I have a copy of Ms. Angel O'Hare's story, Queen of the harvest Moon... since the story was not posted properly on this page... I am adding this to the comments area, Here is the story as written...

Queen of Harvest Moon
(The Original)

By Angel O’Hare

RICKY'S HALLOWEEN SURPRISE!

This story is about change. Yes, we all go through changes don't we? But how about changes that are brought about by others for a purpose you would not have anything to do with? SURPRISE! Unknown to you the changes have begun and there is no turning back. Halloween is one of the best times of the year for children, besides Christmas and birthdays, that is! Months before Halloween is to arrive the plan begins!
Harvest Moon, a small town in Connecticut made up of tobacco farms, dairy farms and houses that belonged to those working in the big city, an hours drive away, was where the O'Hare family lived. Julia O'Hare, the mother;
William (Bill) O'Hare, the father; Richard (Ricky) O'Hare, their 11-year-old son, and Theresa (Terry) O'Hare, their 7-year-old daughter. Julia was very involved in the small community both in politics and school. Bill was a very hard working husband and father. As an executive for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Division, he worked long hours. Bill stayed in the city, more times than not, a week at a time, only coming home on Friday evenings. That made for special weekends for the whole family. 'Quality time, not quantity time,' was Bill's favorite saying.
The community was a close one with almost everyone getting involved in any town event. The teachers in both schools all knew the parents of their students and the parents knew the teachers. The PTA was more of a community organization that was always involved in town events by using the students by age and classroom more than by family. Of course, the school band members were always included and kept apart, other than for providing music for these events.
Now, Halloween was a huge event for the town of Harvest Moon. The celebration and events start a whole week prior to Halloween, only ending at the stroke of midnight Halloween day. This was to be a very special Halloween because it was the town's 100th anniversary! On October 31st 100 years ago the town was made official. The mayor and all the others involved in the town's affairs have spared no expense for this year's celebration! Everyone wanted this Halloween to be remembered for another 100 years. The shopkeepers would provide materials and their expertise to the event. Beauticians and dressmakers, artists and writers, doctors and nurses all were involved in some way. The barber and even the ragman were kept busy.
Inside the town hall, the walls were covered with pictures of the children of the town. A few of the teachers and parents (Julia being the leader) were picking out each individual child by appearance and personality, setting them aside to be decided later which character they would become for Halloween week. Some children would become characters that would appear for a brief time and others would remain in character for the entire week. Hence, the personality of each child was very important. There were three initial piles, the good, the bad and the exceptions. The exceptions pile being any number of things, from the injured and infirm to the handicapped. There would be special characters created just for these special children.
Each grade had to have a King and a Queen, since there was only one class per grade in the elementary school this would be easy. For the high school the choices would be harder. This theme was very important for the weeklong event. One King and one Queen would be chosen by the townspeople for the whole town via a voting booth. Even the children got to vote! It was a very special honor for the two chosen because they would win prizes and appear at every major event the town had until the following Halloween when a new pair would be chosen. These children were held in high esteem by all and spoiled for the entire year. Every child wanted to be voted THE King or Queen!
The piles were separated and the choices had been made for all the characters save the Kings and Queens of each grade. The remaining children were gone over again and again and the choices were made. There was one problem that caused a considerable delay in this process. The sixth grade class had no girls! OOPS!
It was only really discovered when they went to choose the Queen from each class. This had never happened before so a new precedent had to be established. Julia was looked to for guidance and she made the decision that a boy would become a Queen for the first time ever. The ground rules were set that the appearance and personality had to fit the position. Not just any boy would do! Also for the good of the town this boy must be supported and protected by all.
The group poured over the 13 pictures of the sixth grade class. One by one each child was rejected until they came to Ricky's picture. Julia let out a gasp and tried to have her son rejected knowing what his reaction would be! She tried to come up with things that would make him unacceptable to the group but each one failed. There was one other child in the sixth grade class that would do, Julia thought, and tried to push that child as the choice but to no avail. Ricky was perfect in appearance and personality.
Julia knew this and resigned herself to that fact. She had drawn up the new rules and would have to live by them. Julia did have one more trick up her sleeve though; the new rules had to be accepted by the ruling body of the town. The mayor and all the elected officials as well as the members of the PTA. Ricky would have one more chance to get out of this predicament.
Nothing was said outside the group for this was a secret until the end of the school year in May. The committee met with the town officials about their choices and the new rule changes. Since Julia's child was involved in a big way, she was excluded from the meeting to her utter dismay. They did call her in to present her with an award for her involvement to save the town's event with her quick thinking and establishing the new rules. The ruling body also decreed that there would be no disclosure of the rules changes to the children until the last possible moment. That would be on the last day of school just before the children were let free for the summer. Each child would be handed a sealed envelope they could only open in front of a parent or guardian.
The PTA met and again Julia was made to wait outside until the end of the meeting. The rules change was put to the members for a vote and it passed by a large majority. Ricky's fate was sealed. It was decided that all the children would be measured the same way, a complete set of measurements just as would be taken for a girl's fitting. That way no child would be the wiser. That was done starting the week before school let out and again a week before the final fitting of the costumes.
The committee met once again in an emergency meeting because a few special problems unique to this situation had to be worked out. For a boy to become a convincing Queen would take time and hard work. They would not stand for a comical Queen! The boy must be convincing in his new role.
What would happen if this child, perchance, were elected as the town's Queen for the entire year? That set of rules was made up by the committee members with Julia being excluded once again. The committee met once again with the ruling town members and the PTA and once again Julia was excluded entirely. Only after the rules were passed and accepted was she presented with a copy.
Julia was so surprised by the rules she almost fainted on the spot! For the good of the child and of the town, this child would be required to live as a girl full time for the entire year! Julia would see to it that Ricky would not win that title! She could change his appearance and coach him to mess up at the right times so he would have no chance at winning.
Julia thought this was a good plan but what about Ricky in the mean time? How was Ricky going to react having to be a Queen from morning until late every evening for a whole week? How was he going to react to all the dressing and practice sessions that were right now being planned for him? She knew by reading the rules that much of the time Ricky would be with someone else and not her. She could be present for support but in no way could she intervene with this process unless it was to save the child from undue harm or unforeseen humiliation. Ricky's fate was indeed signed and sealed.
What Julia did not know was how extensive the town's involvement with her son's transformation actually was! Everybody wanted to get involved in some way with this rare opportunity. They planned, ordered, purchased, and scheduled. The time approached quickly.
Meanwhile, Ricky was very excited, as were all the other children at school. The end of the school year was but a week away. Their measurements were being taken and all the children felt that their costumes would be very special. Why else would they be taking such precise and thorough measurements?
The children also knew that this year's event was going to be the biggest ever. The 100th Year Anniversary Harvest Moon Halloween Week was already being advertised and promoted as the event of the year! All the children hoped to be getting that particular envelope that named them as a King or Queen of their class. Many knew they wouldn't be among those chosen but they did fantasize anyway. They would be happy with whatever character they were chosen to be.
A few children did not want any part of the event. They just wanted to party and have fun. Most of these children would get their wish for their personalities were well known and they would be used in support roles instead of taking a direct part in the costumed events.
The members of Ricky's class all knew there were no girls to be a Queen so they all figured there would be one or two Kings instead. Ricky knew he would never be a King and was happy to just be a costumed character. He hoped to be a clown because they always had the most fun, giving away balloons and trinkets to the townspeople and the pre-school children. Many times the townspeople would give the clowns a little money to perform for their child or for an extra balloon. Yes, Ricky really wanted to be a clown.
Ricky did wonder at a few things that he had noticed recently. A few of the ladies in town would go out of their way to say hello to him and ask about him and his family. His mother let him know that he had a doctor's appointment the next day and he would be going to school after lunch. He wondered why because he already had his school physical and was not sick at all. His mother just told him it was now required for some of the children who would be taking part in the festivities this Halloween. Ricky got even more excited then, thinking he would have a very special character to play, like an acrobat!
Morning came and Julia entered her son's room to wake him. She paused and looked at him sleeping there in bed. She wished she had let him get his haircut earlier that year but she hated the way he looked in short hair. She also knew he would get a buzz cut for the summer and she really hated that look! He was a very, cute child and many of her friends had commented on that to her.
They were too nice to say the old refrain of he is too pretty to be boy. She knew he was pretty and that was one of the reasons she liked him with longer hair. She also knew that it was why he was to become a Queen. She gently rubbed her son's back until he woke and then told him to go jump in the tub she had already prepared for him. Ricky jumped up and she playfully slapped his fanny as he ran to the bathroom. He giggled at her playful swat as he ran faster out of her reach. He took off his underpants as that was all he ever wore to bed and sat on the toilet to pee as his mother had taught him. No messes to clean up that way she had said.
He looked to the tub and it was filled with bubbles and smelled like flowers. GEEZ! He liked the bubbles but the smell of flowers he could do without. He got in the tub and was washing himself up when his mother tapped at the door and came right in. She had not done that since he was about 8 years old!
She smiled at him telling him that she had to wash him extra well because the doctor would be checking everywhere. Ricky turned red and let her know he could do a good job but his mother insisted, reassuring him that he had nothing to be ashamed about, that he was a very good looking boy and to be proud of his body.
(Ricky knew better though, he was the smallest child in his class. He also knew that is why he had the nickname "Ricky the Chicky". Even his teacher often said he was too cute to be a boy! His teacher Miss Dawson would often have him stay in during recess to help her with certain tasks he could do. Unknown to him, she did this to protect him from the teasing and bullying she knew went on during recess.)
