression on you that was contrary to your experience. It is after all one of the tenants of the Standards of Care for transgendered patients that a year of living in the opposite gender than what was originally expressed is required because if the person's internal gender varies from that expressed the situation becomes unbearable to them and they must return to their true gender expression. This situation if it involves a pregnancy would be of an equivalent duration. Your medical records indicate no gender variance from the assigned gender of male so we'll give you lots of support. I've recruited your sister, Leigh, to help with your adjustment since she is both a image consultant and life coach. Having this help come from family could be a great comfort to you. From your reaction, you didn't read the contract you signed very well. It called for you to pose as a woman while attached to the research project. Since your cooperation is needed, you can be released from your contract if you choose now due to your misunderstanding of the conditions. Do you wish to terminate your involvement?"
"I will commit to posing as a woman for the duration of the project. I wish to honor my contract and save the life of that mother and child if I can help. When can I see my sister?" From the moment that Erika had even mentioned Gender Dysphoria, Miss Jaye was obfuscating as though she were an old hand at it. Erika noted a diagnosis changed to GID pending further testing. If it turned out that Miss Jaye could not be the recipient it might put all of them out of a job from the lawsuit. There was no time like the present to bring the question to the lady at the top and she was on her way next to do so as she smiled at Miss Jaye.
"Jason, she's already here. Do you have any more questions for me right now?
"No, Maam."
In that case, would you like to see your sister now?"
"Very much."
Leigh opened the door and bent over Jason's bed and gave him a hug. "I love you, Jason. I'm going to do my best to help you thru this and so is Erika. I wish we didn't have to rush doing this but we need to get you as presentable as a woman as soon we can. We have a head start since the nursing staff removed your body hair while you were asleep. As you can imagine, Johns Hopkins isn't new to having transgendered patients so we were able to get the things that you'll need for your new life."
Erika responded, "Jason, you aren't going to be alone going thru this in the project. I am a transwoman myself and so is the sister of the woman we are trying to help who is the another possible surrogate mother. We'll do both individual and group sessions as we go forward. I'll go to the nurse's station and get the nurse to temporarily remove the IV so you can get dressed with your sister's help and I will leave you two to get that sorted then we'll talk more. I have to get one more new young lady off on her first day of womanhood who is staying down the hall."
"Thank you. Erika." said Jason which Leigh echoed. Erika left the room leaving the two alone in the room.
While they were waiting on the nurse, Leigh offered a small box to Jaycee with a smile. Hey Sis! Welcome to woman hood!" Before Jaycee was a box that contained the golden locket set that Leigh had put up for her so long ago. On it were engraved the few words that they feared would be too much, "To my Sis, love always." Jaycee opened it up were baby pictures of the pair of them looking just like the sisters that they were. Tears of joy were streaming from the eyes of both girls as they gave each other a tender hug. Jaycee told Leigh," I love you sis! Thank your for giving it to me in the first place and for hiding it for me all these years." "You are welcome sweetie. Now is your time to shine!"
It wasn't for long because the Nurse came in an instant later bringing a large travel wardrobe for Leigh and removed the IV from being connected to the port in Jason's wrist. Leigh started by removing Jason's hospital gown and she took two breast forms from a case in the wardrobe. She applied surgical adhesive to the forms and applied them to Jason's chest. "Do you have a girl's name picked out for you Jason? She held them in place with her hands for the adhesive to dry. "No, not really, Leigh I didn't know I was going to have to be a woman till Erika just told me. Do you know what I would have been called, by Momma, if I she had known that I was a girl? That's not something that I could have asked Momma. "
"Well you wouldn't have been named, "Leigh" Momma said that they had picked out a different girls name for me because they didn't want to take the chance of using the same girls name from someone who turned out to be a boy (in their eyes of course) You would have had the same initials, you would have been "Jessica Christina" ". While she was speaking she used some cosmetics to make the seam disappear between the forms and Jaycee's skin
"I will be "Jessica Christina" and that means I still will be "Jaycee". I like that."
"OK! We'll be creating a new image for you and the only thing that makes sense is total immersion. Starting now, 24 / 7 you will be Jessica Christina Majors. That other name and existence is just a memory that we wont be dwelling on any more. OK. you are a girl now. Right, Jessica?" The breast forms had dried so Leigh removed her hands from them and Jessica sat up. When she did, she could feel the weight on her chest.
"OK Leigh. From now on I am a girl named Jessica. My boobs feel different but good. So do you have a gaff in there for me to put on? "
Leigh took out a gaff and a bra and panty set and indicated for Jessica to sit on the side of the bed and put on the gaff and lingerie. Jessica knew what to do but she had never done it before. Although her movements were not fluid, it was apparent to Leigh that before long they would be. "Sis, I have 2 more to do after I get thru with you so I will be scooting. Think you could make it to the cafeteria and meet me there at 7 AM. Jessica smiled at Leigh and touched her arm, "Sure thing, Sis!"
"Now it's time for your first manicure and pedicure, Sis." Leigh took out a foot bath massage and filled it from the sink in the room and let Jessica soak her feet in it. "MMMMMMmmmmmmm, doesn't that feel wonderful", as she slipped away while she was being cared for.
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Dr Erika Johansen gently woke Terry. She had been told to handle this person with kid gloves. He was chairman of the board of the foundation (Jaime's Hope) that was underwriting the whole experimental work.
"Dr Sommers, its good to see you awake and you passed the night in good stead. I am Dr Erika Johansen, the project therapist. You know the protocols that we are going to hide you candidates incognita while there is a chance that you might be used for the project. We have an expert who will be working with you and the other 2 candidates in deportment, makeup and dressing."
"I'm glad that we are doing every thing that we can for our candidates. That means a lot to me even if I were not one of the test subjects for now."
"Well we may encounter something that the protocol did not provide for. lets play what if. What if the sister is the closest match then we re acclimate them to the gender expression they had before we started. In your case by your psych evaluation, you are very well adjusted as a man and would stay one. In our other subject they show a real need for medical treatment to alleviate gender Dysphoria. popping her back into a body we make again male has got to be bad for her on so many levels. Even if we don't force the body back to male without surgery that's the way it will go eventually anyway."
"A person should not be made worse off than they were before this. If they took the deal then it would be OK because they had to be that way to save a life. They would not even be stuck because they would have the same option as any transman for recovery."
"Then I will use personal funds if I have to make this right if the young lady is not the candidate. I want this well documented so we can add it as a cost of doing research for the next time we follow a proposal like this one. There will be others because this project was just what my sister had in mind before she died."
"It will be done, Sir. You have a visit from someone wanting to see her parent. After that we'll send in the person to get you sorted and ready to be up, I'm sure you know the young lady that I am speaking of?"
"Please send my daughter in. This should be fun but I am sure the symbolism wont be lost on her. She's a living example of what the foundation hopes to accomplish especially if her mother were here as well. Pleas send her in."
In walked almost 12 year old miss Hope Jaime. She gave her daddy a hug and kiss on the cheek. She said, "Oh Poo! here I was all worked up over seeing my Aunt Theresa but they haven't made you up yet or anything.."
"Sweet pea, Its just me but wont be pretty soon... I'll get fem and frilly alright but its for a good cause. The one that your mother made me promise to work for 12 years ago."
"I know Daddy! I just wanted to tease you now. But anyway, I don't know when I will see you again. I didn't want to miss the time for it to be done so if I do it a little early it should not matter. When Grand mother passed , she entrusted to me the duty that Momma required of her when she was dying. Momma said that you would choose to become as a woman for something that meant a lot to you. The necklace inside the box has a ring for a pendant. She said that you would discover the person who was meant to receive the ring and what the ring meant.. Here is the ring and necklace, Aunt Theresa!" Hope opened the box and showed it to her aunt Theresa then she placed the necklace over her head
The necklace contained a stunning ring. It had a central 5 carat diamond and on subsidiary wire prongs were gemstones at all four points of the compass. "Thank you, Hope" said she with tears of joy in her eyes as she gave her niece a hug and kiss.
A lady at the door announced herself as Leigh Majors and that she was going to attend to getting Aunt Theresa up. She smiled and gently reminded the girl that even as good natured about this as her new aunt was that everyone needs some privacy dressing. Hope kissed her aunt and told her goodbye and that they would meet in the cafeteria later at 7 AM.
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Before parting to go to bed, Leira had agreed with her sister to meet for breakfast at 7 AM at the cafeteria so they would have a little time together before the day started. They served such delicious food there that they both supposed that the excellent food along with the very reasonable prices was meant as one of the perks for working there. The nice thing was that all the selections were coded and only the items that they could actually buy were things that they could eat.
Both women arrived promptly and were seated for breakfast. Laura told her sister, " Leira, I had a woman waiting for me this morning to get me up and dressed. well the help was appreciated because of the IV but I didn't expect to be treated like a novice but it makes sense that we each had better be good because one slip up would give all of us away."
“Sis, I have something for you.” Said Leira as she produced 2 matching small boxes of a type that usually contained jewelry and handed one to Laura. “Open it please.”
Laura opened her box and found a necklace with a sterling silver chain but the dangle from it was instantly recognizable to her. “Leira!” she exclaimed with glee, “You found our necklaces! When Momma died with them missing I had given up hope.” The dangle from both Laura and Leira’s necklace was the mustard seed in the magnifying glass that their mother had put away so long ago.
“You are so right. Laura. Mark and I had these silver chains added instead of the original string so we could both have something nice to wear. I feel like it is especially appropriate now with the challenge we have ahead of us. Do you remember the second bible verse from that Sunday school lesson, Laura?”
“How could I forget it, Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’”
“That’s right Sis and so as we both step out to accomplish something thought impossible, we have our necklaces to symbolize our faith and our bond as sisters.”
“Thank you Sis. I’ll treasure this necklace and wear it always.”
Both sisters wept tears of joy for this blessing and for the miracle that God would work in their presence over the days to come. Each sister helped the other into her necklace fastening the chain behind their neck and making sure their hair was back in place. The breakfast was heavenly as they shared a moment of bliss before their calm was displaced by the furious activity to find the facts that would allow them to go forward with the plan. In another part of the cafeteria a business woman trailing an IV was meeting her daughter in matching outfits for breakfast. Likewise two sisters who were smartly dressed, munching on toast. Both seemed to be wearing matching lockets which would catch the sun and shine brightly.
All six of them from the cafeteria arrived early to the reception area of the research facility. Everyone was introduced and it was sorted out which were the subjects for investigation and which were their significant others. They were informed that the team would be gathering to discuss the project before the actual testing would begin. In that way, they could meet the team and the team could meet them. Everyone was directed to a large conference room that had had assigned places with a name in front of each chair. Dr Robin, Dr Erika and Mark had already taken their seats and greeted them as well
Soon all the seats were filled and Dr Kathryn took the podium to address the group. “Thank you all for assembling here this morning. We have a very challenging case before us that has the potential of greatly increasing our medical knowledge in a number of ways. First we must do the tests that will tell us exactly the parameters of our challenge and also to verify that our planned course of action is the correct one.”
“I’d like you all to meet our guests and the subjects of this very special inquiry. I’d like to remind you all that this is all privileged information and is not to be discussed with anyone outside the research team. Would our guests please stand as I call your name? From left to right first is Mark Walters.”
Mark stood as his name was called. ”Thank you, Mark. Mark is 22 years old and the husband of Leira Landers Walters for a year and the father of her unborn child. Even though Mark is not a primary subject of the investigation, Mark has agreed to be tested if needed. He is here primarily for moral support for his wife. Mark is by profession an aerospace engineer with a degree from Georgia Tech. He’s originally from the Hampton Virginia area where his parents still live. He is employed by Lockheed Martin where he is working on the Orion Project. Mark you may be seated.” Mark took his seat with relief.
Dr Kathryn continued, “Next is Leira Landers Walters.” Leira stood up. “Thank you Leira and you may be seated. Leira is 17 years old and Mark’s wife. She is also almost an identical twin of her sister Laura. Leira is one of the two primary subjects of our investigation. The second primary subject will be determined when testing reveals which is the most viable transplant recipient. She was diagnosed with Stage 2 Lung Cancer and at the same time she is 5 weeks pregnant with her first child. Our primary objective is to save her life and that of her unborn child. Leira is presently a rising junior student at Georgia Tech in their Bioengineering program. She will be suspending her studies until her present challenge is resolved. Leira makes her home in Ellenwood, GA with her husband. Up until the sister’s 18th birthdays, Leira and Mark have acted as Laura’s guardian. Leira and Laura lost their parents in an automobile accident that occurred on the trip home following Mark and Leira’s wedding.”
Dr Kathryn smiled, “Next is Laura Landers.” Laura stood up. “Thank you Laura. Laura is a remarkable young woman. She is 17 years old, and lives in the mother-in-law cottage adjacent to Leira and Mark’s home. She is also pursuing a degree in bioengineering from Georgia Tech and is a rising junior as well. She has agreed to suspend her studies should she become involved long term in our investigation. Laura, like all of our potential transplant recipients, is to be treated as a male to female transwoman. Her genetic makeup is classified but she meets the project standards to be a testing participant. . If we determine thru testing that we have succeeded in formulating a plan of resolving the challenge that Leira and her unborn child faces then we would proceed with the transplant with the best match. Laura, you may be seated." Laura gratefully took her seat because she didn’t wish to be the center of attention any more than was necessary.
Dr Kathryn continued, “Next, we have here my best friend from college, Dr Robin Lee.” Robin stood and waved having been a bit more used to the limelight. “Thank you Robin. Robin brought this case to my attention and will act as a liaison for our guests while the tests are being done and they are getting acclimated to us here. Dr Lee has a successful general practice, “Eagles Landing Family Practice” with a group of physicians in Ellenwood, GA with offices thru the area. She is also a gifted researcher in her own right. Some of her research has involved the sisters here whom she has been treating shortly after her practice opened when they were both nine years old. Thank you Robin, you may be seated.”
Dr Kathryn smiled and said, "Next we have Jessica Christina Majors." Jessica stood up. "Thank you, Jessica. Jessica is also a remarkable young woman. She is 24 years old and a graduate student at the university and lives on campus. She also has agreed to suspend her studies should she become involved long term in our investigation. Jessica is a study subject and is to be treated as a male to female transwoman. When Jessica's DNA profile which was searchable due to her participation in the Human Genome Project research on campus revealed her to be a near match to Leira's even though she isn't a family member. Jessica has also volunteered to be a surrogate to carry Leira's child if it turns out she is the one selected to do so. Jessica, you may be seated." Jessica took her seat and wished that she wasn't wearing the new high heels that needed to be broken in.
Dr Kathryn smiled and said, "Next we have Leigh Majors." Leigh stood up. "Thank you, Leigh. Leigh is also a remarkable young woman. Leigh has joined staff here at the project. Her area of expertise is deportment and also life coaching. She will be putting our test subjects thru a crash course in female 101. Leigh is the sister of Jessica Majors one of the test subjects. Her employment is open ended but is willing to consider joining staff permanently if this experimental procedure succeeds and more follow in its footsteps. Leigh, you may be seated." Leigh seated herself rather lithely as she knew that all eyes were on her when she was revealed to be an expert on deportment.
Dr Kathryn smiled and said, "Next we have Hope Jaime Sommers." Hope stood up. "Thank you, Hope. Hope is also a remarkable young woman. She is the almost 12 year old daughter of the CEO of the "Jaime's Hope" Foundation which is funding this research. He was called out of town unexpectedly but has designated others to act in his behalf if he is unreachable for comment. Hope is here with her Aunt Theresa who is also a match as a test subject. Hope, you may be seated." Hope seated herself rather lithely as she knew that all eyes were on her when she was revealed to be the daughter of the facility's benefactor
Dr Kathryn smiled and said, "Next we have Theresa Sommers." Theresa stood up. "Thank you, Theresa. Theresa is also a remarkable 36 year old woman. She was found to be a near enough match to fall within our testing parameters. She is sister to the CEO of the foundation underwriting this project. It goes without saying that we want to make a good impression on her so she can tell her brother how well spent the investments that the foundation has made in this research. Theresa, you may be seated." Theresa seated herself rather lithely as she knew that all eyes were on her when she was revealed to be the sister of the facility's benefactor and implied even more..
