Odyssey II
by Jennifer Sue
Part 1
Once inside the St. Michaels Middle/High School Krista Scott felt wary, intimidated and more that a bit angry at the protesters who had been picketing the school when she had arrived. She hoped her classmates would accept her but with Tony Masters by her side she was ready to face anyone who objected to her. As she limped beside Tony, she saw nearly all the students looked at her and raised their eyebrows in surprise. If nothing else the bandage wrapping her left arm may as well have been a name tag.
During the past week Krista had been the main topic of conversation. Those who had met her at Church or elsewhere had explained how they would have never guessed she was born a boy. Those who had not met her were unsure what to expect. They had all heard of her summer odyssey, that she had handily defeated Tony when they first met then promptly came to his aid, and all certainly knew she had killed Tony’s dad. Some thought she had to be a hulking monster to have done all that. But their preconceived ideas were promptly shattered when they saw her, an unassuming petite pretty girl limping in the halls.
Krista wasn’t sure what to think as she noted the surprise on the faces of the other students when they realized who she was. As they made their way to their homeroom, Krista began to realize she was embarking on another odyssey.
The class size was smaller than she'd previously experienced in the crowded Massachuset schools. The grade levels were divided by skill levels and except for phys-ed, no class had more than twenty students. She discovered she was one of sixty five seventh graders and the entire school only had 390 students in grades 7 through 12.
This would be Tony’s second year in the seventh grade. Last year his angry attitude and lack of caring had led him to waste his time. He had skipped school at every chance and disrupted classes at every opportunity. It was a very different Tony who led Krista to their homeroom. Pat Scott, Krista’s step-mom and the school nurse, had successfully lobbied Dr. Harris to place Tony in the same class as Krista. Tony had the ability to excel but until meeting Krista had lacked the motivation to study or even care about grades. So far Dr. Harris had received nothing but glowing reports about Tony. All the teachers said he was not the boy they had learned to dislike the previous year.
Part of Krista wanted to go home and crawl under the blankets to have a good cry. But if nothing else, Krista was stubborn with a get 'er done attitude. After being introduced to the teacher, Krista was assigned to a locker and given a combination. Tony was detailed to show Krista the location and how to open the locker. Tony was all smiles as he explained the workings of the lock. Soon they were back in homeroom. As she took her seat, she saw Karen Savage and Lisa Bennet, girls from her cheering squad. They exchanged little finger waves.
After the teacher took attendance, she made a few announcements and had the class introduce themselves to Krista. There were two guys who did so reluctantly and scowled at her. Three girls were quite stand-offish as if they were regal princesses who were forced to greet a commoner who was socially inferior. The school wide announcements began shortly after the teacher had completed her morning duties. The principal welcomed Krista to school and praised her for her bravery. Then he went on to explain that bullying of any type was prohibited and that anyone caught would be automatically expelled for three days. During that time the bully's records would be researched by a teacher panel who would recommend either further discipline or end the punishment.
The school grouped the students by academic ability within their grade and their homeroom would also be their first period class. They would move from class to class as a group. Each grade was made up of three classes. The morning seemed to fly by as they moved from class to class. Karen and Lisa, and another girl named Kate Winslow made Krista feel welcome. The foursome gossiped at every opportunity. They made up the sporty girls, girls who loved being girls while enjoying sports and other physical activities.
Brittany Bailey, Chloe Carpenter and Tiffany Teasdale haughtily sneered at the foursome putting down the 'losers' with nasty comments about what they wore, how they styled their hair, and their choice of friends... meaning Krista. They always wore complementary coordinated outfits and primped before the mirror in the girls' restroom between every class. They avidly followed the fashion trends.
Tony had already discovered two of his erstwhile buddies had a major issue about Krista. Dwayne Harper and Phil Abott had attended St. Michael's Elementary together with Tony and they had played together for years. They were on the Tidewater Titans football team together. The macho duo thought Tony and Krista were faggots and let everyone know their opinion. It was only the school's anti-bullying policy that kept them in check.
Fiona Harper was a shy mousey girl with straight brown hair and glasses. Having just moved into the area, she had yet to make any close friends and didn't know what to make of Krista. Lacy Blount was a super girly girl. She wore dresses or skirts year round and accessorized her outfits. Fashion trends meant little to her, her only objective was to be a girl. Megan Leonard was an overweight, dumpy girl with at least 'C' sized breasts, She always wore loose baggy clothes to hide her chubby figure and was always put down by Brittany, Chloe and Tiffany. Amy Beck was the girl geek, hair pulled back into a low ponytail, glasses, and a large purse to hold her pens, markers, and pencils.
Jimmy Boswell had been one of Tony's buddies before Krista and they remained best friends. Klaus Smythe and Garret Houseman had replaced Dwayne and Phil, who wanted nothing to do with the new and improved Tony, in the circle of friends. They enjoyed sports and it was their main topic of discussion. Leo Thomas was a quiet geeky boy who stayed pretty much to himself. Gary Stevens and Ferdy Hammond were the class clowns.
Tony and Krista smiled at each other every time they looked at each other which was a lot. By lunch, Krista had tagged the three haughty girls as the 'snobbettes'. The other girls giggled and immediately adopted the moniker. Of course, it was simply a private joke between them and not meant to be used to their faces.
As at every school. the students divided in cliques. There were the elitists, the snobby girls and the uber jocks at the top of the pecking order. The next layer down were the genteel girls and semi-jocks who liked sports but had other interests. Then came the male and female rednecks raw, tough, vulgar, and bigoted. At the bottom of the heap were the geeks and misfits who intermingled.
After they picked up their lunches, the snobbettes headed for the elitist tables. Karen, Lisa, Kate and Krista headed took a table in the middle of the cafeteria where Fiona, Lacey and Megan joined them. Amy and Leo headed for the geek table. Dwayne and Phil headed for the redneck zone. Jimmy, Klaus, Garret and Tony headed to the semi-jock table where Gary and Ferdy joined them.
It was only during lunch and PE when the entire grade was able to mingle. Quite a few girls were eager to meet Krista to see what a boy who was a girl looked like. They were surprised to discover Krista seemed to be a pretty, natural and nice girl. Several joined them for lunch.
By the end of the day, Krista had all her books and homework. She was glad not to have to ride the bus as she and Tony road home to the farm with Pat. Pat didn't mind allowing the couple some cuddle time. When they left the school the protestors were gone. They hadn't received any TV coverage to showcase their self-righteousness. Most left vowing never to return to the heathen wilderness of St. Michaels.
*****
The second week of school (Krista’s first week) sped by as all the kids adjusted to their new school. Because of class size issues, Krista’s half brothers LJ and Peter had transferred from St. Michaels Elementary to Tilghman Elementary where Krista’s half sisters Lyndi and Teri would also attend. The four had no problems making new friends. Krista slipped easily into friendships as the cliques solidified. A few rednecks had attempted to harass Krista and Tony. Tony was big and strong and physically intimidating. Krista didn't look to be much of a threat but they knew she had decisively beaten Tony in a fight at their first meeting and had killed Tony's dad, the murderer and escaped prisoner. Each time anyone tried to hassle them, Tony and Krista boldly confronted them, standing their ground with self-confidence until the rednecks wilted away.
Upon arriving home, Krista would change into old jeans and shirt to head out to the barn to join Kylie Masters, another TS her uncle Larry’s fiancee, and Tony, who changed clothes in the bathroom of the barn. The pair would assist Kylie in whatever she was doing. Even though she was only nineteen, Kylie was a top-notch mechanic having learned from her late father who had been the best mechanic in the county. Even though she’d only recently set up her repair business in the barn, she already had a number of people bringing their vehicles for her to repair. Leroy Scott, Krista’s dad and a deputy sheriff, had helped Kylie get a permit to operate a vehicle and motor repair shop from the barn. She not only worked on cars and trucks, she did small motors such as lawn mowers, garden tractors, farming tractors, outboard motors, jet skis, and even boats with built in motors. Tony’s dad, Jack, had been a so-so mechanic working for his brother, but had trouble holding a job after Jim died. After he had car-naped Evelyn, Tony, and Krista, Krista had intentionally crashed and then fought the man to the death. Tony had learned a bit about auto mechanics and brought his late father's tools out to the barn. For most things, Tony was able to work alone. If he didn't know something or wasn't sure, he didn't hesitate to ask Kylie. For her part, Kylie was free with sharing her knowledge.
As the business picked up, Kylie started bogging down on the paperwork. That's where Krista fit in. With the old computer that Evelyn Masters, Kylie’s mom, had used to keep Jim’s repair business running smoothly, Krista soon learned the book keeping program and was able to track parts ordered, parts received, parts used and set up an automated reorder point on items that were frequently used and kept in stock. She also revised the billing program that listed the parts used and labor to calculate a total with applicable sales tax. A printable invoice could be printed out detailing parts and repairs for each customer. While it took several days to set up the system, once in place it was easy to maintain and update. Ed Nelson spent at least some of every day helping Kylie while Lisa, Ed’s wife, spent time with Jane O’Brien, Krista’s gram, cooking and baking for their families and friends.
*****
On Saturday, the family headed for a day of Tidewater Titan football. Krista was able to wear her cheering uniform and she was allowed to cheer, but she was forbidden to do more than step with the routines. Jumps, leaps, and splits were strictly verbotten.
Everyone watched and cheered as LJ and Peter play in the mitey-mite scrimmage. During the junior pee-wee game while Lyndi and Teri cheered, Krista and Tony slowly walked hand in hand about the park a bit just enjoying being together. In a remote corner of the park, away from the noise of the game, they heard a child forlornly crying from inside a thicket they passed.
"Hello," Krista called out. "Do you need any help?"
The crying immediately ceased and no sounds came from the thicket.
"We only want to help you," Krista called out again but there was no response.
Turning to her boyfriend Krista asked, "Tony, can you go in and make sure whoever it is is okay?"
Tony nodded and began to look for a path through the tightly packed branches.
"My boyfriend is coming inside to help you," Krista told the person.
"NO! NO! "I'm okay, I just need to rest," the child responded in fearful desperation.
By this time Krista figured out it was a young very frightened girl inside. "I can't come in after you," Krista explained. “I've got some boo-boos that won't let come in. If you won't come out or let my boyfriend come in to get you, I'll simply have to call the police to come get you."
"NO, please," the girl cried as her sobbing started up again. "Don't call the police... I'll really get in trouble! I'll come out, just make sure the boy doesn't touch me."
"I won't touch you unless you give me permission," Tony called out realizing the girl was terrified and frightened by males.
They heard a rustling sound grow louder as the girl made her way through the thicket. After over a minute, she poked her head out. She'd had to crawl out on her hands and knees. Her clothes were dirty and tattered and her tears had cleaned tracks though the grime on her face. She looked to be about six or seven but had a look of abject fear in her hollow eyes.
"Please, I'll be good," she sniffled. "But I don't want to go back. Mommy's boyfriend will hurt me again."
"We won't make you go back," Krista assured her. "We'll help you. I'm Krista and this is Tony. What's your name?"
"I'm Sandi, Sandi Herr," she said.
Krista could see the pain and terror in the girl's face. She knelt down and opened her arms. The girl flew into the embrace and once more began sobbing. Krista comforted her until she finally settled down. Krista ran her fingers through the girl's ratty hair to clean out the twigs and debris "When was the last time you ate?"
"I'm not sure," Sandi sniffled.
"Well, then come with us," Krista smiled. "My family is having a picnic and we have tons of food."
The girl tentatively smiled and nodded her head.
"Okay," Krista smiled. "Now Tony is going to have to help me back on my feet."
Looking at the bandages on Krista's arm & leg Sandi asked, "Are those your boo-boos?"
"Yes," Krista answered as Tony helped her back to her feet. "I had a bad man hurt me almost two weeks ago."
As they headed back to the picnic area, Krista held Sandi's left hand with her right and Tony's right hand with her left.
When Sandi noticed they were holding hands, she quietly asked, "Is he your boyfriend?"
"Yes," Krista smiled. "But he knows better than to try to hurt anyone. The first time we met we had a fight but I won. Since then, we've become friends."
The girl looked amazed. "You can beat up boys?"
"Only if they deserve it," Krista replied. "Fighting is never a good way to settle problems but sometimes you have no choice."
Sandi mulled that over. Pat saw the threesome coming and immediately knew something was up. She called to Leroy to come over. By the time he got to the picnic table they'd laid claim to for the day, Pat could see the girl was filthy and had been crying. She sat on the bench and waited while Leroy stood at the far end of the table.
"It's okay, Sandi," Krista assured her as she hesitated. "These are my parents. Mom is a nurse so she can make sure you're okay and my dad is a deputy sheriff, so he can arrest anyone who hurts you."
Sandi looked at Krista and in all earnestness asked, "Will he arrest mommy's boyfriend?"
"If your mommy's boyfriend hurt you, then he'll put him in jail," Krista assured the girl. "Mom, dad, this is Sandi Herr," Krista said. "She said she couldn't remember how long it's been since she ate so I invited her to help herself."
Hiding half-way behind Krista she looked at the food. "Is it okay if I eat?"
"Of course Sandi," Pat said. "You just sit right down and I'll fill a plate for you. Leroy, could you please warm up a hotdog?"
"One weiner coming up," Leroy smiled at Sandi who was still cringing a bit.
Sandi tucked into the repast. It was obvious she hadn't eaten for a while. Pat had to caution her twice about chewing her food before swallowing. While she ate, Leroy took several pictures of Sandi. When she finally had her fill, she burped and blushed.
"You sure were hungry," Krista smiled. "How long were hiding in those bushes?"
"I was there two nights," Sandi answered as she leaned back to let the food settle.
"Wow, you're brave to have stayed there two nights," Krista declared. "Can you tell my mom and dad what your mommy's boyfriend did to hurt you?"
"He and mommy were drinking beer and smoking those nasty cigarettes they call weed," Sandi explained. "I don't know why anyone would want to smoke a weed but they do it all the time. I always go to my room when they do that because they start doing all sorts of weird stuff. I was playing with my dolls when he slammed open the door. He was really scary and his eyes were big and bulgy. Then he came over to me and pulled his boy thing out of his pants and told me to kiss it."
"That's terrible," Krista gasped as she slipped next to the shivering girl and protectively wrapped an arm around her.
"It was terrible," Sandi said as she sniffed back tears and leaned into Krista's embrace. "When I said no he got mad and grabbed my hair. When I screamed he pushed the thing in my mouth. It tasty nasty and I got sick all over him. That only made him madder. He threw me onto my bed and pulled off my pants. Then he stuck his dirty fingers inside me. It hurt, but then he climbed on top of me and shoved his boything in me. I screamed and then I don't remember anything for a while."
Krista embraced Sandi tighter, as she angrily looked to her parents. Pat slid next to the girl and added her hug to Krista's. Leroy took his phone and called 911 to dispatch a cruiser and EMTs to the park for a child molestation adding to make sure there was a female in the EMT unit.
"When I woke up I really hurt between my legs and when I went to pee, I saw I was bloody down there," Sandi continued. "I washed myself and went and got clean undies and a pair of jeans. Then I went to the kitchen and got some food. While I was eating he came into the kitchen in his undies. He smiled really nastily and came towards me telling me I was his little piece of heaven. I ran out the back door and he yelled at me to get back but I kept running. I'm not sure how I got here but I hid because I was afraid he was still chasing me."
Just then the sound of approaching sirens heralded the arrival of the police and the EMT's. Sandi began to panic but was so worn out she settled down in Krista's tender but restraining embrace.
"Sandi," Leroy asked as gently as he could. "I need to ask you several questions. What is your mother's name? Do you know the boyfriend's name? Do you your home address? It'll make arresting him easier."
"My mommy is Buffy Herr," Sandi said. “Her boyfriend is Dan. We live at 918 Elm Street in Easton."
"Good girl," Leroy smiled as the EMTs and officers joined them. Then he turned to the officers and briefed them on what Sandi had said.
"Sandi," Pat began. "Are you still wearing the underwear you put on when you left home?"
"I'm sorry," she said ashamed. "I know you should always wear clean panties but I didn't have any to change into."
"Don't remove her panties," Pat cautioned the EMTs. "The hospital will need to run a rape kit on her and her clothes."
The EMT's nodded and checked Sandi. Other than some minor cuts and bruises, seemed to be in good shape. When they wanted to load her into the ambulance to take her to the hospital, she balked.
"Sandi trusts me. Would it be okay if I stayed with her," Krista asked the EMTs and indirectly her parents
The EMTs looked at Pat and Leroy who nodded their heads. Within minutes they were headed to the hospital. Leroy was sitting in the cruiser giving the details of what Sandi had told them. He told them to contact Judge Watkins for search and arrest warrants. Pat went over to Gram and told her what was going on and that she was going to go to the hospital to assist anyway she could.
Sandi refused to let Krista leave her alone and clung to her hand with both of hers. The emergency room staff knew their exam depended upon Sandi's cooperation so they let Krista stay. Everyone was horrified to see the bruising and swelling at the little girl's genitals. Scabs had already formed at the numerous small tears but after Krista reassured her they had to clean her up down there she bore the pain better than could be expected. Of course, Krista wondered if her nearly crushed hand would recover.
The panties were saturated with discharge. It would prove to be her blood and semen from her attacker.
A half hour after Sandi arrived in the hospital, search warrants were obtained and a strike force swept into the condo. They found Buffy and Dan in bed passed out. Beer bottles, weed, crystal meth, and all sorts of pills were discovered. Dan was a small time dealer who supported himself selling illegal drugs. Sandi's bedroom produced ample evidence of the rape.
When they ran Dan’s fingerprints on the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) they found that Daniel Miller was a convicted drug dealer and pedophile who had skipped parole in California. After being arraigned he was locked up in the county prison without bail. The next morning he was cornered and beaten to death by his fellow inmates in the exercise yard. Inmates have no sympathy for a child rapist. The investigation never determined who was responsible as virtually everyone in the yard swarmed the soon to be dead man.
When Buffy sobered, she was horrified by what had happened and that she'd been so strung out she had abandoned her child. Her remorse led her to plead guilty to charges of child neglect and abuse as well as allowing drug dealing to be done from her condo. In the two days Sandi had been missing, she'd never notified the police. It was unclear if she even knew her daughter had been missing much less that she'd been raped.
Sandi was admitted to the hospital for observation and Krista agreed to stay with her. Pat smiled at her caring daughter and approved. At Pat's insistence, Leroy used his connections to pull the strings to be granted temporary custody. When Sandi was discharged Sunday morning, Leroy took her and Krista home in his police car. It was while on the way home they were notified of the beating death of Daniel Miller at the hands of the inmates. Sandi was upset he had been killed but relieved to know he'd never hurt her again. She snuggled into Krista for a hug while she cried.
LJ and Peter were none too happy about gaining another sister, but they understood she'd been hurt by bad people and rescued by Krista so that made it okay. Teri and Lyndi were delighted to have a new sister join their happy family. They insisted Sandi stay in their bedroom. Although a bit timid at first, Sandi quickly shook off the gloom and fear as she was surrounded by happy, caring people. Sandi was transferred to Tilghman Elementary School and to regain some sense of normality rode the bus with LJ, Peter, Lyndi, and Teri. Gram followed in her van to handle the transfer at the school.
Within a week, Sandi was like one of the family. Pat made sure to talk with her in private every day to make sure there were no major issues. The fact Krista was about each day made things go smoothly. Teri and Lyndi kept Sandi under their wings and protected her at school. She eagerly joined the three girls as they went over their cheering routines. Krista was still forbidden from heavy exertion, but she served as the watchdog to correct any flaws in the routines.
*****
Part 2
Krista was once more feted as a hero for rescuing the battered child. This time instead of killing someone she'd saved someone. Saving a person definitely felt better. While pleased with saving Sandi, Krista was also disturbed by the incident. She felt there was something very important missing. Saving Sandi was only part of what she needed to do.
It took Krista until Wednesday just before lunch until she figured out the missing link. As she walked the halls between classes that morning Krista saw a boy gobbling down a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup. She stopped dead in her tracks and stared after the boy. She realized he had set off the alarm bells in her head. It only took an instant until she realized what was niggling in the back of her mind. It was the Spades! They had said they had been involved in trying to help three sisters in the school where they taught. The girls' father had abandoned the family and the only job where the mother could earn money was as an exotic dancer in a strip club in Baltimore. The mom was deemed unfit and the girls split into separate foster home. The oldest girl, the mother hen of the flock much like Krista had done during their odyssey, was raped by her foster father. The girl had retreated within her mind and had not come back out. The distraught mother killed the man who had molested her children. Their surname was Reese!
As they headed into lunch, Krista excused herself from her girlfriends explaining she needed to take care of something important. Heading over to the geek table, she asked Amy and Ferdy if they could join her for a private conversation while they ate. As Krista was an interesting person and had a warm, friendly yet dominant nature, they agreed. Both were horrified by what Krista told them and asked if they could help her locate the Reese girls. All she could tell them was that the girls had attended Perryville Elementary School in Cecil County, Maryland, that the Spades had been teachers there, and that it had happened about two to two and a half years ago. Amy and Ferdy were excited about becoming involved in Krista's new adventure and eagerly agreed to see what information they could find.
By the next day the data duo had located the oldest girl, Jasmine Reese, now 13, in a nursing home. She was in a persistent vegetative state and kept alive by nutritive feedings and hydration. The mother, Heather Reese, now thirty one, was locked up in the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup serving fifteen to twenty five years for second degree murder. Leroy explained they would have to hack into the Cecil County Courthouse files to find out where the younger girls were. Both he and Amy seemed delighted at the prospect.
*****
On Saturday the family, now including Sandi, headed out for the football games. Krista and Tony took Sandi to the sidelines as the twins cheered for their age bracket team. Dressed in a sweater and pleated skirt in the team colors, Sandi did the cheers along with the girls. All thought she was cute.
Mindy Welch, the cheerleader coach, took note of the perky girl being watched by Krista and Tony. Having heard what happened last week, Mindy sidled over to Krista. "Is that the girl you found last week?"
"Yes," Krista nodded. "My parents took her in as a foster child and she's doing really good. She's been practicing the routines with Lyndi and Teri."
" I have an open position on the younger cheer squad," Mindy declared. "Do you think she'd like to cheer for the team LJ and Peter are on?"
"I think she'd love to," Krista smiled. "We'll have to ask mom first. Tony, can you ask mom to come here for a moment?"
Tony smiled and nodded as he took off at a trot. A few minutes later he returned with Pat in tow. Mindy explained her desire to have Sandi join the cheering squad for the younger boys.
"That sounds like a great idea," Pat enthused. "But I'd like to surprise her. I'll order a uniform in her size on Monday. How about we bring her to practice and you can ask her if she'd like to join her age group cheering. After practice, we'll stop and get her uniform."
"Sounds like a plan," Mindy smiled.
*****
By Monday the data duo had the results on the Reeses. Holly, now 11 and Ivy, now 9, were still in foster care in separate families and different schools in Cecil county. Once Krista had all the information, she thanked them and told them to never hesitate to ask her for help in anything they needed. Both smiled.
Krista wanted to get the Reese girls back together with their mother. She hoped that once the family was reunited, Jasmine would emerge from her catatonic state. When she had as much information as she could gather, she asked her parents she needed to have a private discussion with them. After supper they sat on the porch.
"When we first met the Spades, we were two weeks into our trek, " Krista began. "We were at Mystic Seaport looking through the fence at the exhibits wishing we could go inside. They approached us and after a bit of dithering, they paid our way inside. They were really nice and thought we were homeless while mom was away at sea as a cook. We slept on their boat and they brought us clothes. They told us they wouldn't turn us over to the authorities because they had a bad experience in the past when they reported a family to the Children’s service agency. The father was gone, I don't remember if he took off or died, but the only way the mother could support her daughters was by becoming an exotic dancer. The children were taken and split into different foster homes. The oldest girl was raped by her foster father and has been catatonic since. The mother shot and killed the rapist so now she's in jail serving fifteen to twenty five years for second degree murder. The catatonic daughter is in a nursing home being kept alive and the younger daughters are in separate foster homes and attend different schools. Lyndi, Teri, and I reminded them of the family they destroyed. The girls are all in Cecil County and the mother is in the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup. Saving Sandi felt good but at the same time I felt guilty like I was missing something. It finally hit me on Wednesday. It was the Reese girls. I know this sounds silly, but I need to help them." With that Krista gave her parents the data she'd collected.
Pat and Leroy smiled and nodded their heads. Krista was a marvelous person.
"Some of this is restricted data," Leroy said as he skimmed the papers. "How did you get all this information?
Krista blushed and bit her lips. Then with a sigh she answered. "I plead the Fifth Amendment."
"So you know quite a bit of this was gotten illegally," Leroy sighed as Krista squirmed. "I guess I'll have to retrieve it through legal channels. Tell whoever got you this to make sure they covered their trail."
"Will do, dad, Thanks," Krista smiled.
"I'll check to make sure the younger girls are safe," Leroy said. “If they are, it'll be better to leave them where they're at until we can get other issues resolved. I'll contact Kevin Stewart, he's the best defense lawyer in the county. I'll have him take a look at Heather Reese's case to see if we can appeal the conviction."
"I'll call in some markers to find more about Jasmine's condition," Pat said. "You'll have to be patient as this will take some time."
"I understand," Krista nodded. "Do you think we have a chance of getting the conviction overturned?"
"Kevin will figure that out," Leroy explained. "But it looks like she had a court appointed public defender. Sometimes they simply are too busy to do a good job, especially in a case where the accused admitted to the killing."
"We'll need to find them a place to live," Krista said as she was already moving on to how they could help the Reese's.
Gram came walking up to them. "Now who are we moving?"
Krista once more explained the situation.
Gram just nodded and cryptically stated. "I'll see what I can do on the housng end."
*****
The next morning, Jane contacted Robert and Sheila Scott, Krista's paternal grandparents and asked them to join her for lunch as she had something to discuss.