His mother took over, and while chatting away to him about some of the events planned for the town's celebration, washed and inspected every inch he had. Ricky was soon drawn into the conversation and that set him at ease as his mother washed him everywhere. He did flinch a little when she washed his penis and ever so carefully washed his scrotum. She had him bend forward a little as she separated his fanny cheeks and washed his anus real well. She had him stand while she pulled out the plug for the drain and washed his hair, not once but twice. She did a little extra cleaning of his ears as well. She rinsed him off from head to toe, and then patted him dry.
She hugged him and gave him a kiss, which he returned; she told him she had a new sweatsuit he was going to wear to the doctor's. COOL! He loved sweatsuits, they were comfortable and easy to wear. Just pull them on and pull them off. He wrapped the towel around his waist and followed her to her bedroom. There it was but it was not a color he would have chosen! This one was a pale yellow; he would have hoped for a dark blue or gray. He noticed that there was a matching pair of socks and a new set of low cut sneakers as well. GEEZ! Yellow sneakers with the trim done in white!
What was his mother thinking anyway? At least the underpants were the briefs he liked to wear. The undershirt was different as well. It was made of a shiny, smooth, white material he had never worn before. He quickly put on his underpants and then the new undershirt. It felt cool to his skin and he saw his mother smile at him.
He put on the rest of his new outfit and noticed that the pants were too big. They were the right length but much too big in the seat. He had to pull the strings real tight so they wouldn't fall down on him. His mother had him sit at her vanity so she could brush out and dry his hair. She had a blow dryer and he had never had this done before, either. He asked her why the blow dryer and she told him they were running a little late and this would be quicker. He could not show up at the doctor's with wet hair. When she was finished his hair was fuller and his natural blonde curls seemed to bounce when she lightly tapped his hair as a sign she was done. He complained about the pants and all she told him was they had to be that baggy and that his sweatshirt hid the bagginess anyway. He wondered why they had to be so baggy in the fanny.
Julia tried very hard to be calm and not show her anxiety in any way. She knew Ricky, who was very sharp about things, would pick up on her feelings and start asking questions she did not want to answer just yet. She was not even sure she was prepared enough to answer them right now.
So she just smiled and said, "Okay, Ricky, it's time to go."
Ricky, being the gentleman, opened the front door for his mother and then closed and locked it as they both headed for the car. He opened his mother's car door and closed it when she was seated. He went around to his side and hopped in, fastening his seatbelt and locking his door. His mother always insisted on those two things. They were off to the doctor's office and he was happy to have the morning off from school.
He wondered happily about what character he was going to portray this year that required a visit to the doctor's office. There were a few characters that had a chance of being hurt each year but he also knew that most of them, he was too small to be. The one he kept coming back to was the acrobat! He could be the small one that got to be on top all the time. Yes, that is what character he was going to be! The only one his size would allow him to be. He laughed then, knowing he wasn't supposed to be able to know what character he was picked to be until he got home from the last day of school and had his parents read the letter to him. He knew!
Meanwhile the planning of Ricky's transformation was eagerly being done by a host of women and men of the town. This was a very rare opportunity that none of them could or would pass up in a million zillion years! Some of the women wanted to be involved to get back at Julia, they being jealous of her leadership abilities and her popularity. Most just thought Ricky to be the prettiest boy they had ever encountered and thought he would make a most convincing Queen, and a very beautiful one at that! They all decided that no expense or skill would go wasted and they just could not wait to begin Ricky's training and transformation. They also knew that today was the beginning with his visit to the doctor's office.
Ricky was looking out his car window when he noticed they drove right past his doctor's office. He looked at his mother and said, "Mommy, why did you drive by Dr. Wigs? I thought we were going to his office today?"
"No, Honey, you have to go to Dr. Roma's office today. She has the contract for the town so you have to be seen by her."
"But, Mommy, Dr. Roma is a girl doctor. Only the girls go see her, I know because that is what they all say at school."
"Honey, Dr. Roma is a doctor first and a girl doctor second. She specializes in the care and treatment of young girls but she is also the town's doctor for all the special events, like the one you are about to be in."
Ricky sat thinking about that one. He was nervous now, knowing he was going to be seen by the town's girl doctor! He knew that Dr. Roma only saw girls no matter what and he knew that once there was an emergency at school and they had to have two doctors show up because she would only see the girls! He also remembered that Dr. Roma did treat him that day! Dr. Wigs saw all the other boys and now Ricky began to wonder as he looked closely at his mother. He noticed she was nervous and would not look at him straight on.
Yes, Ricky was sharp indeed and he was also the smartest in his class! He liked to play dumb to fool others into underestimating him and also so they would not pick on him so much. He knew why his teacher kept him inside during recess! He just let her think he did not know. He also knew why she made him wear that darn apron when she had him clean the blackboard and empty the pencil sharpener.
She would always smile and whisper to him that he was much too cute to be a boy when she fastened that apron on him! She always put it on him and tied it with a big bow in the back. She would never let him put it on himself! She was thoughtful though as she would always make sure that she removed the apron well before the children came back from recess. He could remember a few of the other teachers liked to always come by when he was in the apron! The other lady teachers always had an excuse and would sit and chat with Miss Dawson. That would just add a few more chores for him to do and he noticed they would look at him often and whisper to each other right after they did.
Ricky figured it out just as they pulled into the parking lot of Dr. Roma's office. He looked straight at his mother and said, "Mommy, they picked me to be the Queen for my class, didn't they?"
Julia just sat very still for a second gathering her thoughts together. She knew she could never lie to him so she turned to him and said, "Yes, Ricky, I tried very hard to have you excused from this but the whole town voted and chose you to be the Queen for your class. Do you know why they did?"
Ricky with a tear falling from his eye just nodded as he opened his door, going around and opening his mother's for her. He knew why and now he realized what was ahead of him! He was smart all right and while they walked together with his mother holding him close to her he thought and thought. Ricky knew but he had no idea just what was ahead of him! He saw and realized their car was the only one there! He saw as they entered the office they were the only two expected and the nurse was waiting and ready for him.
"Hello, Ricky, we are so happy to see you today. We are all set up and ready for you, so why don't you just come with me and your Mommy can talk to Dr. Roma while we are getting ready for her, okay?"
"Yes, Ma'am," was all Ricky could manage to say at the moment.
His throat was tight and he was trying to be brave and not cry. He noticed the office was decorated for little girls, all painted in pinks and whites. Lacy curtains on the windows and many dolls with several doll houses for them to play with as they waited their turn to be seen. He noticed the books and magazines were for little girls and their mothers. Barbie and Ken dolls with all the extras were plentiful. There was a "Little Nurses" station with baby dolls, bottles and diapers, play stethoscopes and tongue depressors, band-aids with cartoon characters on them for the girls to play nurse with. As he was being led into an examination room he noticed the pink frilly dressing gown waiting for him on the examination table. He groaned inward and silently. More tears escaped his eyes as they made a silent path flowing down his cheeks.
The nurse, Miss Fleming kept up an endless chatter seeing Ricky already knew what was ahead of him by his tears. She felt sorry for him and knew there was no way out of this situation for him as well. She decided right then to make an extra special effort to go easy on him and make this a special time whenever he came there. She knew he was to come back and often right up until Halloween night.
Miss Fleming also knew that Dr. Roma had an extra special interest in Ricky. She knew the doctor thought Ricky was really a girl trapped in a little boy's body. Dr. Roma would often talk about Ricky, the way he looked and acted, his mannerisms and most of all how hard it was for Ricky to be a boy. The other mothers would often comment on how Ricky was treated badly by the other boys and how much the girls liked him. Unknown to Ricky was Dr. Roma's role in having him enrolled in many special classes in the near future. Yes, Ricky did not yet know how extensive the town had planned for him once it was decided he would be the Queen for his class! Miss Fleming knew! Now all she wanted to do was help this poor little boy the best she could.
"Ricky, I know you know what has been decided, am I right?" Ricky nodded as more tears fell. "I promise you, I will help you as much as I can to make this as easy for you as possible. Any time you need to talk to somebody or just to get away for awhile you can come to me or call me, okay?"
Ricky nodded again but this time he looked up at Miss Fleming and saw the genuine concern and thoughtfulness of her. He smiled for the first time and said, "Thank you, Mam, I know I am going to need all the help I can get."
Nurse Fleming took some tissue and dried Ricky's tears and told him it was time they began to get ready for the exam and the doctor. She undressed him and put the pink lacy frock on him as she had him step on the scale to weigh him and measure his height. Ricky did not utter one protest or show any signs of resistance as she did this. Nurse Fleming was gentle as she took his temperature in his bottom and then his blood pressure. She took samples of his blood and had him lay back on the examination table covering him with a pink sheet. The paper under Ricky crinkled and crackled as he wiggled into a comfortable position.
Nurse Fleming saw how beautiful this child really was, now that she saw him close up. He was tiny for his age and very underdeveloped. His shape was more of a girl than a boy. His little penis and testicles were so small, like that of a 4-year-olds. She wondered what the blood tests would show. Even his arms had the girl's bow to them. Only girls' arms were shaped that way so they could glide by their wider hips without hitting them. Boy's arms were straighter with no bow; yes, she thought, Ricky is more girl than boy. She again felt sorry for him knowing the doctors secret plans and also knowing that to her dismay and Ricky's, the doctor was right.
Meanwhile Dr. Roma and Julia were talking in her office. Julia had no clue as to the extent of the secret planning the town had undertaken on behalf (so they convinced themselves) of her son. Dr. Roma had introduced herself as Claire to Julia and insisted Julia call her from then on by her first name. So Claire and Julia had a nice short but intensive chat about Ricky's future treatments.