Dr Kathryn then proceeded to give a more abbreviated introduction to each of the researchers around the room. It was difficult for Mark to keep up with who was who but Leira, Laura and Dr Robin seemed to be taking it all in. There was a broad spectrum of specialist involved and it appeared that they had every possibility covered. Dr. Kathryn gave time for Dr Glynis Thompson, who would be leading the team testing Laura, Theresa and Jessica, and Dr Viola Carrey who would be leading the team testing Leira, to outline how they planned to proceed.
Dr Kathryn summed it up, “Dr Thompson’s team will be charged with evaluating Laura, Theresa and Jessica so that we can determine whether in our best judgment that she can be prepared to receive a transplant of Leira’s entire reproductive system and that we can assist in her care that she will be able to carry the baby to term. Dr Carrey’s team will be charged with evaluating Leira so that we can determine her condition and that of her reproductive system and her unborn child. We’ll be trying to determine the best way to treat her cancer in the short and long term.”
“Thank you all for coming and good luck to us all. Leira, Jessica, Theresa and Laura, there are nurses waiting for you in reception to get you both prepped to begin the testing. This meeting is dismissed.”
Leigh and Hope went to talk with Doctor Thompson trying to find out why things were going the way that they had so far. Dr Robin with Mark following by Dr Robin's side went over to chat with Dr Gwen Mathers.
Dr Gwen Mathers was the team’s expert in stem cell research and Dr Robin was very excited to find her here and working on the team. For Dr Mathers to join this research team meant that they were planning some pretty cutting edge applications for stem cells if the project proceeded so that encouraged Dr Robin a lot. Mark didn’t understand a lot of what they were talking about but he caught that Dr Mathers hoped to investigate turning stem cells into healthy lung tissue and also to grow blood vessels. Most exciting was her hope that they might be used in the interface between the transplant and Laura’s body to make the transplant truly become part of her body for the long term.
Following the meeting, Leira, Theresa, Jessica and Laura were directed back to the reception area where each was met by a nurse and taken back to separate cubicles. They all were given the most rigorous physical exam that any had ever had. Mark joined Leira for her exam in progress to lend moral support and Robin did the same for Laura, Hope for Theresa and Leigh for Jessica. As reams were added to each woman’s chart, the experts had put together a testing schedule for each of them. Leira’s specialist were oncologists and Obstetricians while Theresa, Jessica and Laura’s specialist consisted of endocrinologists and gynecologists and a number of pure research associates. In their own ways both teams were trying to get down to the bottom for the relevant facts regarding their charge. In testing the parameters so efficiently they hoped to be able to tell whether or not each could perform the role that they needed to with the medical help that was available.
Mark and Leira helped each other get thru their day of testing. Mark even had some testing done as well. They wanted a base line on him so they would have an idea about the genetic inheritance in action that Mark had provided to their unborn child. They even got a sperm sample from him so they could determine some information from that as well. When Mark rejoined Leira after his testing was completed they had a chance to chat since there was a break in her own testing as well.
Leira wanted to reconnect with her hubby, “Mark, how are you doing? What do think about the doctors here?”
Mark answered, “Sweetheart I am doing fine. The Doctors here know their stuff. I have never had such a thorough examination. How are you doing Sweetheart?"
Leira sighed ,“I’m doing wonderful. In spite of what ever they are doing to Laura, she’s sending some peace and joy my way for which I am grateful.” Sometimes she could not believe her sister how she was always thinking of someone other than herself.
Laura sat across from Dr Robin, Aunt Theresa sat across from her daughter?, and Jessica from Leigh, in the cafeteria area of the complex when they were finally given the OK that the day’s testing was completed. Each of the ladies sipped the beverage of their choice (pre coded on their diet of course). Dr Theresa lamented the fact that the lady who was teaching them deportment was hanging out with them all the time so she felt like she needed to be on her P's and Q's. Actually to be a crash course having the constant reinforcement was helpful in learning. Theresa guessed it was one of those happy accidents that should be written into the project specifications.
Theresa was proud of Hope who would call her auntie unless it were just the other subjects and their SO's present when she would call Theresa Mommy. Theresa was glad to be a mommy for Hope at least for a little while. Laura brushed the hair out of Hope's eye and secured it back with a barrette. "What's your birthday, Hope?"
Hope answered, "Its on November 19th. That seems so long away."
"November is the month that my sister's baby is due to be born." Laura smiled sweetly. "Maybe we could celebrate both birth days together?"
Theresa answered, "That's an excellent suggestion, Laura. Wouldn't we like something personal. I dare say that the PR people would have a field day with it but for there to be more we need to keep a low profile till we have everything and every contingency covered. I was wondering about this empathic link that you have with your sister. Does it seem to be DNA based?"
"The DNA is definitely what sets up the communication and when that is either too far out or too far away then it breaks up. Sis and I have a good range. I haven't experimented with you or Jessica now that we know that you are close in DNA to us because I wouldn't invade someone's privacy like that without asking and I am just a novice at this kind of thing and the other person would have to understand that there may be unwanted side effects from trying to make contact." said Laura with a twinkle in her eye.
"I guess one experiment at a time is wise. I appreciate you respecting my privacy whether or not it would have worked. I would imagine faith would play a big role in that because doubt would tend to shield and keep any attempts from reaching.", observed Theresa
"Having empathy and earlier in life telepathy led me to read anything I could get my hands on about this kind of communication. For the most part the stories told were like a Pandora's box when people tried different things and being caught in un expected side effects. For this subject, unless it is with someone who you already are life partners, The best way to win is not to play at all."
Theresa giggled, "Everything I needed to know about life I learned from War games" She smiled and enjoyed herself.
"You really are getting into the girl thing! I think its cute! Its for Hope isn't it?". Laura smiled
"Since Hope's grandmother died I've tried to be both mother and father to her but having male gender expression the momma part isn't as apparent. I'm glad for her to see the mommy in me and I hope that somehow she gets both a momma and a daddy permanently some way.", Replied Theresa pensively
"I like the way that Julie Andrews said in Sound of Music, 'When The One closes a door, somewhere is opened a window', and perhaps a way might be found for us too" Laura concluded.
Robin questioned Laura, “Laura, what do you feel about the day’s testing?”
“I feel exhausted Robin. The researchers are being very thorough. How do you feel, Jessica and Theresa?”
"I feel very well probed. I think these folks could teach a few things to those flying saucers who are always abduction humans," Giggled Jessica.
It was an emotional rollercoaster for me. With all the work that has been done before to get the science to the point that what we contemplate to do is even remotely possible is a miracle and to save two lives in the process ... just the potential for that is happy tears time"
“Its what makes practicing medicine so worthwhile, Theresa and I hope we give you even more happy tears before this is over. At least we will know that what ever conclusions that they reach will be backed up with lots of hard data.” Dr Robin had been studying a copy of the ladies' charts that Dr Thompson had provided to her with results from the days testing.
Laura replied," “It reminds me of all the testing that I had to go thru when I was eleven. What’s next on the schedule, Dr. Robin?”
Dr Robin told them all, “We all here present, have a meeting with Dr Kathryn, Dr Erika, Leira and Mark to discuss the day’s events and to be briefed on the next day.”
Laura finished her drink and noticed that Dr Robin had finished her’s as well. “Well let’s go, Dr Robin. I can’t wait to catch up with Leira and Mark and see how their day went.”
All the test subjects and SO's were beginning to find their way around the complex easily and knew right where the conference room was that they were supposed to go to for the meeting. .
The test subjects and SO's arrived at the conference room to find that Leira, Mark, Dr Erika and Dr Kathryn were already seated and chatting. Dr Kathryn handed another chart to Dr Robin as she came by her seat. They took their seats and smiled and looked to Dr Kathryn to begin.
Dr Kathryn spoke,” Thank you all for joining me and we’ll start our meeting now. I am very encouraged by the raw data that we have collected today on Laura Theresa, Jessica, Leira and even Mark. The experts are going over the raw data and are looking for anything that might require further testing. Are you satisfied with the raw data Dr Robin?”
Dr Robin replied, “Yes I am and the staff has covered everything I can think of for a complete baseline.”
Dr Kathryn continued, “Our primary focus in tomorrow’s testing is to test the viability of the transplant itself. What we propose to do is a procedure on Leira to remove a small part of her liver. While we have her under anesthesia, Dr Mathers will be extracting some stem cells from Leira and treating them to become lung tissue and applying them to some of the sites where the cancer has taken hold.”
“Dr Kathryn could this be a way to cure my cancer?” asked Leira
Dr Kathryn continued, “This is not a practical way to cure your cancer because your lungs are completely involved but it will buy us some time if it is successful.”
“Thank you Doctor Kathryn.” Replied Leira.
“What we are looking for is how cooperative both yours and the other test subjects’ stem cells are going to be. Laura, Theresa, and Jessica will also be put under anesthesia and some of their stem cells extracted. We’ll be testing a new artificial blood vessel along with some their stem cells treated so that they will become a blood vessel and we’ll transplant the liver portion from Leira into Laura, Theresa, and Jessica. The success of this small transplant without rejection medications should tell us whether the larger transplant will be a success. Laura, Theresa, Jessica are you OK with us proceeding with the test transplant tomorrow?”
“Doctor Kathryn, I am ready. It will be good to have evidence that our plan will be a success.” Laura replied with confidence. Both Jessica and Theresa echoed Laura's sentiments.
“Thank you, Jessica, Laura and Theresa. According to some of the testing on Leira, we’ve determined that the carcinogen was able to get a foothold because her immune system was not as responsive to the threat as is ordinary. We’ll be able to treat her so that her immune system is restored to the level that it should be. We’ll do the same for Laura but after the baby is born and that she isn’t going to reject the transplant. Even though it caused the problem, the weak immune systems that you both share could help to resolve it as well. As far as we could tell from the data from Leira’s last physical. There was no way that Dr Robin could foresee her current condition developing. Leira has been under a lot of stress with a very busy schedule and she ignored warning signs that Dr Robin could have acted on had she brought it to her attention.”
Dr Robin answered, “I concur with the analysis of her condition. Leira, I wish you would have come in sooner so that we could have caught the problem earlier. Nevertheless I am encouraged that our plan will work to save both yours and your baby’s life”
“I wish I had too Dr Robin. I’m glad that I came in when I did because if I had waited much later we would not have even be able to do this.” replied Leira
Dr Kathryn continued,” This concludes my part of our meeting for today unless someone else has something to add.” A brief silence ensued. “Since there appears to be none, I’ll turn the meeting over to Dr Erika.”
Dr Erika grinned at all the test subjects in the disarming way that put us all at ease. "I need to see specifically Laura, Jessica, and Theresa. Everyone else is welcome to stay. Hope, if you want to stay with your aunt there may be some things that you'll have to leave the room for if that's OK?
"Sure Dr Erika. I know by now that there are things that the grown ups think we are not ready for yet and that amazingly enough that they might be right. Thanks for involving me as much as you can, Dr Erika."
"Very well, I'm a family therapist in private practice and I am also an ordained minister of the Methodist church. I am a transwoman so I am taking the journey that some of you are on with me. I hope we will learn to be observant and even if another person's needs are not like your own that you will take the time to find out about them and help if you can. " Lets introduce ourselves around the room and introduce your SO with you this evening."
Laura smiled and started speaking," I'm Laura Landers and I guess my journey as a transwoman began 10 years ago when Dr Robin over there," She pointed at Dr Robin and she stood for a moment. "And my sister Leira over there" and she pointed at Leira and she stood and was clapped for. "who is the lady we are all trying to help who is carrying my niece. Oh and that is her hubby, Mark who is amazing," and Mark got up to applauds "well the first 2 conspired to get my parents to believe that I was a trans girl and started letting Dr Robin get me medical treatment. I was about to have my GRS later this month when I turn 18. If I can help with Leira's problem, then waiting the extra time wont matter. My RLT has been just about 10 years anyway already. I'm hoping one of us will be found that can help Leira and her child. I'm just about at the end of this part of the journey and I would be in good shape mentally and physically if I were to be found pregnant."
"Thank you Laura. I will look forward to you sharing your point of view since you have a lot of life experience already. Thanks also to Dr Robin, Leira and Mark. Can you go next Theresa?"
"Sure, Dr Erika," spoke Theresa in a willowy whispery voice, "as you may have guessed (being one's own sister is the oldest explanation of this in the world) I ordinarily am Dr Terry Sommers. I am glad to undergo this to have a sensitivity to what we really are asking people to do when they do this and to evaluate our protocols. The hope that Leira has of preserving both her life and that of the child is that as well of the Jaime's Hope foundation. My daughter Hope here," Hope waved and curtseyed, "is the first fruits of that hope in that Hope's mother nourished her while in a coma until the time that she could be delivered. That was the first of procedures that could save one of the lives. In what we are going to do means we will be able to save both. I wouldn't do well as a woman long term so I am depending on staff to keep me sane and ready to return to my life. We will be doing some changes to the selection protocol the next time we try this when it succeeds. "
"Thank you Theresa! We only have time to hear from Jessica. Hope, Why don't you go back to your room while we finish up. Jaycee had something very sad happen to her when she was a girl and she might want to share it with us. "
Hope hugged her aunt and said to Dr Erika, "Yes Ma'am" and she took off out of the room and down the hall.'
Jessica started, "Thank you for making this easier Dr Erika. Mine and Leigh's parents were involved in a hate group so strong and bigoted that it made the KKK look tame. We both had seen what had happened when Daddy had let his rage out. for that reason I had to live a perfect life pretending to be a boy and a secret life as a girl. I know that avoiding provoking them was in my best interest but it took a huge toll on me. even though I am an adult now, the fears are still there. If it were not for the greater good that I appear as Jessica now, I never could have embraced my true life. I had finally buried it so deep so that not letting it out wasn't hurting me as much. Leigh kept me sane." Leigh took a bow and Jessica continued, "and I am glad she is on staff here now to help others too."
"Thank you, Jessica. That's all the time we have for tonight and I know each of you have demanding schedules tomorrow. We'll meet again as soon as we can manage it. I feel like we have made a good start."
The meeting concluded with each expressing their thanks to Dr Erika and Dr Kathryn and bidding each other good night.
Laura, Theresa, Jessica and Leira entered into a big group hug “Goodness!” said Laura to all of them, “We’ve all got surgery tomorrow. Good luck everyone!”
Leira pulled Laura aside after the group hug broke up, “Sis I have no doubt that you’ll get thru it fine just like you did with your last surgery. No tossing and turning tonight OK sis? We both need a good nights sleep.” Leira grinned at Laura knowing that she would have a good nights sleep since they both respected the effect of their empathic link on the other.
Laura smiled thinking of Leira who accepted her as a girl from the beginning when it was a secret only the two of them shared. All that testing had been worth it and she felt that all of the day’s testing would be worthwhile too.
Four ~ April 4, 2012 ~ Test Transplant
Leira, Laura, Theresa and Jessica had an early report time for their surgeries so they didn’t get to meet for breakfast. Since they were all on dietary restriction due to the surgery all would be limited to talking with each other anyway. Both Leira and Laura were really unselfish and were sending waves of peace and tranquility to the other as the surgery approached thru their empathic link. Their hearts went out to their sister test subjects too.
In separate operating theatres the four surgeries occurred almost simultaneously.
The extraction of the stem cells and the snips of Leira’s liver were done endoscopicly thru a couple of small incisions. Leira’s liver snips was transferred to the other operating theatres where Laura ,Theresa and Jessica were already having some of their stem cells removed. A snip of Leira’s liver was transplanted into each of Laura, Theresa and Jessica using the artificial blood vessel and the stem cells which had been trained to become blood vessels. Leira’s stem cells in the other operating theatre were trained to become lung tissue. Those stem cells were seeded in areas of Leira’s lungs where the cancer had taken hold.