After they finished eating Jane spoke up. "Are you still interested in moving out her on the peninsula?"
"Yes we are but so far we haven't found anything," Robert said.
"I was talking to Bill Dougherty yesterday," Jane said. "He's thinking of selling off his farm, just keeping a water-side site to build a small place. He wants to make sure the farm continues and doesn't get developed. That's why he hasn't listed it. If it's listed, some developer will gobble it up."
Robert and Sheila exchanged glances then Sheila asked. "How much land does he have?"
"Basically the rest of the Wells Point peninsula," Jane replied. "His land adjoins mine. In the north it runs along Leadham Creek into Long Cove, from the south western tip of the cove about fifty yards to Wells Point Lane. The property line follows the south west side of the road as it heads northwest along the tree line. Then it follows the tree line south along the Bozman Neavitt Road. Once it nears the houses and developments north of Neavitt it follows the tree line south east to Balls Creek. It includes Johns Cove and the docks."
"There is a big house with barns and outbuildings off the docks at Johns Cove," Jane continued. "There's another house about eighty feet further up Johns Cove Lane. About two hundred fifty feet north on Johns Cove Lane is the main farm with a large house, two barns and a shed. About three hundred feet north Dougherty Lane splits off heading north west five hundred feet until it meets Wells Point Lane. There is a house, large barn and a shed there. Heading west on Wells Point lane for four hundred feet is another house with a garage. Going back to John's Cove Lane where Dougherty Lane split off, about hundred feet north on Johns Cove Lane is a large barn. A further four hundred fifty feet Johns Cove Lane crosses Wells Point Road. The farm on the intersection of Dougherty Lane and Wells Point Lane is about five hundred feet from the intersection of Wells Point Lane and Johns Cove Lane. Heading north about three hundred fifty feet on John's Cove Lane from the intersection is the biggest house on the property. Eight hundred feet east of Johns cove Lane on Wells Point Lane, Locust Neck Lane travels south two thousand feet to the forest on Locust neck Point. Steves Cove Lane heads south from my barn into the trees and then runs along the property line for two thousand feet to the east of Steves Cove to end at the forest on Balls Creek Point. It's about six hundred and fifty acres. My farm is about four hundred twenty five acres as a comparison."
"That's a big area," Robert acknowledged. "I don't know if we can afford it."
"You can get the kids to join you," Jane suggested. "You'll have six houses, five barns, six sheds, one garage, and one boat house. David and Laura and their kids could take the big house. She's mentioned more than once she'd like to open a Bed and Breakfast and that place would be ideal. I'm sure Larry and Kylie would jump at the chance to live out here and I think Evelyn Masters would be willing to sell her place to move in with them. The same goes for Rachel Masters and Tony. You'd take another house so that would leave three open."
"I've known you too long, Jane," Sheila chuckled. "So who do you have in mind for the other houses?"
“Well, Krista has come up with the idea of saving a family that's been torn apart," Jane smiled. "It involves the Spades but they don't know that yet. They could take the house at the dock and operate the dock in conjunction with the bed and breakfast. It'd be a better location to launch the DUKW too. The environmentalists wouldn't look too favorably if we tried to reopen the route we used to use."
Jane went on to explain about Krista's idea to reunite the Reese family. Robert and Sheila both smiled proudly thinking about how caring Krista was about people she'd never met.
"I really think if Bill knows you'll buy the place with your extended family, he'll cut you a deal," Jane finished. "Besides, neither of you'd have to pay a real-estate agent's commission."
"Well, I guess it won't hurt to talk to Bill," Robert replied. "I saw his truck on the way in so maybe I can catch him to sound him out"
A few moments later, Robert and Sheila pulled up beside Bill's truck parked by the side of the road. The old man was down in one of the many small streams unsuccessfully trying to pull some trees that had been downed by a recent storm from a drain pipe. Robert pulled his F350 Ford truck around until it faced the pipe. Sheila slid behind the steering wheel as Robert walked around the front to pick up the winch cable. As Sheila let it unwind, Robert climbed down into the ditch/streambed.
"Wrap this around the trunks," Robert said as he reached the heavily perspired older man.
"T’ank ya kindly, Robert," Bill said as he wrapped the half inch steel cable around the trunks.
The two stood clear and signaled Sheila who began to rewind the cable. Once the cable was taunt, it shook for a moment before the trees begrudgingly let loose. Sheila winched the offending trees right up to the front of the truck as the men clambered out of the ditch. After unhooking the cable, Sheila wound the slack cable onto the winch while the men threw the branches into the back of Bill's beat up old 1968 F150.
"T’ank ya ‘gain," Bill smiled when the task was finished.
"Anytime, Bill," Robert replied. "We were just talking to Jane O'Brien and she said you were thinking of selling the place but didn't want to let it go to a developer."
"That AH am," Bill answered. "If ya know anyone who might be interested, le’ me know."
"Well, I might be interested if the price is right," Robert replied with a genuine smile.
“Ah know ya don’t want ta become a farma and Ah don’ want to see it all divied up fer development,” Bill surmised. “So what ya want it fer?”
“You know my granddaughter made her way down from Massachuset,” Robert began. “She and her sisters are living with Jane. My oldest boy, Leroy and his family have moved in with Jane since he’s Krista’s father.”
“Yep, heard all ‘bout her,” Bill nodded. “She’s one feisty gal, took out Jack Masters and then rescued that ‘bused girl. Not to mention she put some life back into Jane. That ‘bused girl’s stayin’ wit’ ‘em ain’t she?”
“Yes, Sandi is staying with them at least temporarily but I think it might be permanently,” Robert replied. “Kylie Masters has set up a repair shop in Jane’s barn. She and my youngest, Larry are engaged and will probably marry next spring. My other son Dave works with me and his wife Laura has been talking about buying a place to live in and make over into a bed and breakfast. Sheila and I have been talking about moving into the country for a while but haven’t found anything that suits us. Jane suggested your place would be big enough for my family. The big place could become a home and bed and breakfast for Dave and Laura. Larry is a good worker but his heart just isn’t in the construction business. He’s always liked gardening, so I think he’d be interested in farming, besides which living out here Kylie would be next door to her garage. I’d assume Evelyn would sell her place and move in with them. Then there’s Rachel Masters, Evelyn’s sister and her son Tony. They could have a place out here too. We’d all be nice and cosy out here on Wells Point.”
“Does sound perty good,” Bill mused. “But Ah could easily get five million fer the place, especially wit’ all the water frontage. Ah don’t tink even ya could handle that.”
“I could but I don’t want to,” Robert answered honestly. “I’d have to hock everything and that’s just too risky. Besides, the only way you’d get that is to sell it to a developer. “I’m thinking more of giving you a million in cash, and paying you a consulting fee of a thousand a month to stay on as agricultural advisor for Larry. Plus, I build a cabin and a dock for you down on Balls Creek. The house would be masonry. The ground floor would be open plan for use as a garage or boat storage. The second floor would be above a fifteen foot storm surge and we’ll build a ramp for access and a full wrap around balcony deck. We'd keep ownership which would free you from property taxes and sign a contract allowing you rent free use for life. We'll do the upkeep for free and install whatever type of heating/cooling system you'd like. Your only expenses would be utilities. We can also add in a title stipulation limiting the development of the land to keep it either a farm or wildlife sanctuary."
"That's a mighty fine deal," Bill acknowledged. "The cabin sounds good and ah know just where ta put it. The consultin’ fee will pay ma bills plus Ah'll have my social security. Ah never was one ta travel, so the million should be more’n enough to keep me happy. Ah'll give it some thought."
"Think about this," Sheila added as she had joined them while Robert was talking. "Our extended family will be here so someone will be nearby at all times. Living with us will also make you like one of the family so you'll be included in all our get togethers."
"Now the deal sounds even betta," Bill chuckled. "Mah ungrateful kids t’ain't even called since Edna passed t’ree years ‘go. Tell ya what, let's sit down with a lawyr and hammer out a deal. Ah wanna make sure mah kids don't try ta steal me blind. Ah don't want ‘em to get anything of value. Family photos ‘n such, but nothin’ more. Ah'll want an iron clad deal fer us ‘n mah will."
"Well, Kevin Stewart is the best attorney around here," Robert said. "He handles all my legal matters and Leroy trusts him."
"Sounds good ‘nough fer me," Bill answered. "If a sheriff trusts a lawyer, he's gotta be good."
"I'll call and set up a joint consultation where we can tell him what we want," Robert said. "When he gets it together, he'll let us know so we can review it to make sure it's what we want. Then all we need to do is sign."
"’n get me a million dollars," Bill added with a chuckle.
*****
Leroy had set up and appointment to meet Kevin Stewart for lunch. Being friends since high school, the men sat and talked as the ate. When they were relaxing over desert and coffee, Leroy presented the information packet Krista had assembled.
"We don't know where some of this information was gathered," Leroy said. "All I know is my daughter had some help from some classmates but she took the fifth about saying any more."
"I take it you're referring to Krista," Kevin chuckled. "You got your hands full with that one."
"Yes, but she's a good person and only wants to help others," Leroy answered. "Do you think you can help the mom get out?"
"At first glance it looks like a great case can be made," Kevin said. "The lawyer who represented her is at best incompetent in a court room. This could run into some money for appeals and documents. While I'll run the case gratis, I can't afford the costs."
"Check it out," Leroy said. "If you think you can get her released, I know some people who I'm sure will pay the costs. "They were teachers who started the initial child services investigation because they were concerned for the children but everything went south. They've been tortured with guilt since."
"That's good," Kevin smiled. “If they filed the complaint against the mother and are now willing to testify their motives were good but misguided, it can only help the case. Give me a couple of days to root around. Let's meet for lunch on Thursday and I'll be able to give you an answer."
"Sounds good,' Leroy stood as they shook hands. "If you think it'll be a go, I'll contact the couple. I don't want to get their hopes up before then."
*****
After school on Tuesday, Gram gathered LJ, Peter, Sandi, Lyndi and Teri and drove them to their football and cheering practice. Pat met them there with Tony and Krista. As LJ and Peter took the field with the Mitey-Mites, Krista and Pat led Sandi over to the Mitey-Mite cheerleaders. Mindy Welch greeted them warmly.
"Sandi, I saw you doing the routines on the sidelines at Saturday's game," Mindy said.
Sandi immediately hunkered down by Krista afraid she was about to be scolded.
"Oh Sandi, it's okay," Mindy knelt down to appear less threatening. "I thought you did a good job. I talked to Pat and Krista. They said it was okay if I asked you if you'd like to join this group of cheerleaders. We're short one girl and I think you'd be perfect to fill up the squad. So , what do you say, do you want to be a cheerleader for the Tidewater Titans Mitey-Mites?"
Sandi was gobsmacked. No one had EVER asked her to join in anything! She looked at Krista and Pat for guidance.
Krista knelt down by Sandi. "My mom and I are okay with you doing this, but we're not about to make you do it," Krista explained. “The choice is yours and we'll support you either way. If you want to join, we'll get you a uniform just like the ones Teri, Lyndi, and I wear. You'd be cheering for LJ and Peter. Are you interested?"
Tentatively Sandi nodded her head still not fully comfortable with being allowed to make decisions.
"I'll tell you what," Mindy smiled as she stood and reached for Sandi's hand. "Krista, will you come out to help me keep an eye on the girls to make sure they’re doing the routines correctly? Sandi, you come with us and meet the other girls and practice with us. If you have a good time and want to join the squad, you can let me know after the practice is over. So come on girls, lets go cheer!"
Krista took Sandi's trembling hand and put it in Mindy's outstretched hand. "Go for it, Sandi! I'll be right there the whole time and promise that nothing bad will happen to you."
With a last look to Krista for reassurance, Sandi allowed herself to be led to the other girls. As soon as the other cheerleaders found out Sandi was thinking of joining the squad they squealed with delight and swarmed her to hug her telling her they needed her to fill out the squad. Sandi actually smiled. Soon she was doing the routines with the other girls. Krista proved to be adept at improving the performance of all the girls without upsetting them. When the other girls asked Sandi how she could be so good so she explained she had been practicing with Teri and Lyndi while Krista coached them. By the time the practice was over, Sandi was happily nodding her head in response to the girls' unanimous requests she join the team.
Lyndi and Teri welcomed Sandi aboard as they headed out for their Junior Pee-Wee practice. Pat was helping LJ and Peter out of their uniforms as Sandi ran ahead of Krista to hug Pat in thanks for helping her. When they joined Gram, Tony listened as LJ and Peter explained their team's strategy. Pat and Krista headed to the car with Sandi to go try on and pick-up the cheerleader uniform they had ordered.
Sandi was so excited as she modeled the cute outfit she never questioned how the store had a perfectly fitting uniform with her name embroidered on it in stock. Of course she had to wear it out of the store. They arrived back at the practice just as Lyndi and Teri were finishing their practice. The twins swarmed Sandi and Mindy congratulated Sandi on becoming such and adorable cheerleader.
Gram produced her picnic basket of goodies and the family ate while the Pee-Wee teams practiced. By the time they were done, it was time for the Midget practice. Tony headed out with the guys while Krista joined the girls. Krista was well enough to do the steps and kicks but had to refrain from the jumps. Sandi watched her idol with devotion and mimicked her every move.
By the time they arrived home, everyone was tired. Leroy had to see Sandi model her cheerleader costume and he told her how cute she looked. The girl went to bed that night with a smile on her face. It was the first time she slept through the night without nightmares.
*****
By Wednesday Pat was perplexed. No matter who she contacted to try to find information about Jasmine Reese she found a brick wall. The long term rehab center that the data duo had uncovered as the location of Jasmine Reese was out of date. It was the location Jasmine had been admitted after being discharged from the hospital, but at some point she had been moved and no one seemed to know where she was now. No one she contacted was able to find where the girl had gone or even if she was still alive. Growing fearful, she contacted Leroy.
Realizing this could be a danger sign of gross misconduct, Leroy contacted Judge Watkins.
Catherine Watkins had Leroy in his role as deputy sheriff in her courtroom on many occasions and had always found him prepared and professional. Whatever evidence or testimony he presented was always beyond reproach. The judge respected Leroy as an officer of the law and as an honorable and judicious man. It had been her great pleasure to handle the adoption of Krista and her sisters. She was the judge who signed the warrants to search Sandi’s home for evidence of her molestation. She would later sentence Sandi’s mother for her role in the abuse. Abuse was something Judge Watkins detested, especially when it involved juveniles.
When Judge Watkins found out Leroy wanted to discuss another possible abuse case that Krista had uncovered, she agreed to meet Leroy privately after normal court hours in her chambers. Judge Watkins was well aware of Krista’s odyssey, knew what Krista had done to save Rachel, Tony and herself from Jack Masters, and how she had not only discovered Sandi, but had eased the child’s terror by staying with her throughout her ordeal in the hospital. The judge had learned to respect any concerns Krista brought to her attention.
Needless to say, Judge Watkins was not pleased by what Leroy laid out before her. The stonewall they had run into concerning Jasmine Reese raised her concerns. She also told Leroy that if Kevin Stewart found probable cause for a bad verdict and sentence in the case against Heather Reese she wanted to be notified as she could use her connections to expedite handling.
Leroy thanked Judge Watkins and headed home knowing they’d have soon have answers.
Judge Watkins contacted a trusted friend who was a lawyer in the Maryland State Attorney General’s Office. When Amanda Frost learned of her friend’s concerns she had someone from the evening research staff begin going through the computer records to see where the state welfare stipend to care for Jasmine Reese were being sent. She also ordered copies of the trial transcripts for Heather Reese as well as records of her time in the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup.
Krista was scared by the mystery of Jasmine’s location but Leroy assured her Judge Watkins would get to the bottom of the dilemma before too long. Knowing Judge Watkins was involved reduced her fears to concerns.
*****
Robert and Sheila Scott and Bill Dougherty met with Kevin Stewart Thursday afternoon, September 20. The three explained their verbal bargain about the sale of Bill’s farm and that they wanted to have it drawn up all nice and legal as well as Bill’s desire to have an iron clad will drawn up cutting his ungrateful children from everything but designated family heirlooms. Bill also insisted it be in plain simple English as he didn’t trust legalese. Kevin made copious notes and questioned them to clarify any questionable area before he finally read his summation to them. Robert and Sheila said they were satisfied with the summation but Bill frowned.
“Bill, you don’t seem happy,” Kevin said. “Did I miss something?”
“Wa’l, Ah’ve been thinkin’ while we were chawin’,” Bill began. “Ah don’t like that million dollar cash sale.”
Robert and Sheila were shocked and disappointed. Kevin was equally confused.
“It just don’ seem right ta me,” Bill said. “Ah mean, Ah’d have ta pay taxes on a million dollars ‘n then Ah wouldn’t have a million, now would Ah?”
“All right, Bill,” Robert sighed. “I’ll up the price to a million after taxes.”
“No, no, man, are ya nuts or something? Ah’ve been thinking, what will Ah do with a million dollars, even after taxes,” Bill groused. “Ah’d die before Ah could even spend a tenth of that, then mah kids wo’ld ‘xpect the damn money. If Ah get feeble minded ‘n need to be put in a home, they’d put me in some fleabag place ’n just gobble up the money. Hell, Robert, you build me that cabin ‘n dock ‘n le’ me live there fer free ‘n pay me that fancy consultin’ fee ‘n Ah’ll be happy.”
“Bill, are you sure,” Kevin said. “That’s an awful lot of money to give up!”
“Money, shmoney.” Bill chuckled. “A roof over mah head ‘n a fishin’ pole is all Ah need. ‘Sides, thar’s a mighty fine young gal livin’ out on the point that’s concerned ‘bout helpin’ others. Ah may be an old dog but Ah’m not too old ta learn new tricks. Ah’m too old ta figure out how ta go ‘round helpin’ others, but this here Scott family’ll be able ta do a lot more good for people if they don’t go a million dollars in debt! Mah mind’s made up. No million bucks. Now ya'll take it or leave it!”
Sheila had tears running down her cheeks. “Why you old goat! You had us going there for a minute. If this what you want, I can promise you we’ll make you proud of the confidence you have in us.”
“If Ah did’n believe that, Ah wo’ldn’t be doin’ this,” Bill said. “Now, Mr. Lawyer, you draw this up jus’ like Ah said ‘n do mah will. The sooner the betta!“
“Kevin, do as this gentleman says, and be sure to send me the bill,” Robert said as he extended his hand to Bill.
Bill just smiled as they shook.
As Robert and Sheila left the office, Sheila called Jane and told her the news and asked if she could get hold of the Spades. Naturally, Jane was thrilled and jumped at the chance to have a picnic on the farm Saturday after the football games to announce the pending purchase and the rough plans for the place.
When she got back to the office, Sheila began getting the paperwork ready to apply for the permits to build Bill his retirement cabin and dock. She also prepared permit applications to remodel the existing homes and barns. The paperwork would be filed the same day they had settlement at the courthouse.
Jane called the Spade's as soon as she got off the phone with Sheila. They were glad to hear from her and wanted the latest news on the girls. Quite naturally they were not surprised by Krista's actions to help Sandi and were glad they had played a small part in getting the girls safely home.
"If you're not sitting, do so," Jane said once they'd caught up. "And make sure you're on speaker phone."
Once the Spades had done as Jane requested they let her know.
"Krista was delighted about being able to help Sandi," Jane began. "But something didn't set right but she couldn't figure out what. She said it seemed to dance around her mind giving her glimpses of something that needed to be corrected. It hit her when she saw a kid munching on a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup as they switched classes. She remembered your feelings about the Reese girls."
The Spades gasped.
"You know how Krista is when she gets and idea in her head," Jane stated once they had collected themselves. "She went to some of her classmates who are good with computers and asked them to see what they could find on the family. Heather, the mother is serving a lengthy jail term for murder but it appears her lawyer was at best incompetent. While their was no doubt that Heather had killed the man who assaulted Jasmine, her reasons for doing so were not adequately brought to light. Leroy has a friend who is a good defense lawyer looking into the case. Holly and Ivy seem to be struggling emotionally and academically. Their foster homes seem adequate but are no substitute for real family. The real concern in the matter is Jasmine. The records we've found indicates she's in a rehab center operated by Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems but when we contacted the center the receptionist said they had no patient by that name or age. Yesterday Leroy took the information Krista collected and took it to Judge Watkins. She was not pleased by the stonewalling and promised to get with a friend in the state Attorney General's office. I know Judge Watkins. She'll be on the warpath to reunite this family."
"Please keep us posted," Frank replied with a heavy heart. "Let us know if there's anything we can do."
"I was hoping you'd say that," Jane chuckled. "Robert and Sheila have negotiated a deal with my neighbor, Bill Dougherty, who owns the base of Well's point Peninsula. They'll be signing paperwork next week to buy the property. There are five homes as well as numerous barns and sheds on the property. The big home they want to set up as a bed and breakfast with Laura running it. Then there's the house on Balls Creek that has a boat ramp and dock. They want to set it up as a boating and canoeing landing that guests at the bed and breakfast and other tourist types can utilize. With your background in boating, your name came up as living in the house there and setting up the business."
"Well, that sounds interesting," Frank replied. "It sounds like something we might be interested in pursuing. We've both gotten a bit weary of living in our sailboat."
"Great," Jane replied. "We're having a picnic late Saturday so Robert and Sheila can let the family know what's going on. If you can get here by Saturday morning, Robert can show you the layout and then join us at the picnic. If you accept the position as head of the boating enterprise, you'll also get use of the house there. With a permanent residence, you would be in a position where you can offer the Reese family a secure place to live."
"We'll be there for the picnic," Sarah declared. "We're down around the James river now. We can get there in plenty of time. We'll dock in St. Michaels and call you when we're in."
"It'd be better if you call the Nelsons," Jane said. "If you call me Krista might find out and I'd rather surprise her."
"Will do," Sarah replied.
*****
Part 3
While Krista was not a glamour queen, she had developed a feminine demeanor so that even dressed in jeans and flannel shirt she appeared to be a girl. The testosterone blockers were doing their job and had effectively shut down her male puberty before it started. Remembering how tough her school life had been in Massachusetts, she went out of her way to smile at everyone and greet them. In her book, everyone deserved a chance to prove their friendship.
The success she had in turning Tony from an overbearing swaggering bully into a nice friendly guy impressed everyone. Most of the kids from elementary school had avoided Tony and his three cronies Jimmy, Dwayne, and Phil. The positive change that Krista wrought in Tony was quite impressive. That Jimmy had moved from the skinny hanger-on in the bullying clique to be Tony's best friend and a nice guy was also appreciated.
At Krista's urging, she even convinced Tony and Jimmy to apologize to their old victims for their past bullying. At first the former victims were leery of the sudden change of their former adversaries, but they quickly realized that Krista was responsible. On top of that, Tony and Jimmy began running interference for their classmates with their former cronies. Dwayne and Phil had not changed and they could not understand or accept the dramatic change in Tony and Jimmy.
When Tony and Jimmy began shutting down Dwayne and Phil’s continued bullying, they nearly came to blows. It was only Tony's former status of a tough brawler that held them back. Dwayne and Phil blamed Krista for turning Tony and Jimmy. They absolutely hated Krista not only for stealing their bully comrades but for being a freakish faggot tranny. It didn't take long for their victims, bolstered by the support of Tony and Jimmy, to stand up to the bullying of Dwayne and Phil. It didn't take long for the nasty duo to become virtually ostracized by their classmates
Almost everyone liked Krista and she steadfastly refused to spread rumors. That isn't to say she didn’t express appropriate feelings about poor or bad behavior, but she made it clear she was opposed to the actions rather than the person.
The snobbettes were almost as put out by the influence of Krista on school society as Dwayne and Phil. The trio was so sure of their higher social status they barely acknowledged Krista. To their way of thinking, a transsexual was the lowest life-form in the school, even beneath the nerds and geeks. Brittany, Chloe and Tiffany went out of their way to let Krista and everyone else know of their disdain for her. Krista pointedly ignored their snubs. Every time they crossed paths she made sure she to smile at them and cheerily greet them. Invariably the girls humphed and tossed their heads to haughtily look away. The other girls who had been socially dissed by the trio all through elementary school took heart. They finally had someone with enough guts to stand up to the snobs.
Brittany, Chloe and Tiffany could see their position at the top of the social ladder was losing it's glamour. Not that they felt they were any less superior, but their audience, those who humbled themselves before their style and admired their class, had moved away from the social ladder they stood atop. Glamour and social status without envious admirers was hollow. They began making comments about how Krista wasn't even a real girl and that she and Tony were a gay couple. Those comments only served to drive hangers-on further away.
On Friday, September 21, the school held elections for student council during morning homeroom. Each homeroom was to elect one boy and one girl as their representatives. Krista and Tony were the only nominees and elected by an overwhelming majority of their classmates.
The election of Tony and Krista as class representatives to the student counsel really irked Brittany, Chloe, and Tiffany. Not that they wanted the menial positions, but that there were no other nominations so they couldn't even vote their displeasure. They realized Krista was now the most popular girl in their class. What made it far worse was that in their bigoted eyes she wasn't even a REAL girl! They felt they were being cheated from their rightful place atop the school food chain.
Dwayne and Phil were also bummed out about the election. Student counsel was part of the oppression the school exerted on non conformists and rebels. Tony had betrayed their red-neck good ole boy stick it to the establishment tradition.
They newly elected student council met during last period. Tony and Krista learned the council served as a two way communication with the administration. They were also responsible for school activities such as dances and spirit day and similar things that would involve the students in school life. Krista and Tony wound up on the dance committee. They tried to have a dance once a month with the first a simple back to school dance in the gymnasium on Friday September 28. Other than organizing a DJ and refreshments, a few balloons was all they used for decorations. The big dance would be the Halloween costume Dance on October 26.
Krista remembered how Kylie had said the Halloween party in gym was lame because it was so difficult to decorate. Larry had commented that the O'Brien barn would make an ideal location for a Halloween dance. While Krista kept her idea to herself, she would discuss the matter with her family.
