Terry Wait now lives as Terri with her Aunt, at least for now. She is having fun living as a girl for now and things seem to be going better on the home front. Working with his Aunt and her pageant girls is helping Terri to forget her problems, or at least to move them to the back burner for now.

The final part of a two part novella.

Terri’s lessons began again Monday. She was beginning to really like going to school on the Internet. The site had good teachers and she didn’t have to worry about what the other kids thought about her. She also liked the fact that she was in classes that suited her abilities. She was good at math, a grade or two ahead of the other students at her old school. She figured that it might not have just been the school that was slowing her down. As the problems at home had gotten bigger, her desire to learn fell.

Betty told her that she could call home after classes today. In fact Betty called her home about thirty minutes before Terri would be free. They talked for about twenty minutes, about how things were going with Frank. Clara stated that he seemed to be doing better. They hadn’t had a big argument in four or five days and he was definitely easier to get along with right now. Betty also told Clara about the online school.

“I think he likes the online school, Clara. I think he was treated poorly by the other students.”

“He never told me if he was, but I kind of got the feeling that he wasn’t telling me something. His teachers never said anything about it.”

“You know how that goes, Terri probably didn’t want to worry you. Now about the teachers, they would have to be blind or don’t care not to know something is wrong, either they don’t want the kid to get in trouble, or they don’t want the school or themselves to get in trouble.”

“That sounds just like our old high school, Betty.”

“I have something else to tell you Clara. I don’t know how to tell you this, so I will just come out and say it. I made a stupid bet with Terry and won. You know what I do right?”

“You were a beautician and became a beauty pageant consultant, right?”

“You got it Sis. I told Terry that I could make anybody look as good as my girls and he said I couldn’t. I bet him four hundred dollars I could. Of course he couldn’t match the bet so I suggested that if I won, he would dress as a girl for a time.”

“Oh no, don’t tell me he accepted that bet, that was a sucker bet. I know how good you are.”

“Yep, he accepted that bet. I won of course; he makes a very cute girl. I have some pictures that should be in your email box now. Go check,” Betty said.

“Just a sec. I am at my computer now.”

“Anyways, I felt bad about it and told him he didn’t have to dress up. He said he would and I am afraid he is getting to like it.”

“She is gorgeous Betty; she looks a lot like me when we were kids.”

“Yes, she does and that is the root of the problem. Like I said, I think SHE likes it too much.”

“I see you changed pronouns. Do you think it is going to be a problem when he comes home?”

“He may not say it, but I think she really wants to stay like she is. How do you think you and Frank would take that?”

“I love Terry so much; I just want my child to be happy. I don’t know about Frank though. That would be another problem.”

“She has been so happy, Clara.”

“I can believe it, seeing those pictures. She hasn’t smiled like that in months. I hate to ask, but can you take her to a therapist.”

“I have her scheduled to see a gender therapist tomorrow. How long before you decide about Frank?”

“I don’t know, I am being cautious about this. I really don’t want Terry back here, till I am certain, Frank will be ok. You know, this can explain a lot about Terry. His best friends here are all older girls.”

“I know, she latched on to an older girl down here.”

“Really, tell me about it.”

Betty told her about Amanda and her Mom, Melinda and how it was incredible how close they have gotten in so short a time. It was like they became sisters. The funny thing though, is that she and her Mom both know Terry is a boy, but they are treating her just like any other girl.

“Terri was a big help to Amanda and helped her do everything and I mean everything, from dressing, to getting things ready for her, and helping to just calm the girl down, when she was a bundle of nerves. Amanda won her age and is headed to regionals.”

“They aren’t, you know ah…”

“No, I don’t think he is capable of that, is he?”

“I don’t know, I haven’t talked to him about that yet. I guess it’s about time.”

“I think that the therapists could do that.”

“Yes we need to find out, and the therapist is a good choice to do that, for now.”

“Her classes are over, and I can hear her coming. She is so worried about you.”

“I know, I won’t say a thing about what we have said, unless she tells me. Let her in, I want to talk to her.”

Clara and Terri talked for about an hour. She didn’t let on that she knew about Terri dressing as a girl, but Terri told her mom. She had been afraid that she wouldn’t love her anymore, but her mom calmed her fears.

“Terri, I don’t care if you want to be a girl, or a boy, the only thing I care about, is that you are happy. If you are happy as a girl, that is fine with me. Let me tell you a secret, your aunt sent me a picture. I think you are gorgeous.

“You do?”

“Yes I do. You might have to change back to a boy for a little while, till we can get your dad to go along with it, but we will work things out. Can you be a boy for a while?”

“I can do that mom, at least for a while, but I think I should have been born a girl, Mom.”

“I think so too Terri. I knew you were special, I just didn’t realize how special you were.”

“You think I am special?”

“Of course you are special. You are the most special person I know and you are my child.”

>>>>><<<<<

Aunt Betty helped Terri dress the next day. Terri pouted a bit, when she said no makeup. Betty smiled as she remembered having the same feelings when she was a girl with her parents. She picked out a simple white blouse, a plaid knee length skirt, knee socks and a pair of black Mary Jane flats. Terri put her foot down and insisted that she wear her corset. Betty couldn’t believe how much she liked wearing those things. She finished off the look with a ribbon tie. Almost the classic girls school uniform.

Betty wondered about why Terri insisted on wearing a corset, “Why do you like those corsets so much Terri? My girls are usually in a hurry to get out of theirs, when I get them laced up in one.”

“They remind me how to sit and stand, Auntie. They also make me feel and look more like a girl. Also, they remind me to act like a girl. I am afraid I might slip up and act like a boy, if it wasn’t for the corset and breasts.”

“I see; that is important. You know, that is a good idea, Terri.”

Betty took Terri downtown to a gender clinic. They met a lady named Dr. Gwen Harrison. Gwen looked to be in her mid-fifties. She had short gray hair and bright green eyes. She first met with Betty alone, for about ten minutes and then invited Terri alone into her office to talk.

Terri was a little afraid at first, but Gwen’s grandmotherly ways began to win her over. She began to relax and tell Gwen what was on her mind. She was a little embarrassed by some of Gwen’s questions, but Gwen said that it was important for her to know. Terri told her about the problems that her mom and dad were having. Terri asked if her parents arguing could be her fault.

“Heaven’s no Terri. Grownups argue for a lot of reasons and I am sure there is nothing you did to cause them. Do you know what they are doing about it?”

“They are both in counseling and anger something or other.”

“Anger management. That is good to hear, Terri. Well, do your parents know about you?”

“Just my mom for now. She doesn’t want my dad to know right now. She wants to make sure he is better, before we talk about this.”

“Yes, a transgendered child can bring a lot of stress to their parents. The parents have to know what is important. How you feel is very important Terri. Not what they think you should be. If they have a problem with it, it is them that need to grow up, not you. We just need to be very sure you know what you feel. Do you understand?”

“I think so.”

“Good, I think we will get along just fine.”

Gwen made an appointment to see Terri again next week, and asked Betty to keep her informed on her parents’ status.

“Call me anytime Betty, and I mean anytime, if you or Terri need me. I am giving you my personal cell phone number.”

>>>>><<<<<

When they got home Terri called Amanda up and they talked. Amanda wanted to know everything, so Terri told her friend what she knew and how she felt about things.

Betty worked with another of her girls. Patsy Quinn is a six-year-old girl and was working on her runway routine. Patsy had a sassy walk; at the end of the walk, she took off her jacket and swung the jacket over her shoulder. She posed left and right, and then walked back. She had an exaggerated hip roll, trying to look sexy. Terri thought it was kind of clownish and apparently so did her Aunt. Betsy didn’t like the walk either, which her mom and another coach had taught her. She worked to correct the flaws she saw. Joan Quinn stopped Betty and talked with her about what she was trying to accomplish. It took a bit of talking, to convince the Mom, that she knew what she was doing.

In an hour, they had the girl walking differently, it was still a more mature walk, than girls her age normally used, but it looked much better to Terri. The girl didn’t come across ‘as a tramp on the prowl’.

Terri realized that there was a lot to being a beauty queen. It took a lot of work and dedication, along with some cajoling and pushing. So far, she had seen four Moms and she began to form an opinion about the way they interacted with their children. Joan wasn’t the worst, but she and her child had received some bad advice. Her Aunt though, was able to convince the parent and child, that she knew what she was doing.

>>>>><<<<<

Wednesday, Melinda and Amanda came over to begin planning for the regionals next month. They sat at the kitchen table, with Betty pouring over the catalogue from the boutique that sponsored the dress she won, trying to decide which dress to choose. Terri stood behind Amanda and rested her chin on Amanda’s shoulder. Amanda had to choose one from about thirty formal dresses, depicted in the catalogue.

All the dresses looked so wonderful to Terri. She could see that there were a lot of different styles and even more colors to choose from. She saw one in pink that looked very beautiful.

“How would Amanda look in that one, in blue?” Terri asked.

They all stopped and looked at the one Terri indicated. They then discussed the dress using some arcane terms to Terri, but they must have meant something to them.

“I think she would be adorable in it Terri,” her aunt said. “You seem to have a good sense of fashion.”

“It’s not like my other dresses, but I kind of like it too,” Amanda said.

They dog-eared that page and continued to look through the catalogue. They found three more dresses to consider, before they began to compare them.

“We won’t decide today, we have to go to Austin to select the dress and then have it fitted.”

“Oh, I am from Austin, that’s where my Mom and Dad are.”

“Maybe you can come with us this weekend.”

“I need to talk with her Mom first. We don’t want any surprises, or problems,” Betty said.

“Oh yes, I can understand that. I forgot about that,” Melinda said.

They then poured over the schedule for the pageant. The regionals is a five days of competition, with two events each day and rehearsals; except for the last day, when there would be three events. They made notes about the requirements and suggestions on clothing. The packet even had pictures of what girls had worn at the various events in the past, to give contestants an idea of what was expected and required.

>>>>><<<<<

Friday found Melinda and Amanda riding with Terri and Betty in the Land Rover. Betty had called Wednesday after Melinda and Amanda had gone home. She talked with her sister. Clara stated that things were going well, but she didn’t want Terri to come home for at least another month. Betty told her about them coming to Austin on Saturday and she was overjoyed about getting a chance to see Terri. They set up a time where Clara could meet them at the mall where the boutique was located. Clara didn’t want to know where they were staying, she was still being cautious with Frank, if she didn’t know, she couldn’t spill the beans.