The four of them were rolled into separate recovery areas following when their respective surgeries concluded. Dr Robin had interceded with the Staff to place all the participants in the same room following recovery. She explained that somehow at least Leira and Laura would end up in the same room anyway so why fight it? They relented and when all of the participants were awake from the surgery they were all placed in the same room.
Hope joined her aunt and observed her looking intently at the ring that Theresa now recognized as a matriarchal ring after doing some research on the internet from her laptop last night before she went to bed.
"What do you see in that ring?" questioned Hope seriously. Hope knew it was a gift from her mother and was not to be taken lightly.
"I found out last night it is a matriarchal engagement ring. The stones encircling the center stone represent women's birthstones who are alive at the time of the marriage."
"That makes sense. There are 2 diamonds and 2 citrines. and they represent all the women of the family. Well the citrine's mine but I don't know who the other is for."
"Sweet heart, I'm going to tell you the rest of what I think but even though it may seem to us that because we love your mother that things should be forced to happen in a particular way. We can't force anyone with this ring. The time for you to have given it to me might not have been now or else maybe I figured it out wrong. Even if we have the right person picked out, that person has got to learn about me and see if they want a life with me. Do you understand sweetheart?"
"Yes, Daddy. I'll be good and wont do any parent trap kind of things . Now what have you figured out?"
"Well we know the ring is for a woman but I have figured out the woman is not me. If it were me who would have been presented the ring by a man then my birthstone, the emerald would have been one of the stones but it is not there."
"So I guess you will go back to being my daddy for everyone to know soon."
"Yes, I've learned that I just cant give up my duties at the drop of the hat. for the near term I am more important helping keep things going rather than being in the middle of things. So yes you'll be getting your daddy back soon."
Dr Kathryn smiled, "Did I hear a cute girl asking if she would get her daddy back soon?"
Hope said, "Yes, Ma'am!"
"Dr Sommers, your sample completely rejected. We thank you for your effort but I am writing the orders to get you put back to normal. Leigh will be working with you tomorrow intensively to unlearn any new habits that you've picked up. If its OK with you we'll sequester you up in your room upstairs and limit your access to the rest of the facility until you are ready to go back to normal."
"If I am a good boy and work with Leigh tomorrow when can I resume normal duties?"
"Perhaps by Thursday April 6th if you work well tomorrow. That way you could make an appearance before surgery begins in the morning with who ever we've chosen to be the surrogate."
"Well, If you will give the orders, I'll finish up the conversation I was having with my daughter. I guess for the crash course back I'm going to have to be out of touch with my daughter for a while again so I will explain that as well."
Hope had a governess, Bethany Turner, who stepped in to take care of her when things called her daddy away. He knew it wasn't fair to her and he hoped that he would have something better worked out in the future.
"Bethany, Please pick up Hope at the security desk in about 30 minutes. I'm going to be away for about a day but I should be in sometime Thursday night. I'm going to see about keeping my time free to fact find on this new project so I should be available to keep spending the same amount of time that I have been recently on her....... Thank you....... Good bye."
"Hope, If you overheard my talk with Dr Kathryn you know that they are going to pop me back into being a man so its going to take a day of intense work to get me sorted so things can get back to normal. I'm going to keep off the administrative stuff because I have some fact finding to do about this project and about something that doesn't have anything to do with the project... Or does it?"
"Oh Daddy! You are always teasing. So tell me the rest of it about the ring."
"Well we both know a pair of twin sisters who have their birthday in April. What is the birthstone for April?"
"The diamond, Daddy!"
"That's right sweetheart and the other citrine stone could represent Leira's unborn child. No matter who carries her, Leira gets her back. That's part of the deal So if I have it figured out right the ring is telling me to court Laura and propose to her at Christmas. (That's the polite thing to do since it gives her a chance to clear her head with all of that extra maternal hormones and be more herself before committing to a guy like me. I'll give her a chance to see if she likes me and for me to know that I like her for her and not just to fulfill the hope of the ring. "
"That's OK, Daddy! I'll miss you daddy but I'll be glad to have my daddy back. Take care Daddy I love you!"
"I love you too, sweet heart. Go to security and Bethany will be up to take you home."
"I will, Daddy!" and she blew a kiss toward her father.
Dr Robin had been given a copy of the preliminary results of both surgeries by Dr Kathryn and in lieu of the surgeons discussing them with Jessica, Laura and Leira, Dr Robin had been given leave to do so. The surgeons would be refining their results based on periodic tests that had been ordered on each of them.
“Hi Leira, How do you feel?”
“I feel wonderful Laura. They have taken really good care of me. How do you feel Sis?”
“I feel wonderful too. I would highly recommend this hospital for anyone contemplating surgery.” Laura giggled.
Mark gave his wife a guarded hug and a kiss. “I love you Sweetheart”
“I love you too Darling” Leira seemed to be living on love to have her beloved by the side of her hospital bed.
Leigh was beside Jessica's bed giving her sister a hug and a kiss, "How do you feel Jessica?"
Jessica noticed that they were rolling Theresa out of the shared room. "I feel really good, I wonder if Theresa's test failed and if they are taking her off the program."
"Theresa's data was the long shot in achieving a match I think they have decided to refine the parameters for test subjects. The ordinary rejection standards don't apply with this methodology. Failing the test means that they cant even use her for a backup recipient. It makes sense for them to return Theresa back to her normal life as soon as they can. If the rumors were true that she has an important brother, I imagine that we'll see him soon." Leigh explained as her pager went off. After she had called in and received the message then she could continue. "I guess my guess was right. They have me summoned to take care of Theresa so I may be incommunicado till Thursday"
Dr Robin had returned to the room carrying three charts. They all hoped that the charts contained the preliminary results on their surgery.
“Hi Dr Robin! I have been summoned to work with Theresa so I guess her results didn't go so well." Dr Robin assented with a nod of her head. Could you please look in on Jessica for me while I am tied up?"
"Sure, Leigh I will look out for 'Jaycee' Go on and help Theresa."
"Thanks Dr Robin!" Leigh kissed her sister, collected her things and walked out to the elevator on the way to Theresa's room."
Laura questioned, " What can you tell us about how both mine, Jessica's and Leira’s surgeries went?”
“Hi Laura , Leira Jessica and Mark! Yes I have the preliminary results for all of you who had surgery.”
“Great Dr Robin lets hear them!” exclaimed Leira
“Let’s see for you, Leira, first. They were very encouraged about the ease of collecting and number available of your stem cells. Those that were taught the trick of becoming Lung tissue performed very well. It seems that in the limited area of your lungs that were seeded that the cancer cells are disappearing and are being replaced by good lung tissue. The snip of Laura's liver that was transplanted retained viability. All good so far.”
“Thank you Doctor. I suppose it is too early to tell if this will make a noticeable difference in the cancer?”
“Yes Leira, We’ll have to wait for some more definitive results later on to evaluate that question adequately.”
“Cool Dr Robin!” exclaimed Laura, “Now what about me?”
“Laura you have good results as well. The results collecting the stem cells for you were identical to the results from your sister, Leira. More good news about how well behaved that they are. As we speak a brand new blood vessel is forming over the artificial one so your stem cells learned a new trick too! The transplanted Liver snip is functioning normally with no indications of rejection with a good blood supply so it seems that everything about the transplant so far has been a success.”
“That’s wonderful news Dr Robin. I hope the news stays this good while they are completing their testing!” replied Laura with a twinkle in her eye over all the good news.”
"Jessica, your results are no different than Laura's down to the last decimal place. Its as though the three of you are triplets." Dr Robin explained
"Thank you, Dr Robin. That's encouraging news! Can you let us know why Theresa was taken out from us?", inquired Jessica
"Yes, Theresa is getting rehabilitated so wont be around. The tests showed that even under backup conditions that a transplant into her would fail. The tolerances for this process are a lot narrower than for other procedures. Theresa's Brother, Dr Sommers should be at the facility on Thursday." Dr Robin instructed
Jessica replied, "Thanks Dr Robin for letting us know."
Dr Robin was listening to a voice in her ear for a moment then addressed all in the room. It looks like Security was penetrated. They were very inventive but fortunately once in they didn't have a clue what they were after so the set off an alarm and were detected. Dr Lee projected some stills from the security cameras.
Jessica recognized the pair as being roommates with Jaycee in a three person room. Jessica remembered that Security had sent Leigh over to retrieve his belongings and since Jaycee was formally attached as an intern to this project after legally dropping his other classes and part time work and the project was his stated address She just brought Jason's belongings to the project.
It was after his roommates checked out all how perfect the switch had been without any snags, that the came to the conclusion that it smelled bad and they were going to talk to Jason in person to make sure he was really OK. Besides being concerned for him, they really missed him. She identified the first man pictured as Thomas Gordon and the second one as George Tailor.
Dr Lee relayed the identification and background of the 2 men to Donald Vaughn in security. After a brief discussion. Dr Lee told Jessica that Dr Sommers had requested that she and herself join him to discuss the circumstances of the security breach. She also told me that the 2 men referenced were being detained awaiting an explanation which the meeting that Dr Lee and Jessica were going to would decide.
It was a tribute to the layout of the project space that it was very soon that Jessica's bed was rolled into Dr Sommers room and when Dr Lee entered as well all the people for the meeting were present.
Dr Terry Sommers, Jaime's Hope foundation CEO, took charge of the meeting by introducing himself and scattered around the room the rest of the participants, Donald Vaughn, Security, Erika Johansen, Therapist, Leigh Majors, Image consultant, and Jessica Majors, Project Intern and Test Subject. We have a security breach. Considering our cover story this is the kind of thing that could happen. I believe that even Jessica is surprised that her roommates came looking for her instead of just accepting things at face value which usually happens when attending a prestigious place like John's Hopkins." Our cover story states that we can not erase our test subject's previous male gender expression, It is vital that we allow to leak the information that our test subject is a transwoman. That is the only way we have without vastly cutting down our test pool to present them as women rather than men using this fertility procedure."
"John's Hopkins anti-bigotry campus code includes gender expression, so we can use legal action to protect out clients should a former associate turn out to be a bigot upon learning. The best course of action is to go ahead and out Jessica to her former room mates as a transwoman and ask them to keep it confidential for Jessica's sake if they really care about her. Jessica, in any case will have Thursday tied up either as subject or backup for the implantation surgery. Leigh you could meet with the men tonight and explain Jessica's delicate problem being a transwoman and that she will be indisposed till Friday. If she's not the implanted then no mention of the pregnancy need be made as long as that part is still secret. if she is the implanted we'll let them in on what has happened establishing 2 eye witnesses outside the staff of her being a pregnant transwoman. In any case since we must expose Miss Major's status as a transwoman prior to decision point on becoming pregnant, The foundation will also cover all her transition and surgical expenses in having GRS."
"Ok, that was a mouthful so let me ask for some input. Jessica, do the terms and arrangements I outlined meet with your approval? These are your friends, is there a simpler way of dealing with them?"
"Dr Sommers, Thank you and the foundation for the gift. I accept the terms and conditions. I guess if I am not chosen then what we are agreeing to is that the two of them are taking me and my sister Leigh to dinner to one of the nice places on campus that would have me back in a flash if something happened with Laura and the baby. If I'm pregnant, their security clearance is raised and they get to see me in the project because I'll be too fragile to leave, but we'll need them to confirm my cover story (Which turned out to be the truth but I hadn't done anything about it until joining the project). So if I'm not knocked up, the pair of us sisters, end up distracting them so they don't know about the project's main purpose.", Jessica answered.
"Your cooperation on that last is encouraged but not required. As researchers, they know that they will have to work on closed projects so honoring your commitment not to reveal what you are doing as an intern shows them to be trust worthy and will be a feather in their caps on future background checks. This goes for both of you, date them for as long as you are enjoying yourself and no longer just like any other relationship even if its only for that first date where you will get across that 1), Jessica is Trans and being treated for it, 2) You have this neat job 3). if you talk about it ,you'll be canned Any more questions, Jessica?" Dr Sommers finished
"No Sir! I know what I am expected to do and I will be happy to do so."
"And Leigh, Do you accept your part in this and do you have any observations on how to augment or do better?"
"Dr Sommers, I will be glad to do my part in this and I concur on what needs to be done. Thank you for your gift to Jessica. When Erika and I discovered the break thru that she had made when forced to face her true self I had determined that even if I had to mortgage my future then I would see that Jessica's treatment was completed. Thank you for doing that for her. I'd like to augment as permitted by Jessica's schedule and possible selection as primary by myself and Dr Erika constructing trial situations to get her used to dating a guy. From what I understand from her, dating is a huge step especially for a 5 day old and some times their sexual orientation is so pronounced that they cant even be a good actress and get thru it. By working with her we'll get to a presentation that is comfortable and natural for her and that is more likely to be well received."
"Thank you Leigh. Excellent input to augment our plans and I authorize it. We'll rewrite the book one more time to include that preparation in the protocols for our test subjects." Dr Sommers smiled a secret smile as he wondered about the possibilities.
"Dr Johansen, Do you accept your part in this and do you have any clarification or augmentation that you would like to suggest?"
"I consent to my part, Dr Sommers, My only augmentation is the one Leigh suggested and I am satisfied with my part in that. We should be able to be very useful to the test subjects getting them used to being dated.", Erika noted that last with quite a twinkle in her eye as well.
"Finally, Mr. Donald Vaughn, we still need to hear from you concerning why security was breached and actions to take to keep it from happening again."
"Dr Sommers, We had a couple of young men who came in acting as if they owned the place and the security checkpoint involved let them thru in error. Some of our staff are new and unfortunately there being a vacuum at the top caused by your apparent disappearance and the arrival of a heretofore unknown sister let security be a little lax rather than inadvertently tick off an unknown top person. To combat this security will be putting everyone thru the entire security procedure. Staff have an expedited procedure already because we can wand an imbedded chip and let them pass thru which does not impede motion in an emergency. Externally we can appeal to the CEO that his best place is presiding over the staff and younger volunteers can be found to be test subjects "
"Mr. Vaughn, I too have realized that my best place is being CEO. I'll be spending thru tomorrow unlearning the skills taught to my 'sister' and I will be back to my ordinary status on Thursday. I won't be participating in the test subject program again. Using the entire security procedure on everyone coming in will slow things down in the beginning but we will adapt. Hopefully the door that I helped open will be closed. Anything else Mr. Vaughn?"
"Nothing, Sir! I'm very glad to have you back. I can escort Miss Majors to the containment room so she can deliver her message to them so we can send them on their way."
"Very good so if there is nothing further we can dismiss this meeting." And the meeting did break up. Dr Lee called for assistance and She and Jessica were headed back downstairs to the room with Leira and Laura in it. Mr. Vaughn escorted Miss Majors to speak with the dorm roommates of Jessica.
Mr. Vaughn began, "Mr. Tailor and Mr. Gordon, is this woman the sister of your former roommate that you told me about who had permission from Jason to move his stuff?"
They both agreed, "That's her. What's happened to Jason, he hasn't written or called? We are worried about him."
Leigh began. "Jaycee is fond of you two also but Jaycee is a bit overwhelmed right now. Her new job is a closed research facility where she would be fired if she breathed a word about what she was doing at work."
"Hold it!, said Thomas. "You are referring to Jaycee like she's a girl, not just mentally but in body too!"