As Pat drove Krista and Tony back to the farm after school, Krista explained her idea for using the barn as the site for the Halloween Dance. Tony liked the idea and Pat thought it might be a good idea if the school approved and if insurance issues didn't present a problem.
When they reached the farm, Krista and Tony headed to the barn to speak to Kylie. Kylie repeated her thoughts that the gym was a bad location for the Halloween Dance and that the barn would be an ideal spot.
After supper, Krista sat down with her parents and Gram to get their tentative approval. The only major concern raised was insurance liability.
*****
Kevin Stewart called Bill Dougherty and the Scotts on Friday afternoon to let them know the paperwork was ready and that they had an appointment set up for Monday morning at the courthouse to sign and register the title transfer. All were delighted.
*****
The Saturday September 22 football games went smoothly and Sandi cheered her heart out for DJ and Peter. Any lingering reluctance the boys had at having another girl in the family disappeared. Krista was able to dance with her cheerleading squad but still was not allowed to jump.
The Spades had docked in St. Michaels the night before. Once Pat had taken the kids to the football games, Robert and Sheila picked up Frank and Sarah. They drove out to Bill Dougherty who greeted them warmly. Bill climbed into the front seat as Sheila moved into the back seat of the Ford Escape. As they drove up and down the farm lanes, Bill pointed out everything of note. They stopped and stretched their legs at the site on Balls Creek where Bill wanted his new home. Everyone could see the spot was ideal for the purpose and many years before there had once been a home there.
In a bit they were down to the dock and landing at Johns Cove. Frank and Sarah were clearly impressed with the location and facilities already in place. It needed a bit of sprucing up, but other than that it looked ideal. Although the farmhouse was much larger than the Spade's needed, if they were able to provide a place for the Reeses, the space would not go unused.
The barn and fenced pastures are be ideal for several horses," Sarah enthused. "The different environs on this peninsula would make for interesting horse trails."
Everyone agreed with her assessment and another element was added to the plan. With that they headed out to Jane's farm to help prepare the picnic.
When Pat and the kids arrived home from the football games, preparations for the expanded family picnic were nearly complete. Rachel, Evelyn and Kylie Masters were there as well as the Nelsons and much to the twins and Krista's delight, the Spades. After hugs all around, the kids changed out of their uniforms. Then the feast was begun.
After everyone was filled, Robert called everyone together. "On Monday, Sheila and I are going to the courthouse with Bill to finalize a deal. By Monday night we'll be the owners of Bill's farm. We're going to build Bill a comfy cabin with a dock on Balls Creek as part of the deal."
That certainly got everyone's attention. Bill just nodded his head and chuckled.
"We'll move the entire family out here," Sheila picked up. "Laura, we know you've wanted to get a bed and breakfast going so you and David will take the big house and set one up. David, we want to make you foreman of the construction crew.”
David and Laura exchanged smiles. They would both be getting what they wanted.
“Larry, you and Kylie will get the main farm where Bill lives now,” Sheila continued. “Now since that house is pretty big, we figured Rachel, Evelyn, and Tony could move in with you."
Rachel and Evelyn were stunned by the offer to move them to the peninsula although both would love to be out there. "We can't allow you to just let us move out here like that," Evelyn protested.
"Now listen here," Robert scolded. "With Larry and Kylie engaged, you’re part of the family. We have jobs in mind for both of you so you’ll earn your keep. Evelyn, since Kylie has her repair business going in the barn she'll be close to work. Besides, you ran the shop office for Jim, you can do the same for Kylie and take on some of the book keeping from other areas which I’ll get to in a minute.”
Evelyn and Kylie smiled at the prospect.
“Now everyone knows I’m not a farmer but part of the purchase deal is that we keep the farm going,“ Robert declared. “Larry, you’re a good worker but your heart just isn't in the construction business. We know you like growing things, so we’d like to make you the chief farmer. Bill has agreed to serve as a paid consultant to help you out. Rachel, you grew up on a farm and while you may be a bit rusty, you know what it takes to make a go of it so we thought you might be interested in helping on the farm. We kind of think you won’t miss waitressing. Besides, Tony will be closer to Krista and we have other plans for him, if he’s willing. Tony, we’d like you to help Larry. You’ve got mechanical skills so you can help him keep the equipment running.”
“I sure wouldn’t mind living out here,” Tony perked up as he squeezed Krista’s hand as everyone chuckled and Krista blushed.
Rachel nodded her head in agreement that she would not miss waitressing. Larry and Tony were all smiles.
“That brings us to the Spades,” Sheila smiled. “We want to open the dock and landing on Steve’s Cove to the public. We could rent canoes and such to tourists and it would be another draw for the bed and breakfast. They would live there and run that portion of the enterprise. When we toured the area earlier today, Sarah suggested we get several horses as the barn and fenced paddocks are already in place. We can open horseback riding on the trails to the public.”
Everyone was enthused at the ideas.
“As we all know, Krista has a way of getting involved in all sorts of situations,” Robert added as Krista squirmed. “If her latest escapade pans out, the Spades will need the large house down there to give the Reese family a place to get themselves back together as a family.”
“Judge Watkins called me last night and said there would soon be some fur flying in the investigation about the Reese family,” Leroy announced. “All she told me was to be prepared to pitch in and help.” Leroy went on to explain the details of the Reese family mess as far as they knew it.
Everyone told the Spades they’d have help.
It was then that Krista spoke up. “What about the people who are living on the Dougherty farm now?”
“The big house Ah rent out ta tourists,” Bill explained. “It’s empty now ‘n while Ah got some reservation requests fer next year, it’s early enough ta cancel ‘em. The first place on Wells Point lane is vacant ‘n it should do jest fine fer Robert ‘n Sheila. The second place on Wells Point Lane has tenants wit a lease that require a t’ree month notice of vacating the premises. The main farm where Ah live will be open soon’s Ah get mah new place. The small house ‘tween the farm ‘n Johns Cove is vacant right now but Ah already signed it up fer lease ta the people who live in the large house by the docks. They were lookin for a smaller place so’s Ah talked in’a moving down the lane. That means the house by the dock will be open in a couple a days for the Spades.”
Everyone was glad no one had to be evicted.
*****
After church on Sunday, the extended family spent the day checking out the what was soon to be their farm.
As Bill had said, the first house on Wells Point Lane was a cozy three bedroom one and a half bath home with a detached two car garage. It needed some cosmetic touch-ups but was perfect for Robert and Sheila now that the last of their brood was almost ready to leave their nest. Larry would stay with them until Bill vacated the main farm.
The second house on Wells Point Lane was a three bedroom with one and a half baths on the north side of the Lane. The tenants took good care of the place so there were no worries there. A sizeable livestock shed sat half inside and half outside the large fenced in triangular field on the south side of Wells Point Lane. The eastern side of the field bordered Johns Cove Lane and the south west side by Dougherty Lane. Bill used it to house steers who grazed in the large field nearly all year round. Hay and feed were kept in the shed to feed them when it was snowy or just to miserable for them to go outside. South of the intersection of Wells Point and Dougherty Lanes was a large livestock barn and a small shed. There were four fenced in pastures radiating out from the rear of the barn, and three of them had fenced in pastures behind them. This was set a dairy farm but Bill hadn't really used it as such for ten years. With a bit of clean-up and sanitizing the milk house it could be operational in weeks.
At the other end of Dougherty Lane where it met Johns Cove Lane, a large storage Barn sat just north of the intersection on the eastern side of John's Cove lane in a stand of forest. It could be utilized for nearly any purpose.
Just west of the intersection of the lanes was a farm road angling south west. They decided to call it Bills Lane because where the lane reached Balls Creek was where Bill's cabin and dock would be built.
About three hundred feet south of the intersection the main farm complex straddled Johns Cove Lane. The large farmhouse was on the western side of the road. A large barn on the south, a medium sized dairy barn in the center, and a livestock shed with attached chicken house to the north formed a fifty feet wide by a hundred feet deep farmyard on the other side of the road. The chicken house was twenty feet wide and 60 feet long. Four fenced in pastures surrounded the barn complex. Here too the dairy barn would have to be cleaned and sanitized for use. Larry was excited about making the farm fully functional and Tony caught his enthusiasm. Rachel had no qualms about leaving her waitressing job and returning to farm life. Bill just smiled warmed by the exuberance of youth.
About two hundred fifty feet south of the main farm complex a single house sat on the east side of Johns Cove Lane. This three bedroom one and a half bath house was the one the tenants were moving into from the larger house just eighty feet further south.
At the southern end of Johns Cove Lane was another farm complex. The lane split into a Y at the very end. The house had five bedrooms and two and half baths was on the north side of the western Y. This was the one the Spades would occupy and if things went well also the Reese family. Behind the house the Y headed to Johns Cove by a large two story boathouse set up to store small boats, kayaks and canoes on the second floor while the first floor had service pits, boat lifts and boat hoists to make repairs. to boats up to fifty feet in length. Beyond the boathouse were outdoor storage racks for kayaks and canoes, a small roofed pavilion with storage shed. The Y ended at a boat ramp fifteen feet wide ran into Johns Cove and twenty feet south of that a pier five feet wide ran out sixty feet into the cove. On the southern side of the end of the pier a twenty feet wide by sixty feet long boat house/pavilion building sat atop pilings forty feet from shore. A large livestock barn sat across on the southern side of the eastern Y with seven large fenced in pastures. This is where Sarah had suggested locating the horse stables. The barn had two sheds on the side right where the road split into the Ys the road and a large shed behind it. There were two separate sheds on the north side of the Y from the big barn.
Heading back north on Johns Cove Lane past the barn in the forest by the intersection with Dougherty Lane the road continued through an intersection with Wells Point Lane to end at the big house. The big house, with ceilings ten feet high, was quite spacious. Built in the early 1920s by a wealthy family from Baltimore, it was their summer getaway from the heat and noise of the city. Bill bought it after the Korean War, the builders had died, their children had smaller places of their own and none of the grandchildren were interested in the huge house. Bill had upgraded the electric and plumbing and began renting it our for the summer. The place would be ideal for Laura and David. What had been the servants wing had six bedrooms, a large sitting area and one bath. The smallest bedroom could be remodeled to join another to form a master suite with it's own bath. The wing connected to the main house through the large kitchen. There was a spacious dining room in front of the kitchen. There was a grand staircase in the large entry foyer with a powder room on either side tucked beneath the stairs. A large sitting room was behind the foyer next to the kitchen. The rest of the first floor a spacious ball room. The ball room and dining room both opened to the grand twelve foot deep front veranda that stretched across the colonnaded front. The second floor consisted of four suites in front, a wide corridor running the full length of the building that opened to the grand staircase and six bedrooms with three baths in the rear. The suites were on the front, two on either side of the open entrance foyer, opening onto six feet deep balconies inside the colonnaded veranda. Each suite consisted of a large bedroom, sitting room, and bath. The rear of the second floor held spacious bedrooms without balconies. There was a shared bath between every pair of bedrooms. It would be an ideal set up for a bed and breakfast. The only major upgrade would be an efficient heating and cooling system. Scott and Sons General Contractors always recommended a geothermal heatpump if the site was suitable.
*****
On Monday the papers were signed and Robert and Sheila became the official owners of the farm. The paperwork was filed for the building and remodeling permits. With the reputation Scott and Sons General Contractors had, there should be no issues getting the permits by Friday.
*****
Also on Monday Tony and Krista sounded out the other members of the dance committee about the idea of holding the Halloween Dance in the Barn. By the end of the day the dance committee was sitting in the principle's office as they enthusiastically explained their hopes for the Halloween dance and showed him the signed provisional permission slip from Jane to allow the barn to be used as well as numerous photos of the barn and environs. The principle was surprised by the effort Krista and Tony had invested in the idea. Silently acknowledging the iron will of Krista when she had a good idea, Dr. Harris agreed to see what could be done from the school's end to approve the project.
*****
Amanda Frost reviewed the files of the court proceedings concerning Heather Resse's trial. The case had been severely botched. She ordered a member of her staff to hand deliver the files of the trial to Judge Watkins with a note urging her to review the records with the Kevin Stewart who had agreed to take over as Heather's new defense lawyer. When he was ready, Kevin was to call Amanda and together they would set up a meeting with the president Judge, the judge who had presided over the trial, and the county DA at the Cecil County Courthouse.
*****
The shit hit the fan on Tuesday. The search initiated by Amanda Frost revealed a multitude of fraud issues involving over-billing the state Medicaid program, keeping discharged patients listed as still in their care, and transferring patients from a higher reimbursement location to a less expensive site while still listing the patient as remaining in the costlier location which is what they assumed occurred with Jasmine Reese. The Maryland State Attorney General's office obtained a general search warrant to access the files of Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems. The company operated a statewide network of skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and hospice and home health care agencies. To prevent further deceit, they coordinated simultaneous strikes at each of the eleven company residential locations, the five homecare and hospice offices plus their corporate headquarters. Each strike force included a representative from the State Department of Human Resources which handles Medicaid fraud and human abuse, A state trooper, a deputy sheriff, and an assistant from the Attorney General's Office. The larger facilities had more than one person from the Department of Human Resources At 9:30am they swept into every location. Nearly all the managers went into panic mode when served with the warrants.
In the facilities, the patient lists were compared to the reimbursal lists. Discrepancies occurred at every site. Patients who had been discharged were still on the reimbursal lists. Many patients who were listed on the state records as being at a rehab center were found in less costly facilities. None of the centers found Jasmine Reese listed on their in house rosters. It turned out she was one of twenty four unaccounted for patients who were comatose or so mentally deficient they were like helpless newborns yet were listed as being in expensive rehab centers in the state reimbursal lists. The fraud and deceit was company wide, not one facility had their in house patient roster match the billing. Extra investigators were called in from all those involved. Deputy sheriffs were detailed to stay on site 24/7 until the site investigation was completed.
It was late afternoon when the investigators in the main office discovered an unlicenced facility that housed the twenty four missing patients. State police were dispatched to lock down the site until investigators could get there. It had been a privately owned facility Apple Tree had purchased five years before. The patients were moved to other company owned facilities and the place shut down with the staff being transferred or terminated. After letting it sit vacant for a year and letting the license lapse, they cleaned the inside. They left the battered and worn old sign in place out at the entrance. As the place was located out of site of the public road, no one knew they were reopening it. One by one the company began moving comatose or mentally deficient patients from the more expensive rehab centers. Jasmine Reese was one of those relocated to the clandestine but clean care center.
All twenty four patients in the facility were alive but emaciated, many like Jasmine were curled into a foetal position. The staff changed the diapers three times a day and rolled the patients from side to side every two hours. An LPN on each shift took care of the metering the patients' IV nutrient and liquid needs. Other than changing diapers, there was no attempt to keep the patients physically fit. Except for the manager and the company doctor who stopped in one day a week, none of the staff was aware they were working in an illegal operation. All expenses including wages were hidden within the budgets for the rehab centers.
The owners, managers, and staff who had perpetrated the fraud were arrested and the entire business seized. Most made bail. The owners promptly fled the country to tap their multi-million dollar foreign bank accounts. The state placed new managers in every facility and began the process of trying to find another company to take over the business. The unlicenced facility was to be closed as soon as possible with the patients being transferred to acute rehab centers around the state. The Requard Center for Acute Rehabilitation on the fifth floor of The Memorial Hospital at 219 S. Washington Street in Easton was part of The Shore Health System, which in turn is a part of the University of Maryland Health System. Since the entire investigation started out of the search for Jasmine Reese, Amanda Frost pulled a few strings to have her placed there by the next day.
The coordinated raid made the local and state news that night but all that was released stated that serious discrepancies in the record keeping and billing procedures of the Apple Tree Quality Healthcare System were being investigated and that to the best of the investigator's knowledge the clients were not in any danger.
*****
The Spades began to move into their new home. They didn’t have much as they’d been living on their boat for the last two years. At least with the pier on Johns Cove they were docked right next door to the house. At lunch they visited the Goodwill Store in Easton to select furniture.
Earlier, Robert had told them he’d have his guys pick up the furniture and deliver it to the house first thing Thursday morning. After selecting furniture, they went car shopping. They settled on a low mileage 2005 Ford Expedition nearly identical to the one Pat drove.
*****
For the last class period of school on Wednesday Dr. Harris called a special meeting of the student council to discuss the possibility of having the Halloween dance at the O'Brien barn. The school board had given tentative approval dependant on liability insurance. The school insurance agent and Jane O'Brien's insurance agent were there and had made preliminary arrangements for a one-time liability insurance contract to cover the school and Jane. The cost of the one day policy would be five hundred dollars. It was up to the student council to raise the money and they had two weeks to get cash together. While excited about the having the dance at the barn, they had no idea how they could raise the money. It was mainly Krista’s upbeat attitude that they would find a way to raise the money that kept their hopes high.
After school let out, Leroy was waiting for Krista and Tony. Instead of going home with Pat, he'd be taking them to Easton to meet up with Frank and Sarah Spade to visit Jasmine who had been transferred to the rehab facility at lunch time. The three were anxious as they drove, and even more so when they met the Spades in the lobby. In a few moments they were identifying themselves at the reception area of the Requard Rehab Center. Aware they were coming the receptionist led them to a conference room where Dr. Grace Olsen, the staff neurological physiatrist who was handling Jasmine's case, and Kevin Stewart met them.
"I'll be perfectly blunt," Dr. Olsen began. "I've skimmed the records that came in with Jasmine and I've had a chance to examine her. She's in poor shape. Her muscles have been allowed to atrophy and she is undernourished. Without this intervention I doubt she'd have lasted another three months. As it is, we can't guarantee she'll recover. I've already had our physical therapists begin remedial exercises to stretch her muscles and to get her joints flexible and we're in the process of reconfiguring her nutritional supplements to encourage growth. I've already told Mr. Stewart I'll go on record as saying her care was substandard and any doctor who has been signing her records is guilty of willful misconduct. He's also explained your interest in Jasmine."
Frank, Sarah and Krista were clearly upset.
"The good news is her eyes are responsive," Dr. Olsen continued. "That shows her brain is at least partially functional. Her records indicated no physical trauma or head injury so apparently the anxiety of the forceful separation of her family and the psychological damage done by her subsequent rape left her mentally unable to cope. As far as we can tell she mentally pulled inside her mind in an effort to retreat from anything that might hurt her. If there had been adequate treatment and outside support to provide reassurance and stimulation she might have had a chance to emerge from the mental cocoon she created. Unfortunately it's been two and a half years and at this point she might not be able to emerge. I'm hoping you'll be willing to spend time with her every day simply talking to her, even reading to her. If there's any spark of will left in her, the stimulation may fan it enough to bring her out of her self-imposed mental prison. We'll take care of her physically, but you'll have to reactive her brain by simply spending time with her."
"We will do our best," Frank declared as he squeezed Sarah's hand.
"We'll help too," Krista added with determination. "Do you think it would help to get her sisters to come talk to her?"
"Any family would be great," Dr. Olsen nodded.
"The sisters are in separate foster homes right now," Kevin Stewart stated. "If you give me a letter requesting her sisters be available as often as possible to assist in their big sister’s recovery, I think I can get them transferred from Cecil County custody to Talbot County custody. I know Judge Watkins will sign the order, we'll just have to get a judge in Cecil County to sign off too."
"We'll accept temporary custody of the girls if that helps," Sarah declared.
"Your offer will help but I don't think it's a good idea," Kevin said. "You'll need to spend a lot of time with Jasmine and that would preclude you from taking the girls. We'll definitely look for a home where the girls can be together."
"Dad, we can take them," Krista looked at her father. "We've already proved we can take care of Sandi, Ivy and Holly would fit right in with us."
"I'd like to do it," Leroy said. "But we already have six kids in the family."
"Leroy, if you and Pat agree to take the girls, I know Judge Watkins will approve," Kevin said. "She knows your family and the Spades will be available with any help you might need. Besides, if we can present the judge in Cecil County with the fact we already have an approved family willing and able to take both girls in, it'll cut a lot of red tape."
"We'll take them," Leroy stated. "Pat and I have been discussing the possibility since we learned of the situation. Kevin, do you think you could use this to get the mother released pending a new trial?"
"We'll sponsor her if you can," Frank spoke up.
"I have an appointment tomorrow afternoon to meet the supervising judge, the judge that presided over the case and the prosecuting DA," Kevin smiled. "Judge Watkins already sent her opinion on the case and I'll have the assistant State Attorney General who blew open the Apple Tree scandal. She sent me the trial transcripts and records. I'll hit them with the custody transfer of the girls right away. Since this whole mess went down in Cecil county, I think they'll be willing to deal."
"I'm glad to see this girl finally has some support," Dr. Olsen said. "Now, I'll take you to see her. If you feel like crying, either do so quietly or leave. We don't want any negative stimulation. Once you recover, you can come back into the room."
In a few moments they were looking through a glass window into the room. Jasmine seemed impossibly skinny. Every bone in her body was visible. Her blue veins were clearly visible through her pale flesh. She looked like she'd been rescued from a Nazi concentration camp. Every one cried to see the pitiful girl.
"My God," Sarah gasped. "It looks like they shaved her head!"
"They did," Dr. Olsen confirmed. "It was easier to keep her clean."
After taking a few moments to collect themselves, they entered. As they crowded around the bed, they gently touched Jasmine and told her they were friends who were going to help her get better and to bring her family back together. They told her she was no longer alone and safe.
It was a very somber group who left. Sarah stayed by Jasmine's bed to talk to her while Frank would return with super for Sarah and himself. They began a vigil of hope.
Leroy stopped at his parents home to let them know what they faced. They told Rachel when they dropped off Tony. Once they arrived home, Krista told her family what she saw. Even Sandi volunteered to help the hurt girl.
*****
Part 4
That night Krista rolled about in her bed, unable to get the horrid image of Jasmine out of her mind. While she had been strong while she had to be, now the tears flowed. After crying herself out, Krista slipped out of bed and quietly dressed. Taking a flashlight and jacket, she silently slipped out of the house and began walking down Wells Point Lane with long strides and great determination.
It was two in the morning when she opened the gate into the cemetery and knelt by her mother’s grave. “Hi mom, I’m sorry I haven’t been down to visit you but I’ve been kind of busy. Then again, I guess you know that. Mom, Jasmine needs help. If there is anything you can do, please do so. If God’s too busy, maybe he can let you help her sorta like you did for Kylie. I know you’ll do whatever you can. Thanks mom, I feel better already. I love you,, and I know that someday we’ll meet in heaven. Goodnight.”
As she left the cemetery, her heart was full of joy and solace. The wound up emotions demanded release. Taking a deep breath of determination from the crisp fall air, she jogged back home. Not once did her wounds bother her. She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
*****
Jasmine didn’t have a body. All she had was a barely smoldering ember of self that was floating aimlessly in a silent featureless void of dull grey with no sense of up or down, day or night, or even time itself. She had long since ceased any efforts to escape. Not only had she run out of dreams, she’d run out of nightmares... and hope. All she longed for was an end.
Unexpectedly the grey morphed into a swirling mist. She heard a soft, caring voice whispering her name. After being in the void for what seemed forever, this was an unexpected development as before this everything had been inexorably winding down. At first this caused a considerable disorientation as she slowly began to redevelop a sense of self. The voice calling her name was melodious and beautiful. Softly the voice was joined by two male voices and acoustic instruments as they began to sing.
See the curtains hangin' in the window
in the evenin' on a Friday night
A little light a-shinin' through the window
lets me know everything is alright
Summer breeze
makes me feel fine
blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze
makes me feel fine
blowing through the jasmine in my mind
See the paper layin' on the sidewalk
a little music from the house next door
So I walked on up to the doorstep
through the screen and across the floor
Summer breeze
makes me feel fine
blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze
makes me feel fine
blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Sweet days of summer
the jasmine's in bloom
July is dressed up
and playing her tune
And I come home
from a hard day's work
and you're waiting there
not a care in the world
See the smile a-waitin' in the kitchen
food cookin' and the plates for two
Feel the arms that reach out to hold me
in the evening when the day is through
Summer breeze
makes me feel fine
blowing through the jasmine in my mind
Summer breeze
makes me feel fine
blowing through the jasmine in my mind (Summer Breeze by Seals & Crofts, 1972)
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsW8rXPcnM0&feature=related)
For the first time she could remember, Jasmine felt warmth returning to her bleak existence. She had heard this old soft rock tune many times, it was one of her mother's favorites. Her mom had told Jaz it had been the inspiration for her name. As she recalled that memory, the smoldering ember that was all that remained of her past self began to glow and flared up in flame. Instead of consuming the tiny ember, the fire seemed to be making it bigger. With the advent of the flickering fire light, Jasmine cold see a ghostly image of her body begin to materialize as the grey mist brightened into a dazzling white. The realization hit her that the flame was her heart, her very soul!
“That’s it Jasmine, come on back,” the voice encouraged. “Everything will work out.” Then they sang the song again.
As her body became firmer, Jasmine felt her body begin to orient itself in an upright position. By the time the song ended, Jaz was standing on a white surface. Thoughts and memories began to return. Along with the good came the bad.
“Stay with me, Jasmine,” the voice soothed her mounting anxiety. “They are only bad memories and we won’t let them hurt you again. When you wake up, you’ll enjoy making new warm fuzzy memories. God sent me to help you, Jaz. God loves you and wants you to get better. Your mother and sisters will soon be here. Hang tough, Jaz, remember the good times, remember the love.” Then the voices began to sing Summer Breeze again.
Jasmine smiled with burgeoning hope as her body became firmer.
Jasmine started walking through the dazzling white void looking for a way out. The voice while sometimes silent was always nearby and she could sense it watching over her. The voice seemed to be acting as a beacon. When Jasmine's path veered from the invisible course, the voice called and Jasmine turned toward it. When her spirits began to flag, the voice would encourage, when the way seemed hopeless, the other voices would join the first to sing Summer Breeze.
