By Kerry Brown
or Whatever happened after the Ball?
This is the follow on from A Tale of Release, most of the characters are back just moved on by nine months.
How would you feel if your boss made an offer that was too good to refuse?
It had been nine months since the “Cross Dress For Red Cross” event when Paul was allocated to the start of a new software installation and implementation project, the client had signed up for a full installation after the sales team had performed their usual smoke and mirrors demonstration. The client's firm was a group of franchised service vehicles that had a centralized phone, admin and warehouse that needed a new accounting and CRM system to handle the increasing clientele along with a growing fleet of owner drivers. The owner was John and had asked for Paul to meet him in the offices to go over the project and discuss some of the scheduling, nothing unusual about the request or project, or so Paul thought.
Continuing Release
By Kerry Brown
This is the follow on from A Tale of Release, most of the characters are back just moved on by nine months.
How would you feel if your boss made an offer that was too good to refuse?
It had been nine months since the “Cross Dress For Red Cross” event when Paul was allocated to the start of a new software installation and implementation project, the client had signed up for a full installation after the sales team had performed their usual smoke and mirrors demonstration. The client's firm was a group of franchised service vehicles that had a centralized phone, admin and warehouse that needed a new accounting and CRM system to handle the increasing clientele along with a growing fleet of owner drivers. The owner was John and had asked for Paul to meet him in the offices to go over the project and discuss some of the scheduling, nothing unusual about the request or project, or so Paul thought.
“As you can see the operation is very straight forward” John said as he escorted Paul around the building, “we run a tight ship and try to make the most of technology whenever we can” John finished and opened the door into his own office. The next few minutes were just small talk as John shuffled papers on his desk, Paul wondered where he was going as he seemed to be hedging for some reason. Paul stopped John mid sentence “is there something else that I should know about John?” he asked trying to move the meeting along and get home early. John cleared his throat “yes there is, look this is very unusual of me to ask but can you give 30 minutes?” Paul agreed and walked back into the admin office. He sat and read the company annual report looking for more insight into the company, drank another coffee and ended up talking to John’s PA, Tracey.
The phone system had a Do Not Disturb light flashing over John’s name, when it went out Tracey told Paul that he could go back into John’s office, instead of John there was a well dressed woman. What he saw was a young early thirty year old woman about 165 cm and no more than 60 kg with good shape and no sign of fat anywhere. The legs were slender and fitted with a nice pair of black 4” heels and clear sparkling hose that gave great definition to her calf muscles. The waist was tight and the mid length skirt flared out over nice hips giving a good shape, her top was just as good with a hint of bra showing through the black and maroon silky top with ¾ sleeves. The face was well made up but Paul was aware enough to find John under the makeup, which confirmed a few suspicions he had during the early meeting. John held out his hand again “good afternoon Paul, please call me Jean” the woman said in a soft but slightly husky voice, Paul gently shook the hand at half pressure making sure he didn’t squeeze the fingers. Jean motioned for Paul to sit down again, “I guess you have a few questions but first let me start” Jean said sitting down in her chair after smoothing out her skirt and crossing her legs.
Over the next half hour Jean told Paul about her desire to transition at work and a request that Paul work full time on the project from the firm’s offices. “The final request is that Kerry do the work and not Paul” Jean finally said then stopped and looked at Paul who shifted in his chair not believing what he had heard. “Let me get this right, you want to employ someone called Kerry full time in your office and Bill is aware of what you are doing?” Jean just nodded, “what makes you think she would do this?”. Jean went through his history with Jeanette, Bills wife, and the report he heard about the Red Cross event and how confident and natural Kerry had been. “Bill was very impressed with your performance but after a couple of days he put one and one together and came up with the idea that it was not your first time. When he told Jeanette about his thoughts she let him know all about my plans to transition wondering if Kerry could help me, and that brings me back to us” Jean said looking at Paul.
Paul was sitting there shaking his head, was this a setup or some cosmic conspiracy aimed at destroying his peace of mind. “As I said, what makes you think I would do this?” Paul repeated “only that I need someone like you to help me and I also thought a bonus may help persuade you” Jean said reaching for a piece of paper on her desk. “I have agreed with Bill that you would get a bonus of twenty grand for the ten weeks of exclusive work”, Jean paused then finished with “the money comes with only two points, exclusivity and Kerry.” Paul stood up and walked around the office with questions running through his head and excitement running through Kerry’s head. Jean stood up and walked around to Paul, “please think about this and let Bill know what you want to do, by the way the project is yours either way.” Two minutes later Paul was in his car driving home, questions racing around inside his head again, did Bill really know, would it hurt his career, what would Pam say, while Kerry only thought about having enough clothes for ten weeks.
Pam had been home for a while and had dinner nearly ready as Paul walked in still churning things over “ok spill it” Pam said seeing that Paul was wanting to talk. He put his computer bag down in the lounge and poured a cold drink from the fridge before explaining the project and what Jean had asked for. Pam laughed and shook her head at Paul, “how come you always seem to land on your feet, did you organise this, let me guess Kerry wants to go shopping and Paul is being gagged, and how much did they offer?”. Paul took a drink then said “twenty grand, is that enough for you?” Pam sat down “for two grand a week you can stay there the whole year” she said. Paul just did a Kerry’ism waving her hands and placing them under her chin, “I guess that I must have been a good girl this year.” “With that much we could paint the house, replace the lounge suite and kitchen appliances” Pam said staking a claim on the money. “Do I get any of the money after all I have to do the work?” Paul asked knowing that the plans Pam had could take most of the bonus. By the end of the night Pam and Paul had only one real question, “would this hinder Paul’s career at work” and only Bill could answer that question. Before going to bed Paul logged into the company email server and found an appointment set for 9am with Bill to discuss the project.
His sleep was spasmodic as the doubts ran around his head while Kerry sorted clothes into days and weeks before deciding that shopping would be essential if she wanted to look every bit the professional girl she was. Bill was in his office when Paul walked in just before nine the next day, “Okay if I get a coffee first Bill?” he asked putting his bag down and reaching for his favourite coffee mug. Paul took a long slurp on the coffee, before closing the office door and sitting down in Bills office. Bill slipped a piece of paper in front of Paul, it started off with “Agreement to Indemnify…” and covered three key areas. The option to accept or reject the special request was without repercussions, future employment would not be related to the choice, and finally it would be totally confidential from all staff and clients. Below the line were the signatures of both Bill and his wife, Jeanette who had joint ownership of the company as directors.
When Paul had finished reading the letter he felt much better but had only one nagging question left, “how did you know I would even contemplate accepting the request?” he asked Bill. Bill looked at him and smiled knowing that the answer was already a done deal as they say in sales. “Let me talk about a few things that I have noticed then you can tell me if you accept or not, firstly you never really complained when the Red Cross event was mentioned, I know you made some noises but not much. Secondly during the event you had so much confidence and natural talent at the role that it was obvious to me, later on, that you had far more going on than just pleasing the boss or client. Thirdly the plaque holds pride of place on your desk and often I have seen you cleaning it with a distant look on your face as if reliving the fun you had. I guess the real clincher was that two weeks after the ball I saw the three of you girls sitting at a restaurant eating dinner one night. I had to circle the block to make sure it was you but Sarah’s red hair stands out quite well. Did I get anything wrong in what I have seen with my own eyes?” Bill asked as he leaned forward and took up his coffee mug waiting for Paul to respond.
Now it was up to Paul, “you have known for nearly nine months and said nothing at all, I guess you don’t have problems then?” he stated wondering why Bill was so at ease over the whole thing. “I have known about Jean for well over eight years since I found John dressed up as Jean one night. I had decided to just drop in on John who was helping me with some business mentoring without thinking that he needed a phone call. Instead of John I found Jean just about to get into his car going to go out to a support meeting so he invited me to come back the next night and he would explain everything and let me ask questions as well. It was a pretty uneasy 24 hours as I went through so many ideas in my mind but as John explained his life story and confusion leading into his very own gender choice it seemed quite reasonable to me. So, no it doesn’t disturb me if you are going through the same issues.” Bill took another drink of coffee waiting for Paul’s next question, “do you want to ask me any questions?” Paul asked.
Bill had no questions but only reiterated that the choice was totally up to Paul, although it was very clear that Bill appreciated Paul even considering helping his friends John and Jean. The process had been a long time coming for John and after two false starts he had asked for Bills help in the matter. Jeanette had been glowing about Kerry and the Red Cross event after Bill showed her the photos and talked about how good they looked on the news. Paul stood up carrying his mug and said “in that case I’ll see you every Thursday for project debrief at Johns place and I’ll take two days off because I need to get my hair and nails done.” He opened the door and turned back to Bill before leaving “I would have done it for half of the amount Bill” and Kerry gave Bill a cheeky smile. A few minutes later he had picked up his bag and was heading for the lift to go home to plan the next ten weeks. Pam had four weekends away from home training and a couple of weekends where she would be working locally as well so they had agreed that Kerry could stay around 24/7 for the length of the project. The plan was simple, change, hair, makeup, nails, and a small amount of shopping just to make sure Kerry would be well dressed for the project.
At ten in the morning the traffic was all but finished so going home was even easier, twenty minutes and Paul stood in the bedroom eager to get started. The first job was to swap the drawers around, socks and jocks to the bottom and Lingerie to the top drawer. The same in the wardrobe, Kerry to the front and Paul to the back and all of the shoes and bags, actually there was far less Paul stuff than Kerry but she had “nothing to wear” and had to go shopping. Kerry slipped her breast forms into a nice light blue bra and pulled up matching knickers before sorting through her casual clothes to find a short grey cotton skirt and blouse that she liked for casual days. Kerry looked at her hair in the mirror and flicked it to the middle, by now it was just long enough for the new job at work she thought as long as she had it styled right. Colour and shape really made a difference for her confidence so a quick call to her stylist and she had an extra long appointment booked for lunchtime, a light makeup cover and she was ready for the start of day, again.
Kerry opened her laptop and logged into the main server, the software installation process involved a long needs analysis checklist that generally took 15 — 20 hours but afterwards the main configuration screens could be used quickly to get the whole programme ready. Kerry sent a copy of the checklist directly to John with a request for a meeting at 4pm today and signed the email — Kerry. It didn’t take long for John to reply and was absolutely excited that she had agreed to take the project and was looking forward to finally meeting her. The next thing she had to do was think about the number of outfits and combinations she had in the wardrobe that suited business / office work. Paul would have made a spreadsheet and done this properly but Kerry was more visual than him so the wardrobe was emptied and sorted on the bed, the floor, the dresser until she was happy. “Just a small shopping trip dear” she said to herself, but even Kerry didn’t believe herself as shopping was a time to be the girl she loved.
The project was going to be fairly easy work and with the exclusivity clause she was blocked from double timing the client with another project or support, except after hours from home. Kerry’s home office was in major need of tidying so an hour later the place was acceptable to Kerry and even smelled better after being aired. Fifty minutes to go so Kerry undressed again and entered the shower, a check for stray hairs and an alcohol scrub on the chest to make sure the breast forms would glue on properly. The glue was cold on her chest as she positioned the pink mounds, she had purchased another pair recently in a size D. The quality was so much better and after being glued in place they moved far more realistically, they warmed up quickly and it wasn’t hard for Kerry to imagine that the nipples were actually hers and that brought some excitement. She replaced the blue bra then put on a lined skirt, pantyhose and a cotton blouse which made her look good so then it was a few trinkets such as the Special K necklace, watch and rings before Kerry slipped on her sensible 2” heels ready to leave.
The hairstylist was only five minutes away and always had parking nearby so Kerry had no need to hurry and on Tuesdays the shops always looked bare. Kerry and Pam used the same place after the Red Cross event although it took some talking to get them comfortable with Kerry. This time the shear cost of the visit was enough to make them happy, hair colour and perm, acrylic nails, some permanent makeup. It wouldn’t be really permanent as it lasted for six to eight weeks before needing to be redone or so she had been told by other T-Girls. Kerry opened the door confidently and approached the counter where Jill was standing waiting for her, “nice to meet you again Kerry” she said showing Kerry through to the salon. Jill was always surprised that Paul could swap between the two sides without any visible effort and wondered what went on in his head at times. It took well over two hours but the results made Jill very proud of herself, Kerry was quite attractive with auburn streaks, thin arched eyebrows, acrylics, black eye liner and even her toes looked good in burgundy. Kerry had handed over one of her longer wigs at the start of her session for another stylist to work on and again they had not missed the mark.
By the time Kerry got home she was well and truly changed over, it would be ten weeks before Paul would be allowed to see the light of day again although he knew that coming back would be somewhat traumatic for him. Late lunch was a quick drink and then into the bedroom to get ready for meeting John at the project office, Business Formal was the order of the day. Kerry had selected her favourite dark grey fully lined skirt with dark hose and heels, a white bra and a slightly see through white blouse covered by a dark grey jacket completed her idea of what was required to assure John that she could deliver all of the goods. Retouch lipstick and Kerry was ready to go and take charge of the situation without scaring John or Jean from reaching their goals for the project.
Pulling into the car park just before four o’clock Kerry was relaxed and confident that she would pass muster, she looked at the office and set her sights. “Good afternoon, my name’s Kerry I believe John is expecting me” she said to the receptionist, “yes he is expecting you and I have to say he won’t be disappointed and by the way I’m Tracey, Johns PA” she said opening the door into Johns office for Kerry. John stood up and met Kerry as she approached his desk “well old Bill undersold your appearance I would never have guessed” he said shaking Kerry’s hand. “Thank you, I gather that your PA also knows about me?” Kerry said raising an eyebrow in Johns direction “sorry I should have told you, Tracey has been with me for nearly ten years and there’s not much that I don’t discuss with her.” Kerry sat as John moved back behind his power desk, “I would like to discuss the other aspects of the project with you to make sure that I can help you” Kerry started. “Have you made a decision on how and when the troops get told about everything, secondly are there anymore staff that know about me?”
John had prepared a simple letter to all staff but wanted to gather them together and have an informal chat with them over Friday drinks. His idea was to start a few days after the chat unless Kerry had a better idea, “sounds good to me, I’ve never had to do it before but a friend is nearly at the end of her RLT stage who works with Red Cross. Toni downloaded the framework from a tri-ess website and blended it with local terminology and reference to state laws etc. If you want I can get a copy of the document Toni sent out to all staff when she notified them?” Kerry offered. Thirty seconds later an e-mail flew out from Kerry’s blackberry or should it be pink-berry, anyway John would have a good cross check to make his letter work. John continued “I had thought about just turning up as Jean but that may be too hard to handle for the guys in the storeroom and service section.” “And what about people knowing about me?” asked Kerry again, “only Tracey knows and no one else is going to find out” John assured Kerry. Over the next hour Kerry asked about Jeans outfits, makeup ideas, final destination on the TG journey and how committed she was to making this work. John had tried several times to begin the trip but failed due to nerves and feelings of despair. It was only with the help of Bills wife and Tracey that he thought he could make it this time, and of course with Kerry’s help.
Kerry’s phone beeped and she read the SMS, “Techs leaving now, clear the building — Bill” this was her early warning system. The project called for a new Terminal Services box with RAID and auxiliary backup drives connected to a new managed hub, firewall, and second broadband connection. With Kerry running the project now, it was decided that the system should go in ahead of time otherwise she would be seen by her male colleagues when they came to install. The software install had been done in the office so the hardware install would only take an hour or so but had to be done when all users had logged out. A full system level backup of the old server was going to be done straight away to ensure no data loss during the project as well as incremental updates every night at midnight. The new managed hub and connection was designed to offer a level of protection against hackers with the entire upgrade fitting neatly into the existing communications and wiring rack. Kerry drove away happy with her activities for the day and very excited about the adventures she would have in the next ten weeks.
Pam was home by the time Kerry pulled into the drive and as she approached the front door her heels made the typical click clack on the path letting Pam know that it was Kerry and not Paul that would be coming home tonight. “Honey I’m home” Kerry joked as she put her own leather handbag on the counter and let Pam check out the hair and nails. “They did a great job on my eyebrows and nails, don’t you think?” Kerry said hoping that Pam would not be too unhappy. Pam was use to Paul taking advantage of the situation and should have expected him to go further than they had discussed, it would be nearly three months before she saw her husband again. Dinner was ready so they sat and talked about work, play and the project request. “OK, the story line for neighbors is that Paul has flown over east and his sister is staying with me for a short time to keep me company” Pam said in a matter of fact manner. Kerry and Pam relaxed and come bed time it was a nightie that came out of the drawers that made it very clear that Kerry was in the house, her breast forms jiggling out front.
Pam had an early morning session at work so left Kerry to her own devices which in its self was a worry for Pam because Kerry had planned to go shopping and could never stick to a budget. Kerry woke pulled on a pair of tight knickers then placed a silk wrap around her body, the daily toilet and washing routine followed with a light cover of makeup to augment the semi permanent items that Jill had done yesterday. She sat in the east facing sunroom eating breakfast wearing the silk wrap and pink fluffy slip-on heels while planning out her days activities, shopping, lunch with Toni, more shopping and then home to prepare dinner for Pam. Kerry could become very complacent with this style of living if she had someone to cater to her needs, financially that is. Toni sent an e-mail confirming time and location along with a copy of her document from work, Kerry forwarded the attachment to John and logged out, enough work for the day she thought.
Kerry wanted to appear at all times as a person that knew where she was going and that appearance gave her some degree of confidence when dealing with clients while dressed in a dress and heels. Some would say that offence is the best form of defence and Kerry knew how to dazzle the potential conflict makers in her work area. Sitting down at her own vanity table she applied foundation and powder to cover any beard growth, which had been declining due to some herbal tablets she was taking. A splash of blusher, eye shadow and mascara finishing up with several coats of deep red long stay lipstick, the sort that wouldn’t smudge according to the adverts. Standing there in just her makeup and underwear made Kerry think back to the time several years ago when she first appeared in the mirror. Many things come and go during a person’s lifetime and Kerry had certainly come into Paul’s life with major impact and had grown over the last year. She still waited for the jailer to come along and slam the door shut but every day the chance seemed to be getting more remote as Pam and Paul both seemed to enjoy the challenges of living with Kerry in their lives.
Kerry opened the wardrobe and perused the assortment of outfits she had, nothing cheap or secondhand, no e-Bay, or op-shop only good quality clothes. Paul’s mother had always said “never buy tat” which he dutifully obeyed when he bought fine clothes for Kerry to wear, although his own wardrobe lacked quality and colour. The weather was still pleasant and she was going to the main shopping area which meant she would be moving around outside some of the day. Functionality was very important, changing clothes all the time meant that she had to be dressed for shopping and looks. From the closet she pulled a pair of blue denim jeans with a low cut waist and a pair of comfortable shoes, just a low 2 inches. The top was a camisole style and open jacket to allow her assets to be presented properly without crowding her style, blues and white with blue canvas wedge heels and matching handbag, perfect style for shopping and lunch with a friend. The obligatory jewelry sat around her neck and adorned her ring fingers, especially the wedding band that Pam purchased to signify that Kerry was not on the market.