"Jaycee is now Jessica Christina legally. You knew she was trans but wasn't doing anything to get her body in line with her mind because she was so hurt by her parents mistreatment that she feared to show her true self. She did a good job of covering it up but about a month ago she went thru a crisis and realized it was time for her to transition or bad things would happen. She found the ad for this project that she's part of gearing up. The intern's position was perfect for her. She could jump to being a girl 24 /7 immediately and the project would fix it with the university that all the paperwork was OK. No more classes for a while so no worries about meeting people again till she felt up to it. So she took the job with the security strings attached so she could finally be who she's always been in her heart. Honestly, if you guys had shown some interest before she left she would have gotten a message back to you even though going thru her changes she wasn't presentable enough yet to be seen in public when she had to move out so she sent me instead. She doesn't want you to worry about her and please don't try to break security again to see her. You really don't want to get her canned after what this job means to her. Best she can do is for her and I to meet the pair of you for a meal on Friday. She should be presentable enough to be out in public but don't expect that she'll be magically turned into a guy's dream girl but she looks pretty and with time she'll blossom. Beauty takes a while but its worth waiting on. "
Thomas and George looked stunned with their mouths hanging open in surprise so when Leigh came up for air they only had one word and they said it together, "Really?"
"Really ! Really!" answered Leigh who continued," So boys, do you wanna go on a date with me and my sister?"
Thomas and George were not too stunned to pass up such a wonderful chance and they still wanted to hear from their friend's lips that she was alright. "Yeah!" "Sure!" as they both agreed to the date.
Leigh saw that they were hooked and would not be creating any more problems, She guessed it was a good plan after all. "We'll text you with a meeting time and place, Wed Nite. Jessica has some important things scheduled but they won't take up all her time so we'll have to find out on Wednesday night whether dinner or Supper would work best with the rest of her day."
"See you later Leigh and we will be looking for that text." Leigh smiled and blew them both a kiss goodbye.
"Gentlemen, if you will promise not to try to penetrate security again, the foundation has authorized that I drop the trespassing warrants and let you go.?" "Yeah! "Sure!" The two young men were let go back to their dorm very much stunned that their former roommate was now Jessica. They wanted to be on her good side when they met her so they forgot about any plans to try to break in and find her now that they had been told the truth and had set a meeting to speak with her.
After Leigh had returned to Dr Sommers room for more help getting in the right mindset. Dr Erika called Dr Robin who picked up to receive a message for Jessica and Laura that she was on the way down to do a group session. Dr Robin told the ladies that Dr Erika wanted to meet with them and then she pulled a chair between the two beds at the foot and also got a chair ready between the 2 beds at the head for Dr Erika. Mark had pulled up a chair besides Laura and the two of them were whispering back and forth.
Dr Erika arrived and greeted each of the ladies and then took a seat where it was provided for her. She began," Welcome ladies! I'm sorry to say our number has declined by one. Dr Summers was eliminated as a possible test subject and since He isn't transgendered has chosen to go ahead and pick up his life where he left it. Leigh will also be making herself scarce till Thursday giving him the crash course in Guy 101 so he won't let anything he learned for the project embarrass him. . So I guess we'll check in first and see how you ladies are doing. Let's start with you Jessica. Anything new today?"
Jessica began to giggle, "I have a date that I have to get ready for on Friday. It's a double date with my sister but its still going to be my first date.!"
Erika suppressed a giggle and stated with a knowing grin, "How did this come to be, Jessica?"
"Well you know the drill on how the project did getting the subjects in. We were practically kidnapped and took out of our lives without any way to notify anyone which was OK when we found out that time was of the essence and a woman and a child's life hung in the balance. But it didn't leave much for explanations. Well at University at this level things move pretty quickly at times too. Once a reasonable explanation of how good the opportunity was at the new place and that I wasn't actually kidnapped (Only too rushed to do the polite things to say goodbye) Then I thought things would end. The project sent Leigh in to collect my things and send them to the project. She was polite and gave them my regrets and goodbyes second hand but did not fill in any details about my new life. She did hint that it was a bit secretive. They left on good terms. Then today my roommates bluffed their way into the center by coming to the check point as thought they owned the place. With things at the top in an uproar some of the guards erred and let the two unauthorized people free access to the project main area. They were soon collected by some less gullible guards and detained. I identified the unknowns as my former roommates. We met in executive session and decided a double date would allay their fears that I was OK and confirm my cover story that I was already transitioning before joining the project. My sister got to see their reaction when they told them that I was a girl named Jessica now and they accepted the double date. We set it for Friday since that may be the first day after the transplant that I might be able to be up at all if I have the transplant and as backup I cant stray too far from the campus. I'm thrilled even though if they react badly to me then I will be hurt big time. I choose to dwell on the possibility that they will stick with the new me and are really good friends."
"That's some exciting news. How are you going to get ready?"
"Leigh told me that she will take care of me. She'll work with me to try to get me comfortable with the situation. If I am comfortable then I will be confident and everything will go smoother. I'm just glad that there wont be any more surprises for the boys."
" Thank you Jessica. Dr Robin how is your day going?"
"Pretty well I've been doing some liaison duties plus with Leigh having to devote her time to Dr Summers, I agreed to keep a look out for her like I am doing for Laura. We three have been getting along famously."
"Very good Dr Robin. How has your day gone Laura?"
"Pretty good, on the whole. I'm going to miss Theresa and her daughter Hope. Some how I don't see someone as important as Dr Summers spending the kind of time that Theresa has been with us. I wonder what will be the difference interacting with him rather than her when we are together."
"We each respond according to our gifts. What Dr Summers did, he did out of love and in pursuit of a hope that exactly what is planned here would happen. It was his way of touching the miracle with both life's being saved and any sacrifice, even his gender was worth that. His own daughter was the beginning of a technique that saved children in those impossible situations when both lives were at risk. Many of the things that go into Dr Summers being a good administrator and a good parent went into his portrayal of Theresa. Unfortunately she wasn't real but he tried hard to keep her from becoming a caricature of a woman. The reason that people would not have ultimately accepted Theresa as a woman is the reason that by character she was real and expressing herself in a way that would not be possible now. He was freed from all the stupid ruled that restrict male behavior and he used that to portray Theresa. I think that you will be pleasantly surprised how much Terry is like Theresa except that Terry goes by all the male rules and a few too many of the stereotypes for his own good. I think that he comes across with even more integrity now that he doesn't have to worry about translating his male actions into female ones and is just being himself!"
"I'll give him a chance. Its the least I can do for the time that she vested in trying to be Theresa in the off chance that she could help. That shows commitment and friendship. Even if he felt a higher calling, In the here and now he was working to help save my sister and niece."
"How would you feel about participating in an exercise to get transwomen ready to date for the first time?"
"I might if I get to pick out the man and if he refuses me that I don't have to worry with it again."
"I'll take that stipulation. Who would you like to date?"
"Well based on what you have just said, the only man that I know who would be an interesting fun date is Dr Summers himself. Do you think you could arrange that one?" Laura gloated because a smart important man like Dr Summers would not give her a second look on a real date. He would let her down nicely but would refuse the request.
Dr Erika giggled, "Be careful what you ask for Laura, You may get it! Honestly I'll put it to Dr Summers and see what he says about it."
Laura giggled too, "I'll be looking forward to hearing the response."
Dr Erika concluded," I guess that is a good place for us to leave off today and we will pick it up again tomorrow time permitting. Thank you, group!"
The others in the circle chorused "Thank you Dr Erika"
Dr Robin announced," A all of us significant others have used up our visiting time for now. You three test subjects will need to get all the rest you can now because you both will be in for a lot of tests over the next 24 hours to see what results we have before we can go ahead with the next step.” Dr Robin finished.
Mark leaned over and kissed his wife “Take care Sweetheart. I will see you later. I love you. ”
Leira spoke to Mark tenderly, “I love you too Darling. I’ll be looking forward to your return.”
“Jessica, Laura and Leira, you three be good girls while we are gone.” Teased Dr Robin.
“Yes. Maam. We Will” the three ladies said in unison and then added “NOT!” and they both erupted in a giggle fit.
With that Mark and Dr Robin left the sisters in the room by them selves. Over the next few hours one or the other of them would be wheeled out to have tests. The staff took very good care of them performing tests monitoring the result of the surgeries. Other tests that were suggested by the results of the first days testing were done as well.
Mark and Dr Robin looked in periodically on the three women. While they were visiting, Dr Robin kept the women informed about the updated results. Eventually Mark and Dr Robin returned to their sleeping quarters for the night while the test subjects spent the night in their hospital room. Jessica, Leira and Laura looked angelic as they slept and entering the dream world. Laura was going back in her dreams to the happy day when she became Laura legally.
Five ~ April 5, 2012 ~ Go for it!
The sisters and Jessica were still confined to bed following a night still in the same hospital ward. All indications were that they all would be able to be up and about this evening. They were all being monitored still and also each of them had been wheeled out for various tests and returned.
Leira spoke to her unborn child as she touched her stomach, “Hi there little mustard seed. You remember me! Even though I’ve only carried you for the first 5 weeks having you grow inside me has been an amazing experience. Over there is your Aunt Laura and our new friend Jessica. If things work out like we hope then one of them will be carrying you soon. I love you my little mustard seed.”
“That’s sweet Leira and Happy Birthday Sis. I know that you will miss carrying your mustard seed but I’ll do my best to keep her safe if I get to care for her.”
“I know that you will and Happy Birthday to you too, Sis. That is why I trust you and Jessica to keep our little mustard seed safe.”
“Thanks, Sis”
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Dr Summers had been hoping against hope that with all of his diligent time in learning his lessons that he would get time off for good behavior and be able to get back to interacting with people and setting his own schedule. After getting good marks for getting ready to go out for the day and eating breakfast, both Dr Erika and Leigh were both ready to pass him out of the program. Dr Jenkins had taken some tests earlier and if they came back good he could go back to normal routine. Leigh and Dr Erika too hoped that their captive might be freed because that would free them as well.
"By the way, Doctor Summers, Laura did agree in principal to her getting some dating help. The only man she said she would go out with is you. I think she felt that you would be too busy to date her. We discussed your time as Theresa and managed to put a pretty good spin on that as well. Dr T, I think you should go for it!"
"Noted and thank you. If I get sprung I believe I will deliver my acceptance in person and see what kind of lively discussion happens next. Is Laura still the favorite to be the transplant recipient?"
"As far as I have heard. The final presentation will be later."
Dr Jenkins entered carrying a clipboard full of data. Dr T you have a clean bill of health I'll sign off on you returning to duty." "Then it will be unanimous because we have signed off as well." said Dr Erika
"Thank you, Thank you Thank you. Ladies you may go about your other duties as I am about to resume mine.!"
"You are welcome Dr T" and the three women left Dr T for some well deserved solitude. Dr Terry called Bethany to bring Hope by for a reunion of father and daughter.
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"I love you so much, Hope. I really missed you."
"I've missed you too Daddy!"
"Can you do a favor for me? Laura and Leira's birthdays are today and I want to get presents for both of them but I want the one for Laura to be extra special."
"Sure Daddy! I can help with that! I'll go down right now to talk with Laura and Leira.!"
"Thank you, Sweetie! I look forward to hearing what you find out." Hope went out to go visit Laura and Leira.
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When Hope walked in to visit the twins it was a pleasant surprise especially for Laura. Laura thought the 11 year old girl was precious and a treasure. There was something about her, perhaps the look in her eyes that reminded Laura of the way she had perceived Leira at that age.
Laura wasn't sure if it were for mischievousness or curiosity but Laura tried to speak to Hope Telepathically ~'Hi Hope! It's your friend Laura but you can call me Lori'~
~'Wow! I can hear you speaking in my mind! Do you hear me, Lori?'~
~'Loud and clear. You are the only one I've talked to like this besides my twin sister '~
Leira noticed the absence of talking and other indications by touching, gestures and facial expressions that a conversation was going on. "OK Laura and Hope, you two are busted, You two are chatting telepathically!"
Laura jumped in, "Yes we were. I'm sorry for being rude. we just now discovered we could chat telepathically."
Hope agreed," I'm sorry for being rude too. Nothing like this has ever happened to me so I am just floored by the entire experience"
Laura continued," I saw a look in her eye that reminded me of you, Leira, at her age, so I tried to speak to her telepathically and it worked!"
Hope could not return to her father empty handed and she resolved being transparent was the best idea with someone who could read her thoughts. ~'Daddy sent me here to fish for some hints on things to get for you and your sister for your birthday. He wants the gift that he gets for you to be extra nice. Help me please?'~\
~'Sure Hope, let me think on it a minute and I will give you something to tell your Daddy and I will try to be suitably surprised when he surprises me with it tonight'~ . .
"Leira, why would I be able to talk telepathically with Hope? Is there any family relation between us?"
"Not that I can remember being kin to anyone in Dr Summers family tree.."
"Not being able to understand it does not deter from my enjoyment of this serendipity." Said Laura with a smile.
~' I'd like a large ornate Colonial type Jewelry box and Leira would like a manicure and pedicure'~
"Thank you Laura! I have to be going but I'll check in on you all later" responded Hope to both the spoken and telepathic messages and Laura nodded her understanding as well.
Hope hugged both sisters and took her leave and left the room going back to find her father.
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Leigh worked well with Jessica, to get her looking ready for her date. She could not help but smile that this particular rite of passage had been denied them at the proper time but it was still something they both treasured as they cooperated this day. They had made this a full, Dress rehearsal for the run thru that Leigh had scheduled. Jessica would have a new look for her evening makeup and another dress to go to the Twin's Party this evening.
It was all so new to Jessica how to behave on a date. She thought that she would be waiting at the door to open it with Leigh to the gentlemen who were calling. Jessica had remembered the annoyance when a girl pulled that girl stuff and entered the room later making everyone wait. Jessica had to admit that the annoyance was soon forgotten when a knockout lady joined them. What Leigh made Jessica realized is that in being presented in that manner, the girl had the greatest chance to show her true beauty in a first impression. Jessica had to bow to the brilliance of the plan and of course would not cheat any guy and give him all the beauty he could stand for his first impression of her. Once Jessica realized that the traditions were wise, she didn't worry about why it was done and simply learned how to do it. Jessica reasoned that she had the rest of her life to play catch up learning the why's of things that girls discussed in giggles at slumber parties and daughters heard in bed time stories from their mothers.
Donald Vaughn , the security chief and James Olsen, one of his staff ran thru less of a date and more like mechanics of dating. They went over being seated and unseated at a banquet table. Being seated and unseated around the dance floor. The way that one with class both asks and accepts a dance. The way to politely rejoin after the dance whether it is to go on to the next dance or else to retire from the dance floor either to start an intimate conversation or escape from one. Most of all They danced and Jessica was soon dancing backward on her 3" spiked heels at James' lead as though she had been doing it all her life.
The allotted time passed too quickly and Donald and Leigh demonstrated for James and Jessica the end of date kiss which they mastered as they had everything else. Jessica hoped as James and Donald disappeared from sight down the corridor that James realized that her words were more than polite conventions but she was looking forward to the date at the party tonight. However , she needed to get herself on task if she were going to accomplish the complete wardrobe change they anticipated before the party tonight. .
. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Laura smiled as she saw Dr Summers come in for a visit since she knew from Hope that he liked her. She liked him a lot. She had gotten to know him in his guise as Theresa and she wondered if it was his own personality coming thru that she had observed or just some clever acting. Leigh had gotten Jessica and they were off working on dating strategies and planning for a date tonight at the birthday party. Mark had come by and collected Leira for some alone time with his wife. That had left Laura alone, as though things had been planned to give them some privacy. Laura knew for her part she would not waste it.
Dr Summers saw the warm smile that Laura greeted him with and took it as a good sign. He had gotten to know Laura from the time he had spent as Theresa but she wasn't as familiar with his true self due to the disguise. Like the title character of Tootsie, he counted that they were already friends. If he could do it without the skirt then it would lead to some advantages in the here and now of a potential relationship. He smiled and touched her on the arm?" "How are you doing today? Laura."
She smiled and said, "The view is wonderful from where I sit." As she straightened a bit to not only see him better but to display herself in a pleasing manner. "I knew they were about to turn you back into a guy but I had no idea that you were such a hunk."
"Shoe on the other foot too, Laura. " With out all those hormones that helped me think as though a girl, you are quite a dish to me as well. I hope you'll still approve of me to escort you to your birthday party, tonight"
"Of course, uhhh,,, Well... calling you Dr Summers seems too formal for friends like us but you sure don't look like a Theresa anymore?