Betty talked with Terri and planned to be across the city from Frank’s normal weekend haunts. She had Terri tell her what she knew and pointed out the places on the map. Terri lived in the southeastern part of Austin, right off I-10. The mall they were going to was in the northwest just off I-35.

They chose a motel about a mile from the mall. They had two adjoining rooms, Amanda insisted that she and Terri have one for themselves and after the girls promised to be good the adults consented.

Amanda and Terri slept in the same bed; Amanda spooned behind Terri, as they laid down to sleep. Both being only children, they had rarely shared a bed with anyone, but they seemed to like sleeping together. They both slept better.

Terri woke early the next morning and decided to take her bath. Amanda was sound asleep; she groaned and made a grab for Terri, who scampered out of reach. Terri got the things she would need to get dressed, before heading to the bathroom.

Betty had bought Terri some bath oils and at first she didn’t like the slick feel of the tub, but the more she used them, the more she began to like them. She especially liked what they did for her skin and how they helped her to relax. The oil’s fragrance seemed to melt her worries away.

Terri was just getting out of the tub, when a naked Amanda came in. Amanda saw all of Terri, without her wig. Amanda smiled and looked at her Lady-in-Waiting. This was the first time either of them had seen the other completely naked. Terri was petrified.

Amanda smiled and hugged Terri breast to breast and whispered in her ear, “Looking good girl,” before she stepped into the still full tub.

The fact that Amanda didn’t freak out when she saw Terri, did wonders for the girl. She knew she had to be careful around other people, but having someone who knew her secret and accepted her anyway, was wonderful.

Terri dried off and began to dress. Amanda covertly watched her friend as she dressed. She was amazed at the girl’s tiny waist and her tiny boy parts. It didn’t bother her that Terri was born a boy, because she knew that Terri had a girl’s heart and soul.

Terri put on her panties and she picked up her over the bust corset.

“Why do you wear those things Terri? I have worn one before and I will probably have to wear one again, but I hate those things.”

“Before I began wearing them, there wasn’t much difference between my waist and my hips. Girls are bigger in the hips and have smaller waist. Also, my corset reminds me to act like a girl, more than anything else I wear. I also have to wear a padded brief to hide my ah… thing and to look bigger in my backside.”

Amanda looked thoughtful for a few seconds and said, “Hmm… that make sense. I also wear a padded brief with some of my fashions. I am just starting to expand in the hips and I need a little help there. Almost all the girls above ten wear one. At least till they grow into the right proportions.”

Terri hooked up the busk and began tightening the corset. Early on, her aunt had given her some instruction on how to accomplish that. Betty told Terri, a woman should know how to put on her own corset.

“A woman should only need help if she tight laces, which is something you shouldn’t try. There is no sane reason for a lady to have a waist smaller than twenty two to twenty four inches,” she said.

Terri was already about twenty two inches, or thereabout. She didn’t want to go any smaller, she just wore it because of her stated reasons and she actually liked wearing one.

The girls had fun helping each other dress. Amanda did her own makeup and helped Terri do hers. Amanda tried to do a glamour look on Terri. She was good, but it was easy to see that she wasn’t as good as her Mom and she was light years away from being as good as Betty. Since she was going to have to redo Terri’s makeup anyway, she overemphasized Terri’s eyes and lips. She took a lip pencil and drew way outside the lines, before filling it in with lipstick using a brush.

They both giggled as they looked into the mirror to see. Terri posed like some of the movie stars her Mom loved to watch. Amanda took an air camera and pretended to take Terri’s photograph. It was quite humorous to Terri, but the more she posed, the more she took what she was doing seriously.

Amanda thought, “Damn, I wish I really did have a camera. She is good.” She promised herself that she would bring her digital camera the next time she went anywhere with Terri.

They stopped playing when they heard the olds begin to stir. Amanda cleaned off Terri’s makeup and gave her a nice everyday look. They had just finished, when Melinda stuck her head around the corner.

“Well, I was going to wake you and tell you that we are going out to eat in thirty minutes, but I see that you are both ready. Just hang loose and let us get ready.”

>>>>><<<<<

Terri was sitting on pins and needles as she waited for her Mom. Betty had driven them to the mall and they were sitting in the food court waiting. Clara was running a little late it seemed. Terri had a worried look on her face, but Amanda held her hand and comforted her. She had just about given up and asked her aunt to call her cell phone, when Terri saw her. Terri shrieked, jumped up and was doing a cross between running and skipping up to her mom.

Clara’s eyes got as big as silver dollars as she saw a girl that looked much like a version of herself some twenty odd years ago. The child was simply beautiful, “Terri is that you?”

“Of course it’s me, Momma,” Terri said as she leaped into her Mom’s arms.

Clara was a little stiff, till her new daughters hug melted her heart. “It is so good seeing you again,” she said, as she wrapped her arms around the girl. “Or should I say seeing you for the first time.”

“I am still me Mom, I am just wrapped up a little differently now.”

“Stand back and let me see you girl.”

Terri let her go and stepped back; she then posed like one of Aunt Betty’s girls and turned slowly for her Mom.

Clara looked at Terri with tears in her eyes, “Oh my, Terry you look so beautiful.”

Terri’s eyes were also tearing up, “So are you Mom. You’ve always been beautiful in my eyes.”

Terri took her Mom’s hand and led her over to the table. She then introduced Melinda and Amanda.

“This is my best friend Amanda and her mother Melinda and of course your sister, Betty.” Terri teased.

Clara knew that everyone here knew already, so she wasn’t afraid to say, “I know you told me how beautiful she was, but I really didn’t know what to think till I saw her and could hold her myself. You are a magician Sis.”

“There is no magic there, sister. She was already beautiful.”

Clara thought for a second and then said, “I guess I was just too blind to see what was before my eyes. I am sorry Terri, I should have been a better Mom.”

“Why are you sorry? You are the bestest Mom I know, and I love you so much.”

They hit one of the shops and got something to eat and drink, they then sat down to talk. Clara asked Amanda how she met her daughter. Amanda had a huge grin as she told the Clara how they met. Clara was interested to hear that she was into pageanting and had about a thousand questions. Amanda told her about all of her experiences.

Clara turned towards her daughter and asked, “How do you feel about all of this?”

“Mom, it is like I woke up in a dream world and found that it is all real. I’ve never really felt badly, before, but now I feel so alive.”

“So do you want to stay like this?”

“I know that it may not be possible right now and I can accept that. But I feel that I really need to be a girl, mom. I just can’t explain it.”

Clara was smiling and crying as she said, “I think you did alright, Terri and I promise that if this is what it takes to make sure you are happy, we will find a way to make it happen.”

Clara and Terri cried on each other’s shoulders for a bit. She then pulled out her compact and looked at her face, “I think you and I need to fix our faces and how long have you been wearing makeup, girl.”

“That is my fault Sis, I know girls shouldn’t start wearing makeup at her age, but all the girls I work with, started much younger. I can’t have my assistant look plain, now can I?”

“I guess not. Momma didn’t let us start till we were fifteen, but seeing how Terri looks, I can’t complain.”

The five women went to the ladies room and did what they needed to do. Betty helped Terri get her face sorted out right, as Clara watched. She was amazed at the way Terri acted, but as she thought about things, Terri really wasn’t that much different now. It was just a matter of perspective. Clara realized that maybe she had seen what she wanted to see, when Terri was acting as her son. Sure she had to walk different and do things like sitting differently, but Terri was still Terri. The only real difference now, was on the outside. Clara resolved to observe her child more closely today, to see if her theory was right.

The five of them left the restroom, after fixing their faces. They went to the boutique that had sponsored the dress Amanda won. A salesclerk led the pack to the proprietor’s office in the back. Gail West’s office, was in a large fitting room that had a stage, catwalk and seating for a dozen people. She welcomed them and after introductions offered them seats.

“My, my, I didn’t know we were going to have two beauty queens here today,” Gail said.

“Oh, I am not a competitor Ms. West. I am just Amanda’s friend. She invited me to join them,” Terri said. “Unless you are talking about my Mom.”

“Well, all I can say is that you could be, Terri. You certainly have the looks and the charm. So Amanda, have you had a chance to look over our catalogue?”

“Yes, we have and we want to look at four or five of your dresses,” She said, pulling out the catalogue. She indicated the dresses she wanted to try on.

Gail asked Amanda to undress down to her bra and panties. Amanda was used to being undressed in front of people, so she just stood and took her skirt and blouse off. She handed them to Terri, who stood next to her. Terri took good care of Amanda’s clothes. Gail then thoroughly measured the girl. She then asked her secretary, Elizabeth, to pull the dresses Amanda wanted to see and about a half dozen more in Amanda’s size. Elizabeth looked closely at Amanda’s hair skin and eyes, to determine her colors.

Elizabeth rolled a rack in, with about fifteen dresses on it, in about ten styles. Amanda stepped back into her heels and Elizabeth helped the girl dress. Terri paid attention to what they were doing. Amanda model the dress for the others, to let them see what the dress looked like and then she would take to the stage, for her walk. Terri would take the dress from Elizabeth, after a change and rehang it. She placed the dresses that were rejected, on one rack, and the dresses they wanted to consider on another. When Terri turned away from the racks, Gail walked over to inspect the girls work. She smiled as she saw how well Terri hung the dresses. She wasn’t perfect, but she was as good as some of her sales staff. Clara noted Gail’s actions and smiled too. Terri had helped her hang the laundry at home and she had taught her well.

Clara observed the interaction between Amanda and Terri. The girl knew about Terri, but showed no concern for her nakedness around Terri. She was happy Terri was there and asked her opinion along with the rest of the women. Terri was unabashed and acted as if this was an everyday thing with her. Clara had to edit her previous conclusions some; her daughter’s actions were a clearly different. Terry might have been a little effeminate, but her daughter was very feminine. Some things didn’t change though, her child had smile that could warm a heart, a great sense of humor, and heart full of caring.

Clara saw one dress that she just loved, even though it wasn’t the best color for Amanda. As Terri took the dress from Elizabeth, Clara said, “Would it be possible to see that dress on Terri?”