Toni had been working from home for the day so she caught up with Kerry earlier than they had planned and together they walked around the shops looking and trying things on like any normal girls would, the only issue was that they only looked like normal girls. Toni had really come on due to the hormones she had been prescribed by her GP and the plastic surgery on her face had healed quite quickly. Even the breast augmentation looked very good and the obvious smile on her face told Kerry that she was far happier than when they first met nearly nine months ago. Her motto was ‘no regrets’ and had been moving forward towards Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS) after being integrated into work and family. Lunch was a simple affair since both girls had to watch their figures, after all Summer was only a few months away and strappy skirts and tops needed the right frame to sit on. Toni left Kerry to her shopping and went back to work with a promise to do a group dinner again if Grace was interested in attending.
The remainder of the day found Kerry spending a small fortune on more tops and skirts as well as a few essentials such as shoes and handbags to compliment the clothes. Compared to the twenty grand bonus she would earn this quarter she had hardly made a dent but Pam had allocated most if not all of it to her project of redecorating the house. Walking back to the car carrying several bags she found herself swaying slightly in the sunlight feeling very happy with herself. The thought of real breasts like Toni’s made her think of her own journey, “where to now grasshopper?” If only it was simply a matter of pressing a button and having it done in the blink of an eye without hassle or fear of rejection. But would she choose to do it, after a whole year of being out of her prison cell the answer was clearer than before, yes she would in fact she would jump at the button with all of her energy. The old joke of “what is the difference between a cross dresser and a transsexual” the answer being “two years” made her chuckle as she swung her bags and dreamed of things to come.
Kerry loved to cook and today was no exception, from the deli in town she had picked up a couple of chicken cordon bleu with pine nut stuffing and garlic butter, throwing together a quick salad of rocket and spinach along with cucumber, small grape tomatoes, sugar peas and she was ready. The wine was chilled as usual, candles on the table and Pam’s favourite music on the stereo, the only thing missing was Paul but then you can’t have everything she said to herself. As Pam entered the house she saw the candles and heard the music, she loved the things Kerry did to say thank you for letting her out of the prison cell. If it wasn’t for public opinion she would let Kerry stay around more of the time, sort of like having the best of both worlds. The children had been told about Kerry and although they didn’t understand all of the details they loved their father and had seen the pain from two years ago when he lost his position and job after outing himself to his fundamentalist boss. Pam placed her bags in the bedroom and came out to a glass of wine and the sound of the meal cooking on the stove. She had become quite happy to let Kerry run things and take some of the strain from her life while Kerry enjoyed the opportunity of being out of the closet, as they say.
Sex was always going to be unusual with a second pair of breasts being involved but Paul and Pam had been slow with each other as they tested the ground, tonight was no different at the start of ten weeks without letup. One of the basic agreements they had made revolved around the “Rules of Engagement” that Kerry had found on the web a sort of cease fire plan for marriages in their situation. Kerry had breached it several times but only with respect to money and style of clothes and never in terms of chemical or body modifications. Pam had also had to be reminded that her signature was on the form as well when Kerry wanted some time out with the girls, well T-Girls actually. The special project was an undocumented and unplanned event and they would have to work through anything that came up during the ten weeks. The next day would see Kerry at work full time and then possibly some out of hours stuff as Jean settled into the transition stage of her life.
Thursday morning started as usual, shower shave and makeup followed by selecting an outfit that Kerry thought was appropriate for her situation at work, that meant no see through anything or suspender belt. She chose a very conservative look for her first day, black slacks and jacket with a white blouse over white silky underwear and black 4” heels. She felt like any normal professionally dressed office manager and held her head up as she drove to work with her list of tasks for day one of the project. This day would be introductions to main staff and hundreds of questions for John, Tracey and the accountant — Sam, who Tracey thought was a tad too redneck for John’s plans but time would tell. She parked the car and strode towards the door with laptop bag in one hand and a handbag in the other only to have Sam rush to open the door from the inside for her, well that’s a first for a redneck she thought. “Thanks, there are gentlemen after all” she teased and smiled as he held the door until she was fully inside the office, if he only knew what he had just done the smile may have been wiped off Kerry’s face by him.
Tracey welcomed Kerry and led her through to her own office that John had set aside as the project office, it had separate toilet and kitchen facilities as well as a spare room that was always locked. This room was Jeans haven when times got hard or she had spare time to relax, a wardrobe and makeup table alongside a shower that had been custom designed by John when he built the office block several years before. Kerry setup her laptop and connected into the network and server using the login codes that Bill had sent to her, the printer came online and e-mail started to be received so everything looked good to begin the project. Her bank notified her of a deposit for $10,000 overnight with the reference DIA001, which was the project code allocated by Bill.
John had been in the office for two hours already and came into the room carrying two coffees, one just the way Kerry liked it. “Good morning Kerry, any problems connecting to the network?” he asked knowing that if Kerry couldn’t connect then he had no hope of doing it. Kerry thanked John for the first half of the bonus payment and continued setting out the documents for the days Q&A and all of her guides to make sure the right option was being selected. Then she took a drink “any changes to the special project that I need to know about?” she asked John while hoping that it wouldn’t interfere with the real project too much since she still had target dates to hit for the project. “No changes just some better idea of how I intend on doing it that’s all” John said pulling out a folder containing letters and information. “I was thinking of giving each person a letter by email over night and making a folder of information available in the office before talking to everyone at Friday drinks, ok?” Kerry scanned the letter and saw that John had included much of the letter Toni used, the info folder was also well constructed with medical, factual and realistic information that would allay any fear of freak show.
Kerry was walked around the place and formally introduced to each of the stakeholders allowing her to make times for each of them to meet in her office over the next two days. The accountant, Sam would be heavily involved in much of the work and Kerry needed him onboard as much as possible, having a difficult accountant could sink the project. It was somewhat of an unknown area for Jean having Sam in such a critical position and his redneck approach to matters just as she wanted to transition. Kerry would be drawing on all of her IT, accounting, and personal communication skills to make sure the project came together in the midst of a potential storm. Sam had several concerns from the sales process and had listed each of them in a report to John that was an attempt at covering his own backside if the project went pear shaped. During the morning Kerry scheduled meetings for each stakeholder and then a combined one at the end of week, this would normally happen every Thursday throughout the project life to stay on-track.
Generally people said they had open minds and even Sam was accepting the process by the time he had spent five hours going through the needs analysis with Kerry. Transition from old system to new was the only issue still outstanding and together they went to see John, “John, we have an issue with transition” Sam said making John choke on his biscuit. Kerry jumped straight in with “what Sam means is how we swap from the old system to the new one without losing data.” John regained his composure before going red, “I wondered what you were on about, can we keep to plain English by any chance?” Sam did not have any idea about the looks between Kerry and John but they would laugh about it later. Ten minutes later Kerry had convinced John to hire a temporary bookkeeper to assist Sam and take some of the hack work from her, this made Sam feel like he was being listened to and valued as well. Tracey had similar concerns over the workload of the admin staff trying to cope with two systems at the same time and not lose continuity. The plan was to configure the system and preload all static data in the seventh week, then over a long weekend transfer all current figures and starting balances ready for the start of business three days later. Training would take place as they went so each person would have access to the new system in training mode prior to the change over which would test the settings as well as train them.
Standard plan for a simple project but at four o’clock the simple stopped as John’s email hit the desktops ahead of time, he thought he had set it to go out at 4am on the next day but you all know about MS bugs/features. The noise from the admin area rose as people read and tried to understand the contents, was it a joke or real, should they laugh at it or could they lose their job? Tracey came into John’s office while Kerry was alone with him, “better check your e-mail boss, the letter just went out” she said closing the door behind her. “Crap, I’m not prepared for this today” John slumped into his chair, “well let’s just take a breath and wait a minute for the reaction, nothing we can’t handle” Kerry said calming John down. She would really earn her money on this project. Sam was the first to knock at the door , John called him to come in “mate, are you serious or is this some sort of sick April fool’s joke?” Sam was told to sit down for a moment, the knock at the door meant another person had questions, two minutes later and most of the admin staff wanted to talk to John. “Okay lets go into the warehouse so we can all talk” said John picking up the folder of information and striving for the door. Kerry saw the decisiveness come to the fore and quickly followed along behind John “holding it together or ready to scream?” she asked John.
The entire staff group pulled up chairs around John to hear what he said so he started at the beginning and repeated the e-mail and inserted more facts and information from the folder which he placed on the table. Some cried, some chuckled but most listened intently to what the man they respected shared about, his story of pain and confusion in a world that had strong ideas of what a man should be like. Kerry scanned the crowd trying to guess what they felt and only a few seemed like trouble but as John went on they diminished to only one person, Sam who had a distorted look of pain and anger on his face. John gave people a chance to ask questions and tried to give honest personal feelings and relate it to his life story, which proved to be a good strategy as most people had been with John for many years as he grew the business. His ethos of enjoying work and rewarding those that went beyond the call made them loyal to him and more prepared to listen rather than judge.
Johns final comment was that if anyone had concerns they should talk to Tracey and arrange a private session with him, otherwise they should expect Jean at work on Monday as planned. Kerry watched as Sam mingled afterwards testing the waters looking for any supporters of his view but found no one so sulked away to his office with quite a mischievous look on his face. Kerry quickly went to her office and hit the backup button on the new server which isolated the two servers from the main network while copying all of the data onto the auxiliary drive, just a precaution she had planned for last thing at night before the letters went out. Sam exploded when he found out that Kerry was using the system without letting him know about it, “won’t take long Sam I am just finishing a procedure” she said trying to keep him happy but knowing that he also had backup tapes in his safe. The new server had also received a complete system recovery set during the day just in case the main server died but Sam had not seen it being installed and knew nothing of it. Kerry walked back into John’s office shortly afterwards and closed the door, ”still good to go with all of this?” she asked. John was sitting at his desk with his head in his hands “I think so, how do you think it all went?” Kerry mentioned Sam and risk of trouble and that everyone else seemed quite happy to trust their boss.
The staff all filed out at five and left John and Kerry talking, Tracey joined them to offer her support, it was only a few minutes later when the entire network crashed and systems started reporting failures from reading the drives. Kerry saw the side door clicked closed as she went through the foyer to her office noticing that Sam’s desk was left in a mess with folders out and the safe open. “John I think we have some trouble here” Kerry said understating the situation. The next hour proved that Sam had attempted to trash the server and every backup tape had been taken from the property, it was going to be a late night for Kerry and she would need help. “Bill, I have a situation that needs more than I can do alone can you help?” Kerry went on to explain the scenario and what she had done to prevent too much damage to the company, although it would take several hours to rebuild the original server and reload the data from her backup server. Needless to say it was a night of pizza and coffee for all of them as Server 2003 disk were located in the back store room then reloaded and configured ready for business the next day. As a disaster recovery project the flaws were obvious, too much risk in one position of the company and if Kerry hadn’t triggered the two backups it would have been far worse if not deadly.
Kerry walked back into the building at nine the next morning to meet Tracey and John looking quite bleary eyed, although Tracey could hide it under makeup John had far more on his mind as franchisee’s came into the office to ask him about the letter they got overnight. This time it was clean sailing as they had committed money into the venture and walking away was not an option for them, they offered support to John or Jean as the need arose. Sam was another matter and a call to the company lawyer soon caused a warrant to search his property for the company tapes and any files. The warrant was served before lunchtime but Sam had already disposed of everything and claimed to be sick and off work not knowing anything about the attack on the company. Needless to say John’s lawyer also gave a notice of instant dismissal due to misconduct and an injunction to stay away from the property and not contact any clients. Severance pay was not on offer and if he wanted to fight it then they had sufficient threads of information to show that he had done the deed. The next task was to find another accountant that could take his place in quick time and handle a transition, system transition that is. The rest of the staff heard about Sam and quite believed that he had done the dirty on them, no loss as far as they were concerned.
By the end of the day Kerry was feeling exhausted, knackered was another phrase that could be applied but she would happily lose them too. Pam was working all weekend so Kerry planned to just unwind and cook or read a book, anything but project or computing stuff. So she was a little upset when John called around lunchtime on Saturday to ask for help, “are you free for an hour or so, I could do with your special help?” This was going to be a regular call from Jean as the project transitioned. “See you in ninety minutes at your place” Kerry offered, it would take her a while to get ready but mainly she didn’t want to set a precedence of jumping when Jean needed her. John’s house was set high in a new country estate with private driveway and garage allowing him to come and go as whoever he wanted to be on the day. Being on a large block meant that neighbors hardly made contact and over ten years they couldn’t really say who lived there. Kerry pulled her car into the drive and approached the door to find a disheveled John standing there in just his casual clothes and unshaven face. “Come in, thanks for coming over on the weekend I am not feeling too good about Monday after the attack by Sam” he said dropping his body onto the lounge suite. Kerry put her bright red handbag and keys on the table and stood looking at John, there was no sign of Jean and transition was supposed to start in under 36 hours she had some serious work ahead of her.
“Start at the beginning and tell me what you have been churning over since we left work yesterday.” John started talking then waffling. Kerry stopped him and made him just sit and breath slowly, “Look John, I’m not an expert in this matter but from where I am standing I don’t think that you should be concerned about Sam. What is the main reason you want to transition and are you going to let a redneck deprive you of that goal?” and then she waited for him. John seemed to brighten up as he went through the reasons in his mind, “you’re right it is my peace of mind that counts not his I’ve waited ten years to get to this point in my life.” Kerry sent him off to the shower and told him to come out looking like the girl he wanted to be wearing some nice lingerie as well. She always found that if the basics were right then the mind would follow, “nice bra - nice start”. John hit the shower then the makeup and finally came out wearing a black and red underwire bra and matching silk knickers covered by a nice dressing gown, Kerry smiled as she checked the painted toes peeping out from underneath the hem. “That looks more like the girl we need to see, feel better now?” Kerry asked noticing that Jean’s mannerisms had also changed as she brightened up.
“What about a special treat, hair makeup and such like?” that made Jean smile, “where can you get that today without a booking.” Kerry picked up her phone and speed dialed the salon where Jill did her hair “Hi Jill, Kerry here, any chance of helping a special friend of mine who’s in desperate need of your special help. Yes I do mean special help, hair, nails, makeup and by the way she expects to pay a small premium just to get in today, three o’clock, thanks I’ll make sure she gets there in time, bye” and Kerry hung up. Jean wanted to know the details but Kerry simply told her to go get dressed in something casual but nice as they had an appointment in just over an hour. Jean took Kerry up to her bedroom and into the largest wardrobe Kerry had ever seen “got this designed and installed specially for John and Jean to share, although John can empty his side shortly.” There was a definite resolve in the way she said that and Kerry wondered if it was just bravado or bluster speaking. Jean picked a pair of denim jeans and boots then put on a button up blouse and her jewelry before choosing a handbag and makeup.
Kerry drove the car and stopped about 400m from the hair salon, “let’s have coffee while we wait” she said turning into a car park and getting out of the car. Jean followed showing no signs of nerves, in fact her whole demeanor was quite different since Kerry had first arrived and found her so out of the game. They chose a small table outside and two lattes gave the two girls time to chat about nothing but enjoy the sunlight for once. Jean wanted to know all about Jill and what sort of things she took care of for her so it was no surprise that after being introduced to Jill in the salon, Jean wanted the works including the permanent makeup, eye liner and lips. Kerry left her in Jill’s capable hands and promised to return around five as Jill would take every minute of the two hours. Just enough time to get in a bit of her own shopping or retail therapy, and she definitely knew how to make the most of it. The centre had a few stores that catered for mid thirties and although Kerry was much older she always made sure that her clothes reflected a younger age. Keeping up appearances with Jean was going to be a challenge for her, one that she knew would be fun doing though and with the bonus already in the bank she was ready to engage.
Jill finished with Jean just after Kerry arrived to pick her up, the change was very good but the way that Jean had lifted was even better. As Jean continued to rotate in front of the mirror Jill spoke with Kerry in the front “do you have many more of these special friends as I could do with the extra money for sure.” Kerry told her that the number of visible trans-people in the city was fairly small but if she contacted the support groups there was always a chance that she could find clients that wanted more than just a cut and blow dry. Special events such as Pride Day or Annual Balls (no pun intended) may draw a few out if they knew about her and a referral from a client such as Kerry would help as well. “Come on princess, let’s get you out of here so Jill can go home, thanks again Jill I owe you one” she said opening the door for Princess Jean, her pumpkin awaited. As Kerry drove back to Jean’s place she had to smile as Jean kept checking her lips and eyes in the mirror. “I never knew how much fun this could be having the pampering and works” Jean said as Kerry pulled into the drive. Ten minutes later Kerry was heading back to her car and Jean was resolved to stick it to Sam and throw herself fully at the transition on Monday, this time was the last start.
Pam and Kerry spent Sunday relaxing and cleaning the house, a job that Kerry was supposed to do on Saturday. The mood between them was good most days and tension from past years had all but vanished apart from small twinges when old friends had been seen and wanted to talk about the things that only brought pain. The dynamics occasionally but subtlety changed though and Kerry found Pam treating her more like a friend than a lover, there were no quick gropes in the kitchen or neck kissing, Kerry had modified her behavior without noticing either. Kerry did her best to keep Pam onside by cooking and pampering to her enjoyment of water and slow leisurely car drives around the river and coastal area but it was different somehow. The second week was about to begin and they talked about the workload and tension from the project office and how Kerry would diffuse the office scuttlebutt if she could. Jean rang to thank Pam for letting Kerry help her and that really impressed Pam with the girls class but it was only day one of 365 for Jean.
Monday was going to be full on for Jean so she arrived early and laid out several special tables in the admin area, flowers, fruit, muffins, and even lollies. The “piece de resistance” was the coffee vendor that she had sitting just inside the warehouse waiting for the staff to arrive, the Roman Empire knew that to keep the populace happy you fed and entertained them. Kerry arrived early as well to make sure that Jean was coping, what she found astonished her, coping was an understatement this girl was achieving high grades. Before nine the staff arrived hesitantly looking for Jean to make sure she wasn’t too scary or freak like but what they each found was John in a different package, loving and caring as normal. The coffee and cakes took priority as the phone system continued to distribute the calls out to the franchisees based on postcode settings. They each milled around Jean asking about her makeup and hair, the clothes and shoes, her plans to have it “cut off” as they put it. Gradually the admin area settled down and business continued as normal, Jean in her office, Tracey out front as gatekeeper and Kerry in her new office, Sam hadn’t even been missed. Now they had to find someone to fill the role and by ten thirty they had a small list of potential applicants from Seek.com.au that had applied over the weekend. Jean asked Tracey and Kerry to help her sort through some of the details and by eleven the first applicants had been called and arranged to be interviewed. One applicant stood out as coming from another site that Kerry had installed at and she remembered her from the job, the only problem was that Paul had done the installation not Kerry.