"Please, I hope you will call me Terry, now and for always."
"Thank you Terry and I would love to be escorted to the party by you tonight. I'll be the envy of every lady there."
"Thank you and I will be the envy of every gentleman there! What do you make of you being able to communicate telepathically with hope? I imagine that was a surprise!"
"I love it because it brings us closer. We are near related genetically if not by family lines so that would be a favorable factor since I was previously only a "twin telepath" It helped that we had already in the short time we had known each other had entered each other's family of choice as sisters. I won't be pinned down just how we compare now but realize we are still connected. For Hope and I it's simpler. Hope is like a adopted daughter to me so that's why we are telepathic. Don't panic, and the rest will sort itself when our feelings catch up to the situation."
"Sounds like good advise. I love you platonically now as I did before. I could pull rank to get the regulations dumped for me to get to see you while you are being treated medically as part of the project but it would be easier if you just approved me yourself for access." He gave her a clipboard and pen to make the change to her paperwork.
"Of course, I'll grant you and your daughter access." She smiled mischievously as she marked him as significant other and Hope as her daughter on the forms. "I don't think you will have any trouble getting in to see me with that declaration." Laura handed him the papers and pen back and grinned. She watched the surprised look when he saw what she had done and leaned in to touch her hand," I love you too, Sweetheart" and he broke into a broad grin. "I thought you could handle it. I'll look forward to having you by my bedside to see me thru what ever happens. I guess that Leigh will be here soon to help be become beautiful for the activates of this evening and the party tonight. I'm glad you and Hope are in my life!"
"I'm glad you are in our lives too, Laura. Take care and I look forward to tonight." Terry kissed her and then left the room as though he were ten feet tall bursting with pride that Laura wanted him in her life. From no where the thought appeared in his mind, 'This was too easy, Is it real?' 'Yes!', he concluded, and not any the less welcome for not noticing it the first time he had encountered Laura.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The group therapy session was conducted by Dr Erika and involved only Laura and Jessica. With what was about to be, she wanted her two charges to not hold anything back but get anything out into the light of day., "Laura would you like to go first?"
"I'll do that! Its been a wonderful day so far and it isn't over yet. Remember Charles Wallace from L' Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time" who would not speak openly to other than family but started speaking to Meg's future boyfriend from the moment he met him as if to say. Welcome to the Family" I feel like I have just made Hope, Terry's child my daughter of choice. I found out that I really love Terry, the anticipating being asked important questions kind of love. It seems a bit sudden but its like there is a whole new dynamic relationship in play. Theresa and I were already really good friends . All Terry has to do is to get it right not wearing a dress. I can see some real advantages for him doing without one at this stage in the proceedings. After all what other man is going to understand the motivations I feel for being a surrogate mother if I am picked tonight. I have been truly blessed."
"Wow! that is a lot, Laura. Thanks for sharing with us. Jessica could you share your thoughts of the day now?"
"I'd love to Dr Erika. The main theme in what Leigh was trying to teach me is that a lot of the pre date and dating traditions that seem to indicate that a woman is very self centered is nothing but the kind. Instead its the time tried methods for showing off her beauty with the greatest enhancement. If we don't look our best some how we are cheating him of some of his enjoyment. Hopefully along the way I get some enjoyment out of the date too so it wouldn't be right to cheat him out of what his body is wired to react the most toward. She told me the why for the first thing and then I just learned the how afterward. I figured that eventually I would catch up with the rest of the girls on the why."
"Very good ladies and I would like to ask either of you, why no dwelling on the decision about to be made on who gets to carry the baby?"
They both began and then Jessica went first," There was nothing that I could do to change that outcome. all the testing was completed and the selection was not to be subjective at all but who was the best match overall" Laura concluded, "I could matter to the dance preparation so that's why I devoted all my energies there"
"Very good Ladies! You are dismissed and good luck for your activities the rest of the night" Dr Erika gave each a hug and then she was off. Dr Erika hardly ever stood still but was always on the go somewhere, and it makes it reasonable that she gets so many things accomplished..
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Dr Kathryn presided at another conference in the conference room where the surroundings and the participants looked the same as the one welcoming them when this all began at the research center. All the data was in and all of the results had been evaluated and all that remained was to hear the conclusions that had been arrived at. The biggest question was on all of their minds. Will they be able to do the transplant? Who would be selected to carry the baby?
Jessica, Leira and Laura had been released from their hospital room and they were glad to be up and around to be part of the conference in person rather than watching on closed circuit television. Jessica, Leira and Laura were escorted to the conference room by Mark and Dr Robin. There was other staff in the entourage so that bode well for Jessica, Leira and Laura’s results.
Dr Kathryn, seeing that everyone was present, convened the meeting. “Good evening everyone. Thank you all for all of your hard work on this project. After all of the testing we have our results concerning our donor and recipient. I’m very pleased to give the floor to Dr Viola Carrey to report first on their work with Mrs. Leira Landers Walters.”
Dr Carrey stood and came up to the podium while Dr Kathryn took her seat.
“My thanks to all of my staff working with Mrs. Walters and for the center’s support staff who have helped make all of our jobs easier. Thanks too for the cooperation of Mrs. Walters which enabled us to easily do every test that we requested. Upon evaluating our test results we can make the following conclusions concerning Mrs. Walters’ condition. 1) Her cancer is now being stabilized at stage 2 2) The experimental stem cell treatment to address a limited number of cancer sites was completely effective. This treatment should be very effective for cancers caught in Stage 1. The effect of stabilizing the cancer growth gives us confidence that the cancer will not spread outside the already affected areas of her lungs. 3. Mrs. Walters unborn child is in excellent health and we have identified safeguards to put in place to sustain the child in utero if the transplant is ordered. 4. Aside from the cancer, Mrs. Walters is in good health and is robust enough to withstand having her reproductive system removed. To sum up all factors we evaluated indicate that the transplant can be achieved and leave Mrs. Walters strong enough to fight off the cancer with both experimental and conventional treatment with a strong prognosis for survival. This concludes my presentation. Dr Kathryn asked me to introduce Dr Glynis Thompson who has been leading the team working with Miss Laura Landers and Miss Jessica Majors.”
Dr Carrey took her seat and Dr Thompson went to the podium and took her place there. “Thank you Dr Carrey. I also would like to thank my team for their hard work , the center staff and Miss Laura herself for making this research go so smoothly. Our conclusions are as follows: 1) Like her sister the process of harvesting and working with stem cells in Miss Laura is very easy. 2) We have proved the success of stem cells forming blood vessels in our test transplant procedure 3) We have proven the success in using the artificial blood vessels in a surgical setting. 4) Between her low immunity threshold and her near genetic match to her sister, Anti transplant rejection drugs are not indicated meaning that a transplanted organ of her sisters could remain for life without any rejection concerns. 5) Stem cells placed at the interface to both ends of the artificial blood vessel worked to integrate the transplant into the whole undiffenciatied from any other body tissue instead of remaining distinct and separate from her body. 6) Miss Landers is in robust health and is capable of both healing from the transplant and carrying the baby to term. 7) Miss Laura’s medical condition caused by Harry Benjamin Syndrome which has not yet been corrected by GRS is a positive. Rather than having to overlay on some existing surgery, the added tissue will make it easier to make a place for the transplants and interface them to Miss Laura’s body. Jessica's results are close behind Laura's and she would make a good backup candidate. To sum up, Miss Laura Landers is deemed best capable of receiving the transplant by the results of our tests.”
Dr Kathryn took the podium again. “To sum up our results, We plan go ahead with the transplant. Since time is of the essence, The transplant procedure will take place tomorrow. Miss Majors, Mrs. Walters and Miss Landers will be escorted back to their room where both of them will be prepped for their surgery. Miss Jessica will be standing by prepped for surgery in the remote event that she is needed. Good luck to us all tomorrow. This meeting is adjourned to the banquet room where we will be holding a birthday party to the twins Leira and Laura who can get in their last eating and drinking before the surgery scheduled for tomorrow.”
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Dr Summers was very pleased with the results for the preparations for the two sister's birthday. An added part of the celebration was that the way had been cleared for Laura to become pregnant with her sister Leira's child tomorrow. Leira glowed as she was led across the dance floor by her husband Mark. Leigh lost herself in the powerful eyes of her companion for the night, Mr. Donald Vaughn. The talk around the project was that they were already "an item". Whether that were true yet he had no way of knowing but he suspected that it might not be long. Jessica seemed to be comfortable with her escort of the night, James Olsen. Since the violent reaction to her condition had not opened the chance till 4 days ago, Jessica had made a lot of progress in a small amount of time. Part was due to everything that was provided and part was due to Jessica herself living in the present and not letting her past bind herself. Bethany was on the floor as well with his daughter as she were learning and practicing dancing. Hope looked beautiful in her party dress and had to admit that his daughter was growing up faster than he'd dreamed. Various members of the staff had also come as well since Leira and Laura and their great faith had become an inspiration for them all.
Most of all even with Jaime, his sister being the ultimate reason, how it came to be that this group of men and women had gathered for this particular celebration this year, Terry treasured the presence of Laura in his life.
As he danced with her this evening, he was acutely aware that she had another dance partner starting tomorrow for a while called fate. He hoped that fate would be satisfied and send Laura on to the rest of her life that he hoped they would share together.
It delighted Terry to observe the generosity of Leira and Laura's friends as one by one Dr Robin brought a package out for one of the sisters. Although he was pleased with the reaction that Leira had to the gift of spa services, He could not get over the look of pure delight that Laura had as she opened and reveled in the ornate jewelry box that had been his present to her.
Dr Summers discovered just how efficient his staff were when it was the time appointed that the party end and the guests of honor whisked up to bed. He could see hope in the eyes of many that the wonderful thing intended to be done would be accomplished tomorrow. He too took his leave so that he would be ready for what was to come.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nurses came to escort Jessica, Leira and Laura back to their rooms with wheel chairs. The brief reprieve had been nice while it occurred but they no longer were practicing but the real thing lay before them. Mark, Terry, and Leigh accompanied them to the room as well. The excitement spilled from each sister’s face as they contemplated that the transplant had been approved and would shortly come to pass. Even Jessica was please to be standing by as the backup.
Leira said to Mark, "I haven’t seen so much medical testing since those specialists gave that thorough exam to Laura.”
“Those must have been interesting times for your family. I hope we are as lucky when we proceed in ducking becoming a media subject as you and your sister did back then.” Said Mark with hope strong in his voice.
Six ~ April 6, 2012 ~ Surgery
The big day was upon the twins as they were both prepped for surgery. The procedure was much like the surgery preparation and procedures that they had become familiar with during the test phase. This time the stakes were much higher as both Leira’s life and that of her unborn child hung in the balance. In committing to the plan to save them, Laura had placed her life in the balance as well.
Each of the sisters were prepped and then rolled out into their own operating theatre as before. Mark accompanied Leira to her OR for as long as they would allow and then he took a seat in the observation room. Likewise Robin along with Terry and Hope accompanied Laura to her OR and then took a seat in the observation room as well.
For Leira they collected some stem cells as before. This time the cells were taught to help the sites where her organs would be removed from. The Doctors did the incision and painstakingly started removing Leira’s ovaries fallopian tubes and uterus. A special organ transport cart was standing by that was capable of continuing to circulate blood thru the harvested organs.
For Laura they collected some stem cells. Some would be trained to be blood vessels and others to help on the interfaces between Laura’s body and Leira’s organs. The Doctors made an incision in Laura and began the work of making space and preparing the tissue to receive the transplanted organs.
The team of surgeons working on Leira transferred the extracted organs to the special cart and began the process of completing their work so that they could close the incision to complete the surgery. The cart, with its precious cargo, was transferred to the other OR. Laura waited on the operating table ready to receive the transplant. Expertly the surgeons made the proper blood vessel and nerve connections with the aid of the stem cells for the organs. Finally the organ implantation was completed and also the altered GRS was completed. The time came to close up Laura’s incision as her surgery was completed.
Leira waited unconscious in her recovery room while the rest of the involved surgery was being performed on her sister Laura. The monitors of the unborn child in Laura’s womb indicated that all was well. As Laura was transferred to her separate recovery room, the monitors indicated that instead of being merely unconscious that the drug induced sleep for Laura was turning into a coma. Streams of data on the two women and the unborn child were being continuously fed to the experts on the research and surgical teams.
Dr Kathryn watched, with deep concern, as the data came in and listened as the experts reported on their aspects of the surgery. The most encouraging sound above the din of conversations and devices beeping was the audio of the fetal heartbeat monitor tuned into the baby in Laura’s womb. Everything had gone very simply and as expected until this. On the one hand, the coma would permit more rapid healing but it presented a great many long term problems for Laura long term.
This time the support medical equipment needed would not permit them to share the same room since both of them needed the equivalent of an ICU room. Such a situation would not be good for Leira’s recovery due to Laura’s situation. Finally, Leira had improved enough to be transferred out of recovery and into her waiting room. Terry and Hope kept vigil over Laura's bed. Terry held her hand and spoke softly to her. Hope periodically would try to start telepathic contact. ~' Please wake up, Mother! we love you!'~
Dr Robin was one of the experts in the data acquisition and analysis room. While she did not have an assigned area of responsibility, Dr Kathryn thought it was best to have her there. The sisters had shown some unpredictability and having Dr Robin was her hedge that someone might have a clue to the right direction if a mystery like Laura’s coma, was to come to light.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr Kathryn had given Mark permission to sit beside his wife’s bedside since she recognized that she couldn’t really keep them apart especially now. As Mark gently held Leira’s hand, her eyelids fluttered and then opened. Mark gave his wife a kiss and greeted her, “Good Morning Sweetheart. It’s so good to see you awake again. How are you feeling sweetie?”
“I feel fine, Mark” said Leira with a smile, “I guess the drugs are masking the effects from the surgery. I feel a little empty because I no longer feel our little mustard seed’s presence. Did Laura’s surgery go well? How are she and the baby?”
Mark began, “Laura’s surgery was a success. The baby is very healthy as though she never left your body. Laura’s body is accepting the transplant well and there is no hint of any rejection. Her body is reacting as though she always had a womb.” Mark concluded,
Leira could feel that there was something more that he hadn’t told her yet so she added. “But?” Mark finished, “But Laura went into a coma after her surgery concluded. I’m sorry Leira.”
Leira’s face lit up and Mark recognized it as a flash of inspiration, “What is it Leira?”
“The telepathy that I shared with Laura could be the answer.” Said Leira excitedly
Mark responded, “You both told me that it had faded away. Hope had some telepathy with Laura. Hope and Terry are with Laura now.”
“Now I know why our telepathy faded away. It was born of Laura’s great need since Momma didn’t understand that she was a girl so she reached out to me and I reached out to her. Our focus didn’t waver and that was what it took for our telepathy to work.”
“What changed so that it faded away?”
“She changed outwardly into a girl and everyone accepted her. And then you entered my life and my focus changed from being on her to being on you. Thank goodness we have help already to try to reach Laura. Terry will speak to her and tell her how much we all love her and that we want her to wake up. It’s been a while but I will focus only on her and her need to start the telepathy again. I’ll help guide her back to consciousness helping Hope speak to her telepathically.”
Mark told Leira, “I will call over to receive an update periodically. Darling. I love you, Leira”
“I love you too, Mark”, responded Leira
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As Leira began to concentrate on connecting again with Laura, brain activity started occurring in an unfamiliar part of the brain of each woman. As the readings became stronger, almost all of the experts were stumped. That is except Dr Robin who turned to Dr Kathryn and told her, The readings became stronger still because they also included brain activity from Hope's attempt to communicate as well.
“Dr Kathryn, Do you see those mystery brain activity readings that are increasing?”
“Dr Robin, I do see them and they have my team baffled. Do you have a clue what they mean?”
“Yes. I have seen exactly those readings before when the girls were nine and I had to prove to their mother that Leira actually did have a telepathic link with Laura. When Mark entered Leira’s life the link faded to become solely empathic. I always thought that the capability was still there but Leira didn’t need as much to reach out to Laura since she was OK now and her attention was focused on Mark. My best guess is that Leira and also Hope are trying to reach Laura telepathically.”