An eagerness to escape grew within Jasmine but was tempered by the lack of any stimulation from outside her void. The mist still obscured her sight beyond a few feet but she could at least feel solid ground beneath her feet as she walked. With every step she could feel herself becoming firmer, her sense of self was solidifying.
Then she began to hear muffled sounds from somewhere outside her void! She stopped to listen and grew even more exciting when she realized it was someone talking... talking to her! It seemed as if they were at the end of a long tunnel. With that the mists cleared cleared a bit and she realized she was standing before a wall and at waist height was a tunnel about twenty inches in diameter. The muffled voices were coming from inside. The angelic voice she had been following had been leading her here! It had to be the way out!
But looking inside the tunnel it was dark. All she could see was the barest pinpoint of light a far way off. Reaching inside the tunnel she could feel the sides were smooth and seemless. The darkness scared her.
The voices began to sing Summer Breeze again. As they did a slight fresh breeze emerged from the tunnel infused with the sweet scent of jasmine! Knowledge that this was the way out, the only way out, filled her with apprehension. Hesitating would serve no purpose, so after taking a deep draught of the jasmine scented air, she wormed her way into the tunnel. The darkness in front of her was intimidating but enough of the bright white light streaming in from behind slipped past her squirming body to illuminate the next ten or so feet.
*****
Kevin Reese met with Amanda Frost for lunch to discuss strategy before they met with the Cecil County judges and DA. Amanda was horrified and angered by the photos of Jasmine. By the time they walked into the meeting with the judges, there was fire in her eyes. Judge Timmons was the president judge, Judge Rudolph had been the presiding judge at Heather's trial and Harry Thomas was the DA who had prosecuted the case. After polite greetings, Kevin laid out his case for Heather.
"The charges and conviction in this case were an outrageous miscarriage of justice," Kevin began. "While Heather admitted killing the man, she at worst should have been charged with manslaughter. Her court attorney was totally unqualified. According to the transcript, he never attempted to have the charge lowered or presented any evidence for why she committed the crime other than to tell the court the deceased had molested her daughter. Let me show you why she killed that monster." With that Kevin passed over the photos of Jasmine.
The men winced and drew in their breaths at what they saw. "If we'd have seen photos of the girl, I would have been more lenient," Judge Rudolph declared.
"The girl was upset her sisters and she had been sent to separate foster homes," Amanda almost snarled. “Then she was brutally raped by the court approved foster family she was with. After she was admitted to the hospital, the man wasn't even arrested although it was plain Jasmine had been raped. When Heather saw her daughter, she lost it and took justice into her own hands since obviously the county had not done so. Her trial and conviction were a travesty of justice! Then in the two and a half years since then, the county obviously did not keep track of Jasmine or she wouldn't have been found in that hell hole. Her new physician has already given a written deposition that the girl was so mistreated and neglected that she would not have survived another three months. On top of that, no effort was made to reunite the two sisters in foster care. I've already ordered a state audit of the Cecil County Children's Welfare Department as well as a review of all non-jury trials for the past five years. The Attorney General has promised to persecute to the fullest extent of the law anyone who has stepped out of line."
"Here is a copy of the judicial order for the immediate emergency medical release of Heather Reese that we've sent to the State Prison Board," Kevin declared. "Judge Watkins signed the order based on the testimony of Jasmine's new physician, Dr. Olsen. The mother's presence may be the only way to save the child. I'm also filing for a new hearing on the mother's case. I'm asking her conviction and sentence be overturned and that she'll plead guilty to manslaughter with time served as he sentence. You can place her on probation for as long as you like. We already have a husband and wife sponsor who will sign on as being responsible for Heather and any probation you give her will be monitored by Talbot County. I'm also presenting a formal request to transfer Holly and Ivy Reese to Talbot County jurisdiction so they can be reunited with their mother and help their sister recover. I have a pre-approved foster family who will take the girls in as soon as you release them. Heather's husband and wife sponsor are neighbors with the couple who will foster the girls."
Now that you're aware of what we've accomplished in these last few days," Amanda scowled. "Do any of you see any issues with Judge Watkin's order releasing Heather Reese?"
The judges and DA knew they were already trapped. "I don't see any problem with her release under the terms of the order," Judge Timmons declared. "We'll also review her case and see if we can alter the conviction."
"Excellent," Amanda smiled a sharks grin. "We'd like to pick up Holly and Ivy tomorrow evening. If you notify the schools and parents today, that should not present any problems, should it?"
Again the three Cecil County men agreed.
"Excellent,," Amanda declared as she stood. Kevin rose beside her as they both extended their hands to the dazed threesome.
*****
Friday morning, Leroy dressed in his uniform while Pat and Krista donned comfortable skirts and blouses. After the other kids left for school, they headed out to get into Pat’s 2005 Expedition. They Left the Bay Hundred peninsula and headed east to Easton where they got on US Route 50 north. They followed the route and crossed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from the Maryland eastern shore to the Western shore just north of Annapolis. They turned off US 50 to US 97 north, then SR 100 west to Arundel Mills Mall, which was two miles from the prison. It was just before 10am when they pulled into the parking lot. Pat and Krista headed into the mall to window shop while Leroy headed to the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup. The seventy five mile trip took almost two hours.
Once at the prison Leroy headed into the office and handed his copy of the release form for Heather Reese. The staff of the prison had received the release orders the day before so had everything prepared. The night before Heather was stunned when she had been notified of her pending emergency medical release. The prison staff was unable to tell her anything about why the release was being made other than that it originated in Talbot County. Naturally Heather assumed it concerned Jasmine and her anxiety was through the roof.
During her two and a half years of incarceration, she was constantly concerned about her daughters. Letters had been exchanged every week between her and Holly and Ivy but the girls had never been allowed to visit. It really angered her that the sisters were not kept together despite having written letters to every official she could locate in Cecil County. What was totally frustrating was the complete lack of news on Jasmine’s condition.
While women’s prisons aren’t as deadly as male penitentiaries, they are not without violence and coercion. Being a petite pretty white woman had made her a target from the start but she survived.
As she anxiously waited for her release, Heather thought back over her rocky life. She had grown up in foster care, living in a series of foster homes just a step above trailer trash level, but that step had been enough to isolate her from the rough often brutal world of poverty. Fortunately having moved homes frequently she had learned to quickly adapt to new environs. The six years of junior and senior high school had seen her in eight different schools so she had learned the art of invisibility and to disguise her physical beauty to avoid unwanted sexual attention from schoolmates and her foster families.
During her senior year of high school she had yielded to the awkward advances of a geeky young man. Benjamin Reese was from an upwardly mobile upper middle class family and had earned a full academic scholarship to The University of Maryland. The only expense he’d have would be his food and housing. They knew when they graduated that Heather was pregnant, but Benny was afraid to tell his parents and afraid of losing his scholarship. Playing on his geekiness, Benny was able to convince his parents that dorm life would be terrible for a boy like him and they sprung for a small off campus apartment.
Playing the system, Heather used her advanced pregnancy to go on welfare upon graduation. State public assistance paid for the birth of Jasmine on August 12, 1994. Benny and Heather moved into the one bedroom off campus apartment. While Benny attended classes Heather stayed home and took care of Jasmine. It was difficult to hide their presence from his parents, but they succeeded and Heather managed to stay on welfare. For the most part the young couple got along well. Heather had someone to cuddle and Benny didn’t have to hassle with the dating scene. Of course, summer vacation threatened to end their secret, but Benny was able to convince his parents that he really liked the apartment and that by paying half-rent over the normally vacant summer the landlord would hold the apartment. Of course that wasn’t the case but Heather used her welfare to make up the other half of the summer rent.
Unfortunately Benny had to go ‘home’ for the summer so Heather was alone during the summer break. When he returned to the apartment the third week of August their passion was quickly consummated. When Heather discovered she was again pregnant she began to beg Benny to tell his parents but he steadfastly refused. Being a near total wimp, he was terrified about revealing he was a two-time father to his parents.
Holly was born on May 21, 1996, just before the summer vacation. Again, Benny went ‘home’ for the summer leaving Heather with two children. During that summer, Benny’s father, a CPA, landed a plush job in California so they moved to the west coast. Unfortunately Heather never knew where they moved too nor what company employed Benny’s father. In fact, she didn’t even know the names of his parents nor the fact that Benny’s dad was in fact his stepfather so their last name was not even the same as Benny’s.
When Heather learned Benny’s parents wouldn’t suddenly drop in, she negotiated with the land lord for a two bedroom apartment in the same building. Benny, approved of the change as they were quite crowded and was able to convince his otherwise preoccupied parents the rent increase was simply that, a rent increase. Heather made sure she was on the pill when Benny returned from summer break. Their relationship slipped into a comfortable routine now that the girls were in their own bedroom.
Academically, Benny maintained a 4.0 average through his junior year and landed a paid summer position in his major. The position promised to be a stepping stone to a paid graduate student scholarship if he maintained his 4.0. Quite naturally his parents were thrilled and allowed Benny to stay for the summer.
Despite being on the pill, Heather became pregnant again during Benny’s senior undergraduate year. Benny maintained his 4.0 and landed his grad student position. Since they were in a different apartment, it was not a problem for Benny’s mother to fly in for his graduation and then to promptly fly back home. Again Heather never met her. Ivy was born on June 9, 1998 just after Benny graduated.
The grad position paid a stipend for housing so Benny’s parents stopped their rent subsidy. Now that Benny was free from their purse strings, he finally yielded to Heather’s begging to be married. It was a civil ceremony and Heather happily got off welfare vowing to never return. The couple stayed together through Benny’s graduate degree and into his doctoral degree during which he worked as an undergraduate teaching assistant. Heather was fuming when Benny refused to even tell his parents of his family when they flew in for his final graduation.
Benny landed a paid undergrad teaching assignment upon receiving his doctorate and moved his family to a nicer apartment. Unfortunately the stress of trying to achieve tenure coupled with his academic superiority placed the couple on different intellectual planes. Benny refused to acknowledge his family to his professional colleagues, ashamed of the fact he’d had three children out of wedlock.
Their family life rapidly deteriorated. After the end of his second year of teaching in the spring of 2004, Benny disappeared. All Heather was able to find out was that Benny had found another teaching position in Canada. Left with three girls in school and no income, Heather packed up her family and moved back to Cecil County. She found a job as an exotic dancer and rented a two bedroom apartment enrolling the girls in a new school. Jasmine kept watch over her sisters while their mother worked evenings. In November, Children’s Services swept in and removed the girls from Heather’s custody declaring she was an unfit mother.
It was 10:30 when the guards escorted Heather from her cell to take her through the discharge procedures. It was noon until she met Deputy Sheriff Leroy Scott who was to take her to Talbot County. Leroy was polite and business like, slightly blunt and silent as he signed the release and custody forms, politely telling Heather and anyone else who asked why Talbot County had secured the emergency medical release. Heather and the prison staff were surprised when Leroy opened the front passenger door for his charge.
Once they were out of the prison, Leroy sighed and removed his sheriff’s hat. “This is going to be a long day so please try to relax and I’ll try to explain what’s going on,” Leroy smiled at Heather as he headed back to Arundel Mills Mall. Taking out his cell phone he pushed a speed dial. “Pat, Leroy,” he spoke into the phone. “I have Heather and our ETA will be in about ten minutes.” Then he snapped the phone closed.
“We’re heading to the Arundel Mills Mall to get you a new outfit and a visit to a hair salon,” Leroy told the surprised woman. “My wife and oldest daughter are there to assist you as I’m totally lost when it comes to things like that. Krista, my daughter, is the one you’ll have to thank for springing you. She’s had a wild last six months and during that time she was helped by two former teachers from the school your daughters attended before everything went south.”
“The school turned us in,” Heather snapped bitterly. “This is about Jasmine, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Jasmine needs your help, but please listen as things will make more sense. The school had no choice in what they did,” Larry explained. “The law is quite specific as to when teachers must notify authorities about a possible neglect or abuse situation. They were simply doing what the law requires. The authorities they reported the situation too was where the system failed. The teachers felt terrible for what happened. Frank and Sarah Spade were so upset by the miscarriage of justice they retired from teaching out of guilt and helplessness.”
“Frank was Jasmine’s teacher and Sarah was Holly’s,” Heather acknowledged. “They seemed like very caring people when I met them at the parent teacher conferences.”
“They are,” Leroy assured her. “They are your sponsors for your release. They felt so bad after what happened they couldn’t even stay in the area so they sold everything and bought a sailboat to just get away but it always nagged at them. Krista and her twin sisters were making their way on their own from Massachusetts to Talbot County after their mother died... by foot. Krista is my daughter but her mom ran away when she became pregnant. We were fifteen and she didn’t want to cause problems. I went into law enforcement in an attempt to find her but never could. Krista didn’t know I existed until her mom left her a note the day she drowned herself in the ocean before the cancer took her and the girls would end up in foster care. The note left them fifty dollars and the address of their grandmother in Talbot County.”
“Two weeks into their odyssey they had reached Mystic Seaport in Connecticut,” Leroy continued. “They were tired and looking through the fence at the exhibit in the Maritime Museum when they were spotted by the Spades. The Spades saw your daughters in mine. The upshot was they took my girls through the museum, outfitted them in new clothes and had them stay on the boat overnight for two days. The girls fibbed a bit and told them they were homeless and their mom had shipped out as a ships cook to earn enough money to get them a home for the new school year. The Spades were afraid to turn the girls over to the authorities after what happened to your daughters. The girls insisted they’d be okay and the Spades sailed away. They returned the next day but couldn’t find the girls as they’d headed off again.”
“Krista never forgot what the Spades did for them and when she arrived in Talbot, she wrote them to let them know they were safe,” Leroy explained. “The Spades visited and were present when my wife and I adopted Krista and her sisters. We already had two sons younger than the girls and all five are involved in the Pop Warner Football. There are five age groups in the league. My boys play on the Mitey Mite, the twins cheer for the junior pee-wees, and Krista cheers for the Midgets. Games are held on Saturdays, one team after the other. We usually make it a family picnic day. On September eighth Krista and her boyfriend Tony were walking around the park between games when they found a crying six year old girl hiding in a thicket.”
“It turns out the girl had been raped by her mom’s boyfriend and she’d run away, spending two terrified nights hiding,” Leroy sighed. “The girl clung to Krista when she promised to keep the girl safe. The upshot was Krista had to ride to the hospital with the girl and spent the night with her there. Pat and I have a good relationship with Judge Watkins who presided at our adoption. I contacted her and got the search warrants that led to the arrest of the mom and boyfriend. The boyfriend, a drug dealer and convicted child molester was beaten to death the next day in prison. The mom, a drug addict, is still in jail. Anyway, Pat and I asked for and were granted temporary guardianship for Sandi. We’re her foster parents but we’ve already applied to adopt her once the mother is declared unfit.”
“While saving Sandi made Krista happy, something bothered her,” Leroy sighed. “It took her until the twelfth to figure what bothered her was your daughters. She began to research your situation. I can tell you the shit has hit the fan. I’m pretty confident your conviction will be reduced to manslaughter and time served. When we’re done with your make-over, we’re heading up to Cecil County to pick up Holly and Ivy. My wife and I are going to be their new foster parents. You’ll be with the Spades who are in the process of moving into a neighboring house. Jasmine is in a top-notch rehab center in Talbot County. Your release was granted on the demand of her attending physician that your presence and that of Holly and Ivy are crucial to her recovery.”
Heather was crying in gratitude as they pulled up to the entrance of the mall. Pat and Krista hurried to the SUV and comforted her. Heather couldn’t get done thanking Krista. When Heather had recovered enough, they went into the mall for lunch and a make-over.
Heather quite eagerly agreed to eat at the food court so she could pick from a wide variety of foods.
"I'm a nurse," Pat explained as they ate. "Jasmine is still in a catatonic state. The company that operated the Rehab Center in which she was originally placed was running a sophisticated scam. Once you were in prison, the Cecil County Children's Services caseworker was satisfied Jasmine was being properly treated, she falsified her reports that she was doing a monthly follow-up. Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems transferred her to a supposedly closed facility along with twenty three other people in similar circumstances. They fed her and met her minimum daily care, but did no therapy. The company was busted and most of those involved have been charged."
"The deception and illegal billing were busted wide open by our efforts to locate Jasmine as she wasn't in the facility she was supposed to be in," Leroy explained. "The company records and billing showed she was still there but the Rehab Center only knew she'd been transferred. It was Krista's research into your family that triggered the State Attorney General to raid all the facilities and office. They're still trying to find all the illegal activities they uncovered."
"We have a friend who is a top notch lawyer and he's agreed to take on your case," Leroy continued. "He and an Assistant State Attorney General met with the Cecil County DA, the president Judge, and the Judge who presided over your trial. They raked them over the coals for all the judicial misconduct and for the failures of their Children's Welfare department to keep your daughters together and losing Jasmine. The upshot was that they approved to have Jasmine transferred to Requard Rehab Center and to transfer oversight of Jasmine, Holly and Ivy from the Cecil County to Talbot County."
"You're good people," Heather sniffled in gratitude. "I don't know how I can ever repay you."
"That's easy," Krista smiled. "Just pass it on. The Spades passed it to us, we're passing it on to others."
"You are one very brave girl," Heather smiled. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Krista smiled. "But I have to let you know that I'm transgendered. I was born a boy but during our adoption, Judge Watkins also approved altering my birth certificate from male to female and changed my name from Kristopher to Krista. It's public knowledge back home so you'd find out soon enough, but I felt it'd be better if you learned the truth about my past from me right off the bat."
"Thank you for telling me," Heather smiled. "I'm open enough to know that being transgendered isn't a choice. From what I've seen you are a girl."
Leroy wandered about the mall while the women folk shopped for the perfect stylish yet practical outfit in the TJ Maxx store. Of course, one outfit was not enough so they picked out three. Heather tried to beg off as she didn't want to accept charity. Pat simply told her she could pay them back when she was able. Once they made their purchases, the clerks allowed Heather to change into one of them. She wore a comfortable knee length denim skirt and a matching V-neck sweater that revealed the lace of her camisole. Leroy held the shopping bags as the three headed into Rafet's Hairmasters for a new hair style. Then it was on to Nail Trix where all three had manicures. This was Krista's first professional nail job and she was thrilled. Their last stop was at The Cosmetic Company inside Saks for make-up.
By 2:45pm they were ready to leave the mall. Leroy hopped onto I-95 north and drove through Baltimore to Cecil County. The forty five mile trip took them until a bit over an hour. They drove another ten miles through the county before turning south on SR 213 which they followed into the county seat of Elkton. Krista and Heather waited in the SUV while Leroy and Pat went inside the courthouse to secure the transfer papers for Holly and Ivy. It was 4:30 when they exited with the paperwork in hand. The staff in Children's Services were extremely cooperative as they knew the tsunami that was approaching them over the Reese affair. They called the foster families to let them know the new foster parents had signed the paperwork and would be giving them a copy. It was a twenty minute drive to the home where Holly was living.
The foster parents knew little of what was going on except they'd been contacted to have Holly packed and ready to move to a new home. They knew her new foster family would be arriving to pick her up. Holly was anxious and wondered what was going on. The people she was with were okay, but she missed her sisters and mother. She sat in the living room of the family surrounded by her meager possessions packed as neatly as possible in plastic shopping bags.
As Leroy and Pat headed to the door of the home it opened. After a brief cordial greeting they were introduced to Holly. Holly stood nervously and forced a smile.
"I'm Patricia Scott and this is my husband Leroy," Pat smiled. "As you can see he's a deputy sheriff and I'm a school nurse. We'll be your new foster parents. Is it all right to give you a hug?"
That surprised Holly and her foster parents. Hugs just didn't happen in the foster care she'd experienced. Afraid to say anything she nodded.
"Welcome to our family, Holly," Pat said a she pulled the timid girl into a warm hug.
Holly almost melted into the embrace. Then she was even more surprised as Leroy stepped up to make it a three way hug. The girl hadn't realized how much she missed hugs. These people gave her a glimmer of hope that things would work out. She so missed her mother and sisters.
After thanking her foster parents, she and Leroy gathered her bags and they headed out to the SUV. Krista had moved into the third row seats so the mother and daughter could be together.
"Holly, it's very important you stay calm and quiet until we leave," Pat explained as they neared the vehicle. "We have a surprise for you inside and we don't want to let your foster parents know as it might upset them. We need you to close your eyes and keep them closed until I tell you to open them once we pull away. Can you do that?"
Holly was a bit apprehensive but she felt she could trust Pat and Leroy so she nodded her head then closed her eyes. Leroy opened the rear of the SUV and placed the bags inside as Pat opened the driver's side door for Holly to sit inside.
"Just remember to keep those eyes closed until I tell you," Pat admonished. "I'll fasten your seatbelt."
By the time Pat had her snugged in, Leroy shut the tailgate. Pat and Leroy sat in the front seats at the same time. Leroy started the engine at 5:00. It was taking absolutely every ounce of self restraint Heather could muster to remain silent and not hug her daughter. It had been two and a half years and she could hang on for a few moments longer. She used the time to marvel at how she'd grown. She still wasn't sure who these people were but they were clearly going out of their way to help her and her family.
As the SUV pulled away from the curb, Heather couldn't wait and leaned over to hug her daughter. Quite naturally upon being grabbed Holly yelped in surprise and opened her eyes.
"Mom??????!!!!!!!!!!!," Holly squealed as she looked up into the beaming face of her mother. "Oh my God, MOM!"
Heather couldn't speak as the pair sank into a loving embrace and cried tears of joy and relief. Once they were able to speak Pat explained what was going on. Holly simply couldn't believe these people were doing this for her family. It seemed too good to be true, but then the system had done nothing to give her hope and everything to be jaded. Heather gave her a brief description of what was going on and that they were heading to pick up Ivy from her foster home. Holly screamed in joy and hugged her mom again.
It took another twenty minutes to get to Ivy. Leroy and Pat did the same routine with her as they did with Holly. Ivy had also been hug-less during her stay in foster care. She too welcomed Pat and Leroy's welcome to the family hug. She too was mystified by the request to stay quiet and keep her eyes closed. Heather had moved into the center seat of the mid-car bench seat. Holly barely kept herself under control. It was 6:00 as the car pulled away from the foster home.
Once more the hugs and screams erupted as Ivy saw her mother and sister. Even Leroy was dabbing at tears caused by the happy reunion. They took US 40 east until they reached US 301 which they took south to SR213 south to US 50 south to Easton, then SR 33 to St. Michaels. The eighty two mile trip took them one and three quarters hours.
Once the mother and daughters had settled down, Pat went into greater detail about Jasmine's perilous condition. That brought them to tears. Pat told them they had already had too much excitement for one day and they'd be taken to see Jasmine tomorrow. While not happy with the delay they understood the move was a wise one. They needed to settle into their home.
*****
Part 5
It was 7:45 when they arrived in St. Michaels. Krista was dropped off at the school to catch the dance. Rachel had promised to pick her and Tony up when it was over and take her home. Leroy drove the ten miles to Wells Point in fifteen minutes.
As they arrived, the SUV was swarmed by Jane, LJ, Peter, Lyndi, Teri, and the Spades. The Reeses were overwhelmed by the open acceptance and love. Holly recognized Sarah as her teacher and gave her and Frank an extra hug for helping them out.
Jane and Sarah had prepared a good hearty Eastern Shore meal for the homecoming. After all the hell she'd been through in prison, Heather had a difficult time accepting the unquestioning, unsolicited and no strings attached sharing, support and love. Except for the Spades, these people had never met her family, yet they had pulled together the reuniting of her family in three weeks.
The party was still going strong when Rachel brought Krista home. Naturally she invited Rachel and Tony inside to meet the Reeses. Heather had been surprised to learn that Krista was transgendered and really had few issues with that. But what threw her was that Tony was her boyfriend even though he and everyone in school knew of Krista's genetic gender. Yet when she saw them together, there was no hint their relationship was anything other that of a normal boyfriend and girlfriend. If they were able to go to school and to the dance, either the area was quite a bit different than any she'd seen or this extended family simply overwhelmed any opposition with their openness and love.
It was late and quite an emotional separation as Heather hugged her daughters goodnight to head back to the home the Spades were still in the process of moving into. Krista led Holly and Ivy up to her bedroom. The girls smiled at seeing the cozy girlish bedroom. The sisters insisted Krista spend the night in her room but Krista shook her head no.
"You two need to spend the night together without anyone else," Krista explained. "Besides, I can't sleep in the same room with you."
"Sure you can," Holly insisted. "We won't mind."
"I'm sure you won't," Krista stated. "You see, I'm a transsexual."
Both girls were clearly puzzled.
"I'm a girl," Krista explained. "You know that, right?"
"Sure," Holly agreed. "But you've got a boyfriend so you can't be a lesbian."
"I'm not a lesbian," Krista smiled. "Although there is nothing wrong with being gay. A transsexual is a person who has a major birth defect. In my case, I'm a girl who was born with a boy's body."
"No way you're a boy," Ivy burst out.
"Exactly," Krista smiled. "I am a girl. It's just I have male bits. I'm seeing a doctor who's helping me correct my body and I can better explain that to you later. But for now I'm a girl with boy's bits so there is no way I can sleep with you. We told your mom about me before we picked you up and she's okay with it. So I'll sleep on the sofa until we get bedrooms sorted out. I don't mind. It's worth a bit of discomfort to see you so happy. Now have a good night and I'll see you in the morning."
The girls changed into their PJs and slipped into bed. Sleep was a long time coming as they cuddled and talked until they fell into an exhausted happy sleep.
Over at the Spade's new home, Heather had a long discussion with Frank and Sarah. Frank tearfully confessed he'd been the one who notified the school guidance counselor about the girls.