Monday came and went, no problems with Jean or the install, just a normal day for the girls in the office and even the hunt for the new Accountant was looking good. Jean and Tracey had plans for dinner but Kerry opted for home instead wanting to make sure Pam was looked after. The idea of Tracey and Jean going out after work was interesting for Kerry as she had not picked up anything between them before, no winks or touchy feely things just very professional. The next morning was time to interview the applicants and Kerry sat in on the first two just making small comment about system needs and the transition. When it came time for the prime choice Kerry made sure that her background was that of a visiting software person and not Paul. The applicant seemed slightly spooked that Kerry knew about her previous site in so much detail but put it aside as they interviewed her about her depth of knowledge on the new software. She could do the job quite well and was returning fulltime to the work force after a year of partial maternity leave but wanted to change companies instead of going back to her old place and kicking out her replacement. Jean asked her to wait outside as they discussed her, they both saw her as capable and hungry enough to make it work but Jean wanted to tell her about the transition she was undertaking. Kerry thought about it then asked “are you doing this to test her of warn her?” Jean thought about it for only a second “both, I need a person that I can trust and one that can trust me fully.”
Susan was invited back into the office along with Tracey who had been showing her around the admin area. Jean moved to a less formal area in her office and sat around a small coffee table. “Could you get us all some coffee and cake please Tracey?” Jean asked smiling at Tracey as she left the room. “Tracey has been with me for over ten years and puts up with my foibles and peculiarities and that’s the sort of person I am looking for so I thought I should tell you some of them before you accept the job.” Susan smiled gathering that she was about to be offered the role in the company, what she had no idea about was Jean’s foibles as she had put it. Tracey put down a small tray of drinks and cake and joined the group, “thanks dear” Jean said to Kerry’s surprise, another slip she thought. Jean took a drink then looked straight at Susan “what I am about to tell you may shock or disturb you but after talking with you I feel you are the person I want in here to help us move forward. The company has been going for nearly fifteen years since I started it on a small inheritance from my father and mother’s estate it has grown because people stay here and enjoy their work space.
The only problem we have is that things changed last week when the old accountant tried to destroy the company by wrecking the server and data backup tapes, needless to say we repaired the damage and cleaned out his office ready for you. You are probably wondering why he did it, the short answer is that he was not able to handle the fact that I wanted to change what I looked like on the outside”. Jean stopped and took a drink, Susan sat waiting for more not guessing what Jean meant or was getting to. She continued, “about ten years ago I underwent several months of tests and the overriding result was that as a man I had way too many girl genes in my body”. Susan looked at her “is this a candid camera stunt or trick?” she asked Jean “no Susan this is no trick, just a trick of nature that I am trying to rectify now. If I am any judge of character then I feel that you can handle this in your stride and make a real impact in this company as we go forward, what do you think?” Now it was Jeans turn to wait for Susan, “am I correct in thinking that underneath the dress you are a guy that wants to be a girl and this is no trick” to which Jean nodded quietly. Susan looked at the other two in the room who also nodded in agreement, “well since everyone else seems comfortable with the idea what can I say apart from do I get the job or not.”
Tuesday finished and they had a new accountant that could actually start the next day and already knew the software that Kerry was installing, Susan had no idea about Kerry or that she had met her in another form, that being Paul. Wednesday would prove if the trouble caused by Sam had been repaired or neutralized as they started to configure the system using his needs analysis answers and paperwork. Tuesday had been Pam’s day off in exchange for working the Saturday so when Kerry got home that night the table was set ready for dinner and Pam had the glass of wine ready for them both. Kerry kissed Pam very gently and held her before taking the wine from the bench, “have I told you how much I appreciate you letting me have Kerry Time?” she asked Pam. Pam looked at her husband standing there in clothes that she would be happy to own knowing that Kerry’s wardrobe also looked every bit as good as Pam’s if not better. “Yes you have in many ways, sometimes even verbally” Pam said thinking of the traditionally “feminine tasks” that Paul always loved to do but as Kerry she had really made her own.
Pam handed Kerry the glass of wine and walked into the lounge to sit down, a clear sign that Pam wanted to talk about something and Kerry should shake her booty and get in there. “How do you think we are going to handle all of this Kerry Time as you call it, ten weeks of no husband or close to it?” Pam asked. Kerry had also been thinking of the subtle changes that she had seen and hoped that it was just her being over sensitive to Pam’s mood or feeling. “Not sure how it is affecting you but I get fairly well engrossed as Kerry and tend to not notice things all the time, have you felt different?” Kerry bounced the question back to Pam since she was obviously going through some thinking of her own. It took a few starts but Pam finally talked about not knowing who she was at times then at other times being very happy with the joy in Paul’s life that she could see and how it worked well for them both but she got confused and worried also. Kerry sat there trying hard to sort out threads from what Pam had said, happy or sad, knowing or confused, joy or fear. That was it she thought, Pam was afraid of what this may lead to the “big chop” or the “Switcharoo” or in normal terms GRS. She was afraid of losing her husband and ending up single since same sex marriage was banned still and frowned upon in many areas of the state let alone church. Paul assured her that this was only for ten weeks and 10% had already finished so only nine left then Paul would be back and so would the new furniture and painting that Pam could order already as the money had cleared the bank.
In Kerry’s mind the question of part time versus full time was very clearly answered while Paul was restrained by thoughts of how it would impact on others. During therapy there had been questions like this and “would you like breasts” or “have you ever thought of cutting it off” or even “what do you think of sex with a man”. All very good therapy questions aimed at uncovering the real person and their thoughts but ones that Paul always answered in a vague manner to not sound too far over the line, but in Kerry’s mind the answer was always “yes”. A small amount of knowledge about counseling techniques and therapy models can help anyone get where they want to go, it is only a game after all. This sounds like Paul was in denial but in reality he had convinced himself that he was in control of a very large bomb that could go off and hurt many people so he handled it the best way he could, even when it hurt him greatly.
Bill had planned a project review every Thursday morning with Jean and Kerry present, so by 9am they all sat around Jeans office with notes and coffee. This was the first time Bill had seen Kerry in full flight since the red cross event and was amazed at how good she looked and carried off the role, too good in fact. Both girls sat there in dark blue skirt suits, light blue silk tops, hose, heels and legs crossed pointing in the same direction, a conspiracy they had spoken about the night before. Bill could get confused here very easily, but that was their fun. He tried to lead the meeting but kept getting distracted by the two pairs of legs sitting around the coffee table, Kerry laughed “Bill, pay attention or us two girls are going to talk to Jeanette about your perving.” “This is so hard, I know both of you guys but there again I don’t know you do I?” Bill said stumbling over what he was thinking about. Jean put her coffee down, so Kerry mimicked her, “Bill you know what we each do at work or sometimes, like me, you may have seen a shadow of the other me in times gone by. The real me has taken nearly twenty years to come out fully and from what Kerry has told me it has taken her nearly forty years but the part you see today is every bit as real as the work person you employed or met as a friend of your wife’s family.”
Bill understood but still had a hard time sorting it out in his head. “Let me ask you one question Bill, at the ball when you came all dressed up and looking pretty did it do anything for you?” Kerry asked him. Bill moved uncomfortably in his seat he had a vulnerable doubt that hadn’t gone away after nine months of trying to put it all back into the box. “That’s not really the same, I was expected to look the part and so I just did it for a laugh” he said shuffling his feet slightly. “That’s not what I asked is it, did you enjoy feeling pretty and having people admire you, cos I saw the look on some of the men before you got up to speak and they had plans on your body.” Bill flushed, he had seen them and it made him feel, well, sexy is the only word to use but he was not gay and didn’t think like that anyway.
“Look, if this gets out of this room I’m dead” to which both girls just laughed, “duh, what about us?” Kerry said sarcastically. “Ok, sorry I was only thinking about myself, yes it did mess me around a bit but I figured that it was due to the number of other people enjoying swapping there sexes and stuff, that’s not what you asked though. Yes I felt sexy and flattered that someone wanted my body and excited that I had fooled someone but confused as well because I enjoyed the feel of the clothes and the way it made me happy.” Jean leant towards Bill, “that doesn’t make you gay or transgendered Bill, only normal, unless of course you would like to slip into my office wardrobe and find a nice little outfit to put on.” That seemed to break the ice and Bill smiled but declined the offer, for now.
Sam had made serious attempts at destroying data and had been thwarted, he had been replaced by a competent accountant that knew the system and could take the pressure off the project team as long as a temp bookkeeper could be found to help run the parallel system and some admin tasks. Timeframes for switch over were on track and the go live date was still good so all up the project was going well, they set the next milestone and finished early. Kerry went back to her office and Bill stayed with Jean for a while, “how is the transition going mate?” he asked then corrected himself “I guess that I shouldn’t use that phrase anymore, Jean.” Jean shook her head a bit “this must be really screwing around your points of reference Bill, if you need to talk just let me know.” “Only one thing Jean, how do you think Kerry is handling the project being Kerry and not Paul” Bill asked not sure that it made sense to him after asking it. Jean thought before talking then said “I assume from that comment that you have concerns, is there something that I should know about?” Bill was quick to defend Kerry, “no nothing at all, I was just making sure she was doing her job and not getting distracted by having to look after you at the same time.” Jean told Bill about Saturday and her sulks, or was it his sulks, anyway Kerry had helped get him back in a good position and keep moving so Jean was very happy.
When Bill had left the offices Jean called Kerry into her office for a chat, “Bill wanted to know how you are handling everything” she told Kerry. “You mean how am I handling you and the project together don’t you?” Kerry shot back “I think that’s what he meant so I said you were very good at both jobs.” Kerry sat down in a chair and crossed her legs showing a nice shape and balanced her heels on her right foot swinging in the air. “I don’t think Bill answered our question correctly, he hedged the issue and talked about duty rather than feelings which is an avoidance method. You know I think he would love to spend time in your office closet but scared that he would like it too much then have to deal with it all. At least that makes my job feel safer” Kerry finished with and let her shoe drop to the carpet. Jean had some talks with Bill before deciding on Kerry and there was empathy as well as understanding but Jean kept these to herself. “So are we advertising or just looking for a bookkeeper?” asked Kerry as the project needed to keep moving. Jean was not sure, “got anyone in mind that could do the job for eight weeks, doesn’t have to be skilled just follow instructions?” Jean asked Kerry. “Leave it with me, since you mention it there may be a young person I know that’s between University semesters and he is good with computers” Kerry said thinking aloud.
Back in her office Kerry thumbed through her blackberry looking for a phone number then closed the door for privacy before pressing the dial button. “Hi Graham, its Kerry here how are you going, that’s good, how is uni going this semester, how long do you have off, just wondering are you free for a chat in an hour, great meet you at the café where you met Toni then, bye.” Kerry walked back into Jeans office “may have someone that I know and they would have no issue with you either I’m going to chat with them shortly, do you want to come along?” So an hour later Jean, Kerry and Graham were sat around a café table drinking latte’s chatting about work, Graham was surprised that Kerry was working in her job instead of Paul but put it to one side. “Graham, I need a person to help with my current project and do some basic bookkeeping and admin stuff under direction but mainly to help transition the project, should take around seven or eight weeks possibly full time, want to earn some money?” Graham accepted straight away but Kerry cut him off, “before you say yes or no you need to know that Jean is in RLT mode so some things may get tense at work”. Graham found himself hog tied or gagged or paralyzed suddenly as Grace took over, “does that mean that Grace can come to work?” Graham asked but Grace had control of the mouth and brain. Kerry looked a bit surprised “I was actually thinking of Graham doing the work but it depends on Jean.” Kerry told Jean about Grace and her journey from last year, the trouble with her mum and best friend and how great she looked at Toni’s Manor. Cutting a long story short, Grace could start the next Monday and would love to work with Kerry and Jean and money was not even discussed, she would have paid for such an opportunity.
To be continued.... The girls have some fun and changes are everywhere.
Continuing Release 2
By Kerry Brown
Part 2 - What man about the house?
So it came about that on Monday morning there were three girls sitting in the office with Susan, three knew that only Susan was a real girl but Susan thought that only Jean was the fake. Grace had scrubbed up very well and her friend Jen from university had helped make sure she looked presentable rather than trashy, neat and well dressed. Kerry had setup an extra computer in her office as Susan’s office was not quite big enough for two people, Grace would have to learn quickly and make sure she didn’t get caught daydreaming. Susan wanted to train Grace and make sure she knew what was expected so that took care of Grace, Kerry had the configuration to start on the server as the paper analysis was complete.
They each went their own ways and Jean set about running the business again, she had advertising and promotions people lined up for the start of the Christmas period which was surprisingly their busiest time of year. The plans had to be completed at least 13 weeks ahead of time and that left only eight weeks for ideas, planning and implementation. Two companies had been contacted about presenting plans so Monday afternoon the first one arrived and gave it their best effort. The guy tried but was thrown by the number of women making the decisions, Jean and Tracey with Susan adding finance questions, maybe a bit of reconnaissance would have helped prepare him. The second company at the end of the day didn’t fare any better although they had some novel phrases about service with a smile when you dial or free service, but nothing that really grabbed Jean.
Jean and Kerry were talking before she left for the day about the problem of advertising and getting the right feel with the company ethos as well as good chemistry with the people. Grace was sitting nearby waiting for Jen to pick her up after work and couldn’t help but overhear the conversation, “Jean, can I show you something from my thumb drive that may help?” By now Jean was ready for input even from the new girl on the block so turned her laptop over to Grace. Thirty seconds later and the photos of Grace taken at the manor, especially the one in front of the window and overlaid with the advert from Toni, were displayed on the main screen for Jean to see. Jean was envious firstly of how Grace looked and secondly that she hadn’t been there for herself. Grace talked about the process and how Toni had built an image and then an advertising campaign around her shots, the transparent negligee and glass of wine at the window although the totally raunchy finger sucking “come take me” shot took pride of place. Tracey saw the photos from her desk and walked into the room, “is it legal to look that tempting in an advert?” she joked with Grace who she knew was just like Jean and Kerry. They talked about Toni and wondered if she would be interested in putting together some ideas as well, Toni had moved to being part time at Red Cross and part time in her own business with her sister Jacky up at the Manor.
The next day Toni and Jacky sat in the office with Jean, Tracey and Susan talking about the goal of the adverts and promotion, then how it would relate to the image they wanted out in the marketplace. What they came up with was a very simple but catchy phrase that could be twisted and worked with to hook into a clients mind whenever they needed the services that Jean’s company offered. Which incidentally was all about replacing the non functioning man in your life with a reliable tradesman and handyman service that you “only ask once”. Jean mentioned the photos of Grace after Susan had left the room and wanted to know how they worked, she wanted to visit one weekend and have the works. Kerry and Grace came in just before they finished to say hello to Jacky and Toni, Jacky made comment about seeing that all the men in the room had been replaced by women. Toni made a booking with Jean to go to the Manor in 10 days so Jacky asked if Grace and Kerry wanted to come over for tea on the Saturday night, Pam would be away in the country but Jen was invited as well. The office thinned out quickly and Jean was left with Kerry in the office, “just a quick check to see how you are going” Kerry said sitting down at the coffee table. Jean sat down, smoothed her dress and crossed her legs and leaned back in the chair “really good, you guys are making it easier by being here, Tracey is fantastic as always and the staff seem to have just accepted John in a different form.”
The rest of the week flew past as the project team met and checked each milestone, the staff saw the first real parts of the system in a show and tell training session on the Friday afternoon to make sure any fears were being dealt with. So come Friday night the work was moving along, the transition was well underway and staff drinks had finished with Jean and Tracey tidying up afterwards. It was then that Kerry caught a small exchange between Jean and Tracey that made her stop, Tracey had touched Jeans hand as they cleared the table. In itself the touch was nothing except the length of time was, Jean had made no comment about Tracey except her work duties no personal details or emotional information at all. Kerry waited until Tracey was out of the room, “Jean can I ask something about Tracey?” and getting the go ahead from Jean asked directly “are you two involved”. The wording was clumsy but Jean got the idea quickly just as Tracey came back into the room, she held out her hand to Tracey. “come and sit down with us” Jean said as Tracey sat next to her holding her hand tightly, “you could say that but more like, honestly I don’t know how to put our relationship.” Jean looked at Tracey and then kissed her gently, “Tracey has known all about all of me since coming to work with me over ten years ago, she saw the tension in my life, the pain of conflict of genders and the despair when transitions were halted. This girl has helped me stay sane more times that I can count, she has been my backstop and my gatekeeper defending me from all attackers.” Tracey was looking at Jean as she spoke with a look of care and even love in her eyes, “and that makes her very special to me” said Jean. Tracey moved closer to Jean and put her arm around her, “and Jean is very special to me as well so don’t let her get hurt” Tracey said in her gatekeeper come defender role.
As Kerry pulled her car into the drive so did Pam, they unlocked the house and entered before kissing so that neighbors didn’t get spooked at the sight of Pam kissing another woman. “I feel like going out tonight, what about you?” said Pam as if Kerry’s attendance was optional. Kerry understood the joke and grabbed Pam “not without me you don’t, where did you have in mind?” back and forth they went until they had a booking at Sirroco’s for dinner at seven. Pam slipped into the bedroom and started to get undressed for a shower, Kerry followed so a few seconds she had discarded her skirt and blouse revealing a garter belt and stockings. “What is it with stockings and you?” asked Pam amazed that something so awkward was so loved by Kerry and her friends. “You have no idea how feminine and sexy it makes you feel, you should try it sometime” Kerry said turning on her heels and entering the en-suite to Pam’s constant stare. Kerry had a quick shave while Pam showered and as Pam came back out from the bathroom there was a black garter belt and stockings sitting on the bed alongside her black dress that she had planned for the night. “Don’t say no, just try it and see if I’m telling the truth” Kerry said knowing that Pam would err on the side of conservative, “what if we have an accident” she laughed, stating her mother’s injunction to always wear clean underwear. “At least it will be clean, and I promise to drive extra careful” Kerry said putting on her own black dress over her stockings and sitting at her makeup table to repair her look.