Gail smelled blood and smiled, “Go right ahead she looks to be about the same size.”

Clara took Terri to a booth and helped Terri change. Her eyes got big, after Terri took her top off. She whispered into Terri’s ear a question, “How did you grow breasts, Terri?”

“They are something Aunt Betty came up with. She glued them on me.”

“Did Betty make you wear the corset?”

“No ma’am, I like wearing one.”

“Really,” Clara said shaking her head.

Terri’s breasts were large for her real age, but proportional to her size. Clara thought that they looked good on Terri. It took about five minutes to change, because Clara had to fuss over the dress. Everyone was waiting as Terri and her Mom came out. Terri had to raise the hem a bit, because the dress was just about an inch and a half too long, as she walked out. The gown was a full length, dark green, strapless gown in a matte jersey, with a large jersey bow in the back. The bodice was designed to fit like a glove down to the hips and had just a little flare to the floor. The fabric felt wonderful and had just a little give, but it was a little large on Terri.

Terri was careful not to step on the hem, as she walked. Gail came over and fussed with it a bit. The dress really looked good, but a bit mature on Terri.

“You look good in that dress,” Gail said. “It is just a little large on you dear. I would rather alter this one, than to go a size smaller. It would look better on you.”

“I like it, but it is a bit mature for my daughter.”

“I like it, but I agree with Mom.”

Gail arched her brows a bit; she figured that Terri had to be about sixteen and the girls that age that came here, generally sought out something sexier. That dress wasn’t the most risqué she had, but it was very sexy.

Terri changed back and Amanda had gone through the rack and had eliminated all but four dresses. The dress that Terri had pointed out, two that Amanda chose and one that Elizabeth had selected remained. Amanda tried each dress on again. She began to get very critical about every detail of the dresses, from stitching, to fabric and style. She sat down with her entourage and discussed her selections. Melinda decided on two of the dresses, since Amanda had two more pageants, with different organizations before regionals.

Gail had Amanda try on each dress, so she could mark and pin the dresses for alterations. Terri watched the process closely and asked Gail some questions about the fitting of garments.

“She’s not bothering you; is she?” Betty asked.

“No, not at all Betty. Are you considering becoming a dressmaker or tailor, Terri?”

“I don’t know, but I am interested in what you are doing.”

“You just have to remember to stick the client at least once with a pin, if they are a good client, and as often as possible, if they are a bad, unruly client.”

“Really?” Terri asked.

Gail had to laugh at Terri’s response, “No, I am just kidding you.”

Gail began to teach Terri about the important points in fitting the dress. Things like the importance that seams shouldn’t pucker and places the dress should fit well and places where a dress should have a more relaxed fit, depending on the girls figure and the dress’s style. She also showed her how to mark the hem.

“The most important thing and why we take so much time doing this, is that the dress has got to make the client look their best. I make pretty dresses and I like to see my dresses looking good on my clients, but it’s how pretty the dress makes the client look, not how pretty the client makes the dress look, that’s important. Girls may ask about the dress, and believe me, they do, but that is only because the dress made the client look good. The dress should just complete the client’s look.”

Terri had a real thoughtful look on her face, as she began to put the pieces together. “So the dress is one part, the hair another, along with her makeup, and the clients poise, that helps make her a queen.”

“By golly, I think you have got it,” Gail said. “Call me when you graduate and I can help you succeed in this business, if you want. I think you have that certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that will help you do whatever you want to do.”

Terri smiled at Gail, and Clara smiled at her child. She was seeing things she had overlooked for so long. In her heart she knew that Terri ‘WAS’ her daughter.

After they left the store, they window shopped a bit, then regretfully, Clara had to leave. She had to get home for Frank. She hugged Terri and began to cry a bit, “Terri, I love you, no matter who you are. Don’t ever forget that.”

Terri shed a few tears too, but she began to feel better about everything and she began to have hope that things would be alright.

Betty and her troupe left the mall and headed home, back in Fort Worth. Amanda and Melinda kissed Terri’s cheek, before they had to leave for their home.

>>>>><<<<<

Monday and Tuesday, it was back to online schooling till two or three and then helping Betty with her girls. Wednesday, Terri met with Gwen again. Terri told her all about what she had done since they last talked and about meeting her Mom back in Austin. She was so excited about seeing her Mom. She told Gwen that her Mom accepted her as she was, and they hoped that her Dad would too.

After she got back home, Terri did her makeup and her school work. She logged in, but forgot to change into a boy when she turned her web cam on. The teacher didn’t say a word about it, but made a note in Terri’s file, that she might be transgendered. They would treat her like she was dressed. Terri didn’t notice that the teacher used feminine pronouns as she chatted with her. The teacher just gave her, her assignments and told her to request a chat if she needed any help.

It wasn’t till she was talking with her aunt, that she realized what had happened in the online school.

“It didn’t seem to bother the teacher, did it?” Betty asked.

“No, she just treated me like a girl and told me what I needed to do.”

Thursday, Terri just dressed like she wanted to. She used a little makeup, before she logged into school. The teacher pm’ed her, that she looked nice. That teacher made Terri’s day and she worked harder. All of her teachers made encouraging comments to her that day.

Friday, after school, they prepared to go to another pageant with Wendy, Leslie and Patsy. Amanda didn’t have another one till next week. This was when Terri asked about how many different pageant organizations there were.

“Oh Terri, there are too many to count. I know of twenty or thirty different organizations, but that is just a drop in the bucket. I like about eight of them. Many of them are only in it for the money. There can be big money in running pageants, at least till the organizers drain the organization of the money. They then shut it down, change names and locations, and open another.”

>>>>><<<<<

Today they headed to Tulsa.

The hotel they stayed at this time didn’t make any mistakes. They had their four rooms. Leslie’s and Delores’s room adjoined to theirs, Wendy’s and Charlotte’s was on the other side and Patsy and Joan’s room was right across the hall.

Leslie and Delores were already in their room as Terri and Betty entered theirs. Terri sat on her bed, while Betty opened their adjoining door and knocked on the Walker’s door. When Delores opened their half of the door, Leslie brushed past Betty and hopped right up on Terri’s lap, hugging her, while Betty and Delores just laughed.

In an hour, everybody was there and dressed to go out to eat together. Terri surprised Wendy, when she took the girls hand. When Leslie took Terri’s other hand Patsy pouted a little. Terri crouched down and looked Leslie in the eyes, saying, “Can you share me with the other girls this time, Leslie. I promise to hold your hand later.”

“Ok, I can share,” Leslie said, as she hugged Terri.

Terri then smiled, as she took Patsy’s hand. They then went to the hotel’s restaurant to eat. Terri resolved then to spend time helping each girl at this pageant. Of the three here, Terri knew that she would try to help Wendy enjoy what she was doing. Leslie and Patsy, she knew would have a bundle of fun, wherever they were.

At the restaurant, Terri sat with Wendy to her right, Patsy to her left and Leslie across from her. The adults sat at a table to the left. Terri got Wendy talking about what she liked and the other girls joined in. Wendy seemed to forget trying to be miserable and seemed to enjoy herself.

After dinner, they all met up in Betty’s room and discussed the next day’s schedule. Terri listened as she kept the other girls occupied; especially Leslie and Patsy; they still had an overdose of energy. At about eight thirty though, both younger girls crashed. Wendy helped Terri take the two young girls to Delores’ room and laid them out on one bed. The two girls snuggled up to each other and went back to sleep.

Wendy and Terri sat at the table in Delores room and talked.

“How are things going for you Wendy?”

“It has been, bearable. Working with Ms. Johnson is better than Mrs. Perkins, that’s for sure.”

“Good, I hope you have more fun, tomorrow.”

“Thanks, I like being here with you too. Why don’t you pageant, Terri?”

“I don’t know. I knew about pageants, but my mom isn’t gung-ho about them. I really didn’t dress up that much till I came to stay with Aunt Betty for a while.”

“Where are your parents?”

“They are back in Austin. I came here because they were arguing all the time.”

“Oh, that is horrible. My mom argues with my dad too, so I know how it feels.”

“What do they argue about, Wendy?”

“Money mostly, Dad says that Mom spends way too much money on pageants. I was going to four or five different pageants, before we came to Ms. Johnson. She got my mom to only go to the two best pageant groups. I should have gone with ya’ll two weeks ago, but dad put a kibosh to that.”

“Mom and Dad, at least came to an agreement. He sat down with her and Betty to select the pageants I will go to. Things are sort of looking up.”

“Well, I think you are going to do well this weekend and I hope you have lots of fun too,” Terri said, hugging the girl.

Wendy just sort of melted into the hug, not anything sexual, she just liked that Terri took an interest in helping her. Terri made her feel better about herself. Wendy began telling Terri about some of the kids at her school.

The two of them talked till Wendy’s Mom came in and got her daughter. Delores told Joan to just leave her daughter here tonight, as she looked at the two sleeping girls. They didn’t even bother undressing them. They just covered them up.

>>>>><<<<<

Terri was up early the next day and was dressed up before Betty woke. She was doing her makeup when her aunt finally got out of bed. Betty kissed her and then went to the bathroom.

This pageant was in the hotel’s ballroom, so they didn’t have far to go. Terri helped the two girls that Betty wasn’t working with at the time. When the events started, she and Betty were working with one girl or another, while the third was taking her time on the stage. Terri acted as cheerleader, booster and friend to the girls. They all seemed to feed off of her energy and encouragement. All three were glowing when their day was over. Sunday would be a short but stressful day for them.

Charlotte, Delores and Joan all liked what Terri did for their girls, although Charlotte missed being the ramrod with her daughter. Wendy seemed to work harder for Terri, than she had for her. That made Charlotte a little sad, but she was also happy that her daughter was doing so well. She wasn’t about to rock that boat. Betty smiled, as she knew what was going on in Charlotte’s mind.

“That old saying about getting more flies with honey than vinegar, is true, Charlotte,” Betty whispered in her ear.

“Yes, I know what you mean. I think you also might just save my marriage,” she confessed to Betty. “I was just about to drive William away over the costs. We talked, he didn’t mind Wendy going to some pageants, but it was just too much going to three or four a month.” She looked at Terri congratulating Wendy over her performance. “Wendy, or I should say, I am limited to no more than one pageant every six weeks. If she wins one, she can go to the next level, if she wants to go.”