"Leroy explained why you had to report our situation," Heather said as she gave him a hug of forgiveness. "I don't hold you responsible for what happened. I never knew who began the process, all I knew was that it came from the school. The system failed and I just lost it after Jasmine was hurt. I feel terrible for killing that man and will never forgive myself, not that he didn't deserve it, but it wasn't in my place to be judge, jury, and executioner. Even up to this morning I had vowed to get revenge on whoever was responsible for the disaster that happened to my family. But once I met Krista and her parents, I realized it was better to seek legal rather than physical revenge. I'm ashamed I wasted over two years in festering anger when I should have been seeking legal recourse. But after all the failures of the system and being in prison as one of the criminals, I had no hope the system could work the way it's supposed to. I've finally learned my lesson. You set this entire correction of misjudgement in motion when you helped Krista and her sisters. That young lady reminds me so much of Jasmine..."
Heather broke down in tears. Sarah pulled her into a hug and comforted her as she cried out the long repressed tears of frustration.
*****
A sense of time returned to Jasmine as she wormed her way forward. The tunnel was too low to crawl so she was forced to sinuously snake her way forward. It seemed she was squirming forward for days and had covered miles but the end seemed as far off as ever. The only consolation was that the voices did grow louder and she could occasionally make out a word. The effort was tremendous but whenever she felt herself yielding to frustration, the angelic voice was with her encouraging her onward.
*****
The next morning, Heather and the Spades headed over to Jane's home for breakfast. Holly and Ivy ran to Heather for welcomed hugs. The Spades would take the Reese family to Requard Rehab to see Jasmine while the Jane and the Scotts headed off to the away football games. Dr. Olsen was there to meet with the Reeses and Spades to give them the details on Jasmine's condition. Holly and Ivy were horrified by the description of the condition of their big sister.
"We don't know if Jasmine can hear and understand what's said," Dr. Olsen summarized. "It's important you do not cry or choke up when you're in the room with her. If you feel the need to do so, please leave as quickly as possible. No one will think any less of you and if feel the need to cry, please do so, just not around Jasmine. There is an observation window into her room, and you'll be able to see her through the window so you can feel free to get as emotional as you want. Get the crying out of your system before you go in. You can talk to her, hug her, kiss her, or hold her hands. Any positive stimulation you can provide can only help her. Girls, do you understand you can't cry or complain when you're in the room with Jasmine?"
"Yes," they simultaneously answered. Both were doing their best to be brave for their sister.
Dr. Olsen led them to the window. Heather, Holly and Ivy gasped at the emaciated curled up figure. It was only because they knew it was Jasmine that they recognized her. All three broke down in tears. Dr. Olsen and the Spades were near tears as they did their best to comfort the devastated family.
Heather recovered first and hugged Holly and Ivy. The Spades assured her they would stay with Holly and Ivy while Dr. Olsen led Heather into the room. It took all of Heather's strength to buck herself up to enter. Bravely she entered the room.
"Hello, Jaz," Heather hoarsely whispered as she reached out to stroke Jasmine's stubbly hair. "Mommy is here, baby. Mommy is here."
*****
Jasmine was growing weary of her trek. While in the void she had no need to eat or sleep, yet it seemed the further she crawled into the tunnel, the more her body weighed her down. Muscles ached and demanded rest. Somehow she understood that if she stopped to rest, she would never move forward again. Near exhaustion, after what seemed forever and with the angelic voice almost constantly urging her onward, it happened.
"Hello Jaz," a new familiar voice called from outside the tunnel. "Mommy is here, baby. Mommy is here."
Jasmine shreiked for joy and jumped with excitement. Not the best thing to do in a cramped tunnel. She hit her head and the sound of her own squeal of delight momentarily drowned out the most wonderful sound in the world. Her mother's voice! The pain of hitting her head hurt something fierce and it almost felt as if she could feel her real body jerk in response.
*****
Jasmine twitched.
"Talk to her," Dr. Olsen excitedly urged. "That's the first motion we've seen."
"Jasmine, mommy is not going to leave you alone," Heather promised in a firm voice.
Dr. Olsen nodded her head. "We can move a cot in for you. Jasmine, we'll do all we can to help you get better but we need you to help us. You must try to wake up, sweetie."
Holly and Ivy entered with the Spades. As Heather stroked Jasmine’s inch long hair Holly and Ivy split to either side of the bed. Even though tears were trickling down their cheeks, they each took one of Jasmine’s hands and began to stroke it.
Hey, Jaz,” Holly spoke bravely. “We’re all here to help you. Our family is getting back together and we need you with us. Please try to get better.”
“Yeah Jaz, get better quick,” Ivy added. “I really need my big sister!”
*****
Recovering from slamming her head into the roof of the tunnel, Jasmine quickly began squirming forward with renewed vigor. Her mother kept talking and she could hear her! It was wonderful!
Then she heard her sisters calling to her! Again she jumped for joy and again hit her head. This time she was sure she felt her physical body jerk in response to the blow.
*****
Both of Jasmine’s hands jerked.
“She hears you,” Dr. Olsen gasped. “Come on Jaz, you can do it! Wake up sweetie.”
Over the next hour the sisters and mother spoke to Jasmine and touched her with gentle caresses and kisses. Jasmine’s hands jerked several times and they saw her lips move. The EEG monitor began to spike and jiggle as long dormant areas of her brain began to fire. Then slowly the activity settled down but not to the previous low levels.
*****
Jasmine realized her mother and sisters were visiting her body and speaking to her. The tunnel widened and she was able to get up on her hands knees. With determined eagerness she drove herself toward the still faint light.
*****
“It’s okay, Jaz,” Dr. Olsen spoke tenderly. “I know you’re tired and you did really good. This is a definite improvement but we need to take it one step at a time. You just relax. Your family and friends are here to help you. They’ll be here every day until you’re well enough to go home.”
Leaving Heather with Jasmine, Dr. Olsen ushered the others back to the conference room. “Holly and Ivy, you did very well in there. I’m delighted with Jasmine’s response to you. But you have to understand, it could take months for Jaz to wake up. You need to be patient and encouraging. Now I want you to think about something. Is there any particular music or even a TV show or movie she really liked? If there is, playing it for her may help.”
Holly and Ivy frowned as they thought. It had been two and a half years and they couldn’t think of anything right off the tops of their heads but they promised to think about it. After another visit with Jaz while Heather got something to eat and took care of nature’s call. The Spades took the girls on a short trip to join the Scotts at their football game.
They arrived at the field just in time to see Krista and her squad take the field as Tony warmed up with the guys. Lyndi, Teri, and even Sandi welcomed Holly and Ivy with hugs. Out on the field, Mindy Welch gave the girls a count then hit the button on a boom box. The cheerleaders went into a dance routine that attracted the attention of everyone on the field. The girls really rocked out as they put everything they had into the routine.
Holly and Ivy stood there with wide open mouths as they watched the talented girls. They exchanged looks of delight! “Pat, can we please talk to the cheerleaders,” Holly begged as she held Ivy’s hand.
“I’m sure they’d be willing to talk to you as soon as the game’s over,” Pat smiled.
“No! Please, we MUST talk to them now,” Holly insisted. “It’s about Jasmine!”
“Okay,” Pat agreed. “But we must leave if they tell us to go.”
Krista saw them coming and waved. When she saw their excitement she wondered what was going on.
When they reached the cheerleaders they both began to chatter so rapidly no one could catch what they were trying to say. Pat got them to slow down but by that time they had gotten the attention of the entire squad.
“Do you think you guys could come to the hospital and do that routine for Jasmine,” Holly begged. “Dr. Olsen said we should think of some music that meant a lot to Jasmine and before our daddy left, we were all cheerleaders. Jaz was the head cheerleader in her group and they loved doing that routine. The music just grabs you and makes you want to move! If you can do the routine, I think it might help Jasmine wake up! Please?”
Pat and Krista gave a condensed version of the horrible events that split up the Reese family and about the molestation that had left Jasmine catatonic. The entire squad and their coach were in tears. The girls all wanted to do it and they would somehow convince their parents to allow them to perform for Jasmine.
Pat called into Requard Rehab and spoke to Dr. Olsen. Dr. Olsen agreed the idea might just work. While she couldn’t have the girls perform in the Rehab center, she would get the okay for the girls to perform in the grassy lawn by the front entrance of Washington Street. She’d also get Jasmine ready so they could simply roll her bed to the elevator then down and out to the driveway when the girls were ready to perform.
*****
After what seemed like forever to Jasmine, the tunnel widened again, this time soaring to several feet so she was able to stand and run to the light. She was going to make it out of the void! She was going to return to the real world and her family!
Then disaster struck. The tunnel began to slope upwards and was so smooth it was slippery. Several times she slipped and fell, sliding back a considerable distance. She felt as if she were trying to run up a slick sliding board with nothing to grasp for leverage. At one point she slid all the way back into the smaller section of tunnel. Frustrated she began to cry and buried her head in her arms.
*****
As soon as the game ended the cheerleaders ran to their parents or whoever brought them to the game and begged to be allowed to perform for the poor girl who was in a coma in an attempt to snap her out of it. The parents gathered around Krista as she stood atop a picnic table to gave a brief description of the family break-up, Jasmine’s rape, and her subsequent two and a half year coma. Leroy and Pat were there to back up the veracity of Krista’s tale. Then as some were still wavering she called Holly and Ivy up on the table finishing her story by introducing the two sisters.
Krista’s sincerity and the pleading eyes of the sisters broke down most resistance. That plus their knowledge of Krista’s odyssey, how she ended the kidnaping, and how she had saved Sandi made them almost eager to have a hand in this adventure.
*****
"Don't stop, Jaz," the angelic voice called. "It's difficult but you MUST continue. If you stop now you'll never get out of here."
The voice seemed close and more real, no longer disembodied. In addition, the scent of jasmine was joined by the salty smell of the ocean. Jasmine raised her head and looked forward. Up ahead where the tunnel grew she could see the shadowy shape of a woman standing. The voice was coming from her. With renewed hope, Jasmine got back on her hands and knees to crawl forward.
As she reached the point where the tunnel expanded, the woman reached out a hand to pull Jasmine to her feet. As she stood the light emerging from the tunnel behind her illuminated the woman.
At first Jasmine was stunned. The angelic voice belied what she saw revealed by the pure white light. Instead of the expected angel, she beheld a weary haggard woman wearing a worn and tattered nightgown that was soggy with water dripping off it. Bits of seaweed clung to the gown and her wet hair. Jasmine realized the smell of the ocean was coming from the woman.
"It's going to be all right, Jasmine," the woman spoke in her wonderful angelic voice. "God has allowed me to help you through this hard part. There are hundreds of people pulling for you. Several girls your age are going to help you wake up. You need to put everything you have into this as physically, your body is not ready to wake up. But God has decided the effort these girls are putting in to help you wake up will invigorate your body. Now, we don't have much time. We have to get to the end of the tunnel!"
Normally Jasmine would have been terrified by this apparition, but the smile and sparkle in the woman's eyes revealed a powerful spirit in a body that had been severely ravaged by disease. Hand in hand Jasmine and the woman began running toward the light. Every time Jasmine started to slip, the woman helped her remain upright.
*****
A caravan soon set out for the Memorial Hospital in Easton. The hospital security had cordoned off the drive way area. Word of what was going on spread quickly. The girl at the center of the Apple Tree debacle was going to receive an unusual therapy. Everyone in the hospital had been told so the noise wouldn’t startle those in the normally quiet environment. Someone had called the Easton radio station WCEI - 96.7 FM and WBOC-TV Channel 16 the Fox network affiliate from Salisbury and told them there was going to be a breaking story at the hospital. Both were on site and set up in the curved driveway when the cheerleaders and families arrived. It quickly became apparent the boom box would be insufficient for the music so the radio station remote van offered their system. The TV cameras were up and ready to roll as the front doors of the hospital opened and the bed with IV poles attached was rolled out. Everyone who saw the girl was horrified. The TV cameras showed the comatose emaciated girl curled into a near fetal position as they went to a live broadcast. Heather kept a hand on Jasmine and when the bed stopped in front of the grassy area, Holly and Ivy rushed to their sister. The crowd fell silent as the cheerleaders took up their positions.
“Please raise her head so she can see if she opens her eyes,” Holly enthused loud enough for everyone to hear. “Jaz... MICKEY... Jaz... dance to Mickey!”
*****
As they ran, the light at the end of the tunnel began to grow bigger. As they neared the end, a familiar drum beat began. She heard her sister speak "Jaz... MICKEY... Jaz... dance to MICKEY!"
*****
The nurses and Dr. Olsen uncurled Jasmine until she was in a prone position as the music began with the familiar rousing drum beat and chant. The cheerleaders immediately began their routine. With a wide angle, the camera showed Jasmine and the girls shaking their pom-poms doing the routine. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4CyNvEfWoE)
*****
Jasmine heard a number of girls begin to sing
"Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey, hey Mickey..."
Jasmine and her companion burst out of the tunnel into the real world. Other than a swirl of colors Jasmine couldn't see anything but the woman. "You made it Jaz," the woman enthused and hugged her. "I've got to go back, but YOU, young lady, need to get back into your body."
With that the colors faded and the woman disappeared. Panicked at first, Jasmine realized she was back in her body! Slowly her senses began to return as the driving syncopated beat pulsated through her body. The girls were in front of her doing a rousing version of the song she had loved to cheer. MICKEY!
Jasmine concentrated on the song and used every ounce of her being to try to dance to the music.
*****
In a few moments Ivy squealed. “Jaz, you’re moving your feet!”
Slowly, her feet picked up the pace until both were moving to the beat. Then her fingers began moving in time to the music. Everyone was watching as the girl who had not moved in two and a half years began to move!
As the song wound down, Krista called out, “Don’t stop the music, play it again!”
The radio station DJ hit the repeat button as soon as the song ended. The girls went into their routine again.
This time Jasmine’s head began to nod in time to the music. By the end of the routine her feet, hands, and head were keeping perfect time with the driving beat.
Tired but exhilarated, Krista called out “One more time!”
The DJ hit the button to restart and the girls launched into the routine for a third time.
Jasmine immediately began moving in time to the music. After a few moments her lips began to move as she was mouthing the words.
Heather was openly crying with undisguised delight.
“That’s it Jaz,” Holly squealed. “Dance to Mickey!”
“Go for it Jaz,” Ivy exclaimed as she urged her sister on.
Dr. Olsen was totally stunned and delighted. She’d never seen such a spontaneous response in a patient that had been comatose for so long.
By the end of the third run-through whispered “Mickey”s were audible form Jasmine’s lips.
Pat was by the hospital bed and she signaled Krista to try it again. Krista nodded.
“Again,” Krista urged. “If you need to rest, just sing.”
The DJ repeated the song for the fourth time. None of the girls stopped. Although tired, they could see the routine was having the desired results. Their adrenalin pumped them up to continue.
This time through, Jasmine was whispering the entire song.
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey, hey Mickey
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey Hey Mickey
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey Hey Mickey
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey
Hey Mickey
You've been around all night
And that's a little long.
You think you've got the right
But I think you've got it wrong.
Why can't we say goodnight?
So you can take me home Mickey.
Cuz when you say you will
It always means you won't.
You're givin' me the chills
Baby please baby don't
Ev'ry night you still
Leave me all alone Mickey.
Oh Mickey
What a pity you don't understand.
You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand.
Oh Mickey
You're so pretty
Can't you understand.
It's guys like you Mickey
Ooh what you do Mickey
Do Mickey
Don't break my heart Mickey.
Hey Mickey
Now when you take me by the who's
Ever gonna know
And ev'ry time you move
I let a little more show.
There's something you can use
So don't say no Mickey.
So come on and give it to me
Anyway you can
Anyway you want to do it
I'll take it like a man.
But please baby please
Don't leave me in this jam Mickey.
Oh Mickey what a pity you don't understandYou take me by the heart when you take me by the hand.
Oh Mickey
You're so pretty
Can't you understand.
It's guys like you Mickey
Ooh what you do Mickey
Do Mickey
Don't break my heart Mickey.
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey, hey Mickey
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey, hey Mickey
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey hey Mickey
Oh Mickey, you're so fine
You're so fine you blow my mind
Hey Mickey
Oh Mickey
What a pity you don't understand
You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand.
Oh Mickey
You're so pretty
Can't you understand.
It's guys like you Mickey
Ooh what you do Mickey
Do Mickey
Don't break my heart Mickey.
Oh Mickey
What a pity you don't understand
You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand.
Oh Mickey
You're so pretty
Can't you understand.
It's guys like you MickeyOoh what you do Mickey
Do Mickey
Don't break my heart Mickey.
Oh Mickey
What a pity you don't understand
You take me by the heart when you take me by the hand.
Oh Mickey
You're so pretty
Can't you understand.
It's guys like you Mickey
Ooh what you do Mickey
Do Mickey
Don't break my heart Mickey.
Oh Mickey
What a pity you don't understand
“Agin,” Krista panted.
During the fifth run through Jasmine’s forearms struggled as if she was attempting the pom-pom moves. By the end she was shaking both arms from the elbows in time with the music. Her hips were also twitching to the beat
“Once more,” Krista urged as the perspiration was rolling off the girls’ faces.
The music began for the sixth time. The nearly exhausted girls pushed themselves through the routine again.
Jasmine was moving her feet and knees, hips, forearms, head and singing to the music. Her rhythmic movements were making the bed shake. As the song wound down for the sixth time her eyes fluttered open. Directly in front of her were a dozen girls dancing to MICKEY.
“Again,” Krista begged as they all saw Jasmine’s eyes flutter.
The music began for the seventh time. Reinvigorated the girls began the routine again. Jasmine began to smile as she followed the beat with virtually every part of her body. Her eyes were focused on the cheerleaders and her smile gave them the strength to push through the routine for the last time.
When the music ended, most of the girls simply dropped to the grass. Krista staggered to the bed and put her pom-poms in Jasmine’s hands. Jasmine smiled and shook them. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Startled by the noise, Jasmine looked around to see she was lying in a hospital bed... outdoors... with several hundred people surrounding her. Then she saw her mother and sisters.
“Mom! Holly! Ivy!,” she gasped. The pom-poms were dropped as she reached out for hugs.
The cheers grew louder as the family was finally reunited.
The other cheerleaders gathered around the bed to smile at Jasmine. Their hearts were filled with joy that they had played a part in the miracle of bringing the girl out of her coma. The reporter from the TV station tried to get to the Reeses but Leroy met him.
*****
Part 6
“Not now,” Leroy said. “They need time alone. Give me your card. I’ll see if I can get you an exclusive interview tomorrow. Here is my business card.”
“Deputy Sheriff Leroy Scott. Say, you’re Krista’s father,” Harry Halls exclaimed. “I thought that was her leading the cheerleaders! How did she get involved in this?”
“It’s a long story,” Leroy sighed. “We’ll tell you tomorrow. Right now, we need to get the cheerleaders some food as they skipped supper to be here.” Leroy then turned the man around and gently pushed him towards the news van. The entire exchange was caught on tape.
The story of the Reese family’s plight and Jasmine’s resurrection swept through the nightly news as Fox shared the film.
The bed was wheeled back inside the hospital and taken back to the fifth floor and Requard Rehab. Jasmine and her family smiled and held hands. It was clear by the time they reached her room that Jasmine was worn out. Dr. Olsen introduced herself and smiled at the bewildered girl.
”You obviously remember your family and ‘Mickey’,“ Dr. Olsen declared. “What else do you remember?”
“The smile left Jasmine’s face. “Mr. Travers... he...” The tears began to trickle from her eyes as she struggled with the terrible memories.
“It’s okay, Jasmine,” Dr. Olsen soothed. “That monster is never going to hurt anyone again. You’ve been in a coma for the last two and a half years and tonight you woke up.”
“Two and a half years,” Jasmine gasped, then looked at her sisters and mother. Holly and Ivy did look older than she’d remembered and their mom was older too.
As Heather, Holly, and Ivy held onto Jasmine, Dr. Olsen gave her a condensed version of what had transpired during her coma. Jasmine was clearly upset that her mother had been sent to jail for killing Mr. Travers yet relieved to know she’d never have to fear him again.
“This Krista,” Jasmine said as she tried to assimilate all the news. “She was the cheerleader who gave me her pom-poms?”
“That was her,” Holly answered. “Ivy and I are living with her family. She’s sleeping on the sofa so we can share her bedroom. Her dad is a deputy sheriff and her mom is a nurse. They’re our foster parents so you’ll be joining us when you get discharged.”
“I’m staying with the Spades,” Heather said. “They’re now neighbors of the Scott family. There is a lawyer working on my criminal case to reverse or at least alter my sentence to time served. Once that happens, they promised the three of you will be back with me. The Spades are setting up a business and want us to live with them to help run it.”
“It looks like Jasmine has had it for tonight,” Dr. Olsen declared. “I think you’d better say good night.”
Jasmine sleepily smiled and nodded her head. Holly and Ivy gave their sister a big hug. When it came time to give her mother a hug, she paused which caused Heather to gasp fearfully. "Mommy, promise me you'll go home to get some rest."
Dr. Olsen and Heather gasped in surprise.
"I know you want to stay with me, but I'll be okay now," Jasmine smiled as she reached out for the hug.
"I promise to go home, you little imp," Heather smiled.
"Jasmine, get some rest," Dr. Olsen ordered. "Tomorrow we start working those weak muscles. The sooner you're able to get up and walk, the sooner you'll get to go home with your family. I'm also ordering a higher sugar drip for you as you'll need the extra omph. I'll see you in the morning."
Dr. Olsen left the room taking Holly and Ivy with her. Heather and Jasmine just hugged and cried for five minutes before Heather left. Stopping with Holly and Ivy by the observation window they noted Jasmine had already fallen asleep.
"What we witnessed tonight was nothing short of a miracle," Dr. Olsen declared. "I was hoping she'd respond just as she did when she heard your voices, but to have her wake-up, I honestly expected it to take weeks of daily stimuli to reawaken her. That she seems mentally alert and remembers is another miracle. There is usually some loss of memory and even sometimes identity. You'll need to make her mind think, ask her questions about your past to stimulate her mind and memory. If she doesn't recall something, don't worry. Just tell her the memory from your point of view, it might trigger her to remember it. As I said earlier, you need to be patient."
It was 8:00 pm when the Reese's finally joined the rest of the group in the main waiting room of the hospital. After being assured Jasmine was doing well and had fallen asleep, Jane put her foot down.
"This is not the place to discuss this, especially since everyone is hungry," Jane chided. Let's go to a nice restaurant to get some food. We can talk while we eat."
No one disagreed and soon everyone was in a vehicle heading off to a nice restaurant. As they entered the restaurant, several patrons and staff recognized Krista, Heather, Holly and Ivy. They had seen the live broadcast of Jasmine's awakening. The owner of the restaurant came out and greeted them, praising them for what they did to awaken Jasmine. He led them to a closed off private dining area where the fourteen people could sit together. He also told them he'd give them a ten percent discount as a show of his appreciation for their unselfish act.
While they waited for their food they talked. Everyone was delighted and excited by Jasmine's recovery although they knew it would take months until she physically recovered. They also discussed the possibility of a public interview.
"The TV and radio coverage of the cheering and Jasmine's awakening was broadcast live and I suspect it'll be on all the networks tonight" Leroy began. "We know the news about the Apple Tree scandal went nationwide. Since Jasmine was one of the 'lost' patients with Apple Tree I have no doubts what happened tonight will also go nationwide. Our phones are probably ringing off the hooks at home with requests for interviews. Harry Halls was with the TV crew that filmed the girls cheering 'Mickey'. He is a good man but he's also a persistent reporter. Harry was trying to make his way through the crowd to get to Jasmine but I cut him off. I explained the need for some privacy so the family can reconnect and he realized that was needed but he also needed to stay on top of the story. We exchanged business cards and he realized I was Krista's dad and that Krista had given Jasmine her pom-poms. To hold him off I told him I'd try to set up an exclusive interview for tomorrow. We'll need to make a public statement and I feel we can trust Harry to do a good interview without muck-racking. I'd like to have our lawyer, Kevin Stewart present to give correct details of what is going on legally. Heather, this is your family, what do you think?"
"I don't know," Heather replied clearly overwhelmed. "I'd like to have everyone just go away and let us have our lives back but I know that won't happen. If you feel we can trust this guy, let's go with him. At least a fair and honest interview should shut out any tabloid journalism. I think having Mr. Stewart there will help, besides which I have yet to meet him. If he's my lawyer, I want to meet him."
The discussion continued and moved on to various topics. Leroy excused himself from the table and called Kevin Stewart and at his suggestion Judge Watkins. With her present, there would be no doubts that harassment of the people intimately involved with reuniting the Reese family would be dealt with quickly and harshly. Another call to Dr. Olsen about their plan for an interview were approved and as long as there would be no audience, they could do the interview in the rehab gym. A call to Harry Hall set the interview up for 3:00 pm in the gym at the Requard Rehab Center.
Krista sat silently through much of the conversation, replying when appropriate but offering little. Jane and Pat noticed this since it was unusual for Krista to be reticent. Pat and Jane exchanged looks as they recognized the signs that Krista was once more thinking about something.
"Krista, speak your mind," Jane urged during a lull in the rampant conversations. That got everyone's attention and all conversation stopped and everyone looked expectantly at Krista.
Krista smiled sheepishly and blushed a bit. "Well, I've been thinking again. We're all close friends and we help each other out, we do a lot of things together and we live on Well's Point or soon will. We've got O'Briens, Scotts, Nelsons, Spades, Reeses and Masters. I was thinking we need a name to call ourselves. I don't think it would be fair to refer to all of us by one surname as none is superior to the others. Since we are a group of people united in friendship and for our common good, we're like a clan. At first I thought of calling ourselves the Wells Point Clan but that sounds too bigoted and we’re anything but bigots. I think we could collectively refer to ourselves as The Clan Wells Point. We won't be slighting any surname and we'll all be living as an extended family. I think The Clan Wells Point is appropriate and won't offend anyone."
The conversation flowed as they discussed the idea of forming a modern version of the ancient familial/tribal clan. They acknowledged it was already occasionally becoming awkward when they tried to identify themselves as a group. Of course, not everyone was present and they knew they'd need everyone onboard. Calls were placed to those not present and everyone liked the idea. It was unanimously agreed they'd be The Clan Wells Point.