The restaurant was crowded as they entered and the waiter suggested that a drink at the bar may be a better option for twenty minutes or so, sitting on bar stools and drinking cocktails they looked like any couple of girls out for a nights entertainment. It should have been no surprise that a couple of girls be approached by a couple of guys looking for action, “sorry guys we are meeting our husbands later” Kerry said stopping Pam from choking. As they moved away Pam asked Kerry about being picked up when she was out with the other girls, “it happens but we just say that we are happily married, no need to get angry with them after all we do look hot tonight.” Pam shifted her legs on the stool and felt her garter straps stretching as they tugged at her stockings, if she knew that the side view allowed a couple of men a glimpse of her stocking top then she wouldn’t have been so comfortable. Dinner was relaxed when it came and over a few courses Pam and Kerry enjoyed their time out together and caught up after a very busy week. Just before they were ready to leave Kerry leaned closer to Pam and whispered “now go into the toilets and remove your knickers” Pam giggled due to too many drinks but after Kerry suggested it again she stood up shakily and headed for the change room.
When she came back Kerry had paid the bill and was waiting in the foyer, “come on let’s get some air before we drive home” Kerry said leading Pam out of the door. They walked down the street arm in arm talking about the feeling of going “commando” as the guys called it “I can feel the wind moving between my legs” Pam giggled. Kerry just kept walking wishing that she could also go without knickers and not having the crown jewels flopping around, but that would cost a lot of money and emotional energy. “I think you need to get me home quickly” Pam giggled again, “otherwise you may get attacked right here” Kerry understood and headed for the car. As she unlocked the passenger side door for Pam, Pam turned around and kissed Kerry right on the lips and very passionately leaving no doubt in Kerry’s mind about after dinner activities. Sitting in the car seat Kerry could see Pam’s stocking tops and reached over to caress her thighs as she gave Pam a deep kiss.
The drive home took only a short while but as soon as the door was closed Pam dragged Kerry towards the bedroom, two black dresses falling to the floor along with heels. Laying on the bed in just her bra and stockings, Pam not only knew she looked sexy but she also felt sexy and enticing. Kerry started at her toes and gently kissed along her legs until she reached the lace tops of the stockings with the small clasps holding the welt linking to the garter. Gently tugging the straps Kerry saw Pam move her hips forward to her, while Kerry’s hands reached the fleshy part of Pam’s legs. Foreplay had taken well over three hours since they she had put on the stockings and by now she was ready to make noise, and she did pushing Kerry’s head into her lap letting the tongue do the talking. As Pam came she pulled Kerry up to her face and kissed her so hard both of their lips would sting for minutes, Kerry held her for ages then slowly moved her hand back down to her little mound of hair. Again Pam moved and kissed begging for more gentle touches and rubbing until the swollen lips and clit both exploded for Pam with screams and panting.
They lay there cuddling for a while before Pam rolled over towards Kerry and found, nothing, Kerry was not hard or erect just, nothing. Pam went on the offensive pulling the pants down around Kerry’s knees until she lifted her feet and the panties hit the ground like dead skin. Seeing nothing happening Pam reached into her bottom drawer and removed her vibrator and KY jelly, she tested the batteries and flicked it to slow. Pam ran the tool around Kerry’s legs as she played with the stocking tops like Kerry had done to her and the same effect happened, hips moved forward but nothing else. The tip of the vibe touched the base of the penis and again the hips moved up letting the vibe move backwards towards the anus. Pam removed the vibe and placed a small amount of jelly on the tip before putting it back in place and increasing the speed. With thrusting of hips and gentle massage it wasn’t long before Kerry found herself making similar noises to that of Pam a few minutes earlier, good job the window was closed or the neighborhood would have heard far too much. Kerry found a growing feeling in her stomach region just behind her pubic bone, pressing it down with her well manicured and polished nails increased some of the feelings and definitely the image she had in her mind. Strong downwards movements also pushed the vibrating tip further into her with every push so it wasn’t long before the combination of mind, body, and emotion caused a most unusual orgasm for Kerry. It wasn’t messy or sudden, it was more like reaching the top of a mountain and cruising over to find a really nice view and feeling satisfied but down below there had been no growth, so to speak. They fell asleep cuddling feeling very content with life although Pam wondered what had happened in Kerry’s mind.
Breakfast on Saturday was normally taken in bed so after Kerry had cleaned herself and shaved she came back to bed wearing just her basic underwear and wrap around with no extra makeup, which she found actually worked to some degree. Pam opened the door and settled a tray with muesli, juice and tea on Kerry’s bedside table then returned a few seconds later with her own. Pam wanted to ask Kerry about last night but wasn’t sure how to start, finally she said “that was really different last night, did you enjoy it or do you need more?” Kerry looked at her trying to figure out the real question, “yes, no and anytime” she said to Pam’s amazement “pardon.” Kerry said it again with more information “yes it was different no I don’t need to do anymore straight away but yes I would love to do it like that anytime. I think it was the build up through dinner then driving home along with all the time I have spent as Kerry that changed how I felt about myself, but yes it was very different I think it was probably similar to how you come.” Pam asked for more details such as where and how and what triggered it in such a different way and Kerry tried to explain but, well some things just need showing instead so they didn’t get out of bed until gone eleven o’clock.
The rest of the morning was cleaning and washing but around two Pam reminded Kerry about buying her own garter belt and reminded Kerry that she had offered to take Pam to see Lisa in her lingerie shop. The street level parking was perfect allowing them to park close and walk only a few steps before entering the shop where Lisa was serving another client. Lisa smiled at Kerry when she realized who it was, the hair and makeup had improved Kerry’s appearance. “Wow look at you, what’s going on to get you all dolled up like this?” Lisa asked Kerry since this was far more than just a Saturday affair. Ten minutes later Lisa was up to speed with the gossip and had finished directing Pam to some of the special garments for her to check out, “and what about you dear?” she said turning back to Kerry. Kerry had been prepared to just let Pam shop but after seeing a new range of retro-vintage wear she may have changed her mind. “Combination long line bra and open girdle” Lisa said making sure she had a pair in Kerry’s size, “would you like to try one on or are you being controlled with your spending?” Lisa kidded knowing full well that Kerry would buy. Lisa opened the change room door for Kerry and just held up her size garment, “trying it on won’t harm will it?” Kerry took the bait and slid into the cubicle and closed the door behind her.
The jeans hit the floor as she stepped out of them still wearing her heels, then her top came off and hung behind the door with her bra. Health regulations displayed in the change rooms mentioned under garment to be warn at all times so Kerry stood there in just panties looking in the mirror, still a hybrid body form half way between each gender. If it was possible to perform a gender brain scan it would have shown far more female matter than male, or possibly it would have seen the male part being killed off on a daily basis as Kerry found herself more and more. The girdle was clumsy to put on but looked fantastic on, the garter tabs hanging down on her legs and the bra cups standing out like Maddona’s on stage, only bigger and more rounded. The waist section pulled and firmed her stomach but nowhere near as restrictive as the corset she had in the cupboard at home and the butt looked very smooth. “How are you going in there, need any help?” asked Lisa through the door “a nice pair of vintage stockings would be a nice touch” Kerry said and a few moments later they appeared at the door. Kerry sat down and unwrapped the stockings and rolled them into a doughnut before putting her toes into them, extending up her legs and clipping onto the tabs at the front and back before straightening the seams and putting her heels back on, the feeling was exciting as always.
Kerry opened the door and peered out into the shop, “Lisa” she called hoping that no more clients had come into the shop. Pam and Lisa watched as Kerry displayed the outfit showing every bit of confidence in her looks and body that any good model would have. “Shame I have my jeans on today or I would have worn it out” she said twirling around at the mirror showing off her stocking encased legs, “you could always buy a new skirt from me” said Lisa smiling at Pam. Kerry pulled out her top from the cubicle and told Lisa “only if you can find something to go with this” Two minutes later Lisa came back with a mid-thigh kilt style skirt and light wool sweater. The original top had been put down somewhere to stop Kerry from getting confused, Lisa new exactly how to sell and Kerry was always willing to be sold to. Thirty seconds and Kerry was back out in the shop showing off her new outfit as Pam stood at the till with two garter belts, several pairs of matching panties and a few pairs of fine denier stockings including one pair with seams like Kerry. So much for a cheap day out, this lot added up to over two hundred dollars and Lisa loved it when Kerry came shopping, Pam wasn’t too sure about that.
Walking out of the shop swinging her bag containing her old jeans and top, Kerry felt very happy with herself actually “Tarty” is the only word you could use and it still surprised Pam whenever she did it as Paul was always very conservative and straight laced. Now, Paul was quite often laced, and silked and nyloned but never straight laced that would be just too boring. The skirt flicked up as she stepped into the car and Pam could see the stocking tops and tabs as Kerry sat down ready to drive, “where to my lady” she asked in her best Jeeves accent. The sun was out and it was too nice to be stuck inside and the house still needed to have the kitchen and lounge furniture ordered, they had a fair idea what they wanted so this being one of the few weekends they had together it was off to the furniture and kitchen stores. The weekend proved very expensive as it cost well over ten grand before they got home on Sunday afternoon and by then there was no intention of cooking tea. A simple meal for two alongside the river with wine and ending with coffees made a perfect end to the day, Kerry had been wearing the girdle come bra for both days and it still felt very comfortable on her as well as sexy.
Monday came around too soon and the weekends fun and games were consigned to memory for Pam and Kerry with promises to do it all again some rainy day. Grace and Jean had been at work for over an hour by the time Kerry walked in with Susan close behind, “have a good weekend ?””asked Susan “yes great, how was yours?” Normal start to the week but this was the third week and several tasks had to be completed ready for the first system cross check on Friday morning. General ledger configuration had been finished and sample Debtors and Creditors had been entered, it was now time to load the inventory list from Excel and determine control accounts for their sales and purchase amounts. This would have been the role of project accountant and the installation consultant so Susan and Kerry had a few long days ahead of themselves as they set and tested the journal entries for each type of product through purchase, warranty, return, sale, and credit back.
By Thursday they both had done enough and needed a break, Kerry suggested that the two of them have lunch and headed out for a small café around the corner. Even being in close proximity to Susan there was no recognition from her that she had met Kerry before until they sat at the café. “I hope you don’t mind me asking but do you have a brother or relative in the company?” Kerry stalled, “no why?” she spat out. “It’s just that at times you look very familiar to the person that did our install about two years ago but he was a guy” Susan had seen a glimpse of Paul but could not nail him down. Kerry thought fast “I had a cousin that worked there before I arrived but he left to do his own thing but I don’t think he looks as attractive as me” she said flicking her hair about. “That must be it, close family likeness though but only when you smile” Susan said picking up her salad fork “our mums are sisters so that doesn’t surprise me, do you have any brothers or sisters?” The attack had been turned back and Susan went off talking about her family and how they were either accountants or managers and Christmas get togethers were never without a technical discussion on taxation or business plans. They discussed Grace and her work then Susan brought up John’s transition and how did Kerry feel about him / her. All up Susan had very little reservation but it was unusual for her to see why a successful man would want to be a woman as if it was a second rate position. Friday testing went through without problems and several staff had good practice runs on the system before Kerry shut down the test system for upgrades and backup of the main server.
Before leaving Kerry stopped into Jean’s office and closed the door, “all ready for the trip to Toni’s place, you are going to love it” she told Jean who had been getting more excited about the trip each day it got closer. “Toni has sent me some ideas for photos so I need to get some really sexy lingerie, any idea where I can go?” Kerry stepped to the door and flicked the internal lock, “let me show you something I just bought” Kerry said and slipped off her blouse and long skirt to reveal the girdle bra from Saturday and stockings, “what do you think?” If John had still been alive Kerry would have been in trouble but Jean just wanted to know where from and how much and the how much was optional in her mind, she wanted one. Pam was away interstate so Kerry agreed to take Jean there in the morning before she went to the Manor. By ten am the next morning Jean was sitting in Kerry’s car heading for Lisa’s shop and an appointment with Toni shortly after. Lisa greeted Kerry and was introduced to Jean “Jean is one of my special friends Lisa” which she understood as code for man that likes to wear pretty clothes and sexy lingerie “and is also in RLT.” Lisa had wondered if Kerry would make the jump to RLT and this week was more convinced that she was well on the way, even if Kerry didn’t know it yet. Twenty minutes, a swipe of the credit card, two bags and they air kissed goodbye and walked back outside. “I’ll have to key this into my GPS as a favourite place of interest” Jean said putting the bags on the back seat and sliding in the front. Kerry dropped her off at her home and promised to be there tonight after Jean had enjoyed the Manor and being pampered by Jacky and Toni.
Jean picked up Tracey who was wearing a very nice twin set of skirt and blouse in matching pattern with 3” heels and her hair in a ponytail , In contrast Jean had on jeans and top with slip on flats for the drive to the manor. Pulling into the driveway for the first time they saw the Manor standing like an 1800’s house from England with manicured lawns, rose hedges and tennis court, they expected an English Butler to open the door as they rang the bell. Jacky welcomed them both into the “Parlour” or sitting room as they used to be called, Toni entered a few minutes later and together they discussed the final sequence of shots and scenes. Jean had thought about a “Sleeping Beauty” series of shots a sort of mini-series of her life from birth of John to death and rebirth as Jean. The preliminary shots were taken by Jacky as they sat and took tea in the Parlour using fine bone china cups and saucers while they chatted. Makeup took a good thirty minutes for the first round of shots and then Jean fitted into her peasant outfit of long off white dress with scoop bodice revealing the typical ample portions through a lace border, a plain apron and flat shoes completed the look for round one. The kitchen provided the backdrop and Jean took to modeling work slowly as Jacky prompted and encouraged her to try different looks.
Meanwhile Toni had taken Tracey to the wardrobe area and found her a plain suit and top hat with walking cane and gloves, her hair being forced under the hat. The second round of shots included the meeting of Jean and Tracey in the front door area with gentle demure glances and nervous giggles from Jean as Tracey presented her with a dozen long stem roses Looking out of the window holding one of the long stem roses Jacky captured the distant look of a person wondering what would happen next. But as we all know the story takes a dark turn and we see Jean in a wooden paneled room holding the apple of death, the look of horror on her face as she realizes the trick played on her by Life. Jacky downgraded the makeup to a more severe white but with bright red cheeks and Jean put on basic white wedding gown without veil or train.
They had setup a table in the conservatory or sunroom and covered it with a white sheet and silk pillow, Jean laid down with her hands touching just below her bustline while holding the rose. The gown flowed over the sides of the table and down to her feet and painted toes standing clear from the gown. Jacky had put a long blonde wig on Jean for the full series of shots as it was more in keeping with the theme, now it fell around her head like a halo of gold with a daisy chain hair clip. The photos were taken from the back of the room towards the open window showing that life still existed while Jean lay dead. Tracey entered wearing a white suit with her pony tail now hanging down her back mourning the loss of her love, gently kissing Jeans cheek leaving lipstick marks as she withdrew. The contrast of gender and images was a powerful storyline as Sleeping beauty wakes and embraces her lover in the form of Tracey now shown without her hair restricted or wearing the suit jacket. The image of two women embracing then walking out through the open windows into the garden, bare feet and rose petals making the final shot as they walked hand in hand.
Jean wanted some of the other shots that Grace had shown her so while Tracey and Toni talked about the work photos they had been commissioned to take, Jacky and Jean played at dress up. Jean wanted a few shots in the new girdle and stockings but wanted tasteful rather than raunchy. An hour later and Jacky had finished several makeup changes and Jean had used all of her clothes including the new lingerie she had brought with Kerry in the morning. Raunchy wasn’t easy to find with Jean as the old form of John still had some control but they did look very good and Jacky was happy with the end product. Jean slipped back into a black skirt and cream blouse just covering the black girdle and Bra which could be seen through the blouse, the ‘twin peaks’ effect very prominent. Tracey and Jean walked around the property carrying glasses of wine and talking about the photos Jean had done without Tracey seeing them and how the Sleeping Beauty set had made Tracey feel. Tracey had slipped her hand into Jeans as they walked through the rose garden and sipped their wine, it was obvious that she really did love Jean.
Toni went to work on the slideshow with titles, music and blends to present Jean with a finished product for her time in the Manor, he also set aside a copy of all of the shots onto CD for her to view later. Grace and Jen arrived at the same time as Kerry, just before dinner time, and got shown into the Parlour for sherry and port before the meal. Toni had been working on an idea for the company and asked if the three girls, Jean, Kerry and Grace could indulge her for a while, then led them into the green room. Toni explained his idea and gave Jean a plumbers suction tool, Grace got an orbital sander and Kerry was given a light fitting. They stood in formation, a bit like Charlie’s Angels with the green backdrop, Toni superimposed a traditional house shot behind them and took the photo or ten. As they enjoyed the rest of their drinks Toni inserted the words “Tired of telling your man what to do? Call us and only ask once” then sent it to a large format printer to produce an A2 poster. The second poster had the words “Your man not doing his job, call and ask once” with a 1800 ask once phone number under the group of ladies. The irony of not having a single genetic girl or GG, as they were often called, in the photo was obvious to the small group around the table as they checked out the final posters.
Toni dimmed the lights as the plasma started the slideshow of Jeans Sleeping Beauty experience then followed with a shortened version of the full set of photos with music in the background. Kerry had seen the closeness of Jean and Tracey as they had waited for Toni to finish her work so was not surprised when the kiss happened on the screen. Over dinner they talked about the Manor and work and the advertising campaign as well as the experience of being made to look like something or someone else. It was more than a chance to act a part as Jean had seen the time as a chance to explore different looks and makeup styles, Grace and Kerry could both identify with her and they both said that the memory stayed with you for many months if not years. Dinner moved into after dinner drinks and it was still going at ten when Jen and Grace decide they had to leave so Kerry made suitable comments and left at the same time leaving Jean and Tracey finishing their drinks.
Jacky had been watching them over the day and just had to ask “now they have gone home what about you two care to talk about what’s going on in your lives?” Tracey blushed but held on to Jean’s hand even harder, she had often dreamt about her boss but never quite thought it would go this direction while John had been less open with himself. “You could say that things just happened between us, Tracey has always been there to help me at work and when I felt down she seemed to understand and just let me talk. When I first started to transition four years ago Tracey was there for me with hints and even training sessions on the weekend, this time she has been the gentle force behind the scenes making sure that I was protected and safe.” Tracey smiled at Jean hoping for more from her but nothing came out, “and what about you Tracey how do you feel about Jean” Tracey thought about it, say how she felt and risk being rejected or not speak and never going anywhere. “Jean said most of it except I think from my side that I have much stronger feelings for Jean than she knows about” Tracey said almost whispering at the end. Sometimes it takes a lump of four by four to wake people up to see the thing that is right in front of their noses, Jean was hit and then saw the face of his friend and lover for the first time. Jean leaned over to Tracey and wiped a tear away from her face “I must be stupid, I was too afraid to say anything in case I scared you off, I have loved you since the first time we spoke about who I am and you held my shaking hand and wiped my tears away without judgement.” Tracey and Jean left just before midnight after sharing more of their journeys with Jacky and Toni, much happier and at last talking about their future.