“That would be my guess too knowing what the readings meant. Mark was in there with Leira when she woke up and Leira must have gotten Mark to tell her about Laura’s coma. Will the attempt tax Leira physically?”
“I would order some glucose IV’s for both of them to make up for the energy they both will be using but other than that its not really taxing physically since using telepathy is usually accompanied by a very relaxed state.”
“It’s not anything to be worried about then?”
“Not at all. If Leira is successful then Laura will wake from her coma. Long term having their telepathic bond active again will help both recover because they won’t do anything unadvised just to visit the other.”
“That’s a relief. We’ll just keep monitoring it and recording.” Dr Kathryn was still concerned but this gave some new hope.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Terry had just checked in with Mark and had re joined Laura in her room and was holding her hand and speaking to her, “Sweet Laura, we’d like for you to wake up now. Leira loves you and so do I and so does Hope and most of all Leia's mustard seed needs you here so please wake up.” Mark continued trying to coax Laura back to consciousness. Hope continued to reach out telepathically to Laura hoping all would be well.
Leira concentrated and tried to focus only on her sister Laura. Leira held on to her mustard seed of faith that she could contact her sister Laura again. She felt the telepathic link forming as a swirl of random thoughts from Laura whispered in the background. As it became strong enough. Leira began to speak telepathically to Laura.
~’Hi Lori and good morning. I had felt our bond growing again from the moment you had my beloved child in your womb. Obviously our telepathy never completely was lost. It was just waiting for another great need like when we were small children. Welcome back Lori’~ Hope continued, ~'Hi Mother! It's me, Hope! I am so glad you woke up for us!'~
~’Good Morning Leia and Hope! Leia, it’s so good to hear your thoughts directed to me again. I can feel our child in my womb and she feels OK to me. Love you sis! ’~
~’Love you too, Sis. Lori, do you hear Terry speaking to you” ’~
~’Yes Leia. He seems so far away as though he was in a different world.’~
~’Sweetie, I want you to go join him in that world. You are unconscious now and you need to wake up.’~
~’ I’ll try Leia but it is so hard to get there. It’s like there is a barrier that’s keeping me from doing it’’~
~’Lori, I would like for you to break thru that barrier. Remember what even faith like a mustard seed can do.’~
~’Leia, I remember and I have faith so I will break thru it. Help me please? and you too Hope’~
~’I love you Lori’~
~’I love you Leia’~
~I love you Hope!'~
~'I love you Mommy'~
~’I love you Lori’~
“I love you Leia and Hope!” Laura spoke having broken out of the coma. She turned and smiled at Terry, “I love you too, Terry! as her eyes shown mischievously She smiled at Hope as she collected a big hug from Terry.
Terry responded," I love you , Laura. You gave us quite a scare since you went into a coma after the surgery but you are OK now. I imagine the doctors will be rushing in any minute to check you out but I am so glad to have you back with us.”
Laura responded, “Where is Leira? I see you Hope! I heard both of you in my mind.”
Terry told her, “Leira came thru the surgery OK and she is in her room. She was just worried about you when she found out about the coma.”
Laura said brightly, “I’ll put her mind at ease.” ~’Leia, It worked! Our faith and love got me thru the barrier. I’m awake and talking with Terry and Hope now. Don’t worry! Everything is fine.’~
~’I’m glad Lori. I feel like I need some rest. Take care Sis’~ Leira told Mark that all was well with Laura and their baby.
~’You too Sis and thanks’~ “I told Leira and she said she was going to rest, Terry”
“Thank you, Laura. You both could use some rest but I don’t think you’ll get any for a while.”
A Doctor appeared at the door and asked. ”Terry, and Hope could you leave now so we can examine Laura?”
“Sure Doctor. What did I tell you Laura? I’ll be back when they let me. Take care, Laura. Bye” Hope waved Bye and told her 'Bye for now!" and added ~'Give us a yell if you need anything and we'll make sure its done.'~
“Thank you Hope and Terry and you take care too. Bye.”
The monitors noted a decrease in the telepathic activity and that Leira was resting comfortably. The team in the monitor room remained vigilant. If any problem developed they would be ready to solve it. It wasn't long before the steady activity had given way again for the mundane so the SO's being Mark for Leira and Terry and Hope for Laura were allowed to rejoin them in their rooms.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr Erika joined Leigh and Jessica in her room. Although Jessica had not undergone any surgery she had been prepped for it for much of the day. Jessica was glad to hear that both twins had made it into recovery since that took her off of standby with the surgery being successful. Jessica hoped that Dr Erika brought news of what the plan was from this point.
"Hi Jessica, and Leigh, last I heard the news was good concerning the twins and their baby. You came thru with flying colors on standby duty. The question is how best to handle your continued participation with the project and the security breach that your friend caused? We think that we've come up with a solution that will cover up the external breach and we trust that an internal leak wont occur."
"How long will I need to stay onsite for medical reasons then?"
"Thru Laura beginning the child's second trimester. However, we feel that the proper monitoring and hormonal balance can be achieved thru the HBS program which you will be retroactively be placed."
" How long will that last?"
" To preserve the cover story we are now creating and to follow thru with Dr Summer's commitment, you will stay in the HBS program until ordinary release following GRS.. After transferring to a HBS client dorm area you'll be introduced to your roommate as a HBS client and explain the secrecy as being part of that program. You'll retain your job with the project thru the duration of Laura's pregnancy and your RLT and GRS recovery, but no other association with us externally. Once the internship and associated degree program credits are completed , you'll be free to resume your work towards your Masters if there is any remaining at that point."
"That is truly amazing, Thank you Dr Erika! Its amazing that I will have everything I have dreamed of. Well I still have to own up to being a transwoman to my friends but if I don't reveal myself then I won't have any chance of reconnecting with my old life."
"We have a good plan on dealing with them to keep you safe. If they choose to be bigots then the university will deal with them appropriately."
"What about Leigh, Dr Erika?"
"She's doing the secret retroactive swap to the HBS program along with you. Her cover is that she was giving you a crash course to get you ready to join with the others entering into the program since you two are siblings. Dr Summers has projected that project shutdown is needed until the procedure is required again. In the meantime he is placing key staff at programs in the university so that they can be recalled to the project when needed."
Leigh responded," Please thank Dr Summers that he has taken such good care of us. And thank you too Dr Erika for making this process so easy to go thru as a part of the program. It's been fun!"
Dr. Erika concluded, "I've had fun too! I'll take my leave of you for now. Goodbye!" She waved to them and they waved back as she left the siblings alone in the room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fortunately no problems occurred and 6 hours after the women had left recovery it was time for the initial assessment to be made. Like the Launch Director in mission control, Dr Kathryn went around the room getting a report from each member of the team regarding their area of responsibility for the women and the unborn child.
After going round the room and hearing everyone’s report Dr Kathryn spoke to the room and all of the research facility involved with the project.
“This is Dr Kathryn with our six hour assessment. Both Leira and Laura appear to be reconvening well from their surgeries. The unborn child is in excellent condition as is the condition of the transplanted womb. I assess the surgeries to have been a success! Now I’d like you to hear a message from Leira and Laura.”
The message began from Leira, “Hi, this is Leira and I want to thank you all for the miracle of giving me a fighting chance to beat my cancer. Laura continued, “Hi, I’m Laura and I would like to thank you all for the miracle of giving me the chance to be a surrogate mother to Leira’s child.” Together they said, “You all are our true friends and we are fortunate that each of you has entered our lives. Thank you with all our heart!”
Cheering and celebrating ensued from the monitor room and in the areas of the research center where the announcement was heard. While noticeably relieved the team was still vigilant so that they would be ready for a future problem if one should occur. Dr Robin took her leave from her colleagues in the monitor area to go visit the sisters.
Dr Robin gave a hug to both of the mothers to be in their separate ICU rooms before she left to go home. Her girls had journeyed far since she had met them both at nine years old. She had taken off all the time that she could right now from her practice but she promised both of them to return to visit and to monitor their progress from Ellenwood. Both sisters were going to receive the best medical care that was available any where in the world so she knew that they were in the best hands. Even better news was that Dr Terry had taken a liking to Laura. Dr Robin wanted to give that relationship, between Laura and Dr Terry, a chance to blossom. Dr Robin had hopes that it would not be long before Laura was offered an engagement ring.
With Laura successfully completing the surgery and now Laura was made a surrogate mother. This was not the first time in Laura's life that surgery was a life changing experience but it was for Leira. This surgery promised to save her unborn child's life where she was safely nestled in Laura's womb and allow the cancer to be combated which would save Leira's life. Leira was reminded of the slightly less dramatic circumstances when Laura had her other surgery.
Seven ~ April 7, 2012 ~ First
Laura awoke for her first full day of motherhood with the familiar telepathic voice of her sister, Leira.
~’I love you, Lori. How are you and our baby this morning?’~
~’I love you too Leia. I feel good and I feel that the baby is also well. I’m still basking in the afterglow of getting everything that I never expected in my wildest dreams. I’m still saddened at your loss, Sis. I wish that it were not a mutually exclusive situation. How are you doing with your recovery?’~
~’I’m going to be good as new thanks to you. They tell me that I’ll begin my cancer treatment today. That will keep me Stage 2 instead of advancing to Stage 3. They are also planning some more of the experimental treatment with stem cells when my body is up to the surgery. I’m not very saddened at the loss of the discomfort from my monthly visitor who won’t be bothering me, anymore.’~
~’I guess that will be something for me, to look forward to, after I deliver our baby. I hope that soon we’ll get to visit each other in person. The mental hugs that we can give each other are different from the real thing.’~
~Rest well Sis. I’m glad that you are only a thought away!’~
~’You too, Sis.’~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr Terry was smiling as he brought the bouquet of roses and sat them on the table by the bed. Laura smiled as he came over to give her a little hug and a peck on the cheek. "Laura, good morning! How did you sleep""
"I slept wonderfully, Terry. I'm growing stronger and I don't seem to have any problem staying awake when its time to be awake now which is good. Every thing is getting back to normal only it isn't. Not only am I a complete woman but I'm pregnant too. All I have to do is keep her safe, Leira's little mustard seed, till its time for her to make her grand entrance on the world."
"I'm really glad for you, Laura. I think I may be one of the few real men who might have a little insight on what that truly does mean for you. I don't know how far back that the journey that I am on now has gone but it began for me with my sister Jaime. She was in an impossible situation, 12 years ago. Try as we like there was no medical technology that would allow both the baby and the mother to survive. Jaime leveraged the family fortune into a medical research outreach to find ways to save both baby and mother, Little Mustard Seed is the result of all that research and advances in medical technology that make this possible. Jaime died before she gave birth to Hope and from the start Hope was to be my daughter. I don't know what it was but Jaime had more hope, faith and love in her than I have ever seen in any woman in my life with the possible exception of you, Laura. Jaime was looking out for me and for Hope so I might have a companion in life and Hope have a mother. I know that Jaime left something in a box for me with our mother and she was instructed about passing it on. She died before the box was to be delivered but she had transferred the duty to my daughter Hope who now knew enough now to keep it a secret till it was time. "
"That must have been difficult for her to keep secret."
"It was and as things proceeded it got confusing. She was told that when her mother to be came into our lives that she was supposed to give the box to me without instructions and that I was supposed to figure it out. You remember I had become a test subject and I was about to become for all practical purposes Hope's mother."
"Within the box was a ring hung on a heavy chain like a pendant. It was more than just an engagement ring because it also had stones around the center on tines. There was a large centrally mounted 5 ct diamond and 2~1 ct diamonds and 2 ~ 1 ct citrines. I did some research on the exact ring design and found that it was a matriarchal ring that was supposed to have all the living female relatives of the 2 families to be joined by the wedding. First thing I eliminated was that some man was going to use the ring to propose to me. In order for me to be the recipient of the ring my birth stone (cause I'd also have to be female) which is an emerald would have to be included. Since my emerald isn't part of the ring, that would make me the groom which would mean that Hope's citrine is one of the 4 stones. We know that you two twins were born in April which are the 2 diamonds and little mustard seed's due date makes her also a citrine. That's one way to match the ring to a couple to be married."
"I don't know if you and I becoming close friends is what Jaime saw all those years ago or if the ring didn't come out at the right time and what I have deduced is meaningless. I feel like we could go about our business and do what we would have done had this prophesy not been revealed . I love you Laura and I want to spend my life with you. I'll not do anything to jinx little mustard seed's arrival in this world and I want to respect my sister's wishes on the use of the ring. But I want to seal my promise that you and I have a future together." Terry handed Laura a box containing a pair of 2ct citrine earrings and 2 ct diamond earrings.
Laura pulled Terry in for a great big hug and a deliciously sweet kiss full of passion. "I love you too Terry! I want a future together with you!" Laura reacted suddenly as she realized the truth "That would explain why Hope has been calling me mother recently and why she and I are suddenly able to be in contact telepathically. One way or another we are family right now.!!!" Laura cried tears of joy and they were all over the electronics so the tech had to chase Dr Terry out of there for a moment while they cleaned up the tears and gave her dry instruments and clothing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr Kathryn came in and greeted Laura, "Hi Laura. I've been checking your progress and everything looks fine. I'm going to be your personal gynecologist during the pregnancy and when you go home afterward, Dr Robin can look after your postpartum care. Of course being pregnant is not the best time for your first gynecological exam but yours are special circumstances. You also came into this in the middle of things so we are going to catch you up. Leira has authorized me to share the medical data with you need to know about how her cycles were which may predict how yours will be too."
"The last period that Leira had was on February 7th and she missed her period on March 7th and again on April 4th. The due date for the child is November 14th.. Ordinary time to carry a baby is 40 weeks and a month early is as early as a child can be delivered and be kept alive with the incubators. You are in your eighth week of pregnancy and on the 11th will start your ninth week of pregnancy. From now through your 12th week of pregnancy on May 2nd, you will be in your first trimester."
"Everything with your hormones are coming from your ovaries now since we discontinued the Hormone Treatment you were on when you were prepped for the transplant surgery. You wont have a menstrual period till after the baby is delivered."
"Nausea and Vomiting (in the morning) is possible, You'll notice swelling and tenderness of your breasts, frequent urination and when we let you up to go to the restroom, the nurse will teach you about Feminine hygiene and wiping from front to back. You'll notice constipation, a softening of your uterus and cervix and increased vaginal secretions. Your second trimester will be from May 9th to Aug 15th and third trimester will be from Aught 22nd till you deliver on Nov 14th. We'll go over the symptoms and other concerns for the second and third trimesters when we get closer to them".
The Nurse set things up so Dr Kathryn could do the gynecological exam and for the first time her feet were in the holders so she could be examined . Fortunately due to the surgery and the pregnancy, Laura only had a mild version of the usual exam. Dr Kathryn looked rather pleased with what she found.
"Your tests are wonderful and the baby looks in good health and you are healing nicely from the surgery."
"Thank you Dr Kathryn on behalf of me and my sister for the miracle you and your staff have performed. Its overwhelming!'
"We were glad to do it. I am going to go so I can update your charts and let you get some rest. Good bye, Laura."
"Goodbye Dr Kathryn." Laura pondered over how many firsts that she had encountered already today and the day wasn't over yet. This was her first day as being pregnant and as a fully functional woman. She'd gotten her first promise gift and her first time a man had told her that he loved her as a life partner. She'd also had her first day as a part of a new family where she was a mother with a daughter. It was her first really selfless act being Leira's surrogate after needing so much help to deal with her congenital problem and the first time that she had 2 voices in her head from her sister and her daughter. She was truly blessed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Leigh had texted Thomas and George on Wednesday Night after the announcement that it would be Laura instead of Jessica that would be undergoing the surgery.. Both Thomas and George had agreed to take Jessica and Leigh out to dinner. Thomas and George were Jaycee's former roommates who became so concerned when Leigh packed Jaycee's belongings that they followed Leigh to the project offices and broke security looking for Jaycee. Leigh explained that Jaycee had taken a new job where she could be Jessica 24/7and was tied up with it when they had breached security. Since nothing but talking to Jaycee could satisfy them, Leigh suggested that the pair of them take the two sisters out so they could be satisfied that Jaycee was OK and so they would quit trying to get to Jaycee at work which could get both them and her in trouble. The boys had decided that it was Thomas Gordon who would take out Leigh and the second one, George Tailor would take out Jessica..