As the meal finished up, everyone thanked the restaurant owner for the delicious meal and the discount, then they headed home to bed.
The phone was ringing when the Jane walked into the house. The answering machine was blinking. She left the phone ring but muted the ringer.
*****
Everyone went to church the next morning, the extended family meeting in the parking lot. Once introductions were made, Jane and Sheila, the clan matriarchs, led the twenty seven members of The Clan Wells Point inside to fill the front pews. With Jasmine, they would number twenty eight. Many people recognized Heather, Holly, and Ivy from the news reports.
Pastor Giles smiled to see the three new faces amongst the familiar ones. When it came time for the prayers, he included the Reese family. "Lord, we thank you once more for safeguarding Krista Scott on her journey to our flock. Once more she has stepped forward to repay in kind what you so graciously gave her. Without her efforts, the Reese family would not be re-united. We pray you pour your love and hope on this family as they put their lives in order. Jesus, you are wholly God yet wholly man. You understand human anger and reactions. That is why you can forgive grievous missteps by your children. Lord, you were angered when you saw the money-changers defiling the temple and you struck out at them in anger. Heather did the same, she struck out in anger. We forgive Heather for what she did in defense of her daughter and pray you give her the strength to forgive herself for that grievous act. Set her free from that burden so she can blossom into the woman and mother that will serve you and help others in their time of trials. In the Lord's name we pray, amen."
There was barely a dry eye in the congregation. After the service, virtually everyone came forward to welcome Heather, Holly, and Ivy to their new home. All three were overwhelmed by the warm acceptance. Heather hugged Rev. Giles and thanked him for his prayer. The entire clan returned to Wells Point for a picnic lunch, then headed into the hospital for the interview.
They arrived at 2:30 and headed up to Requard Rehab. Harry Halls and his crew were already setting up as Heather, Holly, Ivy, and the Spades went into Jasmine's room. Jasmine was awake and anxious about the interview, but Frank told her she didn't have to answer any questions unless she wanted to do so. He also explained that Harry Halls and crew would be the only news media present so it wouldn't be a circus scene. Heather stayed by Jasmine's bed as Krista entered. After exchanging hugs she began to introduce those members of The Clan Wells Point to the Jasmine. Jasmine was clearly bewildered by all the people but delighted they were all supportive and would provide a built in extended family.
Leroy and Dr. Olsen were talking to Harry to establish ground rules for the interview and to go easy on Jasmine. Kevin Stewart and Judge Watkins arrived fifteen minutes before the scheduled start time. They took Leroy, Pat, Frank, Sarah, and Heather into the conference room. Heather was more than a bit intimidated by the presence of the judge.
"Relax, Ms Reese," Judge Watkins smiled. "I'm on your side. I signed your emergency medical release, granted your custody to the Spades, transferred Holly and Ivy to the Scotts, and transferred Jasmine here. I also sent the evidence Krista gathered to the state Attorney General's office."
"The assistant State DA and I met with the Judges and DA of Cecil County," Kevin said. "Together we basically read them the riot act. You admitted killing Mr. Travers, but from there the system failed. If you agree to plead guilty to manslaughter, Judge Rudolph and DA Thomas have agreed to accept that plea and sentence you to time served and three years probation. That means as soon as the paperwork is signed and processed, you'll be a free woman."
"Since you're living in Talbot County, I’ve already made special arrangements with the county probation office concerning your case. I'll assign Leroy as a special probation officer for you so you won’t have to report in through normal probation procedures,” Judge Watkins said. "Leroy will simply have to fill out a one page form once a month and fax it to the regular probation office. I understand you'll be working with the Spades as they start up their landing business so that means you are gainfully employed. Since part of your salary includes a place to live, that meets the requirement to have a suitable residence. As soon as your release is processed through the system, which will take between three to four weeks, your children will be released from foster care to you. Of course, if the Scotts and Spades agree, I don't see any reason the Scotts can't approve the Spades as full time baby sitters. I just happen to have a document here that will make that a binding legal agreement if the Scotts and Spades sign it."
Heather was once more overwhelmed as tears of joy flowed freely from her eyes. "Thank you, thank you," she blubbered. "I don't know how I can ever repay you for all your kindness."
"That's easy," Judge Watkins smiled. “Be a good mother and citizen. Then do as Krista does, pay it forward."
The Spades and Scotts signed the legal document authorizing the Spades as babysitters for the Reese girls until such time as their mother was able to resume full custody.
Soon everyone was gathered in the gym. Harry Halls began by introducing everyone and explaining their relationships. Next he recapped Krista's summer odyssey with her sisters, touching on the aid given by Spades and Nelsons. Then he went on to the adoption of Krista and her sisters by the Scotts and the subsequent saving of Kylie by the appearance of Carol O’Brien’s ghost. Next he covered Kylie and Krista coming out together as being transgendered. Then he reviewed the kidnaping by Jack Masters and Krista's decision to wreck the car as well as her hand to hand fight in which she was twice wounded but managed to kill the crazed man. Next he reported Krista's rescue of Sandi and her subsequent fostering with intent to adopt by Leroy and Pat. At that point he turned to Krista. "Now it's my pleasure to introduce this remarkable young lady, Krista Scott. Krista, can you tell me how you became interested in the plight of the Reese family?"
"Yes," Krista replied modestly yet with absolute self confidence. "After rescuing Sandi, I felt good, but something was bothering me but I couldn't put my finger on it. Then one morning in school it hit me. Mr and Mrs Spade explained the reason they helped us and let us go. It was because of the bad experience they'd had involving the Reese family. The girls had been split into different foster homes which is against policy. Then Jasmine was molested and crawled into a shell to escape the horror and guilt. Without a family to help her, she sank deeper into an unconscious state. Her mother was angry and upset the authorities didn’t even arrest the man who committed the rape. To make matters worse, that man was Jasmine’s foster parent. Frustrated, Heather confronted and killed the sub-human animal who hurt her daughter. She was jailed. The system had split apart the girls, allowed Jasmine to be raped, and sent Heather to prison. None of them had an advocate and were at the mercy of a lackadaisical bureaucracy. I felt compelled to attempt to reunite the family and right the wrongs that happened to them when the system that is supposed to protect people drastically failed. I asked some friends to find out all they could on the present whereabouts of the family. Then I gave the information we gathered to my dad, Deputy Sheriff Leroy Scott, and he carried it to Judge Watkins and attorney Kevin Stewart. With the help of state assistant Attorney General Amanda Frost they uncovered the fraud and deception at Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems. From there everything snowballed."
"Wow," Harry Halls said. "Am I right in saying that in three weeks you blew the lid off this scandal that had been going on for two and a half years?"
"Only partially," Krista replied humbly. "I just kicked the ball in from the sidelines to start the play. Others took what I began and ran with it."
"Krista, you are one amazing girl and I feel privileged to have met you," Harry declared as he extended his hand.
Krista smiled and shook his hand. "That's enough about me," Krista demurred as soon as the hand shaking was done. "You're here to interview the Reeses."
"Right you are," Harry smiled as he turned to Heather. "Ms Reese, how do you feel about all that's happened the last three days?"
"Overwhelmed but delighted," Heather answered. “On Thursday I was moping in prison worrying about my girls knowing I'd be locked up for at least twelve more years. Then Thursday evening I get notified I'm being granted an emergency medical release. They couldn't tell me more than that someone would be by to pick me up Friday morning. I was near a nervous breakdown as I wondered which of my girls was dying. Then Friday morning Leroy Scott arrived to pick me up. I could hardly believe what he told me. The first thing we did was to stop at Arundel Mills Mall for a new clothes and a make-over. Then we headed north to Cecil County to pick up Holly and Ivy. They hadn't seen each other in the two and half years since they were taken from me."
"That's not right," Harry shook his head. "Why did you lose custody?"
"My husband abandoned us," Heather explained unable to hide the bitterness in her voice. "We met right out of high school and we lived together while he went through college all the way to his doctorate. Jasmine, Holly, and Ivy were born two years apart. When he began teaching in college, he was embarrassed by my lack of advanced education and the fact we obviously had children while he was an undergraduate. I should have realized he was no good when he never told his parents about us. At the end of the 2004-2005 school year, he packed his bags and said he was going to a conference. I was too naive and believed him. When he didn't return I began to worry as the rent on our apartment was past due. When I contacted the school, they said he'd resigned and moved on to teach somewhere else but no one knew where."
Harry was upset. "Do you mean to say he abandoned you and the girls without a word or any money?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying," Heather stated with a bit of anger. "I was an orphan and in foster care for years until I graduated high school. From there I moved right in with Benny. I had no job skills and had never worked as I was pregnant when I graduated. I managed to relocate us to a cheap apartment and took the only job I could find that paid us enough to live on."
"That was as an exotic dancer," Harry stated. "How did that make you feel?"
"Terrible," Heather sniffled. "I wasn't a stripper, I always wore at least a bikini. The men were horrid and their comments degrading. I hated every minute of it, but I needed the money. Jasmine was eleven and watched her sisters while I worked evenings. I know it wasn't a good situation, but I couldn't afford a sitter. The girls started school and I even got them involved in cheering for Pop Warner Football. Things seemed to be looking up as I was able to start saving a bit of money. Then rather than talking to me, the school notified Children's Services about my job and that I was leaving Jasmine in charge. Children's Services never even spoke to me. They swooped into the apartment and took the girls. The first thing I knew about it was when I was arrested on stage at the club. Naturally, that cost me my job. Instead of keeping the girls together like they're supposed to do, they split them up in three different foster homes in three different schools. I was super PO’d but without a job there was nothing I could do. I was the bad person. Jasmine was upset because she felt she'd failed to take care of her sisters so she was super depressed. Then within a week Jasmine's foster father raped her. Even with the evidence they didn't arrest him because Jasmine had curled up in a catatonic state so she couldn't tell them what had happened. The scumbag told the cops SHE had crawled into his bed and she in effect raped him! I'd lost my girls and then the oldest was brutally raped and nothing was done. When the police refused to arrest him, I lost it. I did the only thing I could do. I took the law into my own hands and killed him."
"I can't say as I really blame you," Harry declared as Heather teared up and needed to collect herself.
"The entire affair was a travesty of justice," Judge Watkins declared drawing the attention from Heather so she could regain her composure. "When I learned what had happened I contacted the state Attorney General's office. The multiple failures of the system for this family are simply inexcusable. An investigation into suspected poor parenting must include interviews with the children, parents and teachers. That did not happen. The children are to be kept together in foster care. While this is sometimes not possible immediately, it should take less than a month to get the children together. In two and half years it didn't happen. Heather's trial was a travesty. She was so upset at what had happened to her children and with what she had done in a fit of anger, she confessed. The public defender was totally inept. He never disputed the DA's charge of Murder two and never even presented evidence of the extenuating circumstances of why Heather killed the man. With the help of the Attorney General's office I arranged to have all three children moved here and to have Heather released. It was when we couldn't find Jasmine the lid blew off the Apple Tree scandal. Cecil County Children's Services had never kept track of Jasmine although the assigned caseworker has inspections listed every month. But she never went or she would have discovered Jasmine wasn't in that rehab center."
"It sounds like this isn't over yet," Harry declared.
"It isn't," Judge Watkins agreed. "Too many people have lost faith in our legal system because of miscarriages of justice like this. I will do everything in my power to see the people responsible are punished to the fullest extent of the law and the State Attorney General agrees."
"Thank you, Judge Watkins," Harry stated. "Dr. Olsen, what happened with Jasmine yesterday?"
"It was a true miracle," Dr. Olsen stated. "For two and a half years Jasmine was in a cationic state unresponsive to all outside stimulus. When she heard the voices of her family she twitched just a tiny bit. But according to the records that were found that was the first movement she'd initiated. I told the family to try to think of anything Jasmine really liked that they could bring in that might help stimulate her to aid in her coming out of the coma. Heather decided to stay by Jasmine’s side while the Spades took Holly and Ivy to meet the Scotts at the Tidewater Titans Pop Warner football games. Leroy and Pat’s sons play and all four girls cheer for their age group. Krista cheers for the Midget squad. Because of the gunshot wounds she suffered during the kidnaping she’s still limited in her leaps but she is able to dance. Their coach set them up to do ‘Mickey’ with Krista taking the slightly less physically demanding part of Toni Basil. When Holly and Ivy saw the girls do the routine, they realized that was Jasmine’s favorite cheer routine. They explained Jasmine’s condition to the squad and they all agreed to come to the hospital to do ‘Mickey’ for Jasmine. When they called me I thought it might help so we hastily set everything up. Someone called radio station WCEI - 96.7 FM and WBOC-TV Channel 16 and told them there was going to be a breaking story at the hospital. You arrived here and filmed the rest. Those girls cheered their hearts out and that bouncy number gets to everyone. Jasmine felt the beat and heard the cheering. By repeating it like the girls did, they were able to progressively draw Jasmine out of her protective shell. She woke up. After two and a half years, she woke up.”
"Thank you, Dr. Olsen," Harry smiled as he turned to Jasmine. "Jasmine, do you feel up to talking?"
"A little,” Jasmine whispered as she blushed. For her this had been the first time she’d heard the details of what had happened to her family.
"Just tell me if you want to stop," Harry told her. "I don't want to upset you in any way. Can you tell us how you feel?"
"I'm still trying to understand," Jasmine answered softly. "I feel a bit like Rip Van Winkle, except I didn't grow a beard. I was asleep for years and the world changed. My sisters have grown, my mom was in jail, I'm in a hospital and so weak I can't even stand up. It's just hard to take it all in, after all, it hasn't even been twenty four hours since I woke up and I spent most of that asleep."
"I can understand your confusion," Harry smiled. "What do you think of the people who pitched together to help you?"
"I'm overwhelmed," Jasmine answered. "I knew Mr and Mrs Spade from school, but everyone else, they just jumped in to help us without ever meeting us. They pulled together and had me transferred here, got my mom out of jail. Got my sisters back together. It just seems surreal yet totally wonderful. I don't know how to thank them. Especially Krista for getting things started." Jasmine broke down in tears of joy as her equally tearful sisters and mother hugged her.
While the camera focused on the crying family, Harry made his way over to the Spades. "I understand you were the catalysts for this reunion?"
"Yes," Frank nodded as he wiped tears from his eyes. "My wife and I were teachers. Jasmine was in my class and Holly was in Sarah's class. They were good kids and we knew Jasmine was like a mother hen to her younger sisters. Being new to the school they faced a bit of bullying but Jasmine stopped it cold. When we learned Heather was working evenings and leaving the children alone, we had to obey state law and report what we knew to the school guidance counselor. From there things went downhill. Within a week the children were pulled from school and separated into foster homes, then Jasmine was molested. All the teachers were angered at the way Children's Services handled the case. They bypassed normal procedures and in my opinion raped the entire family. When Heather killed the man who had hurt her daughter we were appalled and felt guilty. We contacted her lawyer as we wanted to help her case but he ignored us. The entire judicial process Heather endured was a sham and travesty. Everything we tried to do to help was thrown back in our face or ignored. We were so disheartened neither of us felt like teaching so we handed in our notice of retirement for the end of the school year. We sold everything and bought a sailboat and began sailing. We went down around Florida and the Gulf coast to Mexico, then turned around and headed back."
"We enjoyed what we saw but the guilt we felt for what happened to the Reeses still gnawed at us yet we were helpless," Sarah picked up. "In June we were in Long Island Sound at Mystic Seaport. There we saw Krista, Lyndi, and Teri. They reminded us so much of the Reese sisters it brought back our frustration. We could see the girls wanted to go into the museum but were too poor to do so. We didn't hesitate and despite their protests we took them inside. Afterward they tried to slip away but we wouldn't let them. They told us a slight fib saying they were homeless and their mom had shipped out to see as a cook to earn enough money to get them a place so they could go to school in the fall. Krista was doing a good job of taking care of her sisters but we felt compelled to help. We bought them new clothes and fed them. We even had them sleep on the boat with us for two nights. But Krista was insistent we'd already done too much and we had a mooring lined up in Boston so we parted ways. We had no idea they were trying to walk to St. Michael's. We debated notifying the local authorities about their homelessness but after what happened to the Reeses, we were just too afraid for the girls."
"We left headed out for Boston but after half a day out we turned around, determined to stay in Mystic Seaport and let them live with us on the boat," Frank summed up the story. "We searched for days but never found them. We thought about notifying the authorities again but after a lot of soul searching, put our trust in the Lord to see the girls came to no harm. It was only after they had arrived here we learned they left the Mystic area to once more set off on their odyssey."
"We were delighted when Krista contacted us to tell us they were okay," Sarah finished. "It was only then we learned they had been trekking to St. Michaels. If we'd had known it from the start we would have brought them here. But Krista knew her mind and eventually had the help of Mr and Mrs Nelson to get here safe and sound. Everyone here thanked us for the little we had done for the girls and we were present at the girls' adoptions and baptisms. At first we were stunned when we learned Krista was working to get the Reese family back together, but then we realized it was simply a matter of Krista being Krista. As things started happening, we returned to Talbot County to do what we could to help. So far it's been to sign on as the trustees for Heather. We haven't told Heather or the girls this, but with their permission we'd like to adopt Heather as our daughter which would make Jasmine, Holly and Ivy our granddaughters."
Heather was simply stunned while Holly and Ivy squealed with girlish delight and ran to hug their pending grandparents. Jasmine smiled broadly as tears trickled down her cheeks. Sarah and Frank went over to Jasmine and hugged her and Heather.
"Kevin, get the paperwork together," Judge Watkins ordered as she dabbed at tears of happiness. "This is another adoption I want to approve ASAP." Then Judge Watkins looked sternly into the camera. "Benjamin Reese, I strongly suggest you come forward immediately. Deputy Sheriff Leroy Scott has sworn out a warrant for your arrest. I will be signing the arrest warrant charging you with several counts of child abandonment and endangerment as well as back child support and the medical expenses Jasmine has occurred at state expense. You see what your callous actions have done. It cost your family dearly and lead to the death of a man. The DA is also checking into the possibility of charging you with manslaughter. You can rest assured you will be hunted down. Thank you, Mr. Halls."
"You're quite welcome, your honor," Harry smiled, then turned to the camera. "We promised you an exclusive interview and we've delivered."
"Excuse me, Mr. Halls," Leroy stated as he stepped up. "Those of us who have been brought together by Krista are or will be living on Wells Point. Krista has dubbed us The Clan Wells Point. That's clan with a 'C' as in a Scottish clan. To us it's more than a name, it has meaning. Even though we are not all related by blood or marriage, we are all related through Krista's love. Wells Point is private property. The roads and coastline are privately owned. Anyone who tries to disturb our privacy will be warned. If they ignore that warning, they will be arrested for trespassing. Signs will be posted this week at the property boundaries. We understand that many people want to learn more about us and that at least for now we are newsworthy. That is why we decided to allow this private mass interview. We don't want phone calls or visits from those wanting an interview or just to see us. We will establish a Clan Wells Point post office box in our Post Office in Neavitt, MD 21652, where requests for interviews or anything else can be sent. Krista informs me we will be setting up a Facebook page and a YouTube page within the next month, so if you know what they are, keep looking for us there. We will review all mail and messages and if we are interested or feel you deserve a reply we will do so. We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation."
"I'd like to thank The Clan Wells Point for their refreshing honesty, generosity and love," Harry Wells concluded. “We all wish Jasmine a speedy recovery and the rest of her family a happy life. This has been Harry Halls reporting from the Requard Rehab Center in Easton for WBOC-TV Fox Channel 16 in Salisbury, Maryland."
The camera man shut down the camera and the crew began packing up. Harry told everyone he was delighted with them and if they ever needed a friendly newsman, just to give him a call. Everyone but Pat, Krista, the Spades and Reeses left.
Krista smiled at Jasmine and squeezed her hand in friendship. "We're the same age and I'm sure the school will allow us to take all our classes together. That is if you don’t mind starting in the seventh grade? I was held back in first grade because I was so small so I’m a year behind my age mates. Since you were out of it for two and a half years, restarting in seventh will give you a better chance to adapt to being in the higher grades and you won’t have to make up as much work. I'll help you keep up with the work until you're able to do so on your own, then we can work together."
"Thanks Krista," Jasmine replied. "I was a bit worried about missing two and half years and was afraid they'd put me back in fifth grade. You're really amazing. Did you really walk all the way from Massachusetts with your sisters?"
"Not quite," Krista answered. “We were half-way through New Jersey when I came down with a nasty cold. I could barely keep my balance as we walked along the road. Then I stumbled out onto the road and a car side-swiped me. Mrs. Nelson was the driver and when she saw how sick I was she wanted to take me to the hospital but I refused because I was afraid we'd be split up. They took us in and nursed me back to heath, then drove us down here."
"Someone said you came out with someone else but I'm sure I didn't catch it all," Jasmine stated. "Are you a lesbian?"
"No, I have a boyfriend," Krista said. "Kylie and I came out because we're transgendered. That means we are girls in our hearts, minds, and souls but have a birth defect that gave us male bodies."
"No way you're a boy," Jasmine gasped.
"Exactly," Holly laughed. "Krista is a girl. She gave up her neat bedroom for Ivy and I and she's done all these other neat things too. She loves to help others."
"Krista, if you don't want to answer this, please feel free to just say so," Heather asked. "Did you kill the man that kidnaped you?"
"Yes," Krista nodded gravely. "It was him or us and I was the only one capable of stopping him. My boyfriend Tony was hurt and bleeding cause he'd been pistol whipped when he stuck up for me. His mom Rachel was a basket case because she knew he was going to kill us all. She was so bad she could barely drive. Oh, I guess I should tell you the bad guy was her husband and Tony's dad who had just killed two prison guards and escaped. Anyway, I had just learned how to drive our on our farm so I volunteered to drive. That pissed him off but he let me. I did all right too, drove right at the speed limit so no one would get suspicious. But I knew I had to stop him so when I saw a tractor trailer bearing down on us to pass, I swerved right in front of him. He hit us and we spun and flipped several times. When we stopped we were upside down. I was bleeding but unbuckled myself and crawled into the back of the station wagon where he was. It was pretty well smashed up back there but he was still alive. When I tried to take the gun from him, we struggled. I found what turned out to be the broken rear window wiper and jammed it in his face. Luckily it hit his eye and sank through into his brain killing him. Unfortunately he pulled the trigger and the gun emptied itself. I was hit in the arm and leg. I just did what I had to do to protect the others. That's what you did too. Although it hurts God when one of us kills another, he knows what's in our hearts. If our motives were good and we ask for his forgiveness, he'll do so. The hard part is to accept his forgiveness and go forward with our lives doing what we can when we are able to help others just like I've helped your family and Sandi. That doesn't mean I still don't have nightmares. But just like the man who hurt Jasmine, the man I killed was an evil person who intentionally hurt others. I stopped him when no one else would or could before he could hurt anyone else. I don't like what I did, but I have no doubt that if I had to do it over again, I'd still kill him."
"I can really see why everyone likes you," Heather smiled. "You really are a genuine caring person. You're also the toughest girl I've ever met. Thank you for all you've done to get us back together... and don't go denying it, young lady. You got the ball rolling after it was stuck for two and a half years. I hope we can live up to the example you've created."
"Thank you," Krista demurred. "I do try to do good whenever I can but I'm not a saint. I make mistakes and occasionally put my foot in my mouth. I look forward to being friends with all of you. Jasmine, you need to get better. We're planning on having a neat Halloween Dance and I'd love for you to be there, even if you can't dance yet."
After a bit more conversation, Pat and Krista headed home.
It was about nine when the Spades dropped Holly and Ivy off. They had to get a good night's sleep so they were rested to start their new school tomorrow.
*****
Part 7
Monday morning Larry arrived at Bill's home at 7:oo am to begin his lessons on farming. Bill greeted him with a firm handshake.
"Yu're a brave man, Larry," Bill chuckled. "Wantin' to be a farmer ain't an easy job and the hours be long. I'm right proud to be teachin' ya. First, Ah'll take ya on a tour of the dairy barns. If ya got any questions ya just ask."
"Thanks Mr. Dougherty," Larry smiled. "I've got a notebook and camera to take notes and pictures to help me remember things."
"If yur gonna call me Mr. Dougherty ya can jus’ turn round and go," Bill declared gruffly. "Mah name is Bill. Ah hope ya got a lot of ink in yur pen.”
Bill spent the week teaching Larry about the ins and outs of the land. Where to plant what, which areas to avoid because the ground was to soggy, and the myriad other things a farmer must know about the land he's working. Unlike Bill's own children who hated the hard work and long hours, Larry was eager to make the land grow. Long discussions between Bill and Larry had brought them together, almost like a grandfather and grandson.
Bill remembered how fertile the waters of the Chesapeake Bay had been sixty years ago. Even before the Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program began he had investigated ways of cutting down the possible water pollutants coming from his farm. He was one of first in the state to switch to no till farming. Once the MACS program was started, he was one of the first to sign-up. There was little he had to change in his farming techniques as he was already in near full compliance with the Nutrient Management Program requirements of the Maryland Department of Agriculture(MDA). When Larry explained he wanted to go to an organic no-till farm, Bill readily approved as he had investigated doing so but felt he was simply too old to make such a change. As a certified organic farm, the crops and products the farm produced would have a ready local market as well as more distant markets. Larry had already contacted the federally accredited Maryland Organic Certification Program (MOCP).
(Organic is a legal term which is defined and governed by the United States Department of Agriculture. Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards.)
With in-put from Bill, Larry decided on a small starter dairy herd of about fifty head. The Clan Wells Point Organic Farm would supply milk products with no preservatives. They would make their own butter, cheeses, and yogurt as well as ice-cream. Chickens would be the same, a hundred or so, enough to supply themselves and a few others with fresh eggs and meat. Steers would figure prominently in the business as the grazing land was lush and normally available year round as the few times it was covered with snow it quickly melted. There would be horses for the tourists and the B&B, to ride as well as to harness to wagons and buggies. There already were several horses and steers on the property.