Jean called Kerry on Sunday and talked about the situation with Tracey wanting to know how she thought it would go down at work and if it would hinder her RLT. Kerry took the bull by the horns and simply asked Jean if she loved Tracey, after that was sorted out the rest was simple, people just had to live with it. Jean just needed to ask about it, she had already made up her mind as Tracey was the other consistency in her life and it was only a matter of sexuality after all was said and done. Kerry hung up from the conversation and thought about her own situation with Pam, their background pointed to certain fundamentalist views but they had been smashed as Kerry left the closet never to return. In a state where many things didn’t see the light of day the idea of living as a woman with a woman was hard to fathom. Laws had not kept pace with global views and local society had never really been concerned about any other place in the world, so why change. By Monday morning Kerry had gone back and forth in her mind but as she walked into work and saw the smile on Tracey’s face it seemed to be immaterial. Here was a sheepish girl that had been set free by declaring her love for her boss and it had been reciprocated of course decorum was essential, too much change may hurt the business.
Week four, testing phase was nearly complete and loading static data would begin in earnest so Kerry called a small team meeting of Susan, Grace and Jean. She talked about inventory lists and suppliers catalogues then the problems associated with blending disparate number systems into one data base. Two of the suppliers had preset re-order codes that differed from the main codes and they also had XML data interchange formats that needed coding. Grace headed off to sort out the catalogue blending, Susan hit the stock-take lists and Kerry started coding leaving Jean to sit back and manage the process. So it was no surprise when Tracey asked Jean about lunch, they vanished to their favourite café where they could sit and chat without the staff hearing anything. “Do you feel ok with me in the office after the weekend?” asked Tracey making sure Jean hadn’t changed her mind, “don’t be daft, I’m not going to let you go after ten years” Jean said leaning forward and touching her hand. It was these little things that gave Tracey hope, and over lunch she touched Jean’s legs with her stocking clad feet, “guess what I have on?” she asked Jean. “No idea, is this just talking or do we go back to my place and really find out?” Jean said rather boldly. Tracey was now on dangerous ground as she ran the idea around, “who would look after the front desk?” Jean looked at her “call Kathy and tell her that we have been called out to a suppliers office and could she cover for the rest of the afternoon.” “Better tell her that it’s important and take all messages for me” Jean said standing up from the table signaling that she was leaving.
Luckily the car stayed at the speed limit as Jean drove home with Tracey sitting in the front then entered through the garage security door and turned on the lights. Tracey was close behind and bumped into Jean as she stopped to put down her keys which made Jean turn around directly in front of Tracey, “now, what was the question again?” But Tracey was too slow for Jean, “I’ll tell you what, lets go upstairs and find out instead” Jean said taking Tracey by the hand and leading her up the stairs to her bedroom. Tracey had been there before but only giving Jean training lessons on clothes and makeup never in any sexual way, except in her dreams. The difference between men and women is ‘time’ and they took lots of it slowly kissing and touching each other as the clothes got taken off. Tracey had on a garter belt she had bought on Sunday after seeing the one Jean was so fascinated with at the manor and stockings that seemed to cling to her legs like skin. To say that it had the desired effect would be wrong, the impact was far more enticing to Jean with her matching outfit from the weekend the two of them stood touching and exploring before laying on the bed. John had been in a relationship until four years ago when the woman had basically said stop or I leave, so with no change in sight she had to leave. Tracey on the other hand had always loved John from leaving school and joining his company so never wanted anyone else. Jean took her time and helped Tracey enjoy the moment, every moment until they finally lay there wrapped in each other knowing that things would always be different between them now. Tracey wanted to do it all over again with Jean telling her what to do to make her time enjoyable as well, they would not be going back to work today.
It may have taken another ten years for Jean to make a move if Tracey hadn’t gone on the offensive, “does this make us official now?” Tracey asked nuzzling up to Jean’s neck. “What do you think, can you handle having a wife and a female boss?” Jean said holding on to Tracey tightly “Wife, who said anything about wife, I was just thinking of going out together, anyway I’ve been chasing you for ten years why rush it all on the second date” Tracey said amazed that Jean could move quickly when she wanted to. “Did I miss something?” asked Jean wondering if she was thinking like John instead of like Jean, “let’s just say that romance and courting are not old fashion ideas to this girl” Tracey said showing a determined stance. “Let’s just take a breath and see how we get on over the next few weeks” Jean had missed something and she would work very hard to get it right. Tracey let Jean off and told her “treat me nicely, take me out and then we can see how we feel about the rest” Jean would take her out, regularly but they tended to find their way home very quickly so Tracey moved in with Jean before the project finished but no one else knew about it as she continued to use her own car for work.
Grace finished blending the catalogues into one file and Susan completed a stock count so by Wednesday afternoon the data was ready for upload. Markups had been set based on product landed costs and RRP but the internal markup for franchisees was a confidential matter controlled by each customer masterfile. The company never sold directly to clients but each owner operator had bonus discount based on sales figures each six month review period. Friday morning saw another test period begin with sales and purchases moving through the system to general ledger journals. The stores person got involved sending short orders and warranty returns, missing product warnings and variances in landed costs from purchase order. All alternatives showed the correct setup or configuration with Susan confirming the GL data was intact and balanced, a great end of the week.
This would be one of the few weekends that Pam and Kerry could spend together so they had planned a short stay in the country away from the phones. Kerry drove passed Pam’s work and picked her up around 3pm and by 6pm they had booked into the hotel and unpacked the bags ready for a swim in the indoor pool followed by a spa and sauna before dinner. This was going to be all about them and that’s what Pam loved about going away, no interruptions from phones or family dropping in. Kerry unpacked her one piece swimsuit and wrap around skirt ready for the pool, she had carefully waxed any stray pubic hairs and trimmed back the depth of remaining hair then applied some tape to make sure that Percy sat still and out of sight. Kerry commented on the silicone device that Grace had received for Christmas from Jen and how natural it looked when she had been at the last weekend, yes there had been a show and tell by Grace. The pool was deserted as most weekend guests had not arrived so early and it was still a shade chilly outside so they had the place to themselves. Pam insisted on no funny business in public to keep her risk of pain down to a minimum, Kerry just enjoyed the freedom of being away from work and started to relax with Cocktails being ordered from the house service.
It was close to eight before they got into the dining room for dinner but it was well worth taking their time, they had each got dressed up for the meal with nice black dresses and heels to match. Part way through the main course Pam leaned close to Kerry and told her what she had on under the little black dress, just stay up stockings, nothing else. Kerry had been in the bathroom while Pam had got dressed and missed the fact but had her own surprise, “that’s good since I have my girdle and stockings on again, I know how much you enjoyed them last time.” Dessert was a quick affair followed by signing the account slip and departing for their room where Pam’s slow undress and tease show took Kerry by surprise. Pam hummed a well known tune as she undid her zip from behind her back and let the strappy LBD drop to the floor as she stepped out of it wearing just heels and stockings. “Your turn, show me what you have to offer” Pam said starting to hum the strip tease tune again as Kerry lifted her hands above her head and gyrated her hips. Her dress was a shoulder number with straps that hid the long line bra she had on underneath while a slit up the back revealed her seamed stockings and Cuban heels ending in 4” black leather heels. Turning her back on Pam, Kerry undid the zip then slipped one arm out from the shoulder straps followed by the other and held the dress close to her body. Turning back she pulled her hair over the front of her face then pouted a kiss at Pam before dropping the dress to the ground to show her girdle and bra with stockings.
The bra was next to go by unclipping the eye and hook set up the front of the garment, this allowed her ample breast forms to jump loose, she had shaded the edges with foundation to disguise the difference between the silicone and her skin. The nipples stood slightly firm, not through excitement but through design, although had they been real it would have looked the same as Kerry was getting very turned on by the exercise. Straddling a chair she bent one leg up into the air and slowly removed a shoe before tossing it to the ground and running her hands back up the leg to her thigh. The second leg got the same treatment except that when her hands got to the top of her leg she unclipped the garter tab before standing up and resting her leg on the chair while unclipping the back tab. While looking at Pam, Kerry rolled the stocking down her leg and removed her foot from the nylon pleasure and flicked it towards Pam then repeated for the other leg. It was just the girdle now, but that could wait as the pair fell into bed not able to hold back any longer, Kerry running her hands up Pam’s legs and placing a finger under the stocking top and moving to the inside of her thigh. It was this sort of seduction and foreplay that seemed to increase the love making for both of them which normally didn’t occur when Paul was involved.
Kerry used all of the tricks she could remember to bring Pam to the top of her mountain before letting her down slowly to be engulfed in the feelings and passion of the moment. Kerry was never in any hurry to move on but chose to make the most of seeing Pam melt into the bed, rubbing her stomach and the tip of her mound. Going up the mountain twice in a session was hard going normally but tonight they positively flew there as Kerry helped Pam every step of the way. Laying on the bed afterwards they just cuddled and kissed until Pam decided it was Kerry’s turn for pleasure and ecstasy, but try as she could the best Pam got was swelling. Instead of stopping and letting it go Pam reached under her pillow and brought out the “emergency tool kit” that she had used weeks earlier. Thinking back she realized that it had been almost 14 days since they had been intimate and still Paul did not appear. The soft buzz of vibe touched Kerry’s leg and stomach then went to her groin as Pam noted what spots caused best reaction. The spot between scrotum and anus was obviously a good one as Kerry arched her back and groaned, the vibrator touching nerves that connected body and soul bringing heightened joy as Pam made circles on her skin. The effect was the same as last time, a deep roaring from within then collapsing into a heap as she caught her breath and bathed in the emotions of it all, tears rolling down her cheeks. Pam saw and wondered but chose not to say anything to spoil the evening, breakfast would be soon enough.
Room service had knocked on the door to signal the tray delivery for their continental breakfast so Pam opened the door took the tray and returned to bed. The conversation was around the day’s activities and local sights they had read about but Pam had another need and started to ask Kerry about the night before. Kerry talked again about the feelings and enjoying the sensations “can I ask one important thing?” Pam said. Kerry wondered what was coming as the tone had changed “please tell me the truth, have you been taking any hormones or things?” Kerry breathed again as she relaxed. “No dear, I promise you that I have not done anything in that area at all, or any other area that breaches the agreement” Kerry said looking straight at Pam. “So what’s happening down below, Mr Happy isn’t so Happy anymore” Pam said wondering what else could be up, or not. Kerry thought about it again, she had no problem with what was happening and how it had changed but she had done nothing except be Kerry 24/7 for over five weeks now. “Would you like to be Kerry all the time?” asked Pam and this made Kerry uncertain of where to go, “do you want to transition like Jean and Toni or are you happy living with me?” Pam had now put it in different terms as if the two things were mutually exclusive, one or the other, Kerry had to be very careful. Kerry looked at her “could they exist together, or is that too hard to consider, what I mean is would it look any different to how we are living this month?” Pam shifted in the bed and sat upright leaning on the pillow she held at her chest like a security blanket, “where is the problem if we stayed like this?” Kerry asked.
Hours of counseling and days of talking had skirted the issue of where did Kerry fit into the lives of Paul and Pam, if anywhere. Kerry had moved from closet to prison cell then parole until today she was a free woman working every day out in the world without any problems as far as she could see, but she tended to be blind in some areas of her life. “What would people think if they saw us together, how would I face them, what about the kids?” Pam muttered trying to make her thoughts clear. “People have seen us and they think we are just friends, we only kiss at home or in private, we have so few friends now apart from the new ones I seem to gather. The kids are okay with me and I think they would be fine if I said that I had decided to change” Kerry said these things and hoped they were true. “Anyway we have another five weeks to go before the project finishes, then we can discuss how we feel, I still need a real job that pays well and I don’t see Bill letting me come to work like this, do you?” Pam wasn’t happy but let it ride, it was as if Kerry had said yes but wasn’t ready to let Pam know.
Local wineries and cheese factories blended into each other, gift stalls and local produce stands along the road made tempting offers to take their money. Lunch was a pub meal of cheese, bread, roast beef and pickled onions, sometimes called a Plough-mans lunch washed down with local grape juice. Pam had been churning the conversation over in her mind and watched how people reacted to the two of them as they walked around occasionally arm in arm like two dear friends out shopping. Kerry had on her long kilt skirt over thick tights and leather hiking boots, up top she wore a thick woolen cardigan to keep the cold out and knitted scarf around her neck, ‘Country Living’ style at its best. Pam had thrown on her jeans, sneakers and parka with jumper underneath, not quite as stylish. As the sun started to go down and the tourist places all closed the two girls ended up back in the hotel but this time in the front lounge of the bar drinking mulled wine from large brandy balloons as they sat near an open fireplace in Chesterfield chairs. Kerry picked up a magazine for local businesses and flicked through looking at the range of business ventures in the region and how they had diversified to capture the most of the tourism market. Green politics had banned logging and closed several long term ventures as sustainable industry became the catch phrase or war cry of lobby groups. In the middle of all of the adverts she spotted an advert for a local B&B that proudly sported the rainbow, a symbol now used by the gay and lesbian community instead of the Christian church where it belonged. Kerry read about the weekend retreats and lack of pressure to conform to the opinion of others, it seemed a nice place to go to and noted the address. Dinner was more subdued as they had walked for miles along some winding forest paths and climbed a few steep paths on a tour around the old growth forest.
The rattle of the tray woke Pam as Kerry climbed back into bed, “come on sleepyhead, breakfast time” Kerry said sliding a tray to Pam. “You have been snoring for at least an hour while I’ve been up, showered, shaved, and read part of my book” Kerry said pouring a cup of tea for each of them. “I must have needed it, work has been fairly full on lately” Pam said fluffing up her pillow against the bed head and pulling the tray to her. They ate breakfast then pottered around for a while before packing and checking out of the hotel, Kerry had planned a few things to see before going back home and started the car. The B&B was up for sale and Kerry wanted to see the place for herself, owning a place like this had been on her agenda for years but never found the right place or income level. Pam reluctantly followed Kerry as she knocked on the door and introduced herself and that she was interested in finding out more about the operation they ran. An hour later Pam was surprised and slightly interested in the place but not enough to make the change from city to country living. The two women operating the place were obviously deeply in love and totally at peace with who they were in front of strangers, even if it was potential buyers. Unfortunately for Kerry the figures didn’t stack up, it would take a solid cash injection rather than financed loan to make the place break even.
Lunch at a winery before heading back home and a long drive, Kerry settled into the driving and Pam took the opportunity to continue her questions. In two hundred kilometers many questions can get sorted out, so by the time Kerry pulled the car into the drive Pam was comfortable with what they had discussed. Kerry would not undertake any modification at any time without full agreement, transitioning was an option but had to be rationally looked at in the light of employment and career planning. Of course what Kerry heard was “you can go 24/7 when you find a suitable job” as I said she could be blind in some areas of her life. So some sort of peace had been reached in both of their minds, even if they had not been saying the same thing. To Kerry the task would be to find a suitably well paying position that would allow her to work as herself and she wondered if Bill would accommodate her decision since he was already condoning the action at Jeans workplace. Transitioning was never on the table at the start as it was always about just finding out what the girl inside would look like not becoming the girl inside but the more she thought about it the more she wanted to give it a go.
Monday was start of week six and that left two weeks till ‘Go Live” day, the day when all things made the switch for real. Susan had to get the old system up to the most accurate and precise stage she could, that meant all invoices and deliveries being entered along with an accurate stock check and value of goods on hand. Susan would be working longer hours than others before the switch and Kerry would take the data files massage them into the right format and download them in the new system over the long weekend in nine days. Grace spent most of her days keying data into the system along with Susan and Kerry tracked duplicate invoices through the test system making sure both lined up. This was always the failsafe position as a fault here would delay the switch over until it could be fixed or worked around. Jean and Tracey seemed to be in their own world planning advertising and meeting endless suppliers for some unknown reason, their time in the office was far less than before the project had begun. Friday came and went just as quickly as the week as started, test results all looked good and Susan was confident of meeting the target date so everyone was ready for a relaxing two days off.
Pam worked again so Kerry tidied the house and did some shopping then sat in the coffee shop drinking her Latte and reading the daily paper, not a care in the world. Every so often she had spotted people from the old life and had made sure she avoided them, today she had seen two people but they had simply smiled and walked on not realizing who she was. That would be one benefit of transitioning she thought to herself, being unseen wherever she went unless Pam was with her then it would be different. Then as quite often this week she applied herself to the task at hand, finding a suitable job to go 24/7 as Kerry while earning enough money. To some degree the amount of money was less important than the right workplace in her analysis of risk versus return, high risk for any money would not cut it. Jean had called about dinner knowing that Pam was out of town so Kerry fronted up at Jeans place with wine in hand just before seven. Tracey opened the door and let Kerry inside before walking back into the kitchen where she was making the final touches to the meal. Kerry noticed the fact that Tracey was in control of the place and not Jean, flowers on the table and little extras that she hadn’t seen either time she visited before.
Dinner was good and the wine even better as they chatted about work and Jean’s transitioning before Kerry told them about Pam’s comment. “I think she said find a job and we can discuss it, but I may have been hearing things” Kerry said chuckling to herself, “is that all you need to make the jump?” Tracey asked, assuming that it would take far more energy for Kerry to change sides. “I was probably being simplistic, we would have to be comfortable being two women and I’m not sure about actual GRS and losing my bits” Kerry said looking at Tracey. Jean touched Tracey’s hand before saying “You know that we have been very much together since the trip to the Manor, don’t you”, Kerry laughed “duh, unless you two have suddenly got so many suppliers and new products that you have failed to tell us about, of course we guessed.” Tracey looked a bit shy about it but her smile was also a sign of relief as Kerry now knew, “we think it should still be hidden at work, they have enough with Jean at the moment” Tracey said continuing her dinner.