Jessica and Leigh had started their day early since they had both been sent to the spa. It was written up as more training and Leigh would be teaching Jessica but mostly it was a thank you for her rearranging her life in case she might be needed, She only had a month more on standby duty and after that something other than a second transplant would have to be tried since the baby would be too big to transplant no matter what was taken with her Jessica came out of the spa with her hair, nails and make up immaculate. Leigh had laid out the foundations and lingerie that they had planned and purchased. She wore 3 inch black spike heels and black hose with her little black dress which fit every curve and showed off her beauty. She had a small dressy black patent leather handbag which had only the essentials instead of all the things you might ever at all need.. Along with some silver hoop earrings, she wore some silver bangle bracelets and this time on the outside, both sisters wore their lockets. Leigh was a bit more subdued and casual with her outfit but she dare not outshine her sister going out on the first date outside the project. .
Jessica was a little nervous as she walked to the security office where the men would be meeting them and Leigh tried to calm her. "There There dear. Think a happy thought! This is going to work out wonderfully tonight!"
Jessica managed a weak smile and told her that "I'll be OK. I'm over thinking things so I am trying to slow down and enjoy the experience."
Leigh smiled back, "Good girl! You'll do fine!"
All of a sudden, Jessica was calm even though everything should be in overdrive. She resolved to live in the moment and be herself and only live up to her expectations of herself and not anyone else's. It wasn't long before the men showed up and Thomas Gordon said Hi and collected a hug from Leigh while Jessica felt her shoulder being tapped as she came around into a waiting kiss and hub from George Tailor.
'Mmmmmmm, that was nice George. How have you been?" Both Leigh and Thomas stopped to see the show going on between Jessica and George. Leigh realized that her sister hadn't needed anything but confidence because she was very capable of flirting with George and keeping her poise.
"I've been missing you, Jaycee! Wow! you sure blossomed into outer beauty to match your inner beauty in no time at all"
Jessica blushed and told him," I'm used to answering to Jessica these days, but JayCee is a favorite nickname. If my luck runs true then before long I may have other nicknames as well." .
George and Jessica paused a moment so Leigh could introduce both men to Jessica and her to both of them. The ladies were led down to the parking garage where their car was waiting. Leigh rode in the front seat with Thomas while George and Jessica were comfy in the back seat. Jessica had especially appreciated that George had helped her into the car as she sat smoothing her dress underneath her on the seat and rotated both legs facing front, as she made sure her dress was gathered in. She smiled at George as he carefully closed her door then entered the back seat from the other door.
Jessica noticed that Leigh and Thomas were already deep in conversation so she decided to get right to it while they had a measure of privacy in the back seat of the car.
"George, Why did you come after me? I didn't get the idea that we were that close. Just roommates. Even though I wasn't answering my cell, I was still reachable by email and my mail was being forwarded to me. I don't get it."
"You left before I could figure out what there was between us. I couldn't figure out that when I felt something wasn't right about you that the part that didn't fit you was your attempt to be macho and the sweet kind and caring person was just the tip of the iceberg. Even though I'm not a bigot in getting along with others no matter who they are, but I do better with a female partner. I think it took you disappearing from my life along with the way you acted the last few days for me to figure it out for myself once and for all that you are a woman."
"You had me figured out to be a woman? I thought I was a good actress. I had to be most of the time to keep from being abused."
"You let slip more of your true self the last few days. Of course, in the macho guy's playbook the plan changes when its just another guy leaving versus if it is a woman who either is or might be your girlfriend is missing. Indirect methods wont work. Our instinct to be heroes demand a hands on approach and the stakes raised."
"If you were still pretending to be a guy and your girlfriend took off what would you have had to do?"
"Go after her and make sure she was OK. My Hero! You did good, George! Does that make me your girlfriend now?" replied Jessica with a giggle.
"Only time will tell, but its looking promising so far. Looks like we are here at the restaurant." finished George. when the vehicle pulled up to the curb George helped both Leigh and Jessica out of the car and escorted them in while Thomas parked the car.
The meal was lovely but try as both Leigh and Jessica did to steer the conversation on the guys, Dinner was instead full of Jessica telling her life story. Jessica had been known to recount for an hour without stopping as she told her story since she was so focused on it and she wanted so much for people to understand that such abnormal circumstances were the normal way to proceed in a situation like hers. The snatches that both Leigh and Jessica learned in between were things that Jaycee had already been told over the course of being roommates.
Leigh had decided that she would like to extend the evening by going to a movie with Thomas. Thomas drove the 4 of them to the theatre and after buying tickets for all but Jessica, sent George out with the car to drive Jessica home. Jessica smiled and mouthed a 'thank you' to Leigh for her gift of some alone time with George before the evening was over.. George parked the car and helped Jessica out of the car and they remained hand in had for the walk to the security station .
"George, Now that you know me and have spent some time with me. what do you think?"
"I would count myself the luckiest guy in the world if you would be my girlfriend, Jessica."
"I think I can arrange it, Just no more putting security thru its paces. The have been nice to me so I wouldn't want anything that I might do directly or indirectly to upset them."
"I'll be good, Jessica. I don't want to do anything to make trouble for you."
"Thank you George. Maybe you could kiss me here so we don't give them so much of a show?"
George didn't need anymore encouraging so as Jessica closed her eyes, George took Jessica in his arms and tightly embraced her kissing her fervently as his tongue reach out to play with hers. Jessica felt a warmth in her lips and mouth that was like nothing she had experienced before and a wave of ecstasy engulfed her body from the top of her head to the tip of her toes. Before Jessica could melt, George ended the kiss and steadied her on her feet till she could get her bearings again.
"Good Night, Jessica! I hope you enjoyed yourself!"
"Good Night George! Call me! I will be anticipating with glee the next time I'm near you!" Jessica wondered at the words as soon as she said them but knew without a doubt they came from deep in her heart. She smiled and blew a kiss to him as he turned to depart.
Jessica thought to herself that if this is what dates were about then she had to get her another one and soon!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~'Hey Momma! How 're ya doin'?'~ projected Hope's thoughts to Laura. Laura was slightly startled because when Hope's mind touched hers, she felt a little jostled in a nice way in the way a child's enthusiasm can be.
~'I'm doing wonderful sweetie! Hi, Hope, How are you? Would you like to answer a question for me? Why are you calling me Momma now? It feels right to me too, darlin' I'd just like your "Thoughts" "giggle" on it'~
~''I'm wonderful, too, Momma, I call you Momma because I want you to be my Momma, now and for always. I know grown ups have ways to make things nice and proper. I love you and you are filling the place in my heart that was left vacant so long ago when Momma died before I was finished being born. I could see how you loved Theresa too and she opened a mother's place in my heart then had to go back to being my daddy before I had a daddy shaped whole as well. Did Daddy tell you about the ring? He said he was going to tell you because he trusts you to help him do the right thing with it.'~
~'Your daddy told me all about it, sweetie. I am amazed at how much hope faith and love went into everything that your mother, Jaime did for you to make sure that you and your daddy have the best life together possible and now I'm part of that life too. I agree that waiting till I am delivered is a good idea'~
~' I needed the mother hole in my heart filled and you fit perfectly. That we can be speaking this way means that some how we are family and maybe that engagement ring means that my original momma thought you would make a good mommy to me also. Its not because I feel fate has decreed this to be but because I love you so much Mommy. Love is how families are made, really. In spite of all that grownups do to make things nice and proper, If there is no love then everything can come apart and everyone go away being hurt. I'm claiming you as my God Mother for right now cause we are already related with our bond of love, faith and hope!'~
~'Yes Hope, I will be your God Mother, now and for always. Sometimes it is nice to chat this way but if you were here right now I would give you a great big hug because I am so filled with tears of joy, that I couldn't get out a single word. I'll be the best Mother to you that I can, daughter. Your daddy and I made a promise together to stay with each other 'going steady' and we'll leave the rest for the future, my dear daughter. I love you as my daughter, Hope, now and forever. If you ever need me, I'll be here for you.'~.
~'Momma, I'll be checking on you and letting Daddy know that you are OK. You know its got to be important if they have you locked down so tight that Daddy cant get back in to see you. Daddy is getting reports on your medical condition and little mustard seed is healthy and you are healing nicely. They want you to keep making good progress and no repeats of the scare you gave us on surgery day.'~
~' No more scares daughter! I want to be around to greet my niece when she enters the world and also so we can start doing all the mother/ daughter things together and enjoy my new life with you and your father, Hope! '~
~' Rest well, Momma, All my hopes!"
~"Bye Sweetie!"~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thru the wonders of teleconferencing, Dr Erika had assembled a host of Significant others to participate in the support group tonight. With everything that had happened with the project at large, she felt that it would be good to give voice to some of the feelings common to several of them today.
Dr Erika began, "We've got the teleconference tied into your remote control. We'll use the method that the person holding the totem is the one who gets to speak till they pass it. When your monitor flashes the ***Live*** then you have the totem and when you finish just press the select switch on the remote again the ***Live*** will leave the monitor and go to someone else's. We'll terminate either when I feel we have reached a stopping place or we run out of time. So go ahead."
"Hi, its me, Hope! Guess I got a turn first. I am thankful that Miss Laura is awake and cheerful after her surgery. I feel so glad for her that she got to help her sister fight off the cancer by carrying her baby for her. I also am thankful that Miss Laura and Daddy have promised to be best friends and I love the diamond and citrine earrings that he gave her so she would have a remembrance of it. Daddy reminds me that I shouldn't assume but I already feel that she is part of our family and that I am part of hers. Its been a happy day for me."
"Hi, it's Leira. I am thankful that the operation was a success and little mustard seed seems contented with her new mother. I was worried about my sis but I am thrilled that she got beyond that. I am glad that Laura and I can chat telepathically again and I love that it brings us closer particularly now. I am also glad to have Hope who is Laura's God Daughter part of our family and I am amazed that Hope and Laura can telepathically chat too. I'm glad that the treatment for my cancer is starting and I will be looking forward to getting rid of it. "
"Hi, It's Leigh. Jessica and I have been getting ready for Jessica's first real date. The one that Jessica had for the party however enjoyable was a simulation since her date was working security as part of her detail at the time. However, we found out that there was someone in Jaycee's life who admired from afar and the only encouragement that was needed was some confirmation that guesses that had been made about Jaycee were right. I'm thankful that Jessica was suitable and available to be backup which was a necessary part of being able to go for it. I'm also glad that things are adding up to get Jessica a full transition too even after her part as potential backup isn't possible a month from now when Laura enters her second trimester."
"Hi, Mark here. I am so glad that both Laura and our baby are alright and also that Leira came thru the surgery OK and can be treated now for the cancer. Life is good with lots of help from our friends!"
"It's Dr Terry. I am so glad for everything good that has happened to Laura and Leira and little mustard seed over the last 48 hours. I'm glad that Laura and I have a hope that something interesting might happen after the baby is born after explaining what I have guessed about my sister's plans and her becoming more and more part of our family and Hope and I becoming part of hers."
"It's Jessica. Even though I hoped to be the pregnant one now, I am glad for Laura that she got the chance to help her sister carry her child. We both are having pretty unique experiences but Laura seems to be getting a double dose with being pregnant and being wooed by some one she loves. What I feel with the guy I've been flirting with isn't clearly love at first sight but I am going to have fun sticking around and flirting with him until I know for sure and our relationship can go to the next lever. I am a happy girl!"
"It's Laura! I'm thrilled to be here and to be alive and to have all the blessings of family and a baby growing inside me and a love in my heart that is returned by an amazing man and a sister's thoughts in my head and my daughter's thoughts in my head as well. I am glad to be the mother of Hope in the here and now while I am a surrogate to mustard seed. Life is good and I look for even better things to catch up with me as I go into the future. "
"It's Dr Erika again. I think I will call a stop for now but that worked out well so we may do this again this way when it feels like the right thing to do. Till I see you all again, May all your wishes come true! Good Bye for now!" .
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dr Kathryn along with Dr Viola Carrey (who was leading Leira's Care Team) looked in on Mark and Leira in Leira's room as she was resting between procedures. The schedule was as full as they could make it so they could get a head start treating Leira for the cancer, now that she could be sure that there was no way for the unborn child to be affected by the side effects.
Dr Kathryn said, “Mark, you certainly are lucky to have Leira as your wife. It won’t be too long before your child is born and you will have started your family.”
“I was extremely lucky to meet Leira. I was in the right place at the right time and so was she.” Mark smiled at Leira as he remembered meeting her.
"Laura told me once that Mark wasn’t just lucky, he was very skilled. I’ve learned that even Mark has a few surprises” Viola told them and smiled mischievously.
Leira explained, “I had the faith that I would meet and fall in love with the man of my dreams. I prepared for that day and when Mark came into my life, I was ready. I think that preparation runs in the family, with the kind of eye contact Laura's been making with Dr Terry. They have come a long way in very few days. And Hope is a dream daughter, and I am looking forward to her becoming a permanent part of the family soon."
Mark replied, "What words of wisdom to you have for your sister and her significant others, Leira, my sweet?"
"As Robert Heinlein said in Have Space Suit Will Travel “'Good luck' follows careful preparation; 'bad luck' comes from sloppiness” I am overjoyed that you are my husband, Mark, and that our family is about to begin.” Leira said , overflowing with joy.
Eight ~ May 8, 2012 ~ Second Trimester
Each of the days that followed, since little mustard seed was safely implanted along with Laura's new womb, was a blessing to the twin sisters. Laura was glad that most of the rough times had passed while Leira was carrying the baby for the first 2 months of the trimester. Laura was glad that even the effects that she had felt, and she did have her own challenges with morning sickness were coming to an end since today she was entering her second Trimester.
Leira helped Laura thru her experiences with the pregnancy.
Leira thought, ~'How are you doing, Laura? Any morning sickness?'~
Laura responded, ~'I feel wonderful Leira! The morning sickness seems to be mostly over'~
~'Lucky you! I carried "little mustard seed" thru most of the first trimester so I've been well acquainted with morning sickness.'~
~'Now it is over for both of us and good riddance for now. I will gladly go thru it again for the sake of another child'~
~'Mark and I have dibs on one more child. If by chance you found yourself with a husband who gave you a child of your own, we could negotiate the timing.'~
~'I am more than happy to carry another child for you two. This has been such a blessing so far for me.'~
~'Sister dear, you avoided the real point. Do I hear wedding bells?'~
~'Terry is wonderful and I believe he will ask me. I believe he has a notion that I should be delivered before he asks me to marry him.'~
~'Is that related to the ring prophesy?'~
~'Partially yes. Even though we both say that our relationship is independent of what ever the ring says about us, its difficult to completely ignore it.'~
~'And what is the other part?'~
~'Terry thinks that it won't be till after delivery that I will be out of this bed and not having to be protected from germs. That has taken away the chance for us to really enjoy the benefits of a courtship and that may have made a difference.'~
~'So if you were released from bed rest, then perhaps it might be earlier.'~
~'Even so, I don't expect it before 20 weeks when we find out the gender of the child.'~
~'Good Luck Sis when ever it it and have a nice day'~
~Be well Sis! Bye!'~
It was a special day for the fetal researchers with the ordinary things they would be excited to document in the child for the entry into the second trimester. It was also a month since the implantation and they wanted to be careful to look for any signs of problems. Thus far in the daily exams nothing had been detected that was felt might be a problem. Laura had plenty of tests to look forward to receiving. They all wanted to have the most up to date data to present at the team meeting tonight. It was a relief that everything was going rather ordinary.