Since Bill farmed Jane's land, he had already enrolled both in the state winter cover crop program designed to help clean up the Chesapeake Bay. The reimbursement was Fifty dollars an acre if planted before October 1st Bill had gotten two hundred fifty acres in by that deadline. The next deadline for a forty dollar per acre reimbursement was October 15. Those rates were if the cover crop was not harvested. The reimbursal rate was twenty five dollars an acre if harvested. There was an eighty acre field of corn yet to be harvested and that plus another one hundred twenty acres needed to be planted with winter cover. The chore would be to get it done before the October 15 deadline.
*****
Holly and Ivy joined Teri, Lyndi, LJ, Pete, and Sandi on the school bus to Tilgham Elementary. Leroy, the Spades, and Heather followed with the girl's transcripts from their schools in Cecil County.
Quite a few people had seen the effort to wake Jasmine on Saturday and it had been replayed as part of the Sunday interview. To their fellow students, the seven Clan Wells Point students were celebrities. All were greeted warmly and welcomed to the school. Sandi, who had tried to be a quiet mouse was suddenly drawn into the spotlight as were Holly and Ivy. By the end of the day, they had sorted out those who could be true friends from those with momentary infatuation with their celebrity status. The staff really liked the moniker The Clan Wells Point as all thought it was quite appropriate. In the five weeks since the school year began they were already aware to expect unusual but positive things from The Clan Wells Point.
Once the kids were settled into their classes, Frank headed back to their new home to begin to give the place a thorough once over and take measurements to draw up rough plans for The Clan Wells Point Landing. Sarah and Heather headed into Easton to work with Jasmine. Leroy drove to into Neavitt to the post office and opened a large PO Box in the Post Office under the name The Clan Wells Point.
*****
At St. Michaels Middle High School Krista and Tony were swamped with greetings for their appearance on TV. Amy Beck and Ferdy Hammond begged to be allowed to set up the Facebook and Youtube pages for The Clan Wells Point. Krista smiled and said she was going to ask them for their assistance. At lunch the four sat together and worked out the general details and layout. Krista nor Tony had any idea what was involved but the data duo sure did and promised to set to work.
The snobbettes were starting to come around. They admitted they could not compete with Krista but also finally realized that she was not even trying to compete with them. Their niche in the school society was safe even if it wasn’t quite as envy inducing as it would have been without Krista. Besides, they had to admire Krista for all she did even though they couldn’t understand how she could remain so humble and unassuming.
The only students still upset with Krista and with Tony were Dwayne and Phil. The redneck hooligans linked up with a the trouble-makers from the junior class, Freddy Grant and Barney Flint. For the most part, they were the go-fors. But they got transportation and once they proved themselves, the booze and pot came their way. They took joy in driving around vandalizing vehicles just for fun. Paintballs left nice round dings in the doors and fenders and if the hit was just right, shattering side window glass. They would randomly hit and run before they could be identified and move on to a site a few miles away.
The students were excited about the prospect of holding the Halloween Dance in the barn on Wells Point. The $500.00 price tag was a bit daunting but nearly everyone wanted to try it. One of the seniors suggested selling Raffle tickets to raise the money. Some felt it was a good idea but others were hesitant about gambling. When Krista heard about it, at first she didn't like the idea, but the more she thought about it, the more possibilities arose.
Krista got word to the student council president (who was always a senior) Gwen Moore to ask for a brief student council meeting during the last period to discuss the issue. Gwen already knew she had a firebrand on her hands with Krista and went to the office to request permission. By then the principal also understood Krista was a force to be reckoned with and approved. In both cases, neither objected to Krista's gung-ho attitude and in fact were impressed by her positive energy. Most of the council members made it to the meeting. Gwen called it to order then turned the floor over to Krista.
"I'm not sure who came up with the idea of holding a raffle to raise the money needed for the liability policy but I want to thank them," Krista began. "At first I didn't like it as it seemed a bit selfish, but as I thought about it, I realized we could also use it as fund raiser for another cause. We sell raffle tickets for $5.00 each. We shoot to raise a minimum of $2000.00, more if we can. That's a minimum of four hundred tickets. We advertise the income is to be used to pay the costs to print the tickets, which I hope will be under a $100.00 with $300.00 given in prizes. A first place of $100.00, second of $75.00, third of $50, a fourth of $25.00 and fifth through tenth of $10.00. Then the next $500.00 is for the liability policy for the dance. Everything above that amount would go toward the Toys for Tots program. If we sell four hundred tickets, we donate $1000.00 to Toys for Tots. If we sell more than four hundred tickets, all the extra goes to the Toys for Tots. We'd be helping ourselves while doing a worthwhile community activity."
Ken Poore, the student council vice president (the VP was always a junior) stood. "I make a motion we accept Krista's plan with one change. I think our goal should be to sell a thousand tickets. The more we give to the Toys for Tots, the easier it will be to sell."
"I second the motion," Tony called out.
"We have a motion and a second," Gwen declared. "Is there any further discussion on the motion, if not, all those in favor say AYE. (the response was overwhelming) Opposed say NAY. (No one spoke.) The AYES have it and so ordered. Now we need a committee to run the raffle. I nominate Krista and Tony from the seventh grade."
Two students were selected from each grade to serve on the raffle committee. Gwen and Ken served for their grades. Ken’s dad owned The Poore House, the local printer, who could print the raffle tickets for under $100.00. Together, the new committee headed to the office to present the plan. Dr. Harris, the school principal liked the idea and promptly forwarded it on to Dr. May, the school district superintendent. He too liked the idea. Since waiting until the next school board meeting would be too late, he had his secretary send an email to the members of the board asking for a prompt yeah or nay so the kids could move on.
*****
After school, Jane drove Holly and Ivy to the St. Michaels Middle High School where she swapped the girls for Tony. Jane drove Tony back to the farm so he could work with Kylie and Pat took Krista, Holly, and Ivy to see Jasmine.
Jasmine was physically tired but feeling great. They'd had her in a water tank where she was able to move about on her own due to the buoyancy of the water. Her muscles were still too weak to allow her to stand and even sitting upright was tough as her back and abdominal muscles were not up to the task of keeping her erect. Everyone realized it would be a long road to recovery but Jasmine was pumped and pushed herself as hard as she could.
After greeting Jasmine, Sarah, Heather, Holly and Ivy left to find supper. Pat and Krista stayed to keep Jasmine company. Pat brought the fifth grade social studies textbook and with Krista's assistance, they began to review the lessons. This allowed Jasmine to physically relax while helping her brain get back into learning mode. It was slow going at first but by the end of an hour and a half, they had covered a great deal of material. The plan was to do this each day to bring Jasmine up to grade level.
*****
The rest of the week flew by. Larry was an eager pupil which delighted Bill. Holly and Ivy easily adapted to their new school. Jasmine grew stronger. On Thursday the student council was notified the idea for the raffle fund-raiser was approved with the caveat a strict public accounting of all funds be maintained. Ken had already produced a sample two-part raffle ticket the committee approved so Thursday night he and his dad printed a thousand tickets. The Friday morning announcements detailed the raffle to erase any misconceptions created by the rumor mill and every member of the student council was given twenty raffle tickets to sell. Selling these would leave two hundred eighty tickets to share with anyone who sold out.
After Jasmine’s Friday evening tutoring, Krista looked up Dr. Olsen while Pat just smiled and followed. “Dr. Olsen,” Krista began. “I know Jaz isn’t strong enough to leave here yet, but I know she’s going a bit stir crazy in here. The Tidewater Titans teams are playing at the North Easton Sport Complex. My brothers play and Sandi cheers for the mitey-mite team. My sisters cheer for the junior pee-wee team, and Tony plays and I cheer for the midget team. My family always makes a day of it picnicking and we’re taking Holly and Ivy with us. I think it’d really do Jaz a lot of good if she could join us, in a wheel chair of course. I know Heather will never leave her side and my mom is a nurse, so she’d be well cared for. If she gets too tired, they can always leave and bring her back here. I’m positive she’d love the outing and I think it would keep her motivation up to get better. Do you think she’s strong enough to go?”
Dr. Olsen chuckled. “Jasmine has only been awake a week after being in a coma for two and half years! If such a preposterous request was coming from anyone but you I wouldn’t hesitate to say NO. However, since you ARE the one asking, I’d say okay IF you can find a doctor willing to accompany Jasmine.”
“You’re welcome to join us, Dr. Olsen,” Krista gushed getting the hint.
“I’d be delighted to join you,” Dr. Olsen smiled. “If it doesn’t rain and my family can join us.”
“The more the merrier,” Krista smiled. “”I’ll help Gram prepare extra food when I get home.”
“Well I wouldn’t dream of going to a picnic empty handed,” Dr. Olsen smiled. “We’ll bring pretzels, potato chips and corn chips.”
“Great,” Krista smiled. “Can we go back into her room and tell Jaz?”
“Sure,” Dr. Olsen laughed as Krista scurried off to break the news. “How do you keep her under control?”
“I don’t,” Pat chuckled. “I just try to keep up with her.”
At that moment they heard the delighted squeals of the three Reese sisters.
*****
Saturday was bright and sunny with only a bit of wind. A tilt and recline manual wheelchair with torso abductors and a chest harness had been located for use by Jasmine. Leroy put the chair in the back of the his truck after Jasmine was lifted into Pat’s Expedition. Dr. Olsen rode beside Jasmine while her husband Greg and sons, eleven year old Marcus and nine year old Chris followed.
After everyone parked at the sports complex, Leroy unloaded the wheelchair and brought it over to the get Jasmine. Although initially leery of all men when she awoke, Jasmine had already learned she could trust some, and Leroy was one of them. She wrapped her arms about his neck as he picked her from the seat of the SUV and gently placed her in the wheelchair. Pat and Heather strapped her in place then covered her with blankets. By the time they had her ready the others had the picnic goodies unloaded. As they headed towards the picnic tables near the playing field, Jasmine saw a shiny Harley-Davidson V-rod motorcycle in the space by the walk. Knowing she liked motorcycles, Heather stopped so she could admire it.
“Would you like to hear it,” a pretty girl on the arm of a good looking guy said as they came up to them.
“Sure,” Jasmine enthused.
The guy sat on the bike, pulled it off the kick stand, and jumped on the manual starter. The big machine thrumbed to life, purring like a full throated tiger. With a smile he revved the engine into a roar. “When you get better, I’ll give you and your sisters a ride,” Larry smiled.
“This is my brother in law, Larry Scott,” Pat introduced. “This young lady is his fiancee Kylie Masters. She’s the mechanic that keeps this baby running so smoothly. We’ll all be neighbors once you’re discharged”
“Wow,” Jasmine smiled. “Your family is really cool!”
“OUR family is really cool,” Krista corrected as she and Tony scampered over. “Larry and Kylie like to show off the Snarly Harley. I’m so glad you could make it today!” Krista hugged her friend.
“I’m glad you invited me,” Jasmine replied.
Soon they were at the picnic tables. Larry and Kylie had arrived early and staked out a pair of tables. The tiny-mite teams were just finishing their game and the mitey mites were getting ready to go out.
“My sons LJ and Peter are on this team and our soon to be newest daughter Sandi cheers for them,” Pat explained as they watched the teams take the field.
Jasmine and her sisters watched the cheerleaders as much as they did the players. Heather never left her daughter’s side. Dr. Olsen kept an eye on Jasmine and periodically shifted the chair’s position. Greg Olsen and his sons Marcus and Chris stood by Leroy and Larry as they intently watched the game. The boys had wanted to play football but neither was athletically gifted and so were afraid to even try for fear of being teased. Now they saw the poorer players were rotated into and out of the game so they could all get playing time and the better players who were in nearly all the time encouraged their teammates.
“This is what I like about the Tidewater Titans,” Leroy explained as he noted their interest. “At this level no one who tries out is cut and everyone plays. It’s only once you get up into the midgets that cuts are made. But even then they don’t cut kids who came up through the ranks. They may not get as much field time, but they’re still part of the team.”
“It sounds like we’ll have to look into this next year,” Greg smiled as he saw the wistful expression on his son’s faces.
When the game ended, Sandi, LJ and Peter ran to the tables for a drink. Lyndi and Teri hugged their brothers and new sister before they headed out to the field to cheer for the junior pee-wee team. Holly, Ivy, and Jasmine saw the family comradery and knew they wanted to be part of it.
Seeing this, Krista called her three siblings over. The Reese girls complimented their performance. Seeing the boys were getting squirmy, Tony snagged them and led them to Marcus and Chris. With Tony as mediator he soon had the boys engaged in shop talk. Sandi, Holly, and Ivy moved closer to watch Lyndi and Teri cheer.
“Tony really seems like a nice boy,” Jasmine said a bit wistfully.
“He is now,” Krista chuckled. “When we first met I wound up decking him.”
Jasmine was surprised. “You decked him?”
“Yeah,” Krista replied then told her of their first meeting.
“So after you beat him, you helped him save face,” Jasmine said.”
“Sure,” Krista said. “It wasn’t too long before that I mistakenly thought I was a tough guy too. I knew guys that behaved like that did so for self preservation. I could tell that emotionally Tony was really hurting and I just couldn’t let him suffer because of something I did.”
“Then I found out Tony was Kylie’s cousin,” Krista continued. “It turns out Tony was a bully because his dad was a big bully and abusing Tony and his mom. Tony couldn’t understand why I wanted to help him instead of humiliate him. His mom showed up and my mom was there, we wound up setting a trap for his dad. Remember, Kylie is transgendered like me and her uncle, Tony’s dad, hated her for being a sissy. His dad found out I’d decked Tony and got drunker than he normally did. My dad set it up so the police would nail Tony’s dad for drunk driving, so by the time he got home he was totally pissed. When he saw Kylie and I there he lost it and tried to kill us. We were ready and my dad and other police were hiding and they arrested him and took him to jail. After that, Tony and I just meshed.”
“Gee, you really are into saving people,” Jasmine declared.
“I don’t go around looking for people to help,” Krista demurred. “But people stepped forward to help my sisters and I when we needed it without being asked. I just decided to do the same. Kylie was the first person I saved.” Krista went on to tell how her coming out as transgendered to her extended family triggered Larry to take off and save Kylie from committing suicide.
Jasmine was clearly awed by Krista’s attitude that she hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary. “So even though you killed his dad, Tony still likes you?”
“He knows I didn’t set out to kill him and that it was either him or us,” Krista whispered clearly not liking what she had done. “That’s the one thing I’ve learned about life. It’s not fair. It wasn’t fair my mom got cancer and drowned herself to save my sisters and I from going into foster care. It wasn’t fair I had to kill a man. It wasn’t fair your dad skipped out on you. It wasn’t fair you and your sisters were taken from your mom and put in foster care. It wasn’t fair you were molested. It wasn’t fair your mom was so betrayed by the system she felt she had to stop the man that hurt you. It wasn’t fair that Sandi was molested. But then Jesus never promised us life would be fair. He promised to save our souls and all we have to do is believe in him. To me, that is much better than fair.”
“Krista, you are simply amazing,” Heather said. “Your faith solves everything.”
“Yes, it does,” Krista declared with simple honesty. “If not in this life then in the next. God was working through me that night when he compelled me to confess to my family that I was a boy when they all though I was a girl. My mother had sacrificed herself for us then came back as a spirit to delay Kylie’s suicide long enough for her to be rescued. Kylie saw her ghost. My dad, grandad, Uncle David, and Larry saw the fresh sea water and sea weed in the barn when they saved Kylie. I have no choice but to have faith in God.”
“I wish I could have your faith,” Heather sighed. “But why does God let bad things happen?”
“My mom used to say if bad things didn’t happen, no one could appreciate good things,” Krista said. “God uses bad things to check our souls. It’s a test of our faith just like he tested Abraham’s faith when God told him to sacrifice his son. Just before she died, I asked mom if she ever asked ‘God, why me?’ She smiled and said ‘NO, I never asked God why me when I fell in love with your father. I never asked God why me when you or your sisters were born. If I didn’t ask God why me for the good things that happened in my life, what right do I have to ask God why me for the bad?’”
Heather was biting her lips and fighting back tears.
Krista stepped up to her and hugged her while whispering in her ear “God forgives you. Stop fighting him. Open your heart and let him in.”
Heather cried and sank to her knees in prayer as Krista held her. Jasmine was also crying as she reached out and touched her mother. Mother and daughter had started the long road to healing.
As none of the extended family was involved in the pee-wee teams, they used that time to really chow down. Heather was amazed at how open and friendly everyone was. David and Laura were there with their little ones. Sheila and Robert seemed everywhere checking on their kids and grandkids and didn’t miss the adopted or foster kids which meant they included Jasmine, Holly, Ivy and Sandi. Jane and Lisa Nelson manned the food line and made sure everyone had enough to eat while Ed Nelson manned the grill. The Spades took over watching Jasmine so Heather was able to mingle and Dr. Olsen could join her family. Mindy Welch the cheering coach and Mr. Warren the football coach stopped by for a moment, then returned to the pee-wees.
The cheerleaders and midget players used The Clan Wells Point family gathering as the gathering spot for the teams. All the cheerleaders and several of the players greeted Jasmine and those that went to school in St. Michaels told her they looked forward to having her join their class. One boy in particular lingered at the edge, trying to get close to Jasmine yet was too shy to actually do so.
“Jimmy,” Krista called out and waved him over when he looked up.
Not suspecting anything he made his way over to her.
“Jasmine, this is Jimmy Boswell, “ Krista introduced as she pulled Jimmy right up to Jasmine.
“Hi,” Jasmine smiled at the red-faced boy.
Jimmy was too tongue tied to say anything. Tony smacked him on the back of the head.
“Don’t be a dufus, you dufus,” Tony chided. “Say hi to the girl. She won’t bite.”
Jimmy was almost purple with embarrassment but managed to look up at Jasmine and mutter ‘Hi.”
”Man, Jimmy, you gotta lighten up,” Tony scolded with a chuckle. “Jasmine is a nice girl who knows nothing about you. This is your chance to show her the real Jimmy instead of the shell you’ve been living inside. Come on, man, I changed for the good, so can you! It took Krista to get me squared away. Maybe Jasmine is the girl who can get you straightened out. But you won’t find out if you don’t talk to her.”
With that, Tony and Krista ushered the others away leaving Jimmy and Jasmine alone. Both realized they were being set up. Jasmine was understandably hesitant about guys. Jimmy was a nice guy but just terribly shy around girls. At the same time, both knew and trusted Krista and Tony. By trying to set them up, both obviously thought they’d make a good couple, perhaps as good as they were. Jasmine began to discuss the set-up with Tony. They were surprised they both had the same thoughts about the plot which lightened their mood and they actually began to talk. By the time the midget game was ready to start, both were smiling and seeds of a strong friendship had been planted.
Dr. Olsen and Heather had watched the interaction and set-up. They too trusted Krista and Tony to select a none-threatening young man with lots of potential. Jasmine would have to work to get him to open up and by doing so would be able to learn about him and trust him.
Pat urged Jasmine to be moved to the sidelines bedside Krista and the Midget Cheerleaders as they cheered the guys on to their win. She sang along to ‘Mickey’ and cheered wildly when their team won.
As everyone left the field, the cheerleaders and the players from the Tidewater Titans surrounded Jasmine. They were all glad to see her there and heartily welcomed her. The cheerleaders were overjoyed they had a hand in helping her wake up. The guys were curious to see the girl the cheerleaders had helped and who had become a local celebrity for her Rip Van Winkle time.
Jimmy again stayed in the back, until the crowd thinned, then he made his way forward to give her his personal welcome. Jimmy’s mom, Betty Boswell, came over to see what was taking her son so long. When she saw the girl in the wheelchair, she realized it had to be Jasmine Reese. Her timid son was actually talking to her. Rachel, seeing Betty, went over and greeted her, then introduced her to Heather and the Spades.
By this time Jasmine was visibly starting to fade. The excitement of the outing and meeting all the people, especially Jimmy, had worn her out. As everyone packed up, Jimmy, totally oblivious of his mom, walked beside Jasmine as she was wheeled back to the SUV. After she had been lifted into the back seat and buckled in, he reached in and took her hand. Then he gallantly kissed the back of her hand.
Jasmine smiled soppily as Jimmy turned beet red. He had no idea why he’d done it, but he was glad he did. As he stepped back and closed the door, he saw Krista and Tony holding hands watching the exchange. Krista smiled and winked while Tony gave him a thumbs up.
Jasmine was asleep before they’d traveled a block. She never woke up until the next morning in her bed in the Requard Rehab Center.
*****
Jasmine spent most of Sunday sleeping as she recovered from her trip. Dr. Olsen was delighted because the few hours she was awake, she couldn't stop babbling about how much fun she had at the games and how she looked forward to recuperating enough to be discharged.
Kylie, Tony, Ed, and Krista spent the afternoon working on the DUKW. The water-tight drive assemblies for the wheels had been rebuilt and were reinstalled. The new tires were mounted on the rims and they were installed. This meant the behemoth could be towed, and important step as the unit would have to be moved out of the barn for the dance.
Robert brought an old but sturdy enclosed car transport trailer. The inside dimensions were eight and a half feet wide by twenty four feet long with an inside height of seven and a half feet. The sides and roof were constructed by one and a half inch steel tube welded frame covered with sheets of aluminum. There was a person door on the right side about four feet from the front and the rear had double doors that swung to the sides. At the back entry a pair of eight feet long by eighteen inch wide ramps were tucked beneath the trailer. They were easily pulled out and set pins anchored them into place for use.
The trailer was backed into the barn and using a BobCat with forks in place of the bucket they lifted and moved inside the trailer all of Kylie's tool chests and boxes as well as those Tony brought and the tools left by Krista's grandfather. They arranged everything so it was accessible from a center aisle yet balanced side to side, then bolted them in place. A work bench six feet long and thirty inches wide was built in by the back doors. Powerful twelve volt flood lights were installed along the ceiling to make the inside as bright as day. The trailer had a built-in small back-up generator and twelve volt battery as well as a power cord set up so it could be plugged into a regular outlet. This would allow the tool trailer to be locked and moved to a job site if that was needed. It would allow the tool trailer to be removed for the Halloween Dance.
Getting everything mobile took the entire afternoon.
Krista and Tony had no problems selling their raffle tickets. The Nelsons, the Spades, Jane O'Brien, Robert Scott, David Scott, Larry, Kylie, Leroy and even the normally tight fisted Bill Dougherty bought five each. Rachel and Evelyn wanted to purchase five each but they were going to have to wait until Tony and Krista could get more tickets.
*****
Part 8
Monday morning the news quickly spread through school that the student council members had all sold their allotted twenty tickets and had requests for more. All the student council members wanted more tickets but there were only enough left to give seven to each. At a brief meeting during lunch, they decided to print another five hundred tickets and distribute them to the council members in ten ticket packets. This meant that 28 kids could get their first extra ten packets immediately while the rest would have to wait until the next day as Ken Poore promised to have the additional five hundred tickets ready by then. It was decided in the case of council members who were couples that only one of them would receive the ten immediately. Since there were eight couples, this worked out fine.
Rachel and Evelyn got their tickets that evening.
*****
Jasmine really put everything she had into her workout. Heather joined the therapist in the pool as they worked on Jasmine's balance. By lunch Jaz was able to swim the length of the pool. After lunch she took a nap to re-energize. By three they had her in the gym. They got her to her feet and had her try to walk between parallel bars where she could hold on with both hands. It was a struggle, but the determined lass was soon making the fifteen foot trip without undo difficulty. Her coordination was returning rapidly, but her muscle strength still needed work.
As she and Krista studied together before supper, the two gossiped as much as they studied. They knew they were going to be close friends. Jaz blushed when Krista reported Jimmy had taken some good-natured razzing for being so obviously smitten with Jasmine. Krista promised to tell Jimmy Jasmine appreciated his friendship.
The rest of the week flew by. The student council wound up printing another five hundred tickets Thursday night for a total of two thousand tickets but announced that would be the end.
Jasmine physically improved every day. By Friday she was able to stand on her own and pivot. Walking was still shaky but she could get out of bed and into a wheelchair if the chair was by the bed. She was able to propel the wheelchair on her own. She was able to stand up out of the wheelchair to move to a piece of workout equipment. The stationary bike was her favorite. She was even able to slowly walk about with the aid of a walker. Dr. Olsen was proud of her motivation and drive.
Ground was broken for Bill Dougherty's new cabin. A barge was brought in to the cove formed by the northern end of Balls Creek, then tied in place with ropes to trees on the shore. From this floating platform the workers could drive pressure treated six inch round pylons into the muddy bottom to form the framework for a floating pier. When the pylons could be driven no deeper, they were trimmed off four feet above the high tide level. The pylons were placed in pairs six feet apart with eight feet between the pairs until they reached forty feet out into the cove. Pressure treated four by four inch beams were bolted atop each pylon from the shore to the end of the dock to add stability. Additional four by fours were added between the pylons at one foot above the high tide mark. Steel cross braces were bolted between the pairs of posts, one at the bottom of the cove and another one foot below the low tide mark.
Bill and Larry completed the harvesting the corn and planting all the cover crops
*****
The Spades and Heather settled into their new home with help from Jane and Lisa. A room on the first floor for was set up for Jasmine until she had recovered enough to be able to handle the stairs.
*****
By Friday, the student council had sold all two thousand raffle tickets. They'd raised $10,000.00. $500.00 went to the insurance policy. $100.00 went to the printing costs. $300.00 went for prize money. That left $9,100.00 for Toys for Tots. Virtually the entire school was bubbling with pride over the ease of raising the money.
*****
Saturday October 13 was a memorable day. It began with The Clan Wells Point including Jasmine, plus Jimmy with his mom and Dr. Olsen and family, gathered in a special Saturday morning hearing in the county courthouse. Judge Watkins approved the Spade's adoption of Heather. After the adoption was completed, she released Holly and Ivy from foster care to the custody of their new grandparents.