“Trust me Charlotte, she will be happier and will do better, if she has time to be a kid.”

“I know Betty; I am having to learn how to have fun with my daughter too. I had gotten too addicted to having her compete. I didn’t realize she was miserable.”

“She doesn’t seem to be miserable today.”

“No, she seems to be enjoying herself. Thank you, Betty. Thank your niece too.”

“I think you need to thank her yourself.”

“I will.”

>>>>><<<<<

Betty was happy to have two runner ups and one winner on Sunday. Wendy was absolutely shocked, when she won her age group. Terri, Leslie and Patsy were jumping up and down with her, when she left the stage. Charlotte was crying happy tears on Betty’s shoulders.

When the winners came back on stage, Wendy didn’t win the overall competition, she wasn’t the first runner up or the second runner up, she was the fourth runner up, but she was jumping up and down when she came offstage. She had won a thousand dollars, a tiara, a sash and a trophy this weekend. She ran up to her mom and gave her a big hug, when she came offstage. Leslie and Patsy mobbed them, as they tried to get a hug in.

Betty whispered into Terri’s ear, “You did good girl. Thank you for your help.”

“You don’t have to thank me, I loved working with them.”

“Yes I do have to thank you. You did more for Wendy, than I ever could.”

“Really?”

“Yes REALLY, Terri.”

>>>>><<<<<

Terri called her Mom when she got home. Clara sounded cheerful, but Terri knew something wasn’t right. She wormed it out of her Mom that they had another blow out. No, Frank didn’t touch her, but they had a big argument. Clara was happy to hear what her daughter had done this weekend. Terri could tell that it really did seem to cheer her up a bit, as she shared details of what happened.

Betty had listened in, part of the time, on another extension; she then went to her room to have a short cry, herself. She then called Gwen’s cell number and talked with her a bit.

“Don’t give up hope yet, Betty,” Gwen said. “It’s true that only about a third to a half of these things resolve favorably, of those that do, they tend to be long term efforts. They have a lot of two steps forward one step back. Just be there for your sister and for Terri, if things go bad. You are helping Clara so much, just keeping Terri safe. You’re taking some pressure off of Clara and Frank.”

“I guess so Gwen, I just worry so.”

“You should worry, but don’t let that worry ruin your life. Hold up your chin and be proud of what you are doing for your sister. What happens, will happen. There is no magical solution to these things. Just be there and be ready to help pick up the pieces.”

>>>>><<<<<

Betty canceled her appointment that day and took Terri and Amanda out to see a movie. Amanda felt just how much Terri needed to be with her and held her friend close to her. They went to see one of those new CGI cartoons. Terri seemed to perk up a bit and began to enjoy herself. She told herself that it wasn’t her fault, her parents were acting like spoiled children and they needed to grow up. She just wished she was there to send them to their rooms, without their dinner. She giggled as she thought about that.

She told Gwen that, when she went to see her the next day. Gwen had a laugh and said she agreed.

“The only problem is, you can’t make your parents take a time out. They have to do it on their own, Terri. You are only responsible for doing your part and that is becoming the best person you can be. From what I hear, you are doing a great job doing that.”

“Why can’t parents be more like kids?”

“Kids have problems too, Terri. Adults just have adult sized problems. It takes an adult sized solution to help them resolve their problems and from what I hear, they are trying.”

Friday, Melinda and Amanda were there. They had their tickets to go to Atlanta and asked if Terri was going to be able to come.

“Well, it looks like Terri is going to be here for a while longer. I already have my ticket and hotel reservation. I just need to get her a ticket. So I guess you can count on her being there.”

They then went over the schedule for the regional pageant. It was four days long, with competition events every day and two group events. Like the Miss America Pageant. The girls were expected to entertain the attendees, with some group signing, or dancing, and such. They weren’t exactly judged by their efforts, but a girl couldn’t win if she didn’t participate in them, or if gave them less than her best effort, while doing them.

They spent all the next week getting things ready. Everyone was so excited. Terri thought school was just taking too much time, but she worked diligently to finish, so she could help her Aunt and her friend.

The Monday after that, they shipped much of what they needed to the hotel. It would be there already when they arrived. Tuesday, Terri saw Gwen again and told her what she had been up to. Terri had talked to her mom again and things seemed to be going better. Tuesday after school, the four of them left to go to the airport. They flew out of DFW, headed to Atlanta Georgia.

>>>>><<<<<

Wednesday morning they picked up their credentials and then went to an orientation meeting. The pageant director separated the girls by talents and sent to meet with one of four entertainment directors. There would be five shows put on by the girls. The entertainment director then began working with the girls, picking girls to play the various parts in their show.

Amanda was in a song and dance group, with twenty four other girls, from six to eighteen year olds. Terri, Betty and Melinda, sat in the audience and watched as the choreographer put the girls through their paces and the music director got them singing. Amanda did well. Terri decided that she would place her friend in the top three and that included the older girls too. The girls worked hard for two hours before and two hours after lunch,

Terri had a cold drink ready for Amanda, when the girls were dismissed for the day. They got in their car and headed back to the hotel. Amanda was hungry, but she also needed to shower, she took one smell of herself and the shower won out.

Amanda pulled Terri into their bathroom and sat her down on the toilet, as she showered; she wanted to know what Terri thought about the rehearsal today.

“I think you were great, Amanda. Your voice is better than all but one or two, and your dancing was better than one or two, but they weren’t the same girls. I would say you were the best well rounded, but that is just my opinion.”

“There were two girls from my age group there, Alicia Gordon and Renée Wilson. I know that I don’t have to worry about them.”

“Were they the blonde in capris, and the brunette in tights and a tank?”

“Yeah that’s them.”

“What are their talents?”

“Well, seeing as they are only fair at singing and dance, I am not sure. Hand me a towel please.”

Terri got a towel from the rack and handed it to Amanda, “Alicia I think, was the better of the two. How many girls will there be in your age bracket?”

“There should be twenty-two, if they all show up.”

“That girl, Casey Goodman, was kind of cute, she could steal the show with her smile.”

“Tell me about it, she is only six and she has this incredible smile.”

Terri went out and got a bra and panties for Amanda, as she took off her shower cap and began to mess with her hair.

“That choreographer sure worked the heck out of ya’ll.”

“Yeah, that is his job, I think he is pretty good at it. You know he won a Tony for his work.”

“Really, that is so cool.”

Amanda left the bathroom with Terri following her. Terri had laid out a blouse, skirt and heels for her friend. Amanda quickly dressed and did her makeup. She then helped Terri touch up her face.

“Were you having fun?” Terri asked.

“It was work, but yeah I enjoyed it.”

“That’s good.”

Amanda opened the bag with her jewelry and put on a few pieces.

“Well how do I look?”

“You look smashing, Sis.”

Amanda smiled and said, “Okay let’s go, I am starving.”

Betty and Melinda were ready to go, when Terri and Amanda came in their room. They hugged and then headed out. There were two other contestants on the elevator, as they went down. Instead of standing in the elevator in awkward silence, Amanda introduced herself and the people with her. The two girls introduced themselves and their Moms. They all shared where they were from. The girls were surprised to find out that Terri wasn’t competing and they were more surprised to find out she was only eleven.

“You are only eleven, oh my, you are going to break some hearts when you get older,” Samantha, a sixteen year old girl said. “I can’t believe how tall you are for your age.”

“It’s not fair,” Natalie, the twelve year old girl said. She was at least five inches shorter than Terri. “You get to be so tall, and have some nice long legs, and I am a short runt.”

“You are not a runt, Natalie,” Hana, the girl’s mom said, “She is just tall for her age, very tall for her age. You are taller than average Natalie. Just how tall are you Terri?”

“I am five foot four inches tall. My family grows fast, but then we stop early. I may grow another three or four inches before I stop growing.”

“See Natalie, you still have hope.”

“Are those real?” Natalie asked, pointing at Terri’s breasts.

“I may have used a little help in my bra. After all, I am helping out at a beauty pageant. I couldn’t let my friend Amanda and the other girls give me an inferiority complex now, could I,” Terri said, winking at Amanda who nearly lost it. “Would you believe I was pretty much a Tomboy till this year?”

“Ain’t no way, you are too gorgeous. I would hate to compete against you,” Samantha said.

They all decided to eat together, as they got off of the elevator. The girls sat at one table and the adults at another. They chatted about the pageant, what their talents were, what their dresses looked like and a hundred other details.

“So, if you don’t compete, what do you do at a pageant,” Natalie asked.

“I help my Aunt, she is a pageant coach. Amanda is one of her clients. I help make her job easier and keep her clients happy. You know how stressful things can be to you.”

“Yeah, she helps me and a lot of other girls,” Amanda said. “She is just fun to be around. We just love her. She helps me get dressed and takes good care of my clothes. She encourages me when I am down and she is one of my biggest cheerleaders, but most importantly, she holds my hands and is my friend. It can get awfully lonely doing the pageant thing.”

“Tell me about it,” Samantha said. “It is hard finding time to be with my friends. It must be wonderful to bring yours along.”

“It is.”

“Are you wearing a corset, Terri?” Samantha asked.

“Yes,” Terri said. She had given this question some thought and came up with a good response. “I hurt my back a year ago and it was either a corset, or a back brace. The corsets were more comfortable and prettier. I have worn one since.”

>>>>><<<<<

Thursday was the introduction and the swimsuit competitions. The introductions were done in long formal dresses. Terri couldn’t help but look in wonder at all the beautiful girls. She had already helped Amanda get dressed and was sitting next to her, while Betty worked on her hair and makeup.

When their age group was called, the girls lined up on both sides of the stage. As their names were called, the girl would walk to center stage and turn, walk the catwalk, turn and pose, and then walk back. Each girl was the center of attention for about fifteen seconds. After all the girls had their walk, they walked on stage as a group. Then it was time for the next age group.

Terri helped her friend undress and then slip into her swimsuit and matching heels. They didn’t have to hurry. Betty had plenty of time to get the right look. The girls lined back up in the same order and followed the same routine as before.