Claire told Julia Ricky might need to take certain vitamins and dietary supplements before and after each meal. This all depended on her examination of him. She also told Julia that she would probably be giving Ricky a few shots, one to keep him calm and the others also depended on her initial examination and the results of the blood work. She invited Julia to accompany her to help Ricky to remain calm during the initial exam but let her know that during future exams, she would have to see Ricky alone and would talk to her afterwards. This was so Ricky could talk freely to her and answer her questions without embarrassment Julia's presence might cause him. Julia readily accepted this explanation, not knowing the doctor's true reasons!
Ricky heard them approach and looked up as they entered. Nurse Fleming was also with them. Dr. Roma smiled and greeted Ricky warmly. Without any other delay she had Ricky sit up as she listened to his lungs and heart. She then took away the sheet and removed the dressing gown, leaving Ricky exposed and naked. Ricky turned red and tried to cover himself with his hands only to have Dr. Roma remove them, placing his hands at his sides.
Nurse Fleming had a note pad and was writing things down as Dr. Roma started saying things in a foreign language Ricky did not understand. Dr. Roma had Julia hold Ricky's hands as she had him lay back and inserted his feet in small stirrup things that were attached to the sides and bottom end of the examination table. She adjusted the stirrups until Ricky's knees were far apart and his feet were pushed back and apart, almost even with his chest. He was exposed like at no other time in his young life! His fanny was almost suspended in the air!
Dr. Roma did a strange thing then, she started examining him from the head down. Ricky had thought she would examine him down there at his privates, but instead she had Nurse Fleming take a few pictures as the doctor examined Ricky's head and upper body spending a long time with his arms hands and fingers. Nurse Fleming took some pictures from a distance and more of them close up, and soon they had pictures of every part Ricky had. From his head to his toes got photographed both from a distance and close up! Ricky was so embarrassed!
Julia just kept cooing to him and trying to keep him calm and comforted. Then the doctor really surprised Ricky and his mother! She examined his penis and testicles, saying a bunch of things as the nurse wrote it all down. Dr. Roma put some lotion on her gloves and began to manipulate Ricky's penis until it became stiff and hard. She measured it both for length and circumference.
Ricky looked up at his mother seeing the surprise look on her face and then the frown. He was worried that something was wrong. His mother looked like she knew something was wrong! Dr. Roma then kept manipulating his penis as she slid a finger inside his fanny! He felt her touch something inside him that made him jump and feel real funny all over. He was scared!
His mother began stroking his forehead as she cooed to him like he was a baby trying to get him to relax. Ricky tensed and stiffened as a very strong sensation shot through him; he heard the doctor say he had no production and that it was a dry result. He wondered what that meant as he saw his mother frown with concern once more.
Ricky was real scared now and he began to silently cry as new tears fell from his eyes. Dr. Roma told Nurse Fleming to give Ricky something IM which he had no clue as to what it was. Ricky's mother did and she nodded in agreement. He wondered what "val-something-or-other" was as his feet were removed from the stirrups. Thankfully, he was dressed in the pink lacy dressing gown again covering his nakedness.
Dr. Roma asked his mother to come to her office and that was when Ricky saw Nurse Fleming holding a syringe and filling it with something from a tiny bottle. Ricky hated needles! He was a brave boy though and just rolled over on his tummy when she asked him to. He felt a cold swipe of something on his fanny and then a slight sting and then soon he was very tired and calm. Nurse Fleming had him roll on his back and covered him with the sheet. He noticed she pulled up a rail on both sides of the examination table and then slipped a pillow under his head. She kissed him on his forehead and told him he was very good and a very brave boy as she took a seat in the corner, just watching him. He soon fell asleep.
While Ricky was in his drug-assisted sleep with Nurse Fleming watching over him, Dr. Claire Roma and Julia were having a very serious conversation in Claire's office. Julia knew a few things were not right with Ricky and that's what Claire began explaining to Julia.
"Julia, you know that Ricky has a few physical abnormalities that normal boys don't have. I want you to know that I've had a special interest in Ricky ever since the emergency last year at the elementary school. Dr. Wigs has kept me abreast of Ricky's health and overall physical progress since that day. Please just let me tell you my findings and then you can ask me any questions, ok?"
"Alright, Claire, I will just listen for now, but I won't promise I'll not butt in at some point."
Dr. Roma chuckled at Julia's answer and began.
"You remember last year the chemical spill at the indoor pool and the subsequent fire. The gas spread through the school very quickly and many of the children were affected; be it only minor discomfort with skin irritation, rashes, breathing difficulties, and a few sore throats. Nurse Fleming was with me and I was the first to arrive at the school. I sent Nurse Fleming to triage the girls and send them to me, worst condition first. Well, I set up my examination room in the large annex trailer and was treating the girls as fast as I could, sending some to the hospital and keeping some for further observation. To my surprise, a very cute girl dressed as a boy was now standing in front of me. I quickly began examining this girl asking her name and she told me it was Ricky O'Hare. When I tried to remove Ricky's pants to check for rashes Ricky looked around and refused to let me, holding onto his pants with a very frightened look. I told Ricky it was okay because only girls were here and that was when I was surprised. Ricky announced that he was indeed a boy."
Claire chuckled again at the memory of this incident and Julia was surprised because Ricky hadn't told her anything about it. All he'd said was "the" doctor had examined him and everything was okay.
"Well Julia, I didn't believe him and insisted in pulling his pants down and examining him. I was very surprised at what I found and quickly pulled his pants back up. I want you to know, Julia, I apologized, and I was very sorry because the two girls that were there knew Ricky was a boy, but did not say anything. They saw his privates I am sorry to say; be it only briefly. I had a long talk with these two girls and I know they have never mentioned this incident to anyone. I know because I checked back from time to time and these two girls are patients of mine."
"Now, Julia, I must tell you why Ricky sparked my interest so. First, my nurse after a quick assessment, assumed Ricky to be a girl and sent him to me for treatment. She knows I only see and treat young females, so this was also something unique. Second, on examining Ricky, if only briefly, I noticed several things that even fooled me into believing he was a girl. Now, after my complete examination I can tell you honestly and factually my findings. Julia, do you have any questions so far?"
"Yes, Claire, I have a few! I know Ricky is small for his age and also that he is a very cute boy, but why would you and your nurse believe him to be a girl?"
"Julia, your son has no thyroid process, 'Adams apple', for one. His eyes are closer together than is normal for boys, number two. You see, girl's eyes have less distance separating them than boys. Julia, even at a young age there are key differences a professional can spot that identify gender. Your son has more female characteristics than male. That is what has sparked my interest in him."
"Okay, Claire, please tell me what you have found and what we can do to correct it."
"Julia, would you like some tea? This is going to take some time."
Julia agreed to have some tea and they both went into a little kitchen that was next to Claire's office. Claire made the tea and once again, they returned to the office this time they both sat on a couch, with Claire getting and opening a thick folder on the coffee table in front of them.
The folder had Ricky's name on it and contained pictures and many medical documents. The surprising thing was that they all had Dr. Wigs name on them. Dr. Wigs had been sending Dr. Roma everything! This was done without the parent's permission. Julia began wondering if this could be a way out for Ricky. She surely knew it was grounds for a lawsuit. Julia kept quiet, but was very vigilant as to everything else that was to come.
Dr. Roma began again, "Here we have Ricky's physical examinations from infancy right up until a few months ago. Let me point out the beginnings of Ricky's changes. Here Dr. Wigs points out the lack of a thyroid process. Here we have the testicular abnormality. You see, Julia, Ricky's testicles hadn't dropped until just recently, which has caused malformation and atrophy." The pictures had been taken in secret and neither Julia nor Bill had any knowledge they existed; another point for Julia to ponder.
"Julia, this has caused Ricky's chance for the male hormone testosterone and a few others to not kick in at the onset of puberty. Here we have the lab tests confirming the atrophy and abnormality of his testicles. Now let us move on to his penis, or lack thereof. As you can see by these pictures, Ricky's penis is much smaller than it should be for his age. His penis is the size of a normal four-year-old boy's. Dr. Wigs and I believe it will not grow much bigger than this. Most interestingly we have the more drastic and profound differences in Ricky's physical bone structure. Here we have pictures of Ricky's arms. Here we have a picture of a normal boy's arms at this age; do you see the differences, Julia?"
"Not really, Claire, maybe just a little more curve in Ricky's arms."
"That is correct, Julia, here is a picture of a normal girl's arms at this age. See the similarity?"
"Oh my God, what are you saying, Claire!"
"Take it easy, Julia, let me finish, ok?" Julia could only nod in agreement she was getting very upset and afraid.
"Now for the hips we have both pictures and X-rays here to compare," Dr. Roma continued. "I want you to pay attention to the middle portion joining the two hip bones. You see the cartilage development. Now for comparison, once again the normal boy, and here the normal girl, of the same age, Ricky is more like the girl's once again. Now, Julia, the physical differences do go on, but those were the important ones I wanted you to be aware of. Here we have Ricky’s blood tests and their results. I'll put them side by side with those for a normal boy and a normal girl as comparison. You'll notice which set Ricky's results resemble the most."
"Claire, are you telling me Ricky for all intents and purposes is a girl with a penis? Are you trying to say what I think you are leading up to, that Ricky is really a girl?" Julia was very upset, she was crying now out of fear and for her son.
Clair reached over and hugged Julia saying, "Ricky was born a boy, but something happened to him that affected his system. We don't know what or why or how, yet; but Dr. Wigs and I have been searching for answers ever since I first saw Ricky. I also want you to know that we, out of a professional interest, and as a courtesy, paid for these tests. We did not want to alarm you or Ricky unduly until the results were all in."