Dr. Glynis Thompson said, "I believe we are going to have some good news for you at the meeting tonight, Laura." Glynis smiled down at Laura and held her hand.
Laura told her, "What is that Doctor Thompson?" and she smiled up at Glynis. Glynis had been taking such good care of her in Dr Robin's absence. Dr Robin flew up to visit from time to time but she was back taking care of all her other patients at her clinic.
"You are really doing well and we've been able to get all kinds of research data which should be able to help the next person who does this." Glynis observed
"And Leira's baby?"
"She is doing fine as well. 'Little Mustard Seed' is going to be a remarkable child. She's growing strong, right on schedule."
"She? Do you know the child's gender?"
"Not yet but I always refer to unborn children as she. They have life so it would not be appropriate for me to say it. I'm always hopeful that another girl will be born into the world until proven otherwise."
"I agree with your way of thinking, Doctor. When do you feel we will know?"
"Barring the need for invasive testing due to something going really wrong, we should know the answer at 20 weeks. We've gotten pretty good at telling now even though that kind of evidence can be wrong."
"That's about the same time that the brain will be mostly developed?"
"Yes, the child should become aware of music, voices and sounds."
"And if she is anything like her real mother and I, she might start speaking to me telepathically. I'll ask her then because she will know for sure about her gender."
"If she starts speaking telepathically then that will be another interesting source of data. We know how to monitor it as we did between you and your sister so we will be listening out for it as well. I only wish we knew how to decode what we detect and maybe if we are listening in to Baby's first telepathic words it will give us a clue how to do that."
"I will be glad to help with that. Is there any luck with the data in determining what put me in that coma right after implantation?"
"What ever caused it reversed itself as quickly as it acted. All we know is that your condition has been clear ever since and we don't expect it to repeat."
"That's good for me! Hopefully it was something specific to my physiology and the next girl who tries this won't encounter the same thing."
It was also a special day for the stem cell researchers to see if the ground breaking treatment which enabled there to be a seamless transition from the tissue that had always been Laura's to the tissue of the womb that had been implanted. If it could be confirmed that there was no longer a seam but just continuous tissue then Laura could make plans to have the baby be delivered by natural child birth. Dr Gwen Mathers came by to see Laura while Dr Glynis Thompson was still in with her.
Dr Gwen Mathers greeted, "Good morning Laura and Dr Thompson. I have some good news for Laura that I will be taking to the meeting tonight.
Dr. Glynis Thompson replied," I'll be taking some good news about Laura's health and the baby's as well. What is your news, Doctor Mathers?"
Dr Mathers replied, "The latest tests confirm that the implanted reproductive system is yours completely now. The stem cells have finished their work and there is no difference from your state now and if you had been born with those organs. Antibody tests that originally showed a slight increase above norm now are a bit below normal since you've been kept in a sterile environment. Environmental precautions are no longer needed as well as the confinement to bed. You still need constant monitoring but I am going to recommend you be given the run of the facility. And with proper conditioning and training, you'll be able to have natural childbirth. "
Laura was excited," I'll be able to be up and around! That's wonderful!"
Gwen continued," You'll have a list of activity restrictions but it will be good to be able to do more than the physiotherapy you have been getting in bed. Now is a good time to get you up and about before you get too big. I was hoping for this but the way that you have responded beats even the best estimates of prognosis given before we started."
Glynis interjected, "That's wonderful news, Laura! We only have our piece of the picture but if no one else on your case has something else that requires you to have bed rest then the order to release you should be issued after the progress report tonight. You've been in bed for so long that there will be a transition of physiotherapy before you are released to roam the facility. We'll want to make sure that you are strong enough to be up and around."
Laura grinned, "I will be looking forward to regaining my strength and my eventual release should that be the order given tonight. Thank you for my wonderful news today, Doctors!"
Dr Mathers answered, " You are so welcome, Laura. I have to get some work done for the progress report tonight. Take care Laura."
Dr Thompson agreed, "Laura I have to go get some other work done too. Have a wonderful day!"
Hope thought, ~'Daddy's on the way! I hope you two have fun to day!'~
Laura sent, ~'Thank you Hope! We always have fun. Please come visit me later so I can see you.'~
Hope replied, ~'I will, Mom! Be good! Bye for now!'~
Laura finished, ~'Bye, Daughter!'~
Both doctors left the room and Laura who had a great big grin on her face. Dr. Sommers reentered the room when the two doctors on Laura's case left. Terry and Hope had spent most of the days together by Laura's side. Now that Laura appeared to be really alright after that scare when she had gone into a coma, Hope felt like she didn't have to physically hold Laura's hand to make sure she would be OK. Instead Hope had been sending her Daddy off by himself to go visit Laura when all the time carrying on a running telepathic conversation with Laura only stopping while Laura talked with Hope's father.
Terry asked, "What brought that grin to your face, sweetheart? I love to see you happy but this seems much more than normal."
Laura answered, "Darling, I've just heard from my Doctors that they may let me out of this bed. I'll still be confined to the facility for monitoring. I'll also get to take classes and have natural childbirth!"
Terry replied, "That's wonderful news, sweetie. If they are going to let you loose on the facility, you might also have the sterile conditions restrictions will be lifted too. That brings all kinds of interesting possibilities."
Laura giggled, "I'm looking forward to exploring all those possibilities with you Terry!"
"And I with you, Sweetie. I love you, Laura!'
"I love you too, Terry! By midway thru the pregnancy, we ought to know if I am bearing my niece or nephew. Then we will see just how good your sister was at predicting the future!"
"My sister was amazing! If it were not for her vision to help women like you and your sister, we may not have ever met. I am so glad that we did!"
"I'm glad too, darling! Having my own womb means that I will be able to bear my own child! It's a miracle and a dream come true. I've promised Leira and Mark that I will be surrogate to another child for them. Outside of that I'll be ready for what ever chances that occur."
"You'll be a good mother to your own baby when ever that may occur. I'd love to be a father again, myself. Being a father to Hope has been the most worthwhile thing I have done with my life so far."
"Hope is a blessing. In such a short time she's become like my own daughter. Her acceptance of our love has made my part in your family so easy. And she's not bashful in saying that she wants me to be family. Hope is so easy to love."
"I'm glad you two have bonded. I've tried to take up the slack for her mother having died but she's getting to the age that having a mother around is very important. When a child has both a mother and a father then she can be certain of having everything she needs to grow up as she should."
"Its so wonderful having you around, Terry. You've made me a very happy girl in a relatively short time."
"And I intend to keep bringing that happiness to you just like you have brought to me. I have some things to check on so I will see you later, Laura. Bye!"
"Bye Darling!'
Terry left knowing that those moments with Laura would make the work ahead bearable. She had really made a difference in his life and ring or not, he intended to ask Laura to marry him when the time was right.
Mark was always there by Leira's side. He didn't have any of the special abilities that Leira possessed but he was special in his own way. His love for Leira was real and he was very good at expressing that love so that Leira could see that it was real too. They both loved the 'little mustard seed' growing in Laura's womb. They would be very glad when 'little mustard seed' was born and could be in her doting mother's arms and watched over by her father..
Mark said, "How are you feeling, Sweetheart?"
Leira replied, "I'm coping rather well. The joy coming thru our empathic link from Laura warms my heart since part is her enjoyment of carrying 'Mustard Seed' and the other is that she is in love with a wonderful guy who has an amazing daughter."
"I'm glad that things are looking up for her. She's had so much turmoil in her life and it is nice that things are going her way. Have the doctors told you anything about your progress?"
"The last report that I heard was very promising. They were all gearing up for a progress report today. They promised me a preview in a bit. I feel stronger so that indicates to me that things are still on the right track."
"Can I do anything or get anything for you, Leira?"
"Just hold me!" And Mark took Leira in his arms and hugged her tight as though he would never let her go.
Leira's cancer treatments proceeded in a favorable way. She had gotten over the surgery that had removed her womb very well. Leira was responding well to the conventional cancer treatments that she could now receive without her being pregnant. The research team were trying new treatments designed to negate the negative aspects of the cancer treatment. On top of that, more of her stem cells were harvested and made into tissue that turned the cancer tissue in her lungs to normal tissue. The treatments all together were almost miraculous to stop the spread of the cancer and better still to eliminate some that already existed. Leira was getting a lot of tests today to round out the data that would be presented on her recovery at the team meeting tonight. Doctor Carrey and Doctor Mathers came in to give Leira an update while Mark excused himself to take care of something for Leira. Both Doctors greeted her warmly and checked the current readings of her monitors.
Leira showed she was feeling upbeat and asked, "Greeting Doctor Carrey and Doctor Mathers! What news do you bring me today?"
Dr. Viola Carrey answered. "It's good news! Our combined therapy approach has isolated the cancer to the already affected area of the lungs and has prevented any spread of cancerous tissue. This in itself leads to an optimistic assessment of your condition. This is amazing since at the same time your body had to cope with the donation of your womb. The techniques used in the surgery and inclusion of stem cells at the interfaces to encourage healing has led to a complete stabilization. We are keeping your hormone balance stable with HRT. The complete stop of the cancer advancing means that when the foothold that the cancer has in your lungs has been ended then prognosis is good for a complete cure. Even though you are responding well to the therapies, It is not easy to predict when you will be cured but we certainly expect a complete cure by Christmas."
Leira told her, "That would be a wonderful Christmas present! Thank you Doctor Carrey!"
Dr Gwen Mathers added, "More and more of your lung tissue which had been cancerous has been changed into normal tissue with the action of the stem cells that have been introduced into your lungs. Between this action and the action of the drug therapy which is killing cancer cells, your condition is becoming more and more favorable. I agree that a complete cure is to be expected at least by Christmas if not before."
Leira replied. "I feel so lucky to be taken such good care of! Thank you both and your staffs for everything that you have been doing for me!"
Viola finished, "I have to put the final touches on my report before I turn it in, so I will take my leave of you. Bye!"
Gwen added, "I have to do the same thing. Take care Leira and best wishes for your recovery. Bye!"
Leira smiled widely, "Thank you Doctors for this great news! See you later!"
Both doctors gave her a smile and a touch and were off to finish their reports.
Dr Erika had arranged for a group session with Miss Jessica Majors and her sister, Leigh Majors since this was a landmark occasion. Ordinarily would be meeting with Dr Erika and the University Transition Support Group. Ordinarily, Dr Erika knew a person in Laura's situation would not be attending any support group at all. Still Erika had her evaluation of Laura's state of mind to submit for the team meeting. It was also the baby that Laura was carrying that got Jessica to start transition. The interesting thing was that Terry was back as Laura's significant other who has started out in group as 'Theresa' one of the potential surrogates. There were rumors that Terry intended to pop the question after Laura delivered. They were all friends and it was a good excuse to visit in the final analogy.
Dr Erika, "I'm glad to have all of us gathered together again. I'd like to welcome back Terry who as Theresa started out in our group. And greetings to Laura who is participating via closed circuit TV. Let's go around the room and check in starting with Leigh."
Leigh started, "I'm happy to be back here where it all began. I'm having fun meeting the challenges being with Dr Erika and Leigh in the University Transitions Support Group. The university is really forward thinking providing both of us at no charge to the students because we can really do a lot of good without a financial burden on the students. It is really satisfying to watch each one blossom and meet their potential. Its also been nice being with Jessica during this important part of her life and watching her blossom as well. I don't know if I will ever return to the clientele that I used to serve after the rewards of helping the transgender community.
Jessica spoke, "I guess I'm next. It has been eye opening being in a support group with a number of students going thru the same things that I am. In a lot of ways, I have been luckier than most of them since I had my transition kick started here and all of the resources that were available to help me. I've been dating and liking it lots. While I don't have a significant other in my life yet, I feel that it is only a matter of time. I am taking one day at a time and being glad for the blessings that each day brings."
Laura giggled, "From where the TV in your room is placed, that means I am next. I'm pregnant! I am very glad about that because it means that my niece or nephew is safe. It also means that my sister Leira can get all the care that she needs to knock out the cancer. I want my sister to be around a very long time so she can see her child grow up into the amazing person that she will be with my sister as her parent. I've also found love! Terry has been a blessing to me getting me thru my part of the first trimester with the uncomfortable things that go on. Hope has become like a daughter to me and I am very lucky that both of them have come into my life."
Terry told them, "I am very fortunate to be Laura's boyfriend and Hope's father. I'm very glad for the work of the foundation and that it's resources were available to help Leira and Laura specifically but also others in the process. While my contribution was not needed, I was fully committed to the project and if selected, I would have hoped to bear up as well as Laura has done. While I immersed myself in becoming Theresa, I myself am not transgendered and so I am very pleased that I have been able to return to normal. The experience has given me a perspective that will continue to be important to me."
Dr Erika concluded, "I guess that will have to be all for now. There is am important project progress report that it is necessary for most of us to attend. Thank you everyone and I look forward to doing this again soon."
Everyone left to take their places in the conference room for the project progress report. Laura was watching on closed circuit TV from her bed again, but the remainder of the team were gathered in the conference room to discuss the latest developments from Laura, Leira and 'little mustard seed'.
Dr Kathryn Jenkins started, "I have all the reports and data in concerning the project's focus subjects. First, I will address Laura and the baby that she is carrying. The child, who has been nicknamed by her mother and sister, 'Mustard Seed' is in perfect health and continues development right on schedule. The child, as we planned, was not impacted in any way. What we have is a normal pregnancy, even though carried by a mother and surrogate, which is now entering the second trimester.
"Next I will address Laura's condition. With the exception of the coma that Laura went into shortly after implantation of the womb and child, Laura is in exceptional health. We have not been able to determine what was the source of Laura's coma which left just as quickly as it came. While we continue to study the data stream from that event, since we can not detect any contributing factors, we don't deem it a significant consideration.
"Laura's body is responding in a normal way for a woman carrying a child in her second trimester. The ground breaking stem cell therapy that Laura received to mitigate rejection has been completely successful. There are no longer any interfaces but every thing is continuous tissue. With the donor womb, now being totally Laura's without any interface, fears of a separation are now boundless as are fears of rejection. Without those contraindications of any physical activity, the only remaining concerns are monitoring and swift delivery of medical services. Those concerns may be met by confining Laura to the bounds of the facility, subject to normal precautions for a woman in her condition.
"Physical activity is desirable to prepare the woman for any method of delivery. Instead of a cesarean, a vaginal delivery should be primary now with natural childbirth also possible. I am issuing orders to Laura's physiotherapist to put her on a regime that will result in her being strong enough to discontinue bed rest and resume normal activity for a woman in her condition. With Laura observing the proper cautions, a return to normal activity is in the best interest of both herself and the child she carries. She should be ready for natural childbirth classes if she chooses when she begins her third trimester.
"Finally, I will address Leira's condition. The combined therapies have resulted in the stop of the cancer's spread and progress is being made in eliminating the cancer in Leira's lungs. She has completely recovered from the surgery which she donated her womb, Her doctors predict short term remission of symptoms and long term a complete cure. A significant factor in her treatment is the stem cell therapy provided by Doctor Mathers' team as well as both established and experimental cancer therapies."
"All in all, everything is proceeding in accordance to our expectations. We look forward to successful final outcomes for Leira, Laura and Mustard Seed."
With that Dr Jenkins dismissed everyone and they began to chat among themselves and offer their regards to both Leira and Laura. While both Leira and Laura would have rather been home with their significant others and their lives back to normal, each valued the medical attention that they were receiving. They were practical in realizing that neither of their situations was ordinary as a result of the transplant. Having the medical facilities there in case something out of the ordinary occurred was a great peace of mind.
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Mustard Seed.
Is a most wonderful story of Faith, Hope, and Love triumphing over despair. It simply proves that God moves in mysterious ways.
May Your Light Forever Shine
May Your Light Forever Shine
Nice
story.
Technical note: There is a large chunk of duplicated text before "April 4, 2008 ~ Test Transplant"