Amanda was then free from ten thirty to two. If there had been a hundred vendors back in Houston, there was at least three times that many here in Atlanta. They spent almost two hours visiting the various booths, to peruse their wares. Terri and Amanda picked up quite a few souvenirs from the booths. Pageant pins were very popular. A lot of girls would pick up a lot of pins from this event to trade with any friends they made at other pageants. This way they could end up with pins from all over the country.

After lunch, Amanda had another rehearsal. The girls were gelling into a very good group. They moved well and their singing was superb, better than they were yesterday. The program they were working on was like one of those Broadway Musical numbers. The musical spoke to modern girl’s hopes and fears.

Back at the hotel, while Amanda took a shower, Terri did the bath cloth thing and changed her corset. Melinda found a message on her phone from the girls’ new friends. They wanted to meet again for dinner.

Back in Fort Worth, Betty’s home phone rang, the voice left a tearful message on the phone saying that she would be there on Friday. Clara finally came to the decision to leave Frank.

>>>>><<<<<

Friday the girls had a fashion show/photo shoot. They had to wear three different outfits and pose for four different photographers. They had four sets setup on stage and the audience would get a chance to see a real fashion shoot. This was a change over previous years, the organizers wanted to see the girls in action in real time.

Terri really had a lot of work to do. She made sure that everything was in place for the three changes, this relieved Betty and Melinda of a lot of tedious work and concentrate on the looks they were trying to achieve. The first round consisted of casual day clothes. The girls were to show how they could look fashionable, but still be dressed in comfort, for a day in the city or with their girlfriends. The second round would be dress to impress; the girls were to show how they would dress for an interview, business or a meeting. The third round was formal, you know, the perfect prom, going to the ballet or opera, or an important banquet.

The organizers wanted to see if the girls could follow the photographer’s directions, their energy and charisma, during the shoot and just how photogenic the girls were. With today’s computer software you can edit a world of sin out of the portfolios the girls send in with their entry packets.

It was organized chaos in the dressing rooms; Amanda really thrived with everyone’s help and Terri made a big difference to Amanda. She was a lot calmer and more focused, than she had been in the past. It showed onstage, as she modeled for the four photographers. She was a little sad that none of her group got to see her as they were busy setting up for the next shoot. Even Terri was hard at work back in the back.

Four girls came on stage as their names were called. A fashionista fed the announcer a description of what the girl was wearing, using an earpiece radio receiver. When all four were on stage, they would head over to their designated photographer, for a three minute shoot. The cameras were those high dollar digital cameras and were Wi-Fi capable. When a good shot was taken, it was projected on a large screen, over the girl, for the audience to see. After three minutes, another four girls would take the stage. This round was only for the girls thirteen and older.

The audience really loved this, many had never seen a photo shoot in person before and it was a bit of an education for them. They oohed and ahhed as a photo would appear on the screen. It was a bit nerve wracking for the girls, because they couldn’t see what the crowd could see, or know which girl elicited which reaction. They just had to concentrate on what they were doing.

After her last shot, Amanda had to hurry to get dressed for her part of the program. She didn’t feel like eating, she was a bundle of nerves and had butterflies in her stomach, but Terri sat on her lap till she got a little food down her gullet. When she got up to go to put on her costume, she actually felt better for it. Amanda could only have one person behind stage this time and of course that was Betty. She was doing Amanda’s makeup and she was asked if she could help with a couple of other girls too.

Their show wasn’t quite ready for Broadway, but it wasn’t that far from it either. The girls did a wonderful job, which wowed the audience. The audience showed their appreciation as the girls took their bows. Terri was ecstatic when she finally saw her friend. She ran up to her and picked the girl up in a hug.

Back in Fort Worth, there was a knock on Betty’s door, the knock persisted for a couple of minutes, but there was no one there to answer.

>>>>><<<<<

Saturday was all about Talent till two and then there was a rehearsal for the Sunday show. All the girls over thirteen were expected to participate in the Sunday program. Again they weren’t judged on it, but woe to any girl that wasn’t there, or didn’t do her best.

Amanda played her violin for her Talent today. She played a Sonata for violin, by Hindemith. She wore a long black skirt, a white blouse and as black jacket, not unlike what professional musicians wear in an orchestra performance. Terri thought she looked fantastic. This was the first time she had heard Amanda play the violin and the first time she had really listened to classical music. Her part ended with her plucking notes out on a violin, another thing that was new to Terri.

Amanda came off the stage smiling. In the other events so far, she didn’t quite know how she did, since much of the judging is quite subjective. One never knew how one did till the score sheets came out after the pageant was over. Today though, she knew she had done a really great job. She got to relax a few hours till the next rehearsal and that was a blessing.

>>>>><<<<<

Sunday, they walked the catwalk in a formals. Afterwards came the last show, the minor awards, like Miss Congeniality and then the awards presentation. This was the hardest day for the contestants, mentally that is. Each girl wondered if they had won, if they had made any gaffs, if they could have done something better and a thousand other woes. Some girls knew that they didn’t have a chance. They knew that they weren’t as good as some of the other girls; things were not as hard for them.

Amanda was one of those bottles of nerves, she knew she had performed well in every challenge; she just had to see what the judges thought of her efforts. It was all Terri, Betty and her mom could do to keep her in one piece.

The Formal Dress and the program went well for Amanda. She actually began to relax once she hit the stage, everything was in the judge’s hands now and there was nothing she could do. She didn’t pick up any minor awards and hadn’t expected to either, there was just too many girls.

They always started the awards with the 0 to 3 year olds and then went up in age. They also waited till five minutes before their appearance, before the organizers let them know who was in the top five. It seemed to take forever till the top five for her age bracket were called. Amanda was the third name called. She was excited that she had a chance.

The five girls walked on stage in a group as their age group was called. The announcer introduced each girl again, after they stopped on their marks and turned towards the audience. He started off with the fifth runner up. There aren’t many girls that wanted to hear their names called out first at this point, but it was better than not being on stage for the awards ceremony. They called the fourth runner up was called and the girl mildly showed her disappointment. The same could be said for the third runner up. Second runner up was the first of the big prize winners and still Amanda didn’t hear her name. She had a sinking feeling when her name was announced next. It took her brain a few seconds to process the fact that after the second runner up, the winner’s name was announced. She had won her age group.

Amanda broke out in tears of happiness as she received her tiara, trophy, sash, roses and her check for four thousand dollars. She couldn’t spend too much time in front of the crowd because there were two more age groups to go and then the Grand Champion. She did get a chance to hug Terri, Betty and her Mom. They were just as excited as she was when she came off stage.

During the final awards, Amanda was called as the second runner up. The grand champions tended to come from the younger girls, or the oldest girls, at these mixed group pageants. Amanda was still ecstatic. She had qualified for nationals and she won another trophy, three thousand dollars, a two thousand dollar scholarship, a makeup collection and a dress.

After a photo op, Amanda changed into some more casual clothes. Samantha and Natalie caught up with Amanda to congratulate her and trade email addresses and cell phone numbers.

They all went out to celebrate at a local restaurant. Amanda was treated as a minor celebrity, as she was still wearing her tiara. They had a grand time talking about the pageant. Amanda and company stayed about two hours before they headed back to the hotel.

>>>>><<<<<

Melinda, Amanda and Terri went to one room to pack everything up and Betty went to the other room to drop off her camera and things. Her cell phone went off, while she was taking care of business.

“Hello,” Betty said.

“Hello, I am Detective Brian Wilson of the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department. Is this Betty Johnson?”

Betty had a sinking feeling. “Yes, I am Betty Johnson.”

“Do you have a sister named Clara Wait of Austin Texas?”

Betty knew then that something was wrong, “Yes, Clara Wait is my sister. What is this all about?”

“I have one more question and then I will tell you what I know. Do you know the whereabouts of Terri Wait?”

“Yes, he is here with me.”

“Good, that will come as a relief to a lot of people. Where are you right now?”

“We are in our hotel in Atlanta Georgia. One of my clients just took part in a beauty pageant, she won her age group and place third overall.”

“Wow that is wonderful… I guess there isn’t an easy way to say this, but to come right out and say it. We were contacted by the Travis County Sheriff’s Department for several reasons. First… I guess I should break the suspense. Clara and Frank Wait are both dead. It appears to be a murder/suicide by cop.”

Betty began shedding a fountain of tears.

Detective Wilson could hear Betty softly crying, “Secondly, we were requested to make a health and welfare check for a Terry Wait. The people down in Austin were about to go crazy looking for him. They were afraid that he might have been a third victim.”

“Thirdly, Travis County SO wants you to contact them so they can give you the details and make arrangements. I have a contact number for a Detective Greg Sizemore.”

“Okay, I will call him in a minute. I guess.”

“I am very sorry for the loss of your sister, Ma’am. I know what you must be feeling; I lost my father to a murder. Call me if I can be of assistance to you.”

“Thank you, Det. Wilson. I can’t say that this is a surprise. Clara had me take Terry away from that situation. Was anybody else hurt?”

“No Ma’am, of that we can be thankful.”

“Yes, well let me call that other Detective.”

“Take care Ma’am.”

Betty took a few minutes to compose herself and called out for Melinda.

Melinda came into the adjoining room saying, “Yes.”

“Can you take the kids out to a movie or something? I have got to make some phone calls. Something has happened in Austin. Terri’s mother and father are dead I think.”

“Oh my god, don’t worry about the kids. I will take them out, but will you be alright?”

“Yes, for now at least, I halfway expected something like this happening. Don’t say anything to Terri right now. I want to make sure of things before I tell her.”

“No problem. You just take care.”

“I will. Make an excuse for me, please.”

Melinda went to the next room and Betty heard them leaving, still on cloud nine. She steeled herself before she dialed the number Detective Wilson had given her. The phone rang twice before it was answered.

“Hello, this is Detective Sizemore.”

“Hello, this is Betty Johnson. I was asked to call this number about my sister, Clara Wait.”

“Yes thank you. I am Detective Sizemore with the Travis County Sherriff’s Department. I need to ask, is Terry Wait with you?”

“Yes he is. We are in Atlanta Georgia, right now.”

“That is a relief. I suppose Tarrant County SO told you about your sister and brother-in-law.”

“Yes they did. Something about a murder/suicide by cop.”