Julia really suspected something now. Dr. Wigs and Dr. Roma were in this together and she no longer trusted either one of them. Ricky was valuable to them both as a research subject and possibly future wealth from the studies they had done without Bill and her permission. She wondered what else had been done to Ricky. She would have a long talk with him the first chance she got!
Dr. Roma went to a file cabinet, removed another folder, came back and sat down. She opened it and started laying out forms. These forms were permission to treat forms! She already had signed one; it was the one the town's leaders had had her sign after all the rules and procedural changes were made official. She now regretted signing it! She remembered it being notarized immediately after she signed it and now she knew why! Julia had to get to their family lawyer and soon.
Dr. Roma seeing the look and posture change in Julia read it correctly and smiled. She had this family and there was nothing they could do about it! Ricky was hers to do what she longed to do! Because of this signature, and with the backing of most of the town, The O'Hare family had little chance of winning besides running away leaving everything behind. Something she knew they would never do, they couldn't and remain living.
Claire scooped up the forms, handing the folder to Julia saying, "You take these forms home with you and have your lawyer look them over. You and your husband sign them and bring them with you or fax them to me as soon as you can, Julia. Ricky must begin the treatments soon and we have a lot to do and I promise you she will be a proper Queen in time for the festival and thereafter."
Claire gave Julia a smile that exuded confidence and a surety that scared Julia to her very marrow. Shocked pale and shaken, Julia took the forms; standing up on wobbly legs she said, "Dr. Roma, I want my son now and we are leaving this instant!"
"Julia, I am sorry but you can't do that. Ricky will leave with you and today, but not just yet. She is sedated and in a condition that a professional must look after her until we decide she is all right to go home with you."
Julia became furious and was just barely able to keep herself from striking Dr. Roma! She asked to use the phone and Claire just motioned her to the desk. Julia first called their lawyer and then her husband. While she dialed the first number, Dr. Roma left the office and entered the examination room where Ricky was still sleeping.
Nurse Fleming had prepared several shots and had mixed an IV solution while Ricky slept, as Claire had instructed her. Nurse Fleming was a little surprised Ricky's mother had not returned with Claire. She just assumed that while Ricky was sleeping there was no need for her to come back and be with him.
Dr. Roma gathered the syringes and told Nurse Fleming to start the IV. The so-called mild sedative was not mild at all. Ricky was in a deep sleep and did not even stir as he was positioned on his back and the large IV needle was inserted in his brachial artery. One after another, Dr. Roma started injecting Ricky with the shots. One shot in each breast just under the nipples. One shot in each hip and two in his scrotum piercing each malformed testicle. Then a large dose injected into the IV solution that was now dripping into Ricky at the fastest rate possible for someone his age and size.
Dr. Roma quickly gathered several tubes containing ointments and donned a pair of gloves as Nurse Fleming went to a corner and wheeled a cart that had thick disposable diapers "MoliCare"® brand and several pair of plastic waterproof pants. The "MoliCare"® brand of diapers come from England and are the thickest most absorbent and the best disposable diapers made in the world, nothing but the best for Dr. Roma's pet project!
She chuckled when she thought of her slick maneuver of buying and having delivered the sweat suit, matching socks, girl's silk camisole and the chemically treated boy's briefs for Ricky's visit to her office. She knew Julia would have her wear it knowing that Julia liked seeing her son looking effeminate. Julia would just say "cute" of course. The briefs were the important item though; they had been treated with a fast acting chemical agent that entered Ricky's system and started to work on his urinary tract. Yes, for all intents and purposes Ricky would be urinary incontinent for weeks. Claire laughed out loud now, not able to contain her evil glee and ego-driven desires to not only possess this rare find, but also to have the exclusive control of her.
Dr. Roma laughed again after Nurse Fleming slid a diaper under Ricky's bottom and she began to spread the hormonal creams, thickly covering the area completely. One other thing she did just out of an evil desire to control Julia, she inserted a suppository into Ricky's anus which in about 30 minutes would cause him to fill his pants with feces. Yes, his mother would need to care for him in the most intimate way now. Julia's role was expanding and there was no escape for her.
Claire began spreading another cream all over Ricky's little breasts and used a special ointment on his nipples. She put a circular pad over each breast. She nodded to Nurse Fleming who finished up by fastening the diaper tightly closed and slipping the plastic pants on Ricky. She then put a training bra on him to hold the pads in place on his chest. The look was one of a young girl with budding breasts.
Claire had Nurse Fleming hold Ricky on his side as she injected one more syringe of drugs into his lower spine. With that done, Nurse Fleming dressed Ricky in his silk camisole, sweat suit, yellow socks and sneakers. She put the remaining pairs of plastic pants in a newly purchased, huge, pink diaper bag along with a box of disposable gloves, a package of baby wipes, several tubes of creams and ointments. She added the 11 remaining diapers and zipped the diaper bag closed.
At this very moment a delivery truck pulled up to the O'Hare residents leaving a case of these same diapers with Dorothy, a neighbor's sixteen-year-old daughter, who was babysitting Terry, the youngest O'Hare. She was surprised because the contents of the box were clearly marked and advertised on the outside: “MoliCare® the World's Finest Disposable Diapers Youth, size small.” Soon another delivery and yet another would be made to the O'Hare home.
What was to be a fun festival and a wonderful time for everyone was not to be for the O'Hare's. Theirs was to be a nightmare far from fun and definitely not wonderful!
* * *
Julia had gotten through to their lawyer and after explaining things that took far too long, he was to be at the house in three hours. She had placed an emergency call to her husband Bill and he was at that very moment speeding through traffic on his way home. Julia made her way back to the examination room only to find the door closed and locked. She knocked loudly while demanding entrance immediately. Claire opened the door with a smile on her face and said, "Julia, calm down Ricky is fine and you can take her home now. Let me just explain the treatment instructions to you and after you sign them, you can take Ricky and go home."
Julia brushed right past her and took Ricky out of Nurse Fleming's arms, feeling, and seeing the differences, his thickly padded bottom, and his puffy chest area showing under his sweatshirt. She glared at the nurse with a look that could kill and demanded to know what they had done to her son.
"Julia as I said let me explain what was done and what you must do and you can take her home, all right?"
"If you have hurt my son in any way, Doctor Roma, I will kill you myself!"
"Julia, please calm down, she has not been hurt in any way."
Dr. Roma explained in her devious and well thought out way, leaving much out and ending up by informing Julia that Ricky would be incontinent for several weeks. She explained the use of the cream and ointment that must be used as prescribed or Ricky could suffer physical damage, and it would be Julia's fault if that occurred. Once Julia understood the instructions to Claire's satisfaction, she made Julia sign the treatment instructions giving Julia the copy and keeping the original. She had Nurse Fleming carry the huge diaper bag out to Julia's car, as well as a car seat for a child Ricky's size. Nurse Fleming installed the car seat in the back and she and Julia fastened the deeply sleeping Ricky into it.
Julia had tears of sorrow and rage streaming down her face as Nurse Fleming whispered that she would stop by and tell Julia what really what actually had been done to Ricky. Nurse Fleming realized that Claire had used and deceived her as well and she was very angry. She was smart enough to realize she could help the O'Hare's and herself more by remaining in the doctor's good graces. So after the quickly whispered offer she returned to Dr. Roma's clinic, showing a false smile and a false promise to continue to aid the evil Claire and greedy Dr. Wigs.
Julia drove home slowly and carefully, trying not to take corners too sharply because Ricky's head would fall side to side when she made a turn. She didn't want his head to roll back and forth too sharply, which would cause him harm. She turned into the driveway and pulled up as close as she could to the side entrance nearest the driveway.
Inside the house a very curious Dorothy, was watching the youngest O'Hare, Terry, playing with her Barbie doll like any seven year old. Dorothy heard a car pull in and went to the door looking out its window. She watched Mrs. O'Hare get out of the car and she noticed her expression; it looked like Mrs. O'Hare was crying. Dorothy went back and got Terry and while holding Terry's hand they both went out the side door. What Dorothy saw surprised her and she asked Mrs. O'Hare what was wrong. Julia just asked for her help as she handed Dorothy the diaper bag. It was then that Dorothy informed Julia of the numerous deliveries and the many boxes piled up in the living room. Little Terry seeing her mother crying began to cry herself. As Julia was unfastening the still sleeping Ricky, Dorothy kept up a steady stream of questions, as any sixteen-year-old would do under these circumstances.
"Dorothy, stop with all the questions and take the bag and Terry into the house right now, ok?"
"Okay, Mrs. O'Hare, but what is going on?"
"DOROTHY! Just do as I say, NOW!"
Dorothy took Terry's hand and with the diaper bag's strap over her shoulder, they both quickly went back into the house. Julia picked Ricky up and smelled that smell; only one thing it could be. Ricky had messed himself.
"What have they done to you, my Angel? My poor sweet child, don't worry Mommy is here now, and no one will hurt you again."
As Julia put her arm under Ricky's bottom for support she felt the squish and knew he needed changing right away. Julia was furious, but powerless, which made her feel she had let her son down when he needed her the most. She cried hot tears and silently swore to protect him from any further harm.
As she entered the house with Ricky held tightly against her, Dorothy was pointing toward the living room. Julia walked into the living room and saw the many boxes, some small, and some very large. She had no time now to investigate or examine them.
"Dorothy, please phone your mother for me and ask her if it would be alright if you brought Terry over for a few hours. Tell her I will phone her later to explain further, but for just right now, tell her we have a family emergency."
"Okay, Mrs. O'Hare, but what is going on and why are you crying?"
"DOROTHY! Just do as I ask, ok?"