Jean wanted to know what Kerry would do for a job if she had a chance, what really made her day and would give her satisfaction. Kerry had to think for about 3 nanoseconds before talking, especially since she thought better with her mouth running. “For me the ideal job has to allow me to be creative and free to explore opportunities and make the most of ideas as they come up, let me explain what I mean. Take your business for a moment, you deliver one core business item of general maintenance, but where do people go that need a specific task doing. Yellow pages or local trade directory, what if they only had to ‘call once’, one number that had a wide range of specific trades available to help. A division just for reticulation or lawn edging, or fencing, or even home painting, one call to get the trade person you need at the time and place you want it without dealing with several promises from people that can’t deliver. Put all these inside a company that has an ironclad promise of delivery and service then make it a household name with one number service centre and you have a winner across any sector of the market. Now that is what you could do in under two years and take this place by storm” then Kerry picked up her wine and took a breath and long drink. Jean and Tracey had to be stunned by the speed and passion that Kerry used as she delivered her ideas in rapid fire.
Jean mulled it over on her head, she had been looking for the next stage in her business but had not gone anywhere near the things Kerry had just shot out. Tracey sat there methodically ordering the key points and ideas then wondering how the business would change if Jean ran with even half of them. Finally Jean put her drink down and looked quizzically at Kerry, “and how long would you give me if I offered you the job to implement the vision you just sold to me?” “What vision, that was just ideas from the top of my head, loose random thoughts with no solidity behind them” Kerry said realizing that she may have to remember what she just said. It was always a problem when Kerry had these brain attacks, she said it then had to think about what she had said, repeating it was difficult. Tracey touched Jeans hand as if to signify she wanted to have input, a condition or duty she no longer needed as Jean saw her now as a full partner in the business and was in the process of making that formal without her knowledge. “What you said was very straight forward, I can type each one of the points up for you, but you had so much passion about it that it would be hard to give to anyone else but you.” “Look, I never accept a job offer after two drinks and besides I have project to finish without getting distracted so let’s come back to it in four weeks” Kerry said while internally linking job offer with transitioning and making plans.
Sunday morning was a time to relax so after morning ablutions Kerry slipped into her pants and bra before eating breakfast in her silk wrap around, she had no plans for shopping or visiting but wanted to simply enjoy the day. After clearing the dishes, Kerry went to the bedroom and chose the short black and red kilt and a tight black sweater that was now tighter since she had purchased larger size D breast forms. Sitting at the makeup table Kerry took out the whitest foundation she could find before she went to town on her eyes. Using a liquid liner she applied heavy outline above and below the eye then used her best and darkest mascara to give extra depth to her lashes finishing with dark blue eye shadow and dark brown lipstick that gave a gothic finish to her outfit. Just to complete the image Kerry slipped on a pair of black stay up stockings that had four inch lace bands onto her legs and then took out her black “take me home” boots from the wardrobe. Talk about wet dream material, Kerry felt at least twenty years younger and looked it as well. Pam was not expected home until after 6pm and that gave her plenty of time to enjoy playing dress up.
Kerry couldn’t keep the ideas from last night out of her mind so sat down to put them down on paper, or computer, before she lost too much time churning them over. An couple of hours later she had a basic business plan that could be used for implementing all five new divisions with SWOT outlines for each one. The plan would take three years from start of project to final review and need serious investment in technology and backroom systems. Administration and cashflow were the weakest points in the plan as this would be critical to the expansion, Jean would have to take on a general manger or admin manager to keep it moving and under control. By increasing the payment speed and dispersing funds electronically to the franchisees the need for an overdraft or short term funding for supplies would be removed hence saving money. Kerry loved this sort of stuff and it gave her a sense of being useful instead of feeling like a failure that occurred sometimes as she sat and pondered the future.
Lunch called for her attention but so did Jean, asking about dropping in for a chat, kill two birds with one stone and Kerry threw together a salad and tuna with juice and rye bread for three, she assumed Tracey would be with Jean. Jean and Tracey knocked at the door and stepped back as Kerry answered looking so radically different to her normal self, “the cat’s away so the mouse is playing” Kerry said. Tracey was the most shocked and kept looking at Kerry’s makeup. As far as lunch was concerned she wasn’t wrong and as they sat outside eating a light lunch it was Jean that came straight to the point “I know you said to wait a month but I can’t get this out of my head.” Kerry laughed and told them both about her morning of business plans, SWOT analysis and her opinion of how long it would take to break even. “So what do we do, take the plunge or just talk about it for another four weeks?” Jean asked wondering how to get Kerry onboard without upsetting Bill. Kerry held up her hand “firstly I have to talk with Pam then Bill and you need to make an offer before I do anything.” “I knew that you would say that, so here is the offer” and slid a piece of paper over the table to Kerry, the contents made her sit up rather quickly. It included a very substantial base wage with new car and normal perks until the first enterprise started making net profit then it would increase with 25% straight from the top while she stayed working for Jean in an exclusive basis. If Kerry opted to branch out it would reduce to 10% residual for five years as long as she offered consulting services back to the company, which would be on a fee for service basis.
Kerry had to make a decision about her future and where she wanted to go before Pam came home, without being sure she would have no chance in persuading or discussing it. Kerry sat down in her short skirt and boots as she drank tea and weighed the options, stay as Paul with part time Kerry, become the woman she wanted to be full time, or make a half jump - Kerry on the outside with Paul under the skirt. Recently the benefit of keeping the crown jewels was almost a moot point as nothing seemed to work like it used to and the alternative method was quite nice for her. Could she carry it off every day without failure or would the thrill diminish over time and become just plain old clothes and makeup, was it just that anyway. How would Pam handle the sudden jump, was it sudden or had it just taken a long time arriving and what of the kids. Too much analysis is bad for the brain and Kerry got bogged down in small details well before she had an answer so decided to put it all back in the box for later. Kerry loved the gothic look but was pretty certain that Pam would have trouble with the combination of Tarty clothes and severe makeup, so she changed back into a more acceptable ‘soccer mum’ style before cooking dinner for Pam’s return, there was no mention of the offer or the playtime.
Back at work on Monday Kerry told Jean about her decision to finish the project before making a decision but would undertake a check on the software to make sure it was configured to handle multiple divisions. Kerry had on her knee length pencil skirt, white silk blouse covering a white sweater bra and clear hose in modest 2” heels. Tracey checked her out as she left Jean’s office, “that’s very tame for you isn’t it?” Tracey laughed as Kerry just walked past in a very controlled manner. “Anytime you want to come over to my house I’m sure you can learn a few tricks to keep someone happy” Kerry said disappearing into her office. Susan was checking on grace and making sure the system had been updated with stock levels from Saturdays stock take exercise. She dropped into Kerry’s office for a few minutes and ended up taking a seat, “my feet are killing me already, too much dancing at the weekend, we got mother in law to babysit for us” she said rubbing her feet. “Must be murder, what height heels did you have on?” Kerry asked expecting to hear about four or five inches, “just three inches but I have been on flats for over two years with the baby.” Kerry told Susan about her 5” spikes and her gothic take me home boots and offered to loan her some real shoes to go dancing in if she wanted a real good time out with her husband.
Kerry outlined the need for possible multiple divisions in the future and asked Susan to run a scenario over the configuration for her, Kerry was almost certain it would work but wanted Susan involved. Grace had finished entering the data for stock take and ended up sitting in the office as they went through the scenario, she quickly picked up enough information to put things together in her head then made some quite radical suggestions about administrative practices. Technology had come a long way in a few short years and IVR or Interactive Voice Recognition was now coming into it’s own with automated switchboards and voice over IP or netphones. “We could set up a system to match client needs with franchisees based on what the caller wants and what we have to offer” Grace said as she discussed the technology, mainly for Susan’s benefit. “Linking PDA’s with the accounting server we could also handle stock and invoicing without having to get faxes each night from the guys in the field, that has to speed up processing and reduce staff input as well” Grace had been studying technology interfaces with manual production systems at Uni and was quite well versed in modern trends. “How long before you finish your course?” Kerry asked thinking that Grace had another two years ahead of her. “About eight months, I did a summer intensive that caught up nearly a whole semester and plan on doing the same this Christmas break, why?” Grace watched as Kerry just shrugged off the question.
Grace had been diligently turning up for work, dressing smartly but casually and not making a ripple in the company, Kerry had watched her get chat up lines from the stores guy and fend them off without hurting. She had also interacted well with the ladies in admin and even gone to lunch some days not seeming out of place at all. Today Grace had on a knee length skirt, jumper and leather jacket to keep the cold out, coloured check pattern tights and ankle boots that matched her handbag and jacket. Grace made no impact in a negative way and always showed Susan a great deal of respect, her mum would have been proud of her new daughter. Actually most of the other women saw Grace as a great kid that was working hard getting through uni and also at her job, she deserved a helping hand. Tracey always made sure she was aware of what Grace was doing and kept an eye open for her friend Jen who picked her up most days, two nice girls that got on well around adults.
Kerry had planned on taking Wednesday and Thursday off in preparation for the weekend and spending them with Pam so everything had to be finished before Tuesday evening. Susan had confirmed the General Ledger structure would cope and the reports could be expanded as needed, the stock list was not an issue until they actually took on new suppliers. Jean and Kerry went out on Tuesday for a bite to eat but also so Jean could make sure the project was on track, “anything I need to be concerned about?” Kerry told her to relax as the team had it under control and although it would be a couple of long days over the weekend. “Just let me know if you need anything else” Jean said reminding Kerry that she trusted her with the job and the staff at her disposal. Kerry asked Jean about her project, “Tracey is making it very easy to keep going, she makes sure we get time out of the office and encourages me every day, her clothes tips are also making me feel more confident when we go out to suppliers or meet corporate clients.” Kerry had noticed the extra highlights in her hair and the constant use of good makeup along with rings and bangles she was looking quite the with it girl. Jean sat there eating her salad swinging her right heel on the tip of her foot as if she had been born in the clothes that said quality and sophistication.
To be continued - Part 3 Will make the change of job and gender, will Jean still need to change, and what about poor old Bill?
Kerry
Continuing Release part 3
By Kerry Brown
The transition project comes to an end, at least for some of the girls
Pam got home late on Tuesday night as she had to finish work for two days, Kerry looked at her and the state of the kitchen, new appliances in place but not working yet. “Come on lets go out somewhere for dinner, can’t cook anything here” Kerry said grabbing her handbag that continually resided near the front door. It wasn’t her only one but it was the one that carried most of her bits for work and car keys, “let me just freshen up” Pam said reminding Kerry that it took time to look good. Kerry used the time to dial ahead and make a booking at a new place that had just been reviewed in the weekend paper, table for two on a Tuesday night would not be an issue normally but today after the review they would have to wait thirty minutes for a table. “Make that drinks on the balcony first then” Kerry said confirming the time, Pam had slipped into a fresh dress and put on more makeup for the evening. Kerry commented “you know that you are looking fantastic lately, the extra effort with makeup makes you look so much younger.” Pam was pleased about the comment as makeup was hard for her to get just right, too much was cheap and too little didn’t show up in the night lights. Good job she hadn’t seen the goth.
As they sat around the balcony admiring the water views Kerry and Pam talked about the kitchen and new furniture that had been delivered this week. Pam asked how Kerry thought she would go returning after the project, this had always been the major risk in taking the project as 24/7 Kerry time. “Not sure what to do afterwards, Jean has offered me a job as Manager, Product Development with a very good package deal” Kerry said. “Thanks for telling me about this” Pam said sarcastically “when did you intend to discuss it with me, or have you already made up your own mind about it?” Kerry told Pam about waiting until end of project to discuss it so that she wasn’t distracted but Pam was annoyed that she had been misled again referring to the deception of years ago. Kerry worked quickly to assure Pam that it was only at stage one of the thinking with Jean and that she had made no decisions and wouldn’t until Pam had the full details and an equal vote, which really gave her power of veto. Dinner was a tad strained as Pam went through the emotions of being ‘lied to’ even if it was only a decision to put off any discussion she should have been told.
It was early the next morning when tradesmen arrived to continue work on the kitchen and Pam found the place too noisy to relax so went to work, she was still angry with Kerry. By the end of the day the kitchen was all finished and Kerry had time to cook a nice dinner for them before Pam came home, preferring to set the outdoor table using the water feature as a backdrop with candles floating around the pond. “Is this an apology for not telling me?” Pam asked putting her bags on the bench and picking up a wine glass. Kerry had a sheepish look on her face “I guess I should have been quicker to say something so yes it is” the puppy dog eyes fluttered. “Well don’t let it happen again, would you like to know what I think or should I make you wait until the end of the project?” Pam asked stringing Kerry along. Kerry was interested in what Pam thought but wanted to tread carefully, “only if you want to tell me dear” she said sitting down at the table.
Pam started to talk, “I don’t want you to take this as approval or rejection, just let me get it out, OK. Well, Kerry is not that hard to live with compared to Paul, he can be grumpy and demanding at times and even downright difficult while Kerry isn’t like that at all. I can take Kerry shopping and have sensible chats about makeup and clothes without being told to always buy sexy lingerie and such like. Going out for dinner or to the cinema is no problem because I just treat you like a girlfriend and have a good time without any expectations. From your side I assume the biggest question would have to do with sex, so let’s clear that up right now. I want you to write down a score for the quality of sex in the last seven weeks compared to the previous seven weeks and I will do the same, make it out of ten where five is no change.” Kerry scribbled down a figure and Pam hid hers “OK, let’s see what you think” and Paul turned over a piece of paper with 8 written on it. “Care to explain why, actually I don’t need to ask I can tell from all of the noise you’ve been making lately” Pam said making Kerry blush. “Here is my score and you will be surprised, an eight as well” Kerry looked at the score not sure how Pam would rate the current state of play as so high. “Shocked, let me put it this way —TIME, Paul has no real time he wants to get it over with, I know you make sure that I am happy and everything but that’s not the same. Kerry always takes time to seduce and romance me and as unusual as that may seem I totally appreciate that rather than just having sex, on this score alone I would vote for Kerry.”
Pam stopped and took another drink, Kerry was shocked as she expected more trouble with the sex question. “Let me get this straight, you prefer it when I am in bed with you than when Paul is here?” Kerry asked thinking she must of heard it wrong. “Yes silly so don’t change you make me feel so alive every time you seduce me” Pam said making sure Kerry understood that it was the seducing that made the difference and not just the act of sex. ”Does that mean that you are voting for Kerry rather than Paul?” Kerry asked not sure if Pam had gone that far yet. The gentle nod of her head was all Kerry needed “and what about being out with me and having others see us together?” Pam wasn’t as certain about this area but when they went out Kerry seemed to treat Pam as a friend and not a sexual object, public displays of affection or PDA’s were not that common for them and hence never a real issue. “We have so few of our old friends that it doesn’t matter anymore and the new ones are mainly ours” Pam said quietly. This point still hurt her but she had made herself come to terms with it. “Now that doesn’t mean that you can race out and get it chopped off or breast implants, we need to take our time and you had better keep talking to me” Pam stated making the ground rules very clear for Kerry. By now Kerry was beginning to get very wet from the eyes, she had just accepted that the most serious change in her life could actually happen and it flowed for a long time.
The next morning was just them and Pam made Kerry breakfast while she put her face in order, shave and makeup then basic underwear before coming out into the kitchen. “I should start to think about hair removal seriously and some kind of hormones to help the figure” Kerry said testing the water, “I told you to slow down and talk it through” Pam laughed. “I did slow down, I’ve been thinking of nothing else since last night and would of got out of bed and searched the internet if it hadn’t woken you up” Kerry replied. Pam shook her head “sometimes you can be so full on as Kerry, what about RLT and getting help?” Kerry had been talking with Jean about her shrink and had also spoken to Toni when she started her time so she had two references to go on. “I Like the sound of Jeans psych, she sounds more like the type of person I would relate to” Kerry said referring to Anne “I could ring and find out if she has any spare appointment times, if you let me?” Pam was never really surprised at the speed that Kerry worked through issues, she only had one speed — flat out. “Go on then and better ask about a good doctor as well, since you’ll probably want the lot fairly soon” Pam shouted as Kerry had gone to get her mobile and call Jean for Anne’s phone number. It would normally take several months to get into Anne’s practice but a client had booked a double session for the late afternoon and gone down sick so Kerry was very happy to take the spot. They spent the rest of the day choosing new paint for the lounge and kitchen to match the new furniture, then booked a tradesman to complete the job over a weekend.
As Kerry walked into the front office of Anne’s practice she looked every bit the professional woman that had it all together but underneath she was far from it in many ways. This had been a journey of an entire life time but the last few months had far exceeded her greatest expectations and blown away any fear of going back inside the prison cell that Kerry had been forced into. The receptionist handed Kerry a clipboard and pen to fill in the basic name details and sign a standard Privacy Waiver and Consent form that allowed the doctor to breach the privacy agreement if she felt the patient’s life was at risk or an associated person. It was almost exactly on time that Anne called Kerry into her room, Kerry nearly said to herself “are you good to go?” remembering her first outside steps nearly three years ago. Anne was a slightly eccentric person with posters and paintings all over the wall depicting various stages of life and death but her smile made Kerry feel safe. Kerry handed Anne the clipboard and it took her a few seconds to read the name correctly “Sorry, did they swap the forms on you?” Anne asked thinking that it was for another client. Kerry smiled at her knowing what was going through her head “no, the name is right just the body is wrong” she said sitting down on the proverbial couch.
Anne got Kerry to start at the beginning and talk about her life and what brought her to this point today, that took most of the first session. In the second session Anne asked several questions and gave Kerry a gender test that anyone determined on starting RLT could have faked and surprise the results said it all, Kerry needed to transition. Anne was very taken with how Kerry had carried herself for the last seven weeks and Jean had even mentioned her help in matters so RLT was officially started seven weeks earlier. Anne made copious notes in her folder and then asked about hormones and surgery, “good question, my wife wants me to slow down and not do anything radical at the start so how about just letting me visit the doctor and tread carefully with the whole deal.” Anne wanted to meet Pam at some stage prior to completing RLT and would need her sign off on the permission to proceed so nothing too radical could happen without Pam being involved. Anne handed Kerry a card with the name of a good doctor for hormones and surgery that she had used before with other clients, Dr Gwynn Jones. Kerry made an appointment for every month and thanked Anne for helping her then skipped all the way home, in the car of course.