“Yes we know a little more now. Frank Wait killed Clara Wait as she was trying to leave her home Friday morning. She was apparently coming to see you. She made a call to your residence, Thursday night.”

“I have been here in Atlanta since about noon Wednesday.”

“That’s good. Anyway we have a preliminary autopsy report and it is very telling. Frank Wait, it seems might not have been in his right mind at the time. Our ME told me that Frank had several brain tumors and wouldn’t have lived much longer anyway. The location of several of these tumors may have been the cause of his rage and anger. It’s so sad to lose a loved one, like this, but it may not have been his fault.”

Betty and Det. Sizemore talked about twenty minutes more. He told Betty how to make arrangements for her sister and brother-in-law and told Betty to contact CPS (Child Protective Services) about, Terry Wait. He said it there wouldn’t be any problem in her keeping Terry if she wanted too, as she was the only living relative, according to what he found out. Betty made it clear that hell or high water wouldn’t take Terry away from her.

Betty called the CPS office in Austin. She talked to a lady there, who took note of where Terry Wait was and asked her to call back on Monday, once a case officer was assigned.

Betty then called Gwen and broke the news to her. Gwen said she was coming over, till Betty told them that they were in Atlanta.

“Where is Terri?”

“Out with Melinda and Amanda. She doesn’t know yet.”

“You need to tell her soon.”

“I know I sent them out so I could make some phone calls. I need to get her to dress as a boy for the CPS officer.”

“Not if she doesn’t want to, you let me worry about that. Can you stay there one more day?”

“I have to; I need to arrange shipping for all of Amanda’s trunks tomorrow.”

“Good, I will be there tonight. Make a hotel reservation for me, if possible. I am going to start packing. Bye.”

Betty made a reservation for Gwen, who called back and said she would be in Atlanta around eleven that night.

>>>>><<<<<

Terri was a bright child and knew something was up. She had heard her Aunt talking on the phone, but she couldn’t make out what was being said. Then when Melinda came in and took her and Amanda out to a movie, she knew it was bad, but this was her friend’s time to shine, so she went out to help Amanda enjoy herself. Terri knew she would find out sooner or later. While she wasn’t as chipper as she could be, she resolved to have fun herself.

They went to a nearby theater and went to see one of those new 3D cartoons. Terri and Amanda both liked the movie, along with the popcorn and soda. They then went from there to one of those pizza arcades. Whack the mole, was very therapeutic for Terri. The poor mole would have had a terrible headache if it had been real. Terry had played that game many times before, but it was a new experience playing this game in a skirt and heels for a change.

It was nearly ten, when they got back to the hotel. They all went into Betty and Melinda’s room. Betty had cleaned her face and used eye drops to take out the redness, before making her face up again.

“Kids, take a seat on the bed. I have something to tell you Terri.”

Terri sat down next to Amanda.

“It’s about my Mom isn’t it?”

“Yes it is Terri. I hate to say this, but your Mom and Dad passed away. Your Dad was very sick and didn’t know it. He had several brain tumors that were causing him to act the way he was.”

Terri was quietly crying rivers; Amanda had her wrapped up in a hug. Betty did her best to spin things to make them easier on Terri. She wasn’t about to give her all the details, she didn’t need to hear those.

“It must have been very hard for him not to hurt the both of you sooner. I guess he really did love ya’ll, but it was the tumors that made him seem so out of control.”

Amanda and Betty held Terri as she quietly cried her eyes out. When Terri stopped crying, Amanda got her to lie down and then she spooned with her.

At about midnight, Gwen arrived, Terri was still awake, but in a daze. She perked up a bit, when she saw Gwen.

“Do you feel like talking with me for a bit, or do you want to sleep?” Gwen asked.

“Talk, I guess.”

“Ok, we’ll talk for a few minutes.” Gwen then shooed everyone out of the room.

They talked about twenty minutes, and then Gwen gave the girl a shot, before joining the others in the other room. “You must be Amanda.”

“Yes Ma’am,”

“Why don’t you help Terri get ready for bed, if you will? She might act a little loopy, I gave her a shot.”

Amanda got a nightshirt and panties for Terri and herself, and went it the other room.

“How is Terri?” Betty asked.

“She is in shock right now. That is to be expected. She was concerned that Amanda would be bothered by all of this. She likes Amanda a lot.”

“Yes, she does,” Melinda said. “She loves Amanda like a sister.”

“I also think that she had been expecting something like this to happen. I asked about becoming a boy again and she was vehemently dead set against that idea.”

“What about CPS? They are expecting a boy.”

“You let me worry about them. If they push her to become a boy, or threaten to take her away from you, they are in for a fight from me. I am almost certain Terri will become as much a girl as she can be. It will just take a lot of time. Don’t let them see her without me being there. I can gauge their intent and take appropriate actions. Now tell me, how are you doing Betty?”

They talked for a while and then went to sleep.

>>>>><<<<<

Amanda went into the room where Terri was. Terri was giggling about something or other. It was work, but Amanda got Terri out of bed and into the bathroom. She stripped Terri and got her into the tub. Amanda got undressed and followed her friend in. Amanda couldn’t help but look at her friend; six weeks of constantly wearing a corset gave Terri a very feminine figure. All she could see was her sister, except for that bit of flesh between her friend’s legs. It was small she had seen a few penises, mostly on the Internet. Terri’s was small, maybe an inch and a half.

Terri started giggling and splashed her friend, which led to a bout of tickling; at least till Terri started to zone out. It was all Amanda could do to get Terri out of the tub, dried off, dressed and in bed. Amanda then cleaned up a bit and then dressed herself before joining Terri in sleep.

>>>>><<<<<

Terri was still sleeping quietly, when Amanda woke up the next morning. Terri was facing her so she just wrapped the girl up in her arms. She couldn’t imagine what it was like losing both parents like that. Amanda didn’t want to leave Terri’s side. Her mom came in to get her up.

“Mom, I want to be here for her when she wakes up. I want her to know that I will be by her side.”

Melinda hesitated for a minute and then relented, “Alright, if she hasn’t woken up in an hour, we will need to wake her then.”

Terri did begin to wake, in about twenty minutes. She opened her eyes and then just clung to Amanda.

“Yesterday wasn’t some bad dream, was it?” Terri whispered in her friend’s ear.

“No, it wasn’t. I want to let you know though, that I will be there with you. You don’t have to face this alone.”

“I know, but I am going to miss my mom. What am I going to do now, Amanda?”

“You are going to make your Mom proud, by going on and living well, Terri. Sure it isn’t going to be easy, but we will all be there for you. You’re still my ‘Lady-in-Waiting’ aren’t you?”

Terri didn’t reply, but she nodded yes. She then began crying on Amanda’s shoulder and shivering in her arms.

“What kind of ‘Lady-in-Waiting’ am I, needing you to help me?”

“Everybody needs help at times. I might need your shoulder to cry on later. Will you be there for me when I do?”

Terri just nodded.

“Let’s get up and make ourselves beautiful.”

“Okay.”

The girls then set about getting ready, they both dressed nicer than they usually did. Amanda was just doing Terri’s makeup, when Betty, Melinda and Gwen arrived.

“Oh, don’t we look nice today?” Gwen asked.

“Yes Ma’am,” Terri said.

“Good, I would like to spend some time with you after we eat.”

“We had some food sent up and it’s waiting in the other room,” Betty said.

They ate and talked about what they needed to do. Betty needed the shippers to pick up the trunks and then they needed to get back to Fort Worth. Betty needed to go to Austin, to make the arrangements and handle the paperwork. She didn’t want Terri to be there till the funeral. Melinda volunteered to let Terri stay with her. Terri told them that she didn’t want to go to the funeral as a boy. She didn’t like how boys did things. She didn’t want to ever be like them.

Gwen took Terri into the other room, to have a talk with her. They talked for about an hour, in which Terri shed many a tear. When Gwen was satisfied that Terri wouldn’t give up and try to hurt herself, she helped Terri get presentable. She cleaned off Terri’s makeup and did an acceptable job making the girl up.

>>>>><<<<<

Betty, Melinda and Amanda finished their packing, while Gwen and Terri talked. Betty contacted the shippers and had the trunks picked up and taken to the desk. The hotel would hold them for the shippers.

Betty asked again if it would be alright if Terri stayed with Melinda, while she went to Austin. Melinda insisted on keeping Terri.

“Terri needs to be with someone she knows and trusts. I doubt if Amanda would let me sleep if I let her stay somewhere else.”

“You better believe it,” Amanda said.

“How will I get her to Austin for the funeral?”

“We will bring her, Betty. You just do what you need to do.”

“Well then, I am going to fly straight to Austin. I need to get this over with.”

“Are you going to be Ok?” Melinda asked.

“For now. I will do what I need to do. There will be time for grief later. It always seems to be that way for women. I wasn’t as close to my sister as I should have been, the last few years. I regret that, but life goes on.”

“Just make sure you take some time to grieve, Betty. You’re not made of iron. You will break if you keep it bottled up.”

“I know, I just need to be there for Terri.”

>>>>><<<<<

Melinda, Amanda, Terri and Gwen, flew back to Fort Worth, while Betty flew to Austin. Melinda took Terri to their home and Gwen followed them. Terri had thought that Betty was rich, but when she saw Melinda’s home, her eyes bugged out. They had a quarter mile drive, from the front entrance, to the huge house. Melinda had to giggle, as she looked at Terri in the rear view mirror.

“It’s not that big Terri; we have a nine thousand square foot home on twenty five acres of land.”

“It must be worth a hundred million dollars,” Terri said.

“Not that much, about five and a half. This land has been in my family for a hundred and twenty years. We sold off most of the property to build this home. We had nearly four hundred acres. Rick, my husband, makes enough to keep us comfortable.”

“What does he do?”

“He works for a brokerage, selling stocks and bonds for his clients. He isn’t a big time broker, but he does well.”

They got Terri installed in a room, Gwen talked to her again and gave her a shot and a prescription before she left. Terri was asleep shortly thereafter, with Amanda holding her. Melinda gave the script to her housekeeper to fill. Gwen left instructions to let her sleep, feed her when she wakes and call her if Terri needed help later.