Dorothy quickly shut up and phoned her mother.
Terry ran up to her mother "Mommy, Mommy!"
Julia seeing her child's distress smiled and let her follow them up the stairs into Ricky's room. Julia gently laid Ricky down on his bed and took Terry in her arms, hugging her close and speaking soothingly and softly. She calmed Terry down enough so when Dorothy was through talking to her mother, she left with her without any further problems. By the look on Dorothy's face, Julia knew she would tell Rita (Dorothy's mother) about Ricky messing himself and much more, she was sure.
Julia gently undressed Ricky; leaving him in only his plastic pants, diaper, and bra, she went downstairs to retrieve the diaper bag. Still crying, she went into the bathroom to prepare for Ricky's much-needed bath and thorough washing. After the tub was filled with about two inches of warm water, she returned to Ricky with the diaper bag in her hand. She removed what she would need and laid it out on the bed. She put on a pair of the rubber gloves and removed the bra from Ricky. Once again she lifted Ricky in her arms and laid him down in the tub and began removing his soiled plastic pants and diaper.
* * *
Bill, very upset and worried after his wife's phone call, was driving madly; and in a great hurry, was almost home. He was just getting on the exit ramp when he heard a siren and in his rear view mirror saw the flashing lights. "FUCK! SHIT! Why now?" He banged the steering wheel in frustration as he pulled over to the side of the exit ramp road.
* * *
Rita was trying to make sense out of the never-ending run-on sentences her daughter was firing at her; all she could do was tell her to calm down and speak slowly. Rita picked Terry up and hugged her close because Dorothy's tirade was upsetting her.
* * *
Mr. Aims, the O'Hare's family lawyer, was trying to make sense out of what Julia had told him. He knew some of what was planned for her son Ricky. He was one of the few who was against the whole idea and voted no at both the town leaders' session and at the PTA's. He was one of only three no votes cast. He knew well both the written laws and the secret unwritten laws the town upheld at all costs. He would do what he could, but knew it wouldn't be enough for what the O’Hare’s were going to need. He felt sorry for this family because he liked them very much, but not enough to jeopardize his standing in this town or his practice. He knew well that if he stood by the O'Hare’s, he would lose both. With a heavy heart and a guilty conscience, he climbed into his Lincoln and drove toward the O'Hare's residence.
* * *
Julia had cleaned the feces off Ricky and began soaping and rinsing him off as the tubs filthy, smelly water drained. Ricky began to stir and slowly opened his eyes. She smiled at him and cooed to him soothingly as the tears still fell from her eyes, falling gently on her much-loved son.
Ricky wrinkled his face and nose as the smell registered in his foggy brain. He saw his mother smiling but also that she was crying and cooing to him as if he was a baby. He quickly snapped out of his foggy state as he grabbed his mother, hugging her hard around her neck. He hollered out in pain as his chest rubbed against his mother's blouse. Looking down at his chest he saw two swollen mounds where when he last remembered were both flat with two little dots. Now those two little dots were puffy and sticking out from a larger, slightly less swollen chest. He felt nothing in his penis and scrotum it was as if they were no longer there at all. They were puffy and swollen as well, but yet, he felt nothing down there.
"Ricky, everything is going to be all right. Angel. No one is going to touch you again, especially Dr. Roma. Now you just let Mommy take care of you until you get better. Ok?"
Ricky could only nod in response, he was so shocked at what he had seen and felt. He loved and trusted his mother and knew she would protect him and take care of him. That knowledge did not remove his fright or his pain though he just knew something was very wrong with him. He sat there and was horrified to see urine shoot out of his penis and on his legs, yellow fluid making its way to the drain. He cried out, yelling, "What is wrong with me, Mommy! I'm wetting myself and I can't feel anything down there?"
"Honey, it is going to be all right, the doctor gave you some medicine, and until it wears off, this is what is going to happen. Please, Angel, don't get upset, ok? This medicine will wear off and in no time, you will be able to go pee-pee all by yourself again. Mommy is here and I will take care of you until that happens. I don't want you to be embarrassed or ashamed; it isn't your fault."
Ricky was upset, embarrassed, and ashamed! He just couldn't understand what was happening to him or why he woke up in this condition; all he could do was ask why? Words would not console him enough.
Julia wrapped her child in a big soft fluffy towel not bothering to dry him off. She carried him back into his bedroom where once again, he was shocked. He saw the diapers and plastic pants, he saw the tubes, the pads for his chest, and a tiny bra. He knew what it was because he had seen his mother wearing one that was much bigger, and the laundry basket always had one or two of them in it. He saw what he knew was a changing-pad waiting for him on his bed.
He cried out again, "No, No, No, Mommy, please, why is this happening to me? I don't want to be the Queen! I don't want to be dressed as a girl! Please don't make me!"
Julia cried right along with her son as she lay him down on the changing pad, knowing what had to be done. All she could do was be gentle and loving as she cooed to her frightened child, trying to soothe away his fears and pain. She tried to explain what she was doing and why it had to be done, wishing with all her heart none of this had ever happened. Ricky was stunned into silence. He'd been overwhelmed with all that had happened and just stared straight up at the ceiling as his mother did what had to be done.
* * *
Bill had stopped arguing with the state policewoman and she was now handing him a ticket. She warned him once again to drive safely or he, too, would be a family emergency. He had calmed down and carefully followed the speed limit. He was frustrated with the urge to get home as quickly as he could; the speed limits he had to follow seemed to be lower and slower than he could remember. Finally, he pulled into his driveway, shut off the car, and ran into the house.
* * *
Mr. Aims was driving through the center of town on his way to the O'Hare's as a police car drove up alongside and the policeman inside motioned him over to the side of the road. The policeman informed Mr. Aims that the mayor wanted to see him right this instant and he was to follow the policeman and not deviate from the route. Mr. Aims agreed and followed the police car to the town hall and the policeman escorted him to the mayor's office. The mayor's secretary knew Mr. Aims well, she should; they were having an affair.
"Hello, John, the mayor will see you in just a second."
"Hi, Jane, we still on for tonight?"
"Oh, yes, I made the reservations yesterday; we have our regular suite." They smiled at each other as Jane's intercom buzzed.
"He is ready for you now, John, go right in."
"Hello, John," the Mayor greeted Mr. Aims as he entered the office.
"Hi, Fred, what's up?"
"John, as you know, the festival this year is a very special event."
* * *
Bill hollered out for his wife as he entered the house. "Julia, where are you?"
"Up here in Ricky's room, Bill, hurry, please!"
Bill ran up the stairs and stopped dead in his tracks seeing his wife just finish fastening a bra on his son's chest.
"What the hell is going on, Julia? What is wrong with Ricky? Is he in diapers, too?"
"Bill, please listen to me, and you are making things worse for Ricky; please think before you say another word!"
Bill looked at his son seeing that Ricky was far off somewhere and not even aware that his father had arrived. Bill became very worried as he whispered to his wife.
"What is going on, Julia?"
Julia just motioned him to be quiet as she put a pajama top on Ricky and tucked him into bed. She kissed him on the forehead and cooed to him that everything was going to be all right and to just sleep now and everything would get better soon.
Julia took her husband's hand and led him out of the room leaving the door open a few inches.
In the hall, she hugged him tight as the tears fell once again. He hugged her back wondering what the hell had happened; he had no clue.
She led him down the stairs and into the living room; boxes lay scattered everywhere. She removed a couple of small boxes off of the cabinet that held the alcoholic beverages and fixed them both a stiff drink. They sat together on the love seat and she began telling him all that had happened while he was away in the city.
The town of Harvest Moon was a very rich and connected town. In actuality, Harvest Moon belonged to a Corporation and that Corporation was in essence footing the bill as it were. Taxes in Harvest Moon were almost nil, even the state tax is subsidized by the Corporation, so all who lived in Harvest Moon kept most of what they earned.
If you did your research, you would find that the entire town's populace could be categorized into four parts.
1) Those that worked the land or had dairy farms
2) Those that owned and operated shops and stores
3) Employees of P&W Aircraft Division (a company owned by the Corporation)
4) Professional persons as lawyers, doctors, and such (all employed by the Corporation through various means and companies)
The Corporation ruled Harvest Moon! Every person was, without their knowing it, totally dependent on the Corporation. A few people like the mayor and those that held a controlling position or occupation were very aware of the Corporation. Their very existence depended on the Corporation’s demands and rules. If they disobeyed, they disappeared! This has happened more than once in the 100-year history of Harvest moon.
The Corporation is well known to a certain few in the Federal Government, it is actually secretly part of it! The Corporation’s specialty? Research and development in many areas. A new development at Harvest Moon has the Corporation’s leaders very excited! They received a fax first from Dr. Wigs and then more from Dr. Roma. The mayor was contacted and the planning section of the Corporation went into full speed. Operation "Queen" was now in full swing and fully operational.
****
Julia was just finishing her version of what had happened and she was begging her husband Bill to take them away from Harvest Moon. What Julia did not know was her husband’s involvement and dependence on the Corporation. Being an executive, he was in the loop. He knew that if he disobeyed the Corporation, he, as well as his entire family, would come to a very bad end; they would be killed! It would look like an accident, but everyone in the loop would know what really happened.
Bill, with tears streaming down his face because of his utter helplessness to save his son and family, knew now why several meetings were held without him at P&WA!
The phone was ringing and ringing, it would not stop! The insistence of that ring meant only one thing, he had to answer it. Julia began to rise as he held her back with a slight touch of his hand. He rose and answered the phone.
"Bill?"