As you would expect from a wife, Pam wanted to know about every question and what answers did Kerry give and how long and what cost etc, it took nearly as long as the two session for the debrief to occur, this made Pam feel happy and told Kerry. Friday morning and back to work but before Kerry started what would be a very tiring four days she stopped at Jeans office “time for a quick chat?” Kerry asked closing the door after Jean consented. They spent nearly an hour talking and going through the whole decision to transition, Kerry was far more excited than Jean had thought possible. The business offer was almost a done deal now as Kerry had moved the barriers in her favour. “Better get to work it’s going to be a long day or should I say a long four days” Kerry said leaving the office and bumping into Susan coming through the foyer. Susan groaned a bit as Kerry apologized to her “what’s up, not feeling well today?” Susan looked a bit white or green around the gills as some would say. “Not pregnant are you?” Kerry said joking but the look on Susan’s face told the story “not sure let me see, morning sickness, no period, bloated, what do you think?” Kerry had no idea what to do, this was outside her acting skills, men don’t hug each other on the creation of a life, and Kerry could never know how Susan felt. “Wow, what can I say, I take it that you had no plans to start again” Kerry said stalling for any indication of how Susan felt, “not really three under school age is going to be hard work.” Tracey had heard some of the conversation and came over to Susan and hugged her, “need a cuppa and biscuit to start the day?” Tracey said leading her into the side office away from the public area. Kerry felt like a fifth wheel or something just as unwanted at the time and vanished into her office, the thought of never knowing the joy of motherhood was an interesting pain for Kerry.
Grace came and went throughout the day, Susan was better after the drink and powered through the day, stocktake and invoicing kept pace with the deliveries and sales then banking and petty cash came into line just before end of day. Just before five the team met to confirm they all had met their personal goals and the system would be closed down almost immediately taking the system off line until Tuesday morning. As the staff all filed out it was time for Susan and Kerry to break, a short break for dinner while the servers all backed up and reinitiated the database back to zero journal entries. The old system would be exported to Excel, massaged into the correct format and finally uploaded into the new system, this was the most time consuming as the format changes could not be automated. It took a further three hours for Kerry to stop and call time out, she had everything on her laptop and remote access to the server, Susan had done a great job in keeping the old system spot on the money it all balanced and the trial balance was within a cent. Now it was up to Kerry to do her thing as the others would have three days off work for fun and games.
Jean locked the office and set the alarm and walked out with Kerry to the cars. “Have I told you that I appreciate having you on the project?” Jean asked “not in as many words but I gather that you have found the going easier with me around here than one of the male techs that may not be so caring.” Jean leaned towards Kerry and kissed her cheek “thanks for being here and don’t kill yourself over the weekend I need you to drive your vision” Jean said turning to get in the car with Tracey at the wheel. Kerry stood and waited for seconds before getting in her own car, this was not the project she had expected when Bill gave it to her nearly two months previously.
The home office was clear for work and she had to push herself everyday to make the deadline, massage, test, next data file, massage, test, and so it went on through the weekend until Monday morning. Kerry instructed the server to run a backup containing all data and stock files before running any trial invoices, she didn’t need to but Kerry was always aware that gremlins found their way into any programme that had human interfaces. Early afternoon and Kerry was now happy all tests had been passed and the system set back ready for start of Tuesday. “I’m just going to chill out and relax for a few hours” Kerry said and vanished into the bedroom, she emerged several minutes later wearing just a pair of silk PJ’s and her favourite silk wrap and slippers. For the rest of the day she sat on the couch with her feet curled under her reading a magazine and drinking tea, the perfect way to finish a weekend.
Just before six her mobile rang, it was a private number and that meant someone that she didn’t know and had to choose to answer it. Luckily she did answer as the doctor Anne had referred her to had an opening at the end of Tuesday and wanted to know if she could make it, Anne had sent him a personal email to speed things up if he could help. Pam accepted the offer of being involved partly to stop Kerry from racing ahead without her and partly to show her support for the process.
Come Tuesday and Kerry put on a mid calf wool skirt with sweater and beads around her neck, long brown boots without pantyhose, slightly retro looking but still very smart for the office as it would also be the outfit to meet the doctor in after work. Entering the building she stopped to say hello to Tracey then reporting to Jean that everything was good, the look on her face showed some of the stress associated with system upgrades from the clients point of view. “Got a meeting with Dr Gwynn Jones tonight as well” Kerry said almost matter of fact, “you really do go at things with a passion don’t you” Jean said pointing to a chair. They chatted for a while so Jean could catch up with the state of play in Kerry’s transition plans and let Kerry know how she was going. “Tracey has been encouraging me to make serious plans for the future, you know to cut or not to cut, that is the question” Jean said mis-quoting Shakespeare. “Would you consider delaying or putting it off?” Kerry asked, not surprised that the relationship with Tracey had brought some degree of doubt into the arena. Jean was not certain any more “it’s just that we are really getting serious together and that could all stop if I had the operation.” “I think you need to talk with Dr Anne some more and take plenty of time” Kerry said trying to give sound advice, “hah look at you miss lead foot giving me advice on slowing down.” The rest of the staff were coming into the admin area and Kerry had to be there to make sure they followed the right steps for logon and starting the data entry so it was time to work, and she did until almost five before the staff slowed down.
Pam had gone to work by bus and had arranged to meet Kerry outside her workplace en-route to the doctors practice, it gave them time for a quick hello and status check. “Are you still okay with all of this?” Kerry asked “yes I am, actually I am very relaxed with this stage” Pam said to Kerry’s amazement. As they entered the practice rooms they had the usual clipboard and pen given to them for privacy and billing information. The doctor was running late with his last client but as they heard another door close he then opened the waiting room door to let them into his office, “glad to meet you, well I have to say that you are passing very well and that will make my work easier.” The normal round of show and tell with prodding and blood test before he sat them down to talk through the processes and options available to Kerry.
“I would normally start a person on a hormone flood, absolutely belt the body with an overdose of female hormones to let it know that things were going to change, then continue with regular injections and tablets to keep it all moving along. In your case having already had a vasectomy I am thinking of a different tack, the risk of testicular cancer is greater for men that have had the snip and since you will probably end up with GRS I was thinking about removing the testes sooner rather than later. This is a simple operation that takes around 48 hours in hospital and I could remodel the scrotum and penis to give a more acceptable look. Tell me if I’m wrong but you have probably only ever sat down to pee, standing would feel too alien to you, this procedure would move the penis inside the sac and point downwards through a new opening. If you change your mind I can move it back but from what I see before me the chance of that is small, after a few days we would start the flooding and regular follow up doses.”
The doctor took a breath before continuing as if delivering a teaching lesson, “the other procedure is breast augmentation and given your stage of life the possibility of your growing anything substantial is minor so I would recommend a holiday in Thailand and a visit to my clinic.” Kerry stopped him, “what clinic in Thailand, Anne didn’t mention anything overseas?” Gwynn showed them both a brochure of the hospital with all of the latest equipment and staff wearing spotless white uniforms and smiling faces, “much cheaper than doing it here, and you can have a holiday at the same time, we could do both things together if you wanted?” Now it was up to Pam and Kerry to make a decision, all ahead or all stop, “when are you in Thailand next?” Pam asked. “I go in two weeks and stay for another four so anytime in that range would be easy to arrange for you” he said looking at his schedule. “It normally takes only ten days to get a visa if you have a passport” Paul and Pam had passports but then the thought of traveling looking like Kerry but showing a passport for Paul. “By the way, before you get scared off I give you a letter to present to customs at both ends covering the difference in appearance, all very normal to these guys” Gwynn said already printing off the letter. Kerry ran a painted fingernail over her calendar in her blackberry and the project finished in two to three weeks, time for visa and airfares. Now it was up to Pam, “I can make that timeframe doctor so it’s only up to Kerry if she really wants this” Pam said throwing the ball back into Kerry’s court.
Driving away from the doctors place it was Pam that spoke first “surprised that I said yes so easily or just not talking?” Kerry had been taken back at the speed of her approval “you told me to slow down and take it easy then go and book me in for the surgery already, what happened?” Pam laughed “that was only for you to slow down, I have had every day of the last three years to process this step and I had made up my mind a few weeks ago.” Kerry was glad she hadn’t manipulated the situation or pressured Pam into the offer but mostly that she was at the next phase of her journey from prison to freedom. Wednesday morning Kerry went back to work meeting Jean as she entered the kitchen to make a coffee for herself “how did it go with the doctor?” Jean asked “great, he has made booking for surgery in Thailand in three weeks.” Jean shook her head “surgery already, what is he going to do I thought you had to wait a whole year?” Kerry told Jean about the breast additions and how the obsolete testes could be removed and the sac reshaped to look better, not quite GRS but a lot better for her peace of mind. “This project was for me to transition not you does that mean I get my money back?” Jean joked. Reports and testing was all Kerry had to do and Grace had been reassigned to Kerry for the last two weeks of her holiday work, Kerry asked her to expand the PDA idea for data input and present a short report on Friday before finishing up.
After the Thursday project team meeting with Bill, Kerry asked him to stay for a while so she and Jean could talk privately with him. “I would prefer to do this between you and me but Jean has asked to be present” Kerry started “Bill, look at me, what do you see?” Bill mentioned legs, clothes, smile, makeup, “what you haven’t mentioned is Paul” Kerry said stating the obvious to all three of them in the office. “What I mean is, as far as I can see by looking in the mirror Paul has ceased to exist and finding him is getting harder each week. I have been talking with Jean about business ideas for her company and she has offered me the chance to join the company in an equity share. This was not planned or sought after it just came out one day when I started sprouting ideas like I do and then transitioning was a simple step on from there.” Bill sat and tried to take in what Kerry had said “two months ago you asked me how I felt after the ball last year and I hedged the question. If I had been honest with you I would have said about feeling cheated at having to take the clothes off and how I felt so special with them on so I can understand a little of how you feel” Bill said “go for it but can I have your skills available for a year behind the scenes?” So after an hour Bill had lost a consultant and gained a remote worker, Jean had a business partner and Bill had nowhere to go with his thoughts that would haunt him for many years to come.
Jean had offered Kerry the use of the spare bedroom over the weekend as Pam was away and the painters would be working for the four days, Friday to Monday. Tracey suggested that the group go out for dinner and dancing on Friday night so as Kerry dropped Pam off at her workplace with her suitcase ready to fly out, she also had larger than normal suitcase in the boot for her own clothes. She was not surprised that as Paul the bag would have been about a quarter of the size as Kerry needed so many more options and changes of clothes. Dressed in her black slacks and jacket Kerry had a deep red camisole underneath and low heels she walked into the front foyer and helped Pam by pulling the suitcase with Pam carrying her computer bag and handbag. They went to Pam’s office not expecting any of the other staff to be at work yet, “Hi Pam” said Megan, Pam’s assistant. “Oh, hi I didn’t think you would be here yet” Pam said looking at Kerry for help “my name’s Kerry, I’m Pam’s sister in law” she said holding out a delicate hand. The tense moment passed and Meg went to get her tea cup filled, “thanks, better get out of here before the rest come in” Pam said ushering Kerry to the lifts, no kisses or hugs just a quick bye.
Kerry had been finishing off the standard reports during the morning when Jean came into her office to find out if everything was okay for the evening. “You know that style of suit in the combination of red and black looks very good on you it could become a uniform around here” Jean said thinking aloud. “Only if you let me wear the short skirt that came as part of the outfit, I just love the quality and feel on my legs” Kerry said “and I’m sure you would like it as well.” They discussed the project then Jean went out leaving Kerry to finish her reports, she was a good week ahead of the project plans and that felt really good for her. Tracey and Jean vanished at lunch time so Kerry offered to take Grace out to the café for lunch and a time to talk about her future. Kerry chose a table on the outer and they both ordered similar style, salad and mineral water with fruit. “I know, watching your waistline for summer” Kerry said knowing exactly what was going through Grace’s head —‘summer fashions and stick like figures’. After the food had been served Kerry asked Grace “where do you think Grace fits in with the rest of your life now that you have had two long sessions out of the closet?” Grace was very articulate about her plans and feelings, Grace was a part of Graeme and not the end of Graeme so there were no plans apart from enjoying whatever got offered and Jen was becoming a major part of Graeme’s life as well. “So does that mean we may see Grace around occasionally or very little?” Grace had one of those sheepish grins on her face, “what do you think.”
The plan was for the group to meet at the restaurant and then go out for drinks and dancing, the group was Jean and Tracey, Jen and Grace, and Kerry. Susan was now officially pregnant and had to take it easy for a couple of weeks until the start of second trimester. Jen and Grace had matching outfits, Jen wore her silver body stocking and short black skirt and silver 4” heels, her pantyhose were Lycra with silver flecks that made her legs sparkle, Grace had the same style of outfit on but in gold. The pair made a stunning statement and the fact that they always held hands or touched made it obvious they were very close. Jean had been shopping and bought a gathered dress that could be made longer or shorter by adjusting or undoing the ties, almost like a venetian blind. Tracey was far more discreet with her LBD off the shoulder revealing a tattoo on her shoulder blade of a butterfly and rose, the inscription read “love blooms slowly”. Kerry was not sure how to dress but had been talked into the short black and red kilt, and take me home boots, underneath which she had on a black corset and stockings that were clearly visible. The six inch welt made from black lace sitting just below her hemline and the corset covered only slightly with a black and red bolero jacket that matched the kilt. Kerry had been more refined with the makeup but black was the theme of her evening and eyes that had been outlined to the limit and surrounded by lashes. The restaurant was next door to the club and did a good trade on Friday night, the staff not showing any reaction to how the girls had been dressed as they looked just like most of the clubbers.
Dinner was a relaxed time for most of them as they talked about anything except work, a basic rule that several companies tried when staff got together on a social time. Kerry had no problem going out normally but dressed like she was tonight caused a level of discomfort for her that made her look around regularly at the crowds. “Relax, you look fantastic and there will be others with similar gear on” Tracey said “maybe but none of them are quite like me are they” Kerry said making her point. They sat drinking coffee until the club opened just before nine and half of the patrons left the restaurant at the same time. “Good evening ladies here for a good time are we?” said one of the bouncers on the door, “depends what’s on offer” replied Jen knowing how to deal with the security guys. Grace and Jen found a table away from the music but close enough to the dance floor that they could watch each other during the night. Jean came back from the bar with the first round of drinks but Jen and Grace had already moved to the dancing area, “no stopping that pair” Tracey said. “I guess you want to join them” said Jean standing and taking her hand gently, “you okay minding the drinks for a while?” Kerry sat there watching the four dance away without drawing attention although it was four girls it seemed to be mainly girls tonight.
“Not dancing tonight?” asked a guy that could have been anywhere from thirty five to fifty “not quite my style” she replied noticing that he had pulled up a bar stool and sat down. “I haven’t seen you here before are you new in town?” he asked sounding like a cliché but not caring much. “Oh please don’t they teach you any better lines than that, what about hello my name is” Kerry offered to the guy who was a bit stunned by her reproach. “All right then, hello my name’s Ken how are you?” he said trying to start again “I’m Kerry thanks for asking, what do you do for a job Ken?” By the time the others came back Ken was chatting with Kerry about her work and what she thought of the new version of Windows. The music had changed to a slower style so Ken held out his hand “here’s a slow one, care to dance?” Ken asked standing ready to lead her onto the dance floor. It took Kerry a few seconds to adjust her dancing but Ken would have only noticed a slight hesitation on her behalf, they danced for a while then Kerry felt Ken’s hand move down her back to her skirt. “I think that’s far enough Ken” she said hoping to stop his wandering palm trouble, it didn’t “just wanted to touch you a bit closer that’s all.” It wasn’t all he wanted and Kerry found out as he squeezed her cheek, “a girl like you has different needs to the others, how about me helping you with some of them?” Kerry realized that Ken had not only read her but also determined that he wanted to take her home for in depth study, so to speak.
Kerry pulled away from Ken and walked straight off the dance floor leaving Ken by himself, sitting down at the table she started to shake as she took a deep drink. “What’s up?” Jean asked aware of her state “just had a guy touch me up after reading me” Kerry said taking another drink. Jean moved closer and held her arm until she stopped shaking, “it has to happen sooner or later, try to settle down and compose yourself” Jean encouraged Kerry. Ken had made his move found a blockage so went around it and came back for another try at Kerry “sorry I should have been more tactful, can I buy you a drink?” Ken should have left while he could still walk as Jean flew into his face. “Let me be blunt about this, either you get out of our space or you will need more surgery than either of us girls are looking forward to” Jean said without backing down. Ken had not read Jean or Grace but now he saw all three of them in his face and angry as hell, “alright, sorry to disturb your night out Ladies.” The small group gathered around like a protective cordon covering each other’s back, “are you okay to stay or do you want to leave?” they asked Kerry since she was the most affected. They stayed for another round of drinks but it had spoilt the night to some degree “my place, and drive carefully” Jean said picking up her clutch bag and heading for the doors.
Tracey made coffee and brought out the cups for each of them as each girl slipped off their heels and curled their legs underneath as they sat on the leather lounge and chairs. “Three of us are settled in for the night, you are free to stay the night if you want” Jean offered Grace and Jen who talked about it but with Jens work time she had to be out before 8am. “Thanks but it is bit hard being a Friday night, ask me on a Saturday evening” Jen said hoping that Jean and Tracey would invite her back. The group got on really well even with a wide age spread, they understood each other and the problems they had in common that needed talking through at times. “I can’t believe the cheek of that guy tonight” said Tracey, Jen laughed at the comment “haven’t been to many clubs have you, that is the problem with Friday night they want to pickup for the whole weekend.” “Is it like that at all of the clubs?” asked Tracey still amazed that in this era men could just grab a woman’s backside like meat off the counter, “pretty much every straight club not so much in the gay bars though.” “In that case our next night out can be at an all girls club” Tracey said rather determined that the group would both be out together and assuming that they were all girls when they did so. After a long week Jen and Grace ended up leaving quite early, compared to what they would have done if they had stayed at the club.
Saturday morning found Jean and Kerry sitting on the patio enjoying the sun having the first cuppa for the day, “last night shook me up a bit I thought that I passed really well, but then I could be in denial still” Kerry joked. Underneath she was disturbed at being read even by a person that was obviously targeting girls like her as he had put it. The risk of being outed was always there but by blending in she had been okay so maybe it was the outlandish outfit and the ‘take me home’ boots that made her stand out from the crowd. After processing her look on the night and how far out it was from her normal clothes she decided that the clothes outed her and not her own features, that took care of things and she returned to normal Kerry mode. Being in denial or self deception can be really useful sometimes. Tracey had mentioned going to the main shopping area and choosing some better clothes for Jean to work in rather than use all of her nice ones every day so after breakfast they piled into Jeans car and hit the shops.
After two hours she had some of the things Tracey had in mind but jean had another thought. “Remember that outfit you had on last week, the slack suit and red cami, that would make a nice work outfit for the girls and it matches our corporate colours” Jean said holding up a business card. By the end of another hour Jean had five deep red camisoles for all of the girls and she and Tracey had matched Kerry’s slack suit with skirt and shoes. “Now all we need is matching lingerie” joked Kerry thinking about what she had back home, “or a nice corset like the one you made me buy?” said jean. “Made you buy, you practically begged me to let you know about it, not a bad idea though and I know where we can get some whips as well.” Tracey could never keep up with these two as they had so much in common at times, “be nice girls, lets limit the fun to basic underwear and hosiery not like last night.”