When Terri was good and asleep, Amanda emptied Terri’s luggage, she sorted out the lingerie and dry cleaning. She sent the dry cleaning out, except for her black dress. It was decent enough for a funeral. Amanda washed Terri’s lingerie by hand and the rest of her clothes went in their two washers.

>>>>><<<<<

Betty got off her plane in Austin, she rented a car and got a hotel room, before she called Det. Sizemore and told him she was in Austin now. They made arrangements to meet after lunch, at his office.

Betty didn’t feel like eating, so she laid down and had a good cry. She did grab a small bite to eat, on the way to the sheriff’s office. Det. Sizemore was really kind to her. He shared what he knew with her and helped her with the paperwork, before taking her to the medical examiner’s office, for identification of the remains and paper work, to release the body.

The medical examiner hid the wounds when Betty came into identify the body. No relative should have to see the grisly reminders of the violence that is done to their family. He then sat down with her and went over his findings, he reiterated what she had been told about the tumors that Frank Wait suffered from. He stated that Frank probably suffered from blinding headaches and fits of rage attributed to his tumors. He stated that even if they had known about the tumors, up to six months ago, nothing could have prevented Frank’s death, but they might have been able to help him cope, and Clara Wait might be alive today.

Clara had gone quickly; Frank had shot her in the head. She was dead before her body hit the ground. Frank then pointed the gun at the sheriff’s deputies and they had shot him six times, within three seconds. His wounds had been instantly fatal. He didn’t give Betty the gory details, she didn’t need to know that he took two rounds to the heart, one to the right lung, two to the left lung and one went through Frank’s throat.

Betty selected a mortuary and made arrangements for her sister and husband to be picked up. She selected a cemetery and made arrangements for their internment and funeral.

She left the Medical Examiner’s office and then went to a Starbucks that had Wi-Fi. She took her laptop out and did a search for an attorney located in Austin. She searched for estate, probate and child custody attorney, who were also recommended by an LGBT group. There were just a few that fit all of those requirements. She selected a females name and called her.

As much as Betty trusted Gwen and she did, Betty wanted to have a lawyer that was local to Austin and maybe one in Fort Worth too.

“Naomi Wright’s office, attorneys at law. My name is Denise, how may we help you?”

“I need to see your attorney, my sister and brother-in-law both died. I need estate, probates and advice on child custody, of a transgendered child.”

“I see, if a child is involved, then this is an emergency. Can you be here at four?”

“Yes I can.”

“Good, we will see you then.”

Betty tried to relax; she called Gwen and talked to her a bit.

“I found an LGBT attorney here in Austin; we might need one here and in Fort Worth. I just don’t want to lose custody of Terri.”

“Don’t worry, we won’t lose her,”

“How is she doing?”

“She is sedated right now, and I have her on an anti-depressant right now. She will make it.”

“I might need you to talk with the attorney down here. Her name is Naomi Wright.”

“Just fax me a release from her office and I will work with her. Let me give you the name of the lawyer up here. His name is Craig Lofton. Have you contacted CPS yet?”

“I will, after I speak with Miss Wright.”

“Okay Betty, take care and don’t worry.”

>>>>><<<<<

Betty went to Naomi’s office, and after checking in with Denise, she was shown back to Miss Wright’s office.

“Hello, I am Naomi Wright.” A thirty something lady said, holding her hand out to Betty. Naomi was dressed in what was probably a two thousand dollar skirted suit. Her makeup was immaculate and her hair expertly done.

“Hello, I am Betty Johnson.”

“Please, have a seat and tell me how I can help you.”

Betty started with how she came to be in custody of Terry Wait, and how they discovered that she might be transgendered. She gave her a copy of the letter of temporary guardianship, Clara and Frank had both signed. She told Naomi of the problems that Clara and Frank were having and how they died. She also gave her the ME’s report. She then told her about Terri’s sessions with Dr. Gwen Harrison, who Betty said was a psychiatrist and gender specialist.

“Gwen said that she would talk with you, if I faxed her a signed release form.”

Naomi had Denise type one up for Betty and had her sign it and then faxed it off to Gwen. Gwen then called and Naomi talked with her. Naomi listened to Gwen and then asked her several questions about, what Terri wanted and about how she felt about Betty.

After she finished talking to Gwen, she turned to Betty.

“This is my suggestion; I will act as Terri Wait’s attorney. I will assign my associate, Jim Worley, to be your attorney and to handle the other matters. I like your suggestion, about having an attorney here and one in Fort Worth. Any child custody cases should legally come out of Travis County, since that is where Terri lived with her family, but an overzealous CPS officer, could do an end run and attack from both flanks. You have legal temporary custody; we need to make that permanent custody. You are the only living relative, right?”

“Yes I am, all the grandparents are dead, Frank didn’t have any brothers or sisters and I am Clara’s sister.”

“Normally, there wouldn’t be any problem, but since Terri appears to be transgendered, CPS might accuse you of abuse and try to take Terri away. Where is Terri right now?”

“In Fort Worth with a friend. I didn’t want her to have to be here for all that I had to do.”

“Will she come to Austin?”

“Yes, her parents’ funeral will be on Friday. She will be here on Thursday.”

“Have you contacted CPS yet?”

“Not yet. I didn’t learn of their deaths till Sunday, A case officer hadn’t been assigned yet,”

“I want to talk to my client today, if possible. Do you feel like a drive?”

“I guess, if you don’t mind me sleeping on the way. What about CPS?”

“They are closed for the day by now, except for emergencies. You and I will contact them back here tomorrow. Just let me call Craig Lofton and we will both talk to her.”

Naomi Wright called Craig and gave him a run down on things. She asked if he could meet her and her client tonight. Craig said he would be delighted. Betty gave them Melinda’s address.

“Let’s meet at Denney’s, at Hulen and I-20, in three hours,” Naomi said.

“Sounds good, I will be there,” Craig said.

Lastly, she called Gwen and asked if she could be there. Gwen said, she would be with Terri.

>>>>><<<<<

Betty fell asleep shortly after they left Austin. She was mentally exhausted. Naomi skillfully navigated her Mercedes up I-35. She woke Betty, as she turned at the I-20 interchange, on the south side of Fort Worth, to give her some time to pull herself together. She called Craig and found that he was already there. She said that she would be there shortly.

When they walked into Denney’s, Craig waved at them.

“Go powder your nose Betty, so you’ll look good for your niece. We have some lawyer speak to do.”

Betty cleaned and made up her face. She was tired and worn out, but Terri was worth all the effort. If she wanted to remain a girl, she would move heaven and earth to help her. If this was just a phase she was going through and she wanted to go back to being a boy, then so be it. She just wanted Terri to be happy.

When she came back out, she had a quick coffee with the two lawyers and then led them to Melinda’s home. Melinda greeted them at the door and gave Betty a big hug.

“Terri is awake and Gwen is with her.”

“We need to talk to Terri,” Naomi said.

Every one followed Melinda to her drawing room; Gwen was sitting with her, talking.

“Hi Terri, I am Naomi Wright and this is Craig Lofton. We want to be your Lawyers.”

“Why do I need a lawyer?”

“Well, you are a special child. Sometimes the State of Texas doesn’t like special children and they set about screwing with their lives. Do you like living with Betty Johnson?”

“Of course, she is my Aunt and she is all I have left. I need her.”

“Then you also need us. As your lawyers, we will fight to see that you get to stay with her. You see, some people think that boys, wanting to be girls, is bad and they set out to punish the people that help them. Your Aunt helped you, right?”

“She didn’t force me to be a girl. I guess I have always been this way. I didn’t realize it till my Aunt helped me. I love my Aunt.”

“That’s good to hear. Do you have ten bucks?”

“I think so.”

Terri got her purse and checked. She had a little more than ten bucks. She pulled out a five and five ones.

“Give five to me and five to Craig, then sign this paper and we will make damn sure you will be able to live with your Aunt,” Naomi said, handing Terri a retainer agreement to sign.

Terri signed the paper and handed it back.

“We need to talk to Gwen and then we need to talk to Terri. I am sorry, but everyone else has to leave. That includes you Betty. This is all about confidentiality rules.”

The two lawyers spoke to Gwen, for about fifteen minutes and then she joined the other people, while they spoke to Terri. Amanda played hostess and got everyone something to drink. Gwen then talked with Betty, asking how she was holding up. Betty was a little frazzled, but she was ok. Betty had to hold it all together for Terri.

“Talk with me when you get everything done in Austin.”

“How is Terri?”

“She is doing fine. She is sad, but the rest she’s gotten, has helped her a lot. There will still be rough spots, though.”

“I know, I still can’t believe this is all real.”

Naomi and Craig were in there with Terri for over an hour. The three of them came out and joined the others.

“We would like you to bring Terri back to Austin with you tomorrow. I will call CPS and make arrangements to meet if they want. Craig and I will be with Terri, if they want to talk to her. They can’t prevent us from being with her. We’re her Lawyers. Jim will be there for you Betty.”

“I will be there too,” Gwen said. “With all my credentials.”

“Good, we will hit them hard and often. They won’t want to spend too much time fighting a losing battle.”

“Are you expecting a fight?” Melinda asked.

“No, but you never know what will happen. When it comes to CPS, you never know. Some of those people aren’t happy unless everyone else is miserable. Also, Terri being a transgendered child, is like chumming for sharks while skin diving. We hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Betty, pack a bag for Terri and include some boy’s clothes. Terri gets to pick though. Don’t tell her what to wear.”

“Alright, Melinda, may I leave Terri here with Amanda?”

“Amanda and my housekeeper will take good care of her, I will take you home and help you pack a bag for Terri and bring you back.”

“I will be alright.”

“I know, I will be there with you. What time are we leaving, tomorrow?” Melinda asked.

Betty didn’t understand at first, “You want to go with me?”

“Somebody needs to look out for you; Amanda will take care of Terri.”

The people heard Amanda shriek, she pulled Terri after her. “You got to help me pack, Terri.”

“I take it that those two are friends,” Naomi said, chuckling.

“You have no idea,” Melinda said. “They are inseparable at times.”

“And she knows? Of course she does. She has been here with us and she is okay with Terri.”

“You got it.”

“Good she needs friends that she can be open with.”

>>>>><<<<<

A four car caravan headed south down I-35. Betty, Terri, Melinda, Amanda and Gwen stopped off at a hotel. Naomi and Craig headed to Naomi’s office to discuss their case, prepare their paperwork and contact CPS.