"Yes"
"Bill, this is Mr. Jackson's secretary (Mr. Jackson CEO of P&WA.) He has called a special meeting here to be held in the main project theatre. You and your entire family are requested to be there. This meeting will be lengthy, so be prepared to stay overnight in the city. Do you understand everything so far Bill?"
"Yes, I understand."
"Very good Bill, the meeting is at 8:00am tomorrow morning and please have your wife bring a formal and your tux. The Jackson's are hosting a dinner for you and your wife at ‘The Club’. Your children will be looked after, so don't you worry about bringing a sitter. Do you understand all this Bill?"
"I understand." The secretary hung up and Bill just held the now dead phone in his hand. He looked at his wife with tears still flowing down his cheeks.
"Honey, I have something to explain to you and you are not going to like it one bit. I never thought something like this would ever happen to us and now I am afraid there is little we can do about it."
Julia looked at her husband's expression and knew it was very bad news. She would listen and know he was telling her the truth. Bill was the one to fix the drinks this time, much stronger with little mix added. He sat once again with Julia on the love seat and explained it all from the beginning. She indeed believed him and she knew they'd lost their son. Nothing was worse than the death of her children and she knew she could never run away with them. There was nowhere they could run to or ever even expect to hide from the Corporation, it just was not possible. They held each other close, both crying onto each other's shoulders. There was still one chance that they held out hope for and that was to be tried at the meeting!
****
Mr. John Aims, the O'Hare's family lawyer was just then pulling into the O’Hare’s driveway. In his briefcase he had the papers Fred McKay the town's mayor had given him. He knew what Bill's reaction was going to be, but he worried about Julia O'Hare's reaction. John had been informed and now was part of this operation. Operation "Queen" would cause him many sleepless nights and he knew, as did Bill, there was no way out of his involvement. He approached the side door to the house when the door was opened by the pair. John could only nod to them as he entered. (He had to remember to cancel the thing with Jane! he would be in no mood for what they were going to do.)
****
Dr. Henry Wigs and Dr. Claire Roma were sitting in her office having a celebratory drink toasting Ricky O'Hare and their coming fame and fortune. A corporate folder was in front of them "SECRET" stamped on the outside and on all the documents that it held. Operation "Queen" was unfolding and forming the doctor's being the key element to it all.
Their fortune would come first as it was explained to them by their boss, Mrs. Jackson. Doctor Elizabeth M. Jackson MD. was the head of the State Medical Review board as well as a major player in all things involving Harvest Moon's hospital, clinics and doctor's. She had nothing to do with P&WA, but was deeply involved within the Corporation. Her husband? A minor player in the Corporation’s medical research divisions. His was connected high up in the Corporation’s military research and development programs.
****
Operation Queen was indeed in full operational mode now as each member both knowing and unknowingly were receiving their instructions in one way or another. Not all of the townspeople knew they were part of the Corporation, some were blind to everything and some just did not want to know why everything was so successful for them. What they did know was when asked to do something by certain people it was best to just do it and not ask for explanations! Those that did ask were drawn deeper into the web which there was no escape from. You had more freedom if you did not ask any questions and more than a few liked it that way.
****
Those being contacted in one way or another all involved Ricky in some way. That being the beauty shop, dressmaker, pharmacist, furniture store, medical supply store, jewelry store, and the list goes on and on. Each to contribute something free of cost to the O'Hare household. The Corporation would pay for everything through the town's treasury. Yes, operation Queen was now in full swing.
****
The mood of the town was a very happy one. Most of the people were very excited to have a part to play in Ricky's transformation or the festival. This was a first and those that contacted each one involved made sure that those who took part were happy in what they were about to do or supply. Yes, the townspeople were all excited and pumped up. This year’s event was going to be one hell of a party, the biggest and grandest celebration of them all! To be involved in some way meant rewards, bonuses, and recognition. The people’s ego's would be stroked and inflated to the bursting point. They were told it was going to be filmed and they would be included in the films credits if they themselves were not in the film itself. Everybody was a winner and everybody wanted to win. Well, almost everybody, there was still a few townspeople that voted no at the town and PTA meetings that must be dealt with and hopefully turned in the right direction.
****
Ricky woke up suddenly screaming, waking from a nightmare and in physical pain. He had dreamed he was being cut up and other pieces were being sewn into and onto his body. His vision was one of a monster, like Frankenstein, his physical pain adding realism to the nightmare. He screamed once again as his mother entered the room and his father quickly followed. Julia picked her son up, hugged him very close, and started cooing to him as his father added his arms and the three were locked in a family embrace. Tears flowed freely as they were joined together it was the families nightmare after all.
****
Mr. Aims picked up the forms that were signed by Julia and Bill. He had signed them as being the witness of the O'Hare's signing and put them back in the briefcase. He silently made his way out and drove away. Back to the Mayor's office and the fax machine, then to the vault where the papers would be safe from tampering or destruction. He would not sleep that night or for many more after that as well.
****
The phone rang once again, ring, ring, and ring. Bill went into the master bedroom and answered it. "Hello Bill?"
"Rita? We're a little busy right now; could you please call back later?"
"NO I WON'T CALL BACK LATER! Put Julia on, Bill, and do it now please."
Bill went back into Ricky's room and took Ricky from Julia. "Honey, Rita is insisting on talking to you."
"Hello Rita,"
"Julia, what is going on with Ricky? Wait before you answer that I just received a phone call from Mrs. McKay (The mayor's wife) and she had Ricky enrolled as a student in my ballet class. What makes it a little strange is I am to teach him the girl's lessons. She also informed me that you already had Ricky's dance costumes and supplies at your house and I could start teaching him next week. Dorothy has been yakking at me nonstop since she brought Terry over and I am still confused as to what she is trying to tell me. Did Ricky really mess himself? Is he ok? Julia what is going on?"
"Rita, have Dorothy stay there and watch Terry and you come over here. I will try to explain it all to you. Please do not do or say anything when you are here to upset Ricky, ok?"
"Ok Julia, I will be right over." The phone went dead and Julia put it back onto its cradle.
****
Bill, with Ricky still in his arms, followed Julia back into Ricky's room. Julia gathered a few supplies, stuffing them back into the diaper bag and they went downstairs together. There was an urgent sounding knock at the door and Julia opened it seeing Rita and motioned for her to come inside. Ricky had stopped crying, but said he hurt so Julia was getting the medicine from her purse and from the diaper bag, which held the ointment and cream. Rita's eyes got real big as she saw all the boxes, bags, and packages strewn around the living room.
"Rita, let me take care of Ricky before I explain things. You can help Bill look through all these deliveries and sort them out, ok?"
"Sure Julia, what is in all these?"
"I have no real idea Rita, so just help Bill sort through them and organize them somehow, ok?"
"Ok. Bill, where do you want to start?"
"We will start with the biggest and work down to the smaller ones."
With that said, the two of them began unboxing the biggest deliveries. Julia went into the kitchen and laid Ricky down on the table as she looked over the medicines taking out the pain medication. It was liquid Morphine and it came with a measuring spoon, which she used and had Ricky swallow it. She knew he would be pain free again very soon. She checked to see if he was wet and he was just a little and he hadn't messed again, so she carried him back into the living room laid him on the loveseat and covered him with an afghan. Ricky was watching with great interest, as his Daddy and Mrs. Wood were unpacking huge boxes. Julia joined Bill and Rita and soon the room was filled with pieces of cardboard and furniture.
They all heard a truck pull into the driveway and looked at each other. All three went to the side door and looked out the window. Six men and one woman climbed out of the truck and the men were putting on tool belts that were fully loaded with tools and things. The woman came up to the door and seeing the three in the window, smiled waiting for the door to be opened. Bill opened the door and the women introduced herself as Susan from Penland furniture. She was to help supervise the assembly and arranging of the new furniture, as well as the removal and storage of the old furniture. She also held a list of what went into what drawers and sections of the different assembled pieces. As Rita and Ricky looked on, Susan went upstairs with Julia and Bill remained downstairs as the men began assembling the furniture pieces. One man was removing the cardboard and soon the living room was looking much better, save for all the furniture quickly being put together.
"Julia, soon another vehicle will drive up and several ladies will come to help us pack up the items Ricky won't be needing. Everything Ricky will need will be here today and we have to make room for it all. All this old furniture and everything else will be put in storage. Nothing will be taken from you that cannot be returned in the same condition it left in. Ricky now has a complete bedroom suite with a vanity and other things. I know you have a finished basement and we will need an area of that as well. A representative from List Medical Supplies will be here soon to help with that."
"Excuse me Susan, but some of these things are not to be removed. Ricky's toys and books as well as all the pictures and posters are to remain in place."
"I am sorry Julia, but that can't be. That is why you are here with me to put aside what you want kept. Everything in this room is to be removed and I mean everything. The painter's will be here shortly as well as the carpenters, electricians, and carpet installers. Just put what you want kept in a separate room. Any room besides this one and the basement, ok?"
Julia was angry and it started to show as she stopped Susan from looking in Ricky's closet.
"Julia, please understand you have no choice in this matter. I have asked you to help by removing the things you want kept, but if you hinder any of us in any way I can, and will, have you removed and kept from returning until all the work is completed. Do you want that?"
Reality set in on Julia then as she helplessly just nodded and started to gather what she knew Ricky would want and need in the near future. The only limitation set by Susan was any clothing kept was to be androgynous in appearance. No obviously, boy clothing was to be kept in the home.
A man in a light blue suit showed up and asked Bill to move his car into the garage to make more room in the driveway. The man did not even introduce himself! He just started to take charge of the operation ordering the men upstairs to remove the old furniture. Bill was very angry now and spun the man around forcibly making him see eye to eye.