Lunch called and they sat watching the customers run around the mall dragging kids and pushing carts full of groceries and shopping. “You know that when we roll out the new advertising it’s going to draw attention to the company so we had better make this work for all of the women at work, any ideas?” asked Jean. “I can see the women wearing lightweight jackets or blouses that match but not Bob in the store” said Kerry thinking of how Bob always insisted that it took a man to make the place work properly even after Jean came out. “A nice collared shirt and logo for the van guys and Bob should be easy to organize” said Tracey picking up one of the camisoles. “Winter gets a bit nippy so the women may need more of a blouse or thin sweater when the weather gets colder or they have to go out.” “Better make it a suitable uniform then Susan can use it till she pops out the next one” Kerry said thinking of how some of the women may need larger sizes.
“Talking of Susan, has she spoken to you about her plans yet?” asked Jean, “she mentioned something about working remotely but nothing else, why?” Jean told Kerry that Susan had asked if Grace could cover the Christmas break for four to five months to give her time to have the baby and take a few months off while she breast fed. Grace could handle the data entry and basic stuff while Susan would handle the accounting functions via remote login to the server. By mid March Grace had to be back at uni and Susan would return fulltime. “What about Grace, is she happy to spend so much time away from work experience as a production manager?” asked Kerry wondering how Grace was going to reconcile studies with working for Jean. “She has been talking about shifting her focus into more business management than production and this last couple of months has helped define her desire in that area, could you use her skills?” Jean asked Kerry. The idea of an intern or trainee was one that Kerry had been bouncing around with jean when they spoke about the new venture but Grace had never been on the radar. Kerry thought Graeme would return to University so it all needed thrashing out with Grace and Graeme and probably Jen as well.
Sunday came and went, Monday morning and Kerry drove to work via the house to see how far the painters were from finishing and also to swap work outfits. The painters had not arrived and only small details had to be finished so she was confident that they would be good by the end of day. Kerry took off her jeans and t-shirt dropping them to the ground and standing in her dark blue silk bra and panties admiring her image in the mirror, when the front door suddenly opened and in walked the painters. “Sorry love, didn’t know you were home” the painter said making no effort to move his eyes from her body. Kerry grabbed her jeans to cover her body but silently was happy that the guys found her worth starring at as she closed the bedroom door. She could hear the guys comments as they walked into the kitchen “not bad looking, nice set of boobs as well.” If they only knew that it was silicone and surgical tape they may not have been so impressed. Ten minutes later Kerry entered the kitchen wearing her black knee length skirt and jacket with the deep red camisole, sheer pantyhose and four inch heels. “I hope the floor show won’t put you off working too much” Kerry laughed picking up her handbag and keys, “and thanks for the compliment it makes a girls day” and she left.
By the time Kerry arrived at work Jean had already been talking to the admin women about uniforms and changes to the dress code. “I don’t know, been a woman all of a few minutes and thinks she can tell us what to wear” one of the women joked in a fake cockney accent. John and now Jean had always got on well with the staff and looked after their needs at work and sometimes in their families as well. “Does Bob have to wear a dress now?” one of the younger girls asked causing Bob to shout murderous comments her way. The light hearted nature of the workplace made change easier for all of them so by midweek the front office had one outfit and the admin area had their own adaptation in the same colours. Come Thursday the project team was ready for final handover with Bill, he entered the office to face five women all dressed in black skirts and jackets with camisole tops and sitting with their legs crossed the same way facing Bill. “Another setup?” he laughed at Jean.
Kerry summarized the project goals and objectives and confirmed that all had been achieved a week ahead of schedule then Jean took over. “This has been far easier than I expected and in no small part is that due Kerry and her ability to make things work, so thanks Kerry for all that you have done.” There was an implied thank you that few of the people understood for the special project as well. Bill had some formal things to do then handed over the final agreement for Jean to sign, this formally finished the installation phase and allowed for Bill to charge extra work as and when it was needed. The team split up leaving Bill, Jean and Kerry in the office together. “I guess that means I’m finished being employed by you as well Bill, I just want to thank you for being a great boss, over the years you have trained me well and given me some really good projects. I think the best two have been Red Cross and here as they allowed me to be myself and show what I can really do” Kerry said smiling to Bill. “The staff back in the office have been told the story of being seconded to Bill and posted interstate for an extended period just in case you want to come back and it will allow you to phone in or do the remote work that we talked about so good luck for the future” Bill finished and shook hands with Kerry, who gave him a kiss on the cheek “thanks Bill for everything.” Jean saw Bill to the front foyer and came back into her office a minute later “I think Bill is sorry to see you go in more ways than one” Jean said. “Me too he was good but then he did make me get all dressed up in women’s clothes and don’t I love them” Kerry chuckled standing to leave the office. “That puts me on leave as of Friday night for a month, Bill said the office will cover for me but if anything unusual happens just e-mail me and I can get online” Kerry said returning to her office and a meeting with Grace.
Grace had finished her research on PDA input devices and a methodology for interfacing to the system via the mobile wireless internet and presented the report to Kerry. It was fairly detailed in background information to support her choice of PDA’s and coverage maps showing franchisee locations around the state, the main choice of carrier determined by reliability of cover rather than cost. The project would need some web based interface written to take the core data from the system and upload to the PDA on daily basis or whenever the stock list changed. The input side would be almost simple XML coding similar to the report structure, just data moving in and out of ledgers in batch mode. Designing a suitable template for the PDA would be the biggest job but Grace had tracked down a supplier that made a similar product interface for another major accounting system and had been talking about adapting their product to suit. The cost was possibly going to be offset by the number of sales opportunities they would get from the new product but it would cost in time and effort to supply all of the technical details and testing the beta product. “This is one fantastic report Grace, from here we should be able to implement within the next year” Kerry said making sure Grace had added her name to the report as author. “Thanks, I enjoyed the challenge and talking through the project with other people it should be worth the effort to save the re-keying of invoices and the vans needing to carry stock changes every week. Is there anything I can do to get this started since I still have a day or two?”
Kerry asked Grace to give her a few hours to talk the project over with Jean and she would let her know what they decided, Grace went back to her office which had been constructed next to Kerry’s but backed onto the rear of Jeans. The layout was unusual but gave Grace access to the private shower and makeup area, a concession from Jean to help Grace. Kerry ran one last system update and scheduled backup for end of day then booked a meeting with Jean to discuss the second project. Seeing her face in the monitor reflections she stopped to ponder the past, from being sacked to consultant, released from jail and then a whole week as Kerry and finally this transition project. Jean had no problems transitioning but Kerry never expected that she would also get the offer to follow her heart in the same way. “Penny for your thoughts” said Tracey standing in the doorway, “oh, sorry I was just reminiscing about the journey” Kerry sighed. “You haven’t really told me about it, care to?” Tracey asked as she pulled up a chair, sitting there in the same skirt and top as Kerry they looked every part the corporate workers they had become. Kerry told Tracey the abbreviated version about being hurt after requesting time out from work, losing the job and working with Bill. Some of the stories made Tracey cry and some made her laugh but mostly they gave her the chance to see Kerry being released from the bonds of control. Tracey gave Kerry a hug before leaving the office, “I am glad you are staying around you will be good for Jean and me, we both need help at times.”
Jean buzzed Kerry to bring Grace’s report in to her, “give me the big picture outline no technical babble” Jean said as Kerry sat down at the small table that had become the normal place for Jean to use for meetings, her power desk had been ‘depowered’. Kerry gave a one minute executive overview, “and your recommendation” Jean prompted “I recommend that Grace head up and complete this project over the next few months and that she be paid in accordance with the outcomes” Kerry suggested. Jean looked at her seeing the change in Kerry’s mannerisms, she had stepped up to being a major decision maker rather than a project implementer. “Agreed, let her know what you expect of her and send me an e-mail confirming her rate of pay and conditions” Jean stated, this was how she liked her staff to work, make a recommendation then run with it. Kerry was a bit taken by the speed of the approval “don’t you want to check it over or ask questions?” she asked “why should I, you would have done all that with Grace and made changes if it wasn’t the right thing for us, I trust you” Jean said finishing the meeting. Poking her head into Grace’s office Kerry interrupted Grace putting on another coat of lipstick and gloss “come on princess, time for work” Kerry joked as Grace blushed at being sprung. “You know I never have thanked you and Toni for all of the help you gave mum and I last year, we would have been worlds apart by now if you hadn’t come around and helped us” Grace said.
For the next two hours Kerry and Grace discussed the project and outlined a schedule of mileposts or deadlines that could be reported on, Grace was happy to do the job for experience only but Kerry informed her that would not be the case as she was precious as well. Kerry had some technical files for her to review and suggested some more training on XML interfacing before she got started on the project but mainly they just talked about the over view and how it would work in practical ways for the guys in the vans. Grace could handle most of the details via e-mail and phone calls as the developer was overseas and a trip would not be required or fit into her uni timetable. Kerry had already setup an external e-mail server link for Grace and remote access to the test environment on the spare server, all she had to do was connect and it was just like being in the office. Susan gave Kerry a contract change form so that she could be paid at the determined rate, “I was thinking of $45 per hour for this project, okay?” Grace was shocked “that’s more than twice what I am on now, why so much?” Kerry explained about consultants rates and covering her own internet and mobile costs, major calls would be through the office “anyway, Princess Grace needs to pay for all of her lipstick so enjoy it” Kerry said closing the argument.
Friday was a non day, a day when time dragged as Kerry had little to do and the holidays in Thailand would be upon her quickly, only one week to go before surgery. She looked at her false breasts as they sat there in her bra looking almost normal, this was one thing she hated as it remind her that she wasn’t what she wanted to be or thought of herself. Plastic is not the same as flesh and blood but next time she came into this office they would be almost real, and her nether regions would be totally different as well. Over the nine weeks Kerry had been to the salon several times and changed the amount of permanent makeup to include more eyeliner and outline around her lips. Her hair had grown several inches and a lighter shade of auburn highlights and better styling had helped her appearance as well. The acrylics had to be redone every three weeks as she still needed to remember that she had nails and not just fingers. The regular waxing and herbal treatment had reduced significant amounts of hair from her body and face but it still needed more, electrolysis would be expensive and painful but the only way do get the clean face she wanted. Dr Gwynn had called to confirm the appointments and make sure that the visas had arrived in the right names, her letter for customs and immigration both in Thailand and Australia had been copied and secured to the passport wallet. The checklist had been ticked several times as Kerry cleaned her desk for the break, Tracey and Jean made her promise to call every day and tell them what she was doing.
The first week off work was to complete things around the house like new cushions and a new coffee table, but mainly just to relax and get ready for the trip that had taken her lifetime to begin. Pam had planned to work until the night before they left for Thailand so Kerry had to fill each day and that meant cooking and reading but she also decided to clear out some of her wardrobe. Wednesday, Kerry was sitting in a short skirt and tank-top drinking herbal tea in the patio area reading her e-mails from Jean, all good news and nothing to worry about. Jean repeated her best wishes for the surgery and Tracey’s comment about information each day.
The front door rang and although Kerry wasn’t expecting anyone she still answered the bell, one of the middle aged painters had returned to complete the last edge on the feature wall. “Sorry about not calling but I was in the area and thought I would take a chance on you being home” the painter said “no trouble will it take long or smell very much” Kerry asked. “There’s no smell with the new paints and it dries in about two hours so plenty of time before your hubby gets home” he said carrying in a paint pot and brush. “Thanks I’ll let my partner know when she gets home” Kerry said testing the water, the painter stopped and shook his head “what a waste” he muttered. Kerry laughed “just joking, and by the way don’t expect another view like last time” and the painter blushed “you would be surprised what we get to see at some home, yours was quite tame from what I’ve been told” he said reaching for his masking tape. Kerry wanted to know what he had heard about so made him a coffee as he prepared the edge for painting. “Well, one place had a couple of girls living in it that had a collection of vibrators arranged like books on a shelf, the guys said they got more teasing that week than the whole year. There is always the naked person running from the bathroom or forgetting to close the door when dressing but most of the time it’s not intentional. The worst or best depending on your point of view, was a woman that came out to her lounge wearing a very see through negligee picked up a book and returned to her bedroom.” He took his time getting it right and when he left the edge was as straight as the tape and perfectly finished, “thanks for the stories” Kerry said seeing him out.
Friday morning Kerry went to the salon and had her nails done completely from fresh and her hair was again lightened and streaked with auburn highlights. Jill wanted to know all about her trip to Thailand and what she was going to get done, a far cry from the first visit where she just wanted to get Kerry out of the place and away from her clients. Again it was finished with a promise to come and show Jill when Kerry got back to work. Pam finished on Friday evening and they went to bed early as the flight was 6am from Perth, a five hour flight and first appointment at the clinic was only two hours after landing. This was the last time Pam would be having sex with any resemblance of Paul as the surgery would make penetration impossible, the impact was subdued as Kerry made the most of ensuring Pam was satisfied to the most she could. The moment was not lost on Pam and Kerry had to admit that even if she tried all night that normal intercourse was a distant memory, her mind had made the jump to the future and was waiting for the body to catch up.
Waking at four in the morning they showered and prepared for a long flight, Kerry had a second check of the letter from the doctor, without it she would be both embarrassed and likely rejected from entry. Her makeup was simple as the permanent bits only needed adding to, mascara and eye shadow gave her nice colour, fresh lipstick and a touch of blusher. Kerry stood in the bedroom after finishing her makeup and looked in the mirror again, her body was lighter than three years ago by nearly ten kilos and the definition was much better showing hips and a very flat front. “Come on dear, there will be time to look at your body later, we need to get going” Pam said pushing Kerry out of the way. Kerry had been told to be prepared for anything so she put on a nice bra and panties under 3 quarter leg slacks and t-shirt.
The international airport had customs and immigration for all outgoing flights to ensure each passenger had been in Australia legally and could return without trouble. Pam and Kerry presented their id to the ticket counter along with the letter to confirm her identity if needed, the security was good and minimal hesitation after reading the letter. Screening and bag checks took no time at all so they had a good thirty minutes wait before loading, what Kerry had not seen was Jean, Tracey, and Grace standing in the departure lounge waiting for her. “Just had to come and say farewell” Jean said hugging Kerry “wish we were coming with you” Jean said and almost sounded like she meant it, Grace also hugged Kerry. The five of them sat around until the loading call and watched Pam and Kerry disappear through the gate to their aircraft. “How about you Grace ever thought of taking the trip?” Tracey asked “not likely, Grace and Jen have fun but Graeme has far more fun on both sides of the fence so to speak” Grace told Tracey. Jean had been coming to the same conclusion as her relationship with Tracey had grown so intimately, but the RLT was just that, a test, to see how far she would go, the final destination was always open for discussion and transitioning could stop at any place on the journey.
Bangkok was a city of contrast, the very poor and the rich, locals and tourists all together in the humidity and heat that made everyone hot and sweaty. The straights and gays filled bars that made trade the only rule, the local transgendered girls sang and danced for tourists earning more than their cousins in normal day jobs could ever earn. Sex was a commodity that got traded as easy as buying a beer or trinket to take home and disease was also readily available for those that didn’t take care. The clinic was in a new area that had seen growth due to the ‘medical holiday’ trade, cheap procedures in first class hospital / hotels using local nurses and doctors trained overseas. The cost was a third of the price back home and as long as you validated the doctor it was just as good, the holiday come recovery period was bonus. Doctor Gwynn had established the clinic as a joint venture with local doctors and shared his time with research activities and training to keep the costs down. Booking into the hospital was like entering a holiday inn anywhere in the world, concierge for bags and travel arrangements, bell hops to carry bags to rooms and room service rather than a tea trolley and bland food.
Dr Gwynn had his own reception and practice rooms with handpicked medical support and interns to provide the level of service he saw as essential. Kerry and Pam sat in the reception filling out several forms and insurance documents to cover the risk of infection, aids, death, and many other conditions that Kerry had not even though of. An intern assisted the doctor with tests and checking blood pressure and weight, “the only remaining question is what size have you settled on?” Gwynn asked looking at Kerry’s flat chest where the breast forms had been unglued. Kerry looked at Pam “I have been using a size D for most of this year but do you have another idea or suggestion?” The doctor turned to his desk and held up two different types and shapes of inserts, “this one suits older women that have had removal since it appears to sag rather than stand firm, whereas this one is for younger women that have had no children and hence normally stand out more but the choice is strictly yours.” Kerry looked at both, she had been used to the “firm and pert” style but wanted to make sure she blended in with older women, “what do you think dear?” she asked turning to Pam.
Two hours later Kerry was being wheeled into surgery ready for a major adjustment down below and a pair of firm and pert up top. It was nearly seven pm before she came round in recovery, everywhere hurt and then some places that she hadn’t expected to be touched, her bladder was empty but felt like it had been kicked. Her chest was bandaged tightly and the ribs dug in when she breathed deeply, shallow breaths and little chest movement became the only way to get air into her lungs. The pain killers kicked in and sleep came back to her as the nurses took temperature and blood pressure readings, Pam went back to her own room and ordered dinner, it had been a long day and Kerry was going to be in and out until the morning. Less than two days later Kerry was able to leave the hospital section and enjoy the hotel part of the complex, walking was slow and her new breasts still hurt when she moved too fast but otherwise the smile said it all. Dr Gwynn had done a good job and at first glance the new genital area looked much like the final model she wanted, just no connections behind the scene, so to speak. By day seven the bandages had come off and the bruising was in full swing, black and yellow bands down to her navel and almost to the chin but the pain had finished and as long as Kerry wore a good bra and moved carefully she was very happy with the size and shape.
A couple of day trips and several shopping events kept them happy and loaded the bags ready for return, Gwynn signed the releases and scheduled a full follow up test back in Perth. It was then back to the immigration check in and the expectation of being questioned by the security guys, this time there were no questions or funny looks as they had seen it all so many times it was normal. Arriving back home in Perth the same could not be said and the doctors letter was needed, questioned and followed by disbelieving glances around the counters before Kerry could retrieve her bags. The swelling had gone down and most of the bruises had faded by the time Kerry was ready for work again, things moved as they should, bounced when she bounced and didn’t need glue. She was one happy girl as she got ready for work on the first Monday. For the return to work she wore her business outfit, black pencil skirt and jacket with a new Thai silk blouse in the same corporate red they had chosen only a few weeks ago, heels and bag and she was ready to start the new position. “Welcome back, or should I say happy first day” Jean said as Kerry walked through the door, after all it was the first day in her new job.
Thanks for following the Continuing Release,
Just finishing an Alternative Release so stay tuned.
Kerry