The CPS set a time for their interview at four in the afternoon. Naomi called Terri and asked her to come to their office at one, with Betty and Gwen.

Betty told Terri to get ready, but not how to dress. Terri dressed in a skirt, blouse and a blazer, along with her other girl things. She only used a touch of pink lipstick. They got a quick bite to eat and then went over to the law office. Melinda and Amanda stayed at the hotel.

Betty met with Jim Worley, as Terri met with Naomi and Craig. Betty played thousand questions with Jim. Where and when she was born? Where and when was Clara born? Who were their parents? Who were Frank Waits parents? Where was Frank born? Did Frank have any living relatives? Where did she and her sister go to school? What did she do for a living? How much money did she earn last year? Did she own her home? Did she want custody of Terri? Could she provide for Terri? Where would Terri go to school? Did she force Terri to dress as a girl? Did she or anybody abuse Terri? Did she seek professional help for Terri? Did she want her share of her sister’s estate? Plus many more questions.

Terri and Gwen retold their parts in all of this, to Naomi and Craig. Naomi had already filed some paperwork with the Travis County Family Courts, on behalf of the minor child, Terry Wait.

They all met up and talked strategy.

“CPS set a late meeting so that they could, if they wanted to, take Terri away until a hearing. The courts would be closed and there would have been nothing we could have done. I have already filed an injunction barring that. It could take weeks to get her out of foster care, if they succeeded in taking her. They have a way to just lose the kid in the system and damn the child’s mental health,” Naomi said.

“I will file similar paperwork in Tarrant County, if they try to get around us that way,” Craig said.

“They may attack your fitness to be a guardian. Jim, are you prepared for that?” Naomi said.

“I am. Betty has a stable address; she is self-employed as a licensed cosmetologist and beauty pageant consultant. She has sufficient income to support Terri. I made some inquiries last night in Fort Worth and Benbrook, and Betty has an excellent reputation with them. There is nothing that would bar her for being a good guardian. I will do an extensive check for a will, birth certificates, death certificates, for any of Clara Wait’s relatives, Frank Wait’s relatives and any other thing they might use against Betty.”

“We also checked with the online school Terri has been using. We told them what happened, they sent their best wishes and faxed us their report on Terri. I was duly impressed by their professionalism,” Craig said. “There should be no problem with her continuing to use them. In fact, I will prepare a paper to that effect. Terri is getting a good education.”

They talked and worked till forty minutes before their CPS meeting and then headed in mass to the meeting.

The CPS officer hadn’t been prepared for the number of people who came into her office. She moved them to a conference room. She introduced herself as Shawna Black and Naomi introduced everyone else.

“This can’t be Terry Wait. My preliminary report stated that Terry Wait is an eleven-year-old boy. This is obviously a fifteen to sixteen year old girl.”

“Terri Wait is the child of Clara and Frank Wait. This is Terri Wait and we are her attorneys. Terri Wait is a transgendered child of eleven. She is tall for her age, but I assure you, this is the person we purport her to be. Dr. Gwen Henderson is a state licensed Psychiatrist. Terri has been under her care for five weeks. Gwen informed me that she approved having Terri dress as a girl, because it is her preliminary diagnosis that Terri has Gender Identity Disorder. It would be harmful for her well-being, to be forced to dress as a boy right now. At least until she changes her mind, or is old enough to know for sure who she is, Terri will dress as she feels she needs to.”

Shawna was losing ground and she wanted to talk this nonsense out of Terri’s head. She had people who could reprogram the boy.

“I need to talk to the boy alone.”

“Not going to happen, at least without Dr. Henderson and Craig or I. Ms. Johnson and Mr. Worley may leave.”

“You can’t keep me from talking to this child alone.”

Naomi reached into her briefcase and pulled out a document. “The Texas CPS is enjoined against talking to my client unless her doctor and either Mr. Lofton or I am present.”

“Okay, but Terri will need to stay with a foster care home till we have a hearing.”

Jim and Naomi both reached into their briefcases and pulled out documents.

“Here is a statement asserting that Betty Johnson is a fit Guardian, another showing that she had and continues to have temporary Guardianship assigned to her by Frank and Clara Wait prior to their deaths,” Jim said.

“The Texas CPS is hereby enjoined against removing Terri Wait out of Betty Johnson’s custody.”

“Betty’s treatment of Terry Wait is tantamount to abuse.”

Naomi reached into her briefcase and pulled out another document. “This is Terri’s statement about the care she has received from Betty Johnson. Terri, is this your statement?” She asked, handing the paper to Terri.

Terri took it and looked it over, “Yes Ma’am it is. It has my signature on it, too.”

Naomi handed it to Shawna, “Mrs. Black, CPS may check out my client and her Aunt. They are good people. Ms. Johnson is Terri’s only living relative. She has legal custody of the child. Mrs. Henderson will state that the child is happy with living with her Aunt. This is a document from an online home school, which Terri attends from her home. She spends seven hours a day studying and has shown improvement in the five weeks she has been going online to study. They will send you test results and grades she has earned. CPS may make home inspections as long as Mr. Lofton, or myself are there. Together, we have five lawyers. If you attempt to screw with this family, I can assure you that there will be upwards of a hundred lawyers working on behalf of Terri Wait. Until you can prove that Terri is not better off with Ms. Johnson, or that Ms. Johnson has violated the law or hurt this child, or that somebody else has a better legal claim to Guardianship, don’t screw with us. Save your efforts for the children that really need your help. You don’t need this headache.”

Jim added, “Oh, and unless you can prove abuse by a legal definition, don’t use that word again when referring to my client. I love to handle Libel and Slander suits. I am very good at winning them. Simply dressing a boy up as a girl doesn’t rise to the level of abuse by legal standards, especially when there is a diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder.”

Naomi smiled at Jim, he was learning. “Oh, and if you want to talk with Terri, it will have to be after the funeral, at her home in Fort Worth. Please call Ms. Johnson in a few weeks. She will be happy to have everyone present for the interview and any home inspection you may need. Please give them time to grieve.”

Shawna didn’t need the headaches these people would give her. The State of Texas had few resources to spend on one case. Naomi was right, there were too many children that needed their help. She didn’t like it, but the child didn’t look unhappy or abused. If she got the State tied up in a long drawn out case, that they were destined to loose, it could mean her job. She would check all the things she had been told so far and if they checked out, she would sign off on it. This country was just getting too liberal for her tastes, but she may not be able to do anything about this child.

“Okay, take Terry with you, but you can be certain that I will do a thorough investigation.”

“Thank you. We wouldn’t expect any less from a dedicated state employee, Miss Black, and we will cooperate with the CPS,” Naomi said.

Terri left the office with everyone. She asked, “Does that mean we won.”

“This round. CPS doesn’t always play fair. They can’t, sometimes. Children are just too easily abused, but like Thomas Jefferson said, ‘The price of Freedom, is eternal diligence.’ We won’t let our guard down. We will make sure we dot all of our I’s and cross all of our T’s. We will file our paperwork in a timely manner and if they screw with us, we will bury them in a mountain of paperwork,” Naomi said. “They will need to speak to you, Terri and they will need to do a home inspection, but they can’t, without Craig or I being there with Gwen. We put them on notice. If they do, we castrate them. If they come and take you, we file kidnapping charges against them. You aren’t totally safe, but you are a lot safer for now Terri. Take our cards, Terri. Memorize our phone numbers. If they take you and you can get to a phone, call us. We will come with the Calvary to get you. Don’t despair and don’t give in to them, don’t say a thing to them without one of us being there.”

“Okay, I promise to do what you ask. I don’t want to leave my Aunt.”

“We have a ton of work to do, but would you like to go out to eat with us tonight,” Naomi asked.

“Can Amanda and Melinda come along?”

“Sure, the more, the merrier.”

>>>>><<<<<

Terri and Betty went to Clara and Frank Wait’s funeral. Melinda and Amanda were by their sides throughout everything. They cried as their loved ones were lowered into the ground and they said their final goodbyes. It was hard leaving them in the cemetery, but what else could they do.

CPS did their due diligence and investigated. There were no other relatives for them to give custody of Terri to. Ms. Johnson was found to be a capable guardian, she had the means to provide for her and they just couldn’t get around Gwen’s diagnosis. They did receive mountains of paperwork that was filed in a timely manner. Terri didn’t have any complaints and they couldn’t manufacture any cause to take custody of the child. There were too many cases on the books that needed their attention more. They didn’t entirely drop the case, but they weren’t actively moving against them. They would wait and see.

Betty won permanent guardianship and adopted Terri as her child. Terri changed her legal name to Terri Fae Johnson and continued to help her aunt. At thirteen, she started on testosterone blockers. She stopped growing shortly after that and was five foot nine inches. Her measurements were 34B, augmented by breast forms, 24, with a mildly restrictive corset she wore fourteen hours a day, and 34, without the padded brief. She never suffered from testosterone, so her few boyish features became girlish features. One thing Terri accomplished by age fourteen was, she perfected her ‘Diane Mode’. She could be regal and stately and she used that ability appropriately.

At sixteen, Amanda won at nationals for her age group and was crowned as the grand champion with Terri at her side. Terri also helped several other girls, including Wanda and Leslie, achieve many wins, but they didn’t aspire to continue pageanting after three and five more years respectively. It was hard to date, when you had to always be practicing for pageants.

At eighteen, Terri began taking hormones and at nineteen, she had surgery to become as much of a woman as she could be. She had her own B+ breasts and still wore her corsets. She got her beauty licenses and went to TCU to study psychology, management and fashion, all with the intent of helping Betty, whom she now called Mom.

They had about thirty to forty girls they worked with on and off, as Pageant coaches. They even coached a several special girls, whom were much like Terri. They taught them how to compete in pageants. These girls usually did quite well, competing against genetic girls.

Ricky, Melinda’s husband, had taken Terri’s inheritance, a little over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and invested the inheritance, under Craig Lofton’s scrutiny. In ten years, he more than doubled it her money. Terri didn’t touch it for another five years, during which time it doubled again.

Every year, on Mother’s Day, Terri and Betty visited Clara’s grave, they placed some flowers there and shed a few tears.

The End