"I don't know who the hell you are, but don't come into my home without so much as introducing yourself and stating your purpose to me! If you don't do just that and right now you will find yourself on your ass back outside!"
The man smiled slowly and introduced himself.
"Hello Bill, my name is Mr. Black and I am here by behest of The Corporation. That is all you have to know and that is all I am going to tell you. I would make one strong suggestion to you and that is to remove Ricky, your neighbor Rita and yourself from this house and soon. I am sure Rita's daughter Dorothy and your daughter Terry would be glad to see you both at the Wood residence, don't you think? Julia will remain here and see to it only the necessary items are removed and put into storage. Oh and Bill, please move your car into the garage.”
Without waiting for an answer, Mr. Black returned to ordering the men about, turning his back on Bill once more. Bill gathered up Ricky as he hollered for Julia and Rita grabbed her purse before it got mixed up with all the clutter.
Julia came down a few steps as Bill told her what was going on and then he holding Ricky and Rita started walking toward the front door. Just before Bill went out the door, he hollered for Mr. Black and as Mr. Black turned Bill through his car keys at him hard and fast. "You move the damn car." With that said Bill, Rita and Ricky walked to Rita's house.
Smack went the keys right on the left cheek of Mr. Black leaving a red welt where they had struck him. He could hear laughing as the front door closed behind him. He looked up and saw Julia chuckling at what her husband had done. She quickly returned to Ricky's bedroom seeing that already the bed had been taken apart, as well as the drawers removed from the dresser. She rushed over and grabbed the pictures and a few other items that were set on the floor after being removed from the dresser top. She quickly began gathering things from the walls, closet, and Ricky's toy chest. In only a few minutes’ just piles of clothing were left in Ricky's bedroom. Susan was keeping a close eye on what Julia had kept and noted a few items she would remove later.
Vehicle after vehicle, truck after truck were pulling up just outside the O'Hare residents. Julia was now in the basement with the female representative from the List Medical Supply Company. Upstairs it sounded like a whirlwind of noisy activities were taking place and that is what was indeed happening! Not only was Ricky's bedroom being remodeled, but the upstairs main bathroom as well. The bathroom that was part of the master bedroom was untouched, only a few things were being added unknown to the occupants of the house. Miniature cameras for surveillance as well as tiny listening devices were being placed professionally and well concealed. There would not be any area of the house that was not covered by these devices. These were so small and technically advanced that no one outside of the Corporation or elite military trained persons would be able to detect them.
The basement was now being converted and Julia returned upstairs only to see Ricky's room being transformed. The hallway had pretty white furniture and other things stacked up against one wall all lined up and also into both the master bedroom and Terry's room as well. Plastic sheeting was tacked up covering the doorway into Ricky's room as workmen and the electricians had removed most of the wall coverings, just the bare wood once hidden was showing. All the sheetrock had been removed. A big vacuum was being used to remove the dust and small debris. There was nothing more she could protect or save for Ricky. She had to trust Susan's word that they would take nothing that was not to be replaced by something else. She would have to hope that they would keep their promise that the items that they did remove would be put into storage and not destroyed or given away to others.
Julia gathered her purse, the diaper bag, a doll for Terry and left for Rita's house. She had tears in her eyes both from sorrow and from anger.
****
Bill, holding a now sleeping Ricky, entered Rita's home, following close behind her. The house was quiet, which was rare and rarer still knowing that two girls were supposed to be here. Rita held her finger to her lips, which kept Bill from saying anything or making any unnecessary noise as he laid Ricky down on Rita's couch. Rita slowly and quietly made her way upstairs to Dorothy's room. Nobody was in there so she went to her room and that was when she saw them. They were both in the window looking out and Terry had a pair of binoculars she was looking through. Rita knew what they were looking at; it wasn't that long ago she was doing that very same thing. That is, looking at the O'Hare's house. The kids must have seen the binoculars still next to the window and decided to see what they could see. Rita coughed and both the girl's jumped and screeched! Rita chuckled at their reaction.
"What are you two girl's up to? Never mind, I already know."
"Mommy, there are a ton of people over at Terry's house! What are they doing over there?"
"Dorothy, you have been watching their every move, so you already know most of it, don't you?"
"Well, yah, but we don't know what they are doing inside the house, just what we can see through the upstairs windows. It looks like they are rebuilding Ricky's room, but why?"
Terry had to find out something as well and joined in.
"Mrs. Wood, did my Mommy and Daddy buy all that neat stuff? I saw so many trucks and another one just pulled up. It's from the store my Mommy and me gets most of my clothes at!"
"Terry, why don't you ask your Daddy? He's downstairs, as I bet you already know."
"Mrs. Wood, my Mommy is coming over too, I can see her walking down the sidewalk."
Sure enough, shortly after Terry, Dorothy, and Rita came downstairs there was a knock at the front door. Julia came in as Terry ran to her and hugged her legs. Julia handed Terry her doll and gave her a kiss. Rita quickly got things organized, as she had the children go back upstairs to "watch the house" while Julia, Bill and she went into the kitchen for coffee and tea. The children wanted to ask and have answered a ton of their questions, but they would have to wait a little longer for that.
Rita began making tea and coffee as Julia and Bill sat at the table.
“Julia, we have to be at P&WA 8:00 tomorrow morning for a meeting. We don’t have a choice in this matter. We will also need my tux and a formal for you. We are going out to dine at the club for a dinner in our honor.” Bill gave an angry chuckle after saying this.
“We need to bring Ricky and Terry with us and they will be looked after while we are busy. I don’t like it, but if we leave the children here, I think the Corporation will just have them picked up anyway. I think it would be best to have them with us as often as possible don’t you?”
“Yes Bill, we need to keep as much control as we can manage. I just feel so damn helpless and that scares me a lot. How can anyone or anything exert so much power and influence? This so-called Corporation is way too powerful. Shit, they control the whole damned town!”
“Julia, they control far more than that. I am sorry now forever excepting a position from them at P&WA. I had no idea that they would do something like this. There is a much bigger reason than just Ricky becoming festival Queen. It has to be the rare condition you told me about Ricky being mostly a she physically and chemically. I know how P&WA conducts their research and how they observe and document. I think that is what is happening right now to us. We, as well as Ricky, are now research subjects to be studied and observed.”
Rita’s phone rang just then and Rita answered it only to turn to Bill and say it was for him.
“Hello?”
“Bill?”
“Yes, what is it now?”
“Bill, Mr. Jackson has decided to get you a tux and your wife a formal gown. This of course includes all the accessories and undergarments so don’t you worry about having to go back to the house this evening. Mr. Jackson is sending a car to pick your family up and bring you all to the city. There you will have a hotel suite at the Hilton. He also is having appropriate clothing sent over for the little ones. Enjoy your stay at the Hilton and we will see you in the morning Bill.” The phone went dead and Bill hung it up.
“Julia, could you go upstairs and get Terry? They are sending a car over that is going to bring us to the Hilton in the city. They have provided the things we will need even the tux and the formal for you as well as everything else. They also have provided for the children’s clothing. We won’t be returning to our home until the day after tomorrow.”
“Shit Bill! We don’t have a say in anything anymore!”
“Honey, we have to stay strong for the kids and also to keep as much control as we can manage. We have to stay alert and observant for any breaks we can get. I haven’t given up hope and we can play this game as well. We take our own notes and observe them. We see what they are seeing and look for what they are looking for. Then we stand a better chance of regaining some control over all this.”
Julia rose and only nodded at her husband as Rita poured the coffee for Bill and tea for Julia and herself. Julia went to the stairs and called for Terry to come down. She went into the living room and looked at the sleeping Ricky. He was so beautiful and she now wished he was born plain and homely. Too late for stupid wishes, she said to herself and returned to the kitchen.
The two girl’s Terry and Dorothy were telling Rita and Bill all about what was happening at the house…
Julia sat at the kitchen table with her husband Bill and Rita as the girl’s were excitedly filling them all in on what was going on at the O’Hare’s house.
“There are trucks and cars parked everywhere! The police are directing traffic and keeping people away from your house. Mr. and Mrs. O’Hare, they’re packing up a lot of stuff and putting furniture and tons of boxes into a big truck. At the same time they’re unloading other trucks and vans bringing furniture and boxes inside.”
“Dorothy, calm down and speak slower, ok? I am going to ask you some questions and I want you to answer slowly and clearly.”
“Ok, Mr. O’Hare.”
“Can you remember where the trucks and vans are from?”
“Some of them have advertising written on the sides and they were from the electronics place, the furniture store, the drug store, and a medical supply company. There were plumbing, electricians, carpenters and painters. A lighting place and an appliance store. There was even a window company and we saw them carry in some windows and doors! Oh yes, and a big moving truck they were loading your old stuff into. A few black colored vans and cars were parked in your driveway, but the windows are tinted really dark, so I couldn’t see into them.
Terry was jumping up and down in an excited state impatiently waiting to jump in and add her observations. “Mommy, Daddy they brung in a bunch of girl stuff and baby stuff from Mrs. Haney’s store! I saw her and Mr. Haney go into our house.”
Bill had taken out a pad and pen from his coat pocket and was writing everything the girl’s had said down. He looked up at his wife seeing the helpless and worried look on her face. He took her hands in his when he was done writing.
“Julia, this was planned well in advance and without any of us knowing what was to happen. All we can do is stay on top of things and resist where we can. We do have some power of our own and they know it. Ricky is our son and they know if they took him away from us he would fight real hard and ruin their plans. We have to be careful though, the corporation is very powerful and we have to pick and choose carefully where and when to resist.”
“Bill, I know that already! What concerns me the most is Ricky! He is a very smart boy and he figured out they picked him to be the Queen for his class the moment we passed Dr. Wigs office to go to Dr. Roma’s. I bet right now he is thinking about all this and we have to help him understand what is going on and support him every second! How would you feel if you woke up and found yourself in a tub knowing you had messed yourself? How would you feel as you watched yourself helplessly peeing and realizing you could do nothing to stop it? You look at yourself and see budding breasts and swollen nipples on your chest? Then only to have your mother spread creams and lotions between your legs and on your chest. To have her put a thick diaper and pink plastic panties on you. Watch her put pads on your chest and then a bra on you. It is no wonder the Dr. gave me Valium to give to him! Honey, when I was bathing him I noticed puncture wounds in his arms, his scrotum and his spine! They gave him an IV of something and injected something into his testicles! Both of them are very swollen. His chest was injected as well. I saw puncture wounds in his nipples and both breasts! Dr. Roma lied to me and now I have to keep putting this stuff on our son or he will be harmed physically. That is what she told me. She said if I did not follow her instruction to the letter Ricky would suffer physical harm. One thing though, I think we have a friend and someone who will help us find out just what went on and what the Dr. has given our son.”
Rita was just sitting there with her mouth hanging wide open as she listened to Julia. Dorothy was standing very still with the same expression on her face as her mothers. Terry had crawled up onto her father’s lap and had her head lying on his shoulder. She sensed that something was very wrong and found comfort with her Daddy.
Just then, they heard the sound of cars pulling into Rita’s driveway. Dorothy was the first to look out the window.
“Wow, 2 black vans and a big white limo just pulled up.”
The grownups just looked at each other each knowing and guessing what was to come.
The knock on the door came shortly after and Dorothy answered it. Two men and two women all dressed in expensive light blue business suits entered and one of the women started speaking.
“Mr. O’Hare, the limo is here for you and your family. Just bring what you have with you now and everything you need, will be provided for you once you arrive at the hotel. You will find refreshments are supplied in the limo appropriate for you and the children. There is a small bar stocked with you and your wife’s preferred beverages. You should be leaving right now.”
The other woman picked up the diaper bag and one of the men opened the front door as the woman walked out carrying the diaper bag and entered the limo. The O’Hare’s quickly followed her and once they were all seated inside the other man got in as well. The uniformed driver closed the door and soon they were on their way to the hotel.
Meanwhile the woman who had spoken and the other man had remained at the Wood home. They were all seated in the kitchen and the woman began speaking again.
“Mrs. Wood, Dorothy, we have a very rewarding opportunity for you both as well as your husband Rita. Can I call you Rita? Very good, Rita, the rewards are great if you decide to take advantage of this rare opportunity, but I must warn you that the penalties are severe if you do not. Your husband will be here shortly and we can then fill you all in on what it is that we wish you to do. Is that coffee fresh Dorothy? No, well would you mind making a fresh pot for all of us? Thank you dear.”
The hotel suite was huge and completely stocked with whatever the needs the O’Hare’s might have. Clothing and especially the medicines and special needs of Ricky were well stocked and already put away in there respective places.
The O’Hare’s would find they now had a butler, a maid, a nurse for Ricky, a limo, and driver all supplied by the corporation. Ricky and Terry now had a governess as well. She would be with them at all times and was instructed to teach them both in all things to make them into elegant young women. Yes, she was very good in what she was to do. She was hired from Mrs. Porter’s finishing school in Connecticut. The very same school the former Jacqueline Kennedy attended as well as many other girl’s from very wealthy and influential families. The school is known worldwide as to be the finest for teaching young women the proper attitudes and everything else they would need to know to be successful wives to rulers and great men both wealthy and very powerful.
The nurse and the governess knew each other well. They were sisters and both came from Mrs. Porter’s school. Mrs. Porter’s school is also owned by the corporation. They looked at each other with knowing smiles and were both eager to begin their respective roles. The rewards for their success would let them both retire in luxury for the rest of their lives. The penalties for failure they would not even think about!
The maid and the butler were well schooled in their duties and were very skilled. They are actually agents employed by the corporation and trained to infiltrate and gather information. They are part of a larger service group and from a company that supplied domestic help to wealthy and powerful families throughout the world. They are well trained in the use of weaponry and hand-to-hand combat.
The driver, the O’Hare’s now had driving for them, as well as the limo, were both very special indeed. Both were from companies that are also part of the corporation. The limo was one made for eavesdropping as well as protection. The driver, skilled in both defensive and offensive driving as well as a highly trained bodyguard, had orders to protect Ricky and his mother first at all costs.
Julia held Ricky and Bill holding Terry as they sat in the limo. Ricky was once again fast asleep every so often groaning softly. Terry was napping as well and it was then that the woman began speaking softly to Bill and Julia.
“While your house is being remodeled you will be staying at the Hilton Hotel. We have a luxury suite with all the things you will need already in place. You now have a butler, a maid, a nurse, and a governess. These people are employed by us and take their orders from us. You can ask them to do things for you, but they can refuse if it is not appropriate based on our requirements. The maid will keep your suite just as it is and will help with any personal needs Julia, Terry and Ricky might have. That is, preparing your bath and taking charge of your clothing as for cleaning and putting them away. The butler will be the first to answer any phone calls or meeting any visitors at the door. He will assist you Bill, with any of your personal needs as you see fit. He will take care of your clothing as far as sending them out to be cleaned and putting any away as needed. The nurse is actually a physician’s assistant and very capable of tending to any of your health needs. She has total authority of Ricky’s health care and treatment. The governess is of the highest caliber and is well schooled. She will see to Terry and Ricky’s education. Julia, she will also be instructing you as to what will be required for Ricky’s special training and needs. At all times when Ricky is to go anywhere the nurse and the governess will accompany you both. This limo, as well as the present driver, is at your disposal 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Under no circumstances are you to take any other type of transportation for any reason. That is unless we specify any changes in this policy. Are there any questions you have of me?”
“Why?”
“Bill, as an employee of the corporation and an executive at that, you should know the general reasons why or have figured some of them out by now. Be that as it may, the meeting in the morning will I am sure, answer all of your questions. Please try to relax and enjoy all the pampering your family is about to receive. You will want for nothing and all of you will be treated like royalty. I know the freedom you have enjoyed up until now is gone, but you still will have some freedom. If you accept your situation and after the meeting tomorrow and the directors decide, you will enjoy even more freedom. I urge you to think very carefully about your family’s future. As you already know Bill, resistance is dealt with harshly and the corporation has an unending reach.”
“I know all that Ms.?”
“Black.”
“I know all that Ms. Black. I was asking, why was this done this way? I can think of other alternative ways that would have been much easier on all those involved.”
“Bill, you do not know anything about all those involved. You would be very surprised in actually knowing all that is involved and how many people this operation directly involves. I will tell you this and I know your wife will agree with me, we had to get Ricky out of the hands of Dr. Roma and Dr. Wigs.”
Julia snapped out of her deep thoughts as she heard her name. She had been half listening to the exchanges between Ms. Black and Bill.
“I do agree with that part Ms. Black! What I don’t understand is why all this just for a sixth grade Queen for the Harvest Moon festival?”
Ms. Black chuckled and smiling at Julia while shaking her head, she decided to tell her a little more before the meeting.
“Julia, I should not be telling you this now, but I think it would be better for you if I did. The festival has always been a tool, a research tool for us to gather valuable data and knowledge. It just so happened that the festival worked out wonderfully for what was to happen anyway. Your leadership abilities and your astute problem solving skills afforded us to keep using the festival as a means for your child’s much needed transformation.”
“Why do you say his much needed transformation? Why does my son need to be transformed into anything?”
“Julia, surely you realize Ricky’s dilemma? How could he ever function as a boy and later as a man with his condition and abnormalities? You already know of his physical differences, but you do not know anything about his future psychological needs do you? He is already being picked on severely by his peers and his teacher keeps him inside during recess for his own protection. Did you know that Julia? How many times have you asked him about school and then realizing something was not just right after he answered you that you just let it go? Why is that Julia?”
Julia began to realize the truth and started to sob quietly, her eyes leaking tears that gently fell from her cheeks upon her sleeping son. Bill with his free arm hugged his wife and held her close knowing full well Ms. Black had hit on her weakness. Their son needed more than just his family’s love and care. Ricky needed much more and the corporation would see to it. Yes, they would see to it all right! Over the O’Hare’s dead bodies if need be. Bill realized that their very survival depended on his and Julia’s actions.
The limo had stopped and the door was opened by the driver. They were now at the Hilton as Ms. Black and her male companion exited. The driver helped Julia and Bill out of the limo, as they were still holding the children in their arms. The man in the light blue suit looked funny holding the pink diaper bag that was slung over his shoulder by its strap. Bill knew what the name of this man was, Mr. Black of course. They were all either Ms. or Mr. Black weren’t they?
Ms. Black led them into the hotel’s main lobby and to a private elevator. She used a key and then entered a pass code to open the doors. There was no buttons to push and as the doors closed, it rose silently to its destination. When the doors opened, they exited into a small foyer, elegant and richly decorated. In front of them was a set of double doors and as they approached the doors swung inward and they were met by their new butler. They entered the suite and saw the others standing in a line. The governess, the nurse, the maid, and after he closed the door behind them the butler joined the line as well.
The children were awake now and were looking around with wide-open eyes. Bill let Terry down and held her hand as Julia kept Ricky held in her arms. He hadn’t moved his legs much at all and she knew it was probably the injection he was given in his spine that caused it. The introductions were made and the nurse, Ms. Viola Turner, led Julia to Ricky’s room.
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I wish to thank Angel O'Hare, for allowing me to save this story.. and hope that by posting this, will be honor for her work and great story...