From the courthouse, everyone headed out to attend the last game of the regular season for the Tidewater Titans to enjoy a Clan Wells Point football outing/picnic. This week Jasmine had improved to the point where she was able to use a standard manual wheelchair. A walker was also available so she could walk if need be. Jimmy spent practically all his time with Jasmine. Together with Krista and Tony they walked about the sporting complex checking out the sites. Krista showed them the thicket where Sandi had been hiding. Jasmine was in high spirits, pleased with her adventure and friends.
When it came time for the midget team to play, everyone gathered around the field. Holly, Ivy, Lyndi, and Teri rolled Jasmine to the sidelines so she could be as near to Krista and the other cheerleaders as was allowed. The game was fierce and both Tony and Jimmy had outstanding days.
While in previous years Tony had at times been an outstanding player, his efforts had been inconsistent and erratic. This year with Krista by his side, he was now invariably playing to the best of his abilities. Jimmy had been a good player, but Coach Warren was well aware that his sudden dramatic improvement to become an outstanding player was due to having Jasmine on the sidelines. It almost made him wish all his players had girlfriends.
When the final whistle blew, the fans of the Tidewater Titans cheered loudly. The Tidewater Titans finished their eight game season undefeated.
After the game, Jasmine returned to the rehab center with the understanding that if she was well rested by the next morning, she could be picked up and brought to church, then visit Wells Point and see her new home.
Holly and Ivy moved from the Jane's home to the Spade's home. Holly and Ivy decided to continue sharing a bedroom as they had missed the closeness during their enforced separation. Everyone pitched in to make short work of the chore. Of course, at this point, the girls had not accumulated much but that would soon change.
*****
On Sunday morning Jasmine was awake at 6:00am. The staff called the Spades. In a few minutes Frank and Heather headed into the Easton to help her into a dress. Sarah let Holly and Ivy sleep a bit later then woke them up to get ready. They were quite excited to have Jasmine coming out to see their new home even if she had to go back to Rehab.
Once Jaz was dressed, they headed out to their Expedition. They stopped at a McDonalds for breakfast, another treat for Jasmine. They headed through St. Michaels, passing the St. Michaels Middle-High School she'd be attending. Soon they were heading down SR 579, the Bozeman-Neavitt Road. As they turned onto Wells Point Lane, Jasmine was delighted by all the trees. She'd only lived in suburban areas and had always longed to live out in the country. After passing through the trees she smiled at the open fields surrounded by trees. They turned left onto Dougherty Lane, from there she could see water. Then they turned left onto Johns Cove Lane, driving beside the body of water until the road ended at a house, barn, and several out buildings.
"This is our new home," Heather explained as they stopped in front of the house.
"Oh Wow," Jaz exclaimed. "This is all yours?"
"It's our part of The Clan Wells Point," Frank explained. "We'll be living here and running the landing as well as stabling the horses."
Just then, Holly and Ivy came dashing out the front door, across the porch, and up to the SUV to greet Jasmine. Sarah followed at a more lady-like pace. Soon everyone was seated in the van. As they reached Wells Point Lane, the crowded Scott Expedition drove by. Krista, Teri, Lyndi, Sandi, LJ and Pete all waved as Jasmine, Holly and Ivy waved back. The two vehicles proceeded down the lane, to be joined by another as Robert and Sheila Scott with Bill Dougherty in tow joined the caravan. Fifteen minutes later they pulled into the parking lot of St. Luke's UMC Church. Jasmine was helped into her wheelchair and they all went inside where they were greeted by the rest of the Clan Wells Point in the front pews as well as Jimmy and his mom and Dr. Olsen and her family.
It was only at this time that Laura realized Jimmy was her nephew. While Tony's buddy Jimmy had been a frequent matter of discussion since he became involved with Jasmine, Laura had not really seen him up close to recognize him. It turned out Betty Boswell was the widowed wife of Laura's older brother. They had always been on friendly terms but with two small children to take care of and Betty busy supporting herself and Jimmy, visits were infrequent and mostly bumping into each other while shopping.
Rev. Giles came over to greet the family and whispered into Heather's ear. Heather gasped and looked at the Spades who smiled and nodded their heads. Heather smiled and nodded, dabbing at tears.
The girls were too busy gossiping and looking around to catch the interchange. Jasmine was excited and a bit apprehensive to be in church as she had never ventured inside one before.
The service started. The organ music swelled and vibrated the wooden pews during the low notes. The girls joined everyone else signing the first song from the hymnal. The service proceeded through the bible readings. The Gospel consisted of Jesus' parable of the lost sheep. At that point Rev. Giles invited all the children forward for a children's sermon. Krista led the children of the Clan Wells Point forward. Jimmy pushed Jasmine.
"The parable of the lost sheep was told by Jesus when the Pharisees, who were leaders of the synagogue, criticized Him for socializing with sinners," Rev. Giles began. "Through this story of compassion, Jesus revealed his rescue mission for sinners.'
"Luke 15:3-7 reads “Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent’”.
"The parable begins with a straying sheep. A sheep apart from its shepherd is defenseless and in grave danger. Jesus views any person apart from Him as lost. How is he lost? The wrong things he does keeps him from God, leaving him groping aimlessly in darkness. It says in Isaiah 59:9 “So justice is far from us, and righteousness does not reach us. We look for light, but all is darkness; for brightness, but we walk in deep shadows”.
"The shepherd in the story, however, didn’t despise his straying sheep. With a heart of compassion, Jesus also values each sinner the Father entrusts Him as it reads in John 6:39 'And this is the will of Him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that He has given me, but raise them up at the last day'. Jesus is intent upon rescuing the sinner not only because the Father gave them to Him but also because He loves them. His love led Him to sacrifice His life on the cross to take their punishment for their sin."
"The parable of the lost sheep also illustrates Christ’s attitude toward the saved sinner. The parable gives no indication of the shepherd ever rebuking or chiding. Instead, he hoists the sheep upon his shoulders and takes it home. An adult sheep may weigh anywhere from 110 to 125 pounds; it would be no small effort to carry one over the shoulder. For joy over finding that which was lost, the shepherd bears the discomfort. Likewise, Jesus bore the weight of our sins upon the cross. As High Priest and Mediator, He continues to bear our cares and infirmities before the Father. 1 Peter 2: 24-25 reads 'He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness. . . . For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls'”.
"Finally, the parable of the lost sheep offers an extraordinary glimpse of heavenly emotions. The shepherd calls his friends and neighbors together, saying, “Rejoice with me.” The rescue of the lost sheep was a cause for proclamation and celebration. Similarly, Heaven rejoices when a sinner repents and is restored to fellowship with God. This joy is cheerfulness; it is calm, considered delight. It is a deliberate emotion -- thoughtful and sustained. This is not a picture of raucous dancing and carousing but of lasting pleasure and heartfelt satisfaction. Why? A sinner has come home! Such news delights the heart of heaven."
"Since the beginning, God has been the Good Shepherd who rescues His lost sheep. When Adam and Eve were hiding in shame because of their sin, He sought them out. Yes, He disciplined them. But He promised a Rescuer. Until Christ’s death for their sins, He forgave them by their faith and covered them with animal skins. God still reaches out for the lost to cover and recover them through the blood of Jesus Christ."
The children sat mesmerized by the sermon. They all realized that Jasmine was like the lost sheep who was found. They were a bit too young to understand Rev. Giles was referring to the entire Reese family.
The sermon was a similar theme but unusually short. After a hymn, the collection was taken. At that point Rev. Giles stepped forward.
"We are blessed this day to have the Reese family with us," Rev. Giles began. "They have been sorely tested by the Lord but have come through their ordeal as a loving family. I'm sure you've heard of their harrowing tests since our personal angel, Krista, set out to help them. Yesterday, Heather Resse was adopted by Frank and Lisa Spade. This makes Jasmine, Holly, and Ivy their granddaughters. It is the desire of the proud grandparents to have their new family baptized in the name of the Lord. At this point, I'd like to call Heather, Jasmine, Holly, and Ivy Reese forward as well as their parents and sponsors."
Heather stood and pushed Jasmine's wheel chair forward as Holly and Ivy tentatively followed. The Spades followed as did Dr. Olsen and her husband Greg who would be the God Parents. The baptism was a solemn yet joyous occasion. When Heather knelt for her turn, she was trembling fearing God would strike her down for blasphemy because of her grievous sin. As the blessed baptismal water touched her head she felt God's love and forgiveness wash over her freeing her from the inner turmoil that had wracked her soul since she had rashly killed the man who had violated Jasmine. Krista had given her hope of salvation, the baptism confirmed it. Heather totally broke down in tears of release and happiness, sagging to the floor.
Lisa and Dr. Olsen helped her to her feet and hugged her. There wasn't a dry eye in the church. Later some would say they felt the evil that had been weighing Heather down being ejected from her as the holy water touched her, with that evil being utterly destroyed by the love and faith in the church.
The women helped Heather back to her seat. As Greg rolled Jasmine back to her place Frank stewarded Holly and Ivy to their seats. By the end of the service, Heather had recovered her composure but her face shone with faith, love, and hope. Now that she knew the Lord, she would never be afraid.
At the end of the service, the congregation took the time to greet their newest members and welcome them to their community. Laura and Betty caught up with their family situations and renewed their friendship.
The Clan Wells Point was expanding, now numbering thirty six members. Dr. Olsen and her family were now officially a part of the group as was Jimmy and Betty Boswell. Betty unsuccessfully tried demur out of being part of the Clan but Laura refused to even hear of it saying they'd been relatives and good friends for years.
Reservations had been made for a Clan celebration at a nearby restaurant. When Jimmy told Jasmine, Krista and Tony he was Laura's nephew, they all marveled at what a small world it was. But for Krista, a spark was ignited. Even though Jimmy didn't talk much about it, it had become evident that he and his mom were having financial difficulties. Their house needed repairs and the place was already mortgaged. The housing market was starting to deflate and the house was now worth less than they owed on the mortgage so they couldn't get a loan for repairs. On top of that, Betty worked as a housekeeper for The St. Michaels Harbor Inn. With the vacation season over, her hours had been cut even more severely than previous years. Dropping from forty hours a week to thirty two hours had been tough, but this year she had been cut to twenty hours.
During the meal the adults agreed that the Olsens and Boswells would move out to Wells Point as soon as housing became available. Leroy suggested they incorporate the Clan Wells Point as a Limited Liability Corporation, (LLC) and each buy or barter ownership shares. All shares would carry the stipulation they be could only be sold back to the LLC or another shareholder. Once the LLC was legally registered, it would buy all the land that Jane owned as well as the Dougherty property Robert and Sheila had recently purchased.
The members of The Clan Wells Point agreed to have Robert, Sheila, and Jane be a tri-part board of directors to make any needed day to day decisions for the Clan. To avoid complications and take advantage of the benefits of individual ownership, the property would be split up into properties that had previously existed but had been combined. Jane's property and Bill's property were both accumulations of smaller properties. The house and land where Ed and Lisa Nelson lived had been a separate property from Jane's. For Bill's property, there had been several. The B&B had been one property, the house Robert and Sheila inhabited along with the forest between it and SR579 had been a property, the farm at Wells Point Lane and Dougherty Lane was a single property. The main farm had been Bill's original property. The farm at Johns Cove Landing had been an independent farm. The house between the main farm and the landing had been a small lot. Even the land where Bill's new house sat had been a homestead a hundred years before.
After the meal, everyone caravanned out to Wells Point to survey the Clan domain. The Olsens were quite impressed with the size and location as well as the lush landscape. They immediately looked forward to moving there. The caravan offloaded at the end of Johns Cove Lane where the Spades were living. Everyone changed out of their Sunday-Go-To-Meeting clothes into knock-around clothes.
Bill took Larry, Tony, and Jimmy out to the barn as Kylie and Krista off loaded two coolers and a few picnic baskets from the back of Larry’s Ranger. Twenty minutes later Jimmy and Tony each led a team of horses pulling a big old hay wagon covered with loose straw. The deck of the wagon was six feet wide and twenty feet long. The sides and back were two feet above the deck and back sloped up and out at a sixty degree angle which made the wagon eight feet wide. Larry was in one and Tony in the other. Each took a cooler and two picnic baskets. Bill came put-putting out of the barn driving an old tractor with a front end loader and several nylon tie downs dangling from it. Dr. Olsen supervised rolling Jasmine in her wheelchair backwards into the bucket then securing it in place. Leroy and Dave stood in the bucket, one on each side of Jasmine as Bill slowly raised the bucket and slowly trundled to the back of the front hay wagon. Lifting the bucket high over the rear side he lowered it as close as he could to the deck. Leroy stayed in the bucket with Jasmine as they unstrapped the wheelchair, then Larry and David lifted it and Jasmine out of the bucket into the wagon while Leroy kept it steady. Dr. Olsen climbed in the wagon and supervised as they strapped the wheelchair in place.
As Bill backed the tractor out of way and parked it, everyone climbed into or was hauled up into a wagon. Jane took the reins of the first wagon and Bill took the reigns of the second as they were the only ones with experience in driving horse drawn hay wagons. The day was bright and sunny around seventy degrees so Tony and Larry had backpacks with drinks. They set out about 2:00pm and began driving the lanes and farm tracks of the Clan Wells Point Estate. The difference in driving through the grounds in a car or truck and the hay wagons was quite different. The ride was bumpier but the slow speed altered the bounces into swaying to and fro. Everyone could see everything and hear the sounds of nature. Jane and Bill taught Larry and Tony how to handle the rigs and they even took over the reins while Bill and Jane snacked and drank. They had their picnic on the move. Everyone had a wonderful time.
It was nearly dark when they pulled back into the farm. Bill used the tractor to lift Jasmine down from the wagon, then he and the boys took the wagons and horses back to the barn. Krista rolled Jasmine out to watch as Tony and Jimmy brushed the horses down.
A bit later when Krista had an opportunity to speak to Laura she did so. "Laura, Can I speak to you confidentially?"
"Sure, Krista," Laura smiled.
"Well, I know we agreed to make arrangements for the Olsens and Boswells to move out here. However, no one has said anything like what I'm about to say, but I think it needs to be brought up," Krista said. "Jimmy has not come out and said anything, but he and his mom are having a tough time financially. Betty's hours have been cut in half at the Harbor Inn. Their house needs a lot of repairs and they can't afford it. I was thinking that with Betty's experience in housekeeping at a quality place, she could help at your B&B. Not that you're not capable, but it's all new to you plus you have to keep an eye on DJ and Wanda. There's plenty of room in the residential wing that Betty and Jimmy could rent space from you and work for you at the same time. Once you get rolling, you'll need help and she wouldn't need training. I think it would help you and Betty to work out a deal."
"Krista, I never cease to marvel at how concerned you are for other people," Laura smiled. "I wasn't aware Betty was in financial straits and her skills would be an asset to the B&B. Let me discuss this with Dave. If he has no objections, we'll talk to Betty."
"Great," Krista smiled knowing she'd done all she could to get the ball rolling.
It was near 10:00pm when Frank and Heather drove Jasmine back to the rehab center. She fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
*****
The next week was a whirlwind of activity. Jasmine was more motivated than ever. She worked hard every day and pushed herself to the limit. By the end of the week, she was able to walk a few steps without any assistance or aids. Using a walker she could go much further. After much negotiating, it was decided to allow her to move home Friday. This didn't mean she was released from rehab therapy, just that she'd switch from inpatient to outpatient. The school was notified that Jasmine would be able to start school on Monday October 22. Krista was designated as her assistant to help her negotiate the school since they shared the schedule. Jasmine was told she'd have to use a wheel chair to negotiate the halls as she was not yet ready to move through the crowds of students on her own power.
Jasmine also discussed another matter with Krista. “Krista, do you think the kids at school will tease me about my hair?”
“A few might but most will be okay with it,” Krista answered. “No one has reacted poorly when you were at the football games or church. Most of them saw the TV interview so they’re aware of what you’ve gone through. Besides, if anyone says anything to your face about your short hair, Jimmy will let them know they made a big mistake. You don’t have to worry about him getting into a fight or anything about it since Tony and I will be right beside him.”
“Thanks,” Jasmine smiled. “I’d thought about getting a wig but that just seems so phony. I’d rather just be myself.”
“Good for you,” Krista smiled. “That’s exactly what I do.”
“I just hope I can do it half as well as you do,” Jasmine sighed.
*****
With the help of Kevin Stewart, the Clan Wells Point organized their LLC. Each of the original nine properties were recreated. Each was appraised and rounded so that the smallest lot became one share. Bill's new home was four shares. The Johns Cove Landing, the B&B, and the Nelsons were five shares. The smaller farm and Robert and Lisa's home were seven shares. Jane's farm and the main farm were ten shares. This totaled fifty four shares.
Smaller LLCs were set up for each of the nine properties in the name of the head of the household living there even though the Clan Wells Point LLC fully owned the smaller LLCs. This gave them the benefits available to larger landowners and unified land management as well as allowing the benefits provided by Maryland to individual waterfront properties regarding piers and fishing. It also allowed better use of farming subsidies offered by the USDA, Maryland Department of Agriculture(MDA), Maryland Organic Certification Program (MOCP), Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS), and the Chesapeake Bay Program.
*****
State assistant Attorney General Amanda Frost contacted Kevin Stewart on Tuesday that a tentative deal had been reached with the Cecil County. A meeting/hearing was scheduled before Judge Timmons for Thursday morning.
Kevin, Heather, and Frank attended the meeting along with Amanda Frost. Judge Rudolph, assistant DA Harry Thomas, the head of Social Services, the DA and Head of the County Commissioners and a lawyer for the Cecil County Liability Insurer were also present.
Everyone knew the history and facts in the case and all wanted to avoid going to trial as it would be costly and embarrassing. The facts of the Reese family debacle were reviewed and no one disputed the multiple errors that had been made. It was agreed to vacate Heather's murder conviction and for her to plead guilty to manslaughter with the sentence to be time served with no probation. Judge Rudolph handed in his notice of retirement rather than face further investigation and possible charges of judicial misconduct. The head of Social Services reported the procedures for vetting foster parents had been revamped after Jasmine had been raped and no further issues had occurred since those changes were instituted. The person who had approved the family that had abused Heather had been fired at that time. The case worker who was supposed to be supervising Jasmine's care was arrested for falsifying documents and child endangerment and had been terminated. New rules for caseworkers were being instituted to ensure no false reports would be turned in.
This left the monetary damages the only issue to be decided. This is where Kevin Stewart shown. “The amounts I’m about to give you are bottom line non-negotiable. Either you agreed to my demands or we go to trial.”
“In a jury trial,” Kevin asserted. “The awarded pain, suffering and mental anguish damages would be far greater and punitive damages would also be added. The publicity will be horrendous for the county and those responsible. The demands are as follow: half a million dollars each for Holly and Ivy for their trauma in being separated, having their sister abused, and being kept apart with no effort to reunite them for the two and half years. For Heather, three million dollars for miscarriage of justice and mental anguish over having the girls taken without due process, the separation of her daughters, the consequent rape, the refusal to arrest the perpetrator, the anguish her frustrated retaliation against the man caused, and ignoring all her subsequent communications from prison. For Jasmine, the amount is five million. She was wrongfully separated from her family, raped by her guardian, supposedly placed in a rehab center and lost, not to mention she lost two and a half years of her life. The documented and legitimate costs of her rehabilitation, both physical and mental, will be an ongoing expense of Cecil County until Jasmine and her mother sign off.”
The faces of the people representing Cecil County were grim.
“This is a total of nine million dollars in damages plus another fifteen percent of that amount in attorney fees and costs,” Kevin continued as they digested his demands. “The nine million will be listed as solely for pain, suffering and emotional distress with no punitive award. This is so the entire amount will be free of any tax liability since as you know punitive awards are taxable. If the cases went to trial, the attorney fees and costs would be thirty percent of the award. In addition, at the settlement, Cecil County would publicly admit serious errors had been made plus they offer a full and open apology to the Reese family.”
The representatives for Cecil County asked for and were granted a half hour to discuss the proposed settlement. Clearly, Heather and Frank were stunned by the dollar amounts.
“The money for the girls will be put in trust funds,” Kevin explained. “Expenses for advanced education/job training can be accessed at age eighteen with unrestricted access at twenty five. Any emergency access would have to be approved by a judge. Heather's money could be immediately accessed but most should be invested.”
When the Cecil County representatives returned, they announced they would accept the settlement if non-disclosure statements were signed. All that could be said was that an amicable settlement had been reached with the terms to be kept closed to public scrutiny for ten years.
“That is agreeable if you agree that if it becomes necessary for the family to reveal the source of their money,” Kevin added. “They can say the money came from the settlement as long as dollar amounts are not revealed.”
They agreed. Since Kevin already had the agreements drawn up, the paperwork was signed with the stipulation accounts would be set up at the St. Michaels branch of the Bank of America to accept the four payments which would be made within thirty days. Kevin would set up the trust funds for the girls to be administered by the bank. An investment broker from the bank would sit down with Heather and Frank to figure out an investment strategy.
They returned to Easton delighted with the outcome and the fact they case wouldn't be tied up in court for years. Frank and Heather were bewildered by the amount of the settlement. As they drove home from Easton Frank and Heather decided to tell the adults the results with the understanding the settlement was not to be disclosed and to only tell the children the case was settled, the Reese girls now had trust funds that would pay their way through college and that Heather was now free.
Heather held a whispered conversation with Frank. Then she spoke to Kevin. “I want to put five hundred thousand dollars of my award into a trust fund for Krista as an unsolicited reward for initiating the rescue of my family. I’d like you to set it up along with the trust funds for my girls. I know Krista will try to refuse it, but if it’s already a done deal, she can’t refuse it.”
“That’s mighty generous,” Kevin smiled. “I’d be delighted to take care of it. If for no other reason than she’s doubled my business in a positive way since she’s arrived in Talbot County.”
*****
Part 9
The entire social structure of the school was slowly shifting due to Krista's unrelenting positive attitude and willingness to reach out to others. The spirit of the school steadily shifted to one of cooperation and mutual respect. Those who didn't adapt quickly found themselves losing status. Most were smart enough to ride the wave of change and fit themselves in the new social norm.
As the excitement of the Halloween dance and raffle ticket sale soared, Krista unintentionally cemented her place as the most popular girl in the entire school. The snobbettes were growing accustomed to Krista. They were still amazed that she wasn't even trying to be popular, she was simply being Krista! Having the costumed dance in a barn sounded like fun. Their first inclination in learning it was being held in Krista' barn was not to go. They quickly realized if they snubbed the dance, people would only assume it was out of their jealousy of Krista, which in fact had been the truth. They understood boycotting the dance would only serve to further alienate them from their classmates so they smiled and made peace with Krista... even though she had never been against them.
Armed with photos and videos of the inside and outside of the barn, the dance committee set about figuring out how to decorate the barn for the Halloween Dance. They shot down the idea of doing a haunted house as the effort to do a haunting would take away from the dance. They instead opted for an un-crewed haunting done with props and lights. Corn shocks would be easy as Krista and Tony had already socked away a good supply. Bales of straw were available from the farm. There were four house type ceiling fans mounted on the main beams to keep the air circulating. Sheets of sheer white gauze suspended from the blades, when run at slow speed, would appear to be swarming circling ghosts as the lights were all below the fans and shining toward the floor. Spider webs would be stretched wherever possible and fake bats would be suspended.
A moonshine still would be set up to dispense punch. Among the snacks would be hot dogs the party goers could 'electrocute' by piercing the ends between two nails driven through parallel wooden planks. Throwing an old fashioned knife switch would add current to 'fry' the dog. Eyeballs would be made using mozzarella cheese ball hollowed out to insert a pimento stuffed olive. Witch's brooms would be made of a two inch strip of fruit roll cut into a fringe with one/quarter inch uncut belt, dampened then wrapped around the tip of a pretzel rod. Breadstick bones would be made by stretching the dough in the center leaving thicker ends and baking. Dip would be made of whipped cream cheese with raisins. Carrots cut to finger length with a slice of red bell pepper added for a fingernail. Irregularly shaped bits of soft brownies would be on a platter beneath a children's potty seat with a doll seated in position.
*****
As Dr. Olsen had thought, Jasmine was released Friday afternoon on October 19. By this point she could walk short distances without any assistance. She tired quickly but also recovered quickly. She had been sternly warned not to push herself into exhaustion or she could wind up back in in-patient rehab. The Spades and the Reeses had a quiet sit down welcome home dinner in their house.
*****
Laura and Dave finally had a chance to sit down with Betty. After a bit of denial, Betty broke down and laid out her financial issues. Even she hadn't realized how desperate her situation was until their questions forced her to look at everything together, something she'd avoided doing. At the rate her cash outflow outweighed her cash inflow, she'd be bankrupt before the year was out. The upshot was that arrangements were made to have Betty and Jimmy move into the residential wing of the B&B. Betty kept her job at the Harbor Inn, at least until the spring, and began assisting Laura with setting up the B&B. Betty knew where to get quality cleaning supplies at bargain prices and how to get quality bed linens and towels at good prices. By shutting down her house, Betty could save some money. By approaching the bank with her financial issues, Betty was able to work out a deal to put the house on the market. When it sold, the bank would issue a personal loan, co-signed by Dave and Laura, for the balance of mortgage the sale of the house didn't cover. Larry offered Jimmy an as needed job to help on the farm, going to steady hours once the farm was reorganized.
*****
Saturday was another football picnic day. Frank and Sarah stayed home to catch up on some work while Heather and the girls joined most of the rest of The Clan Wells Point headed to the game. The Titans were playing in the first round of the four team play-off for the Bayside Pop Warner League championship. Again Jasmine cheered on Jimmy while Krista cheered Tony. The Titans easily won to advance to the final league play-offs the following Sunday.
The Spades were measuring the docks and boat ramps as well as the canoe/kayak racks and the boat house. About mid-afternoon as they were working, a car pulled up to the parking round-about. A man and woman exited the car and looked around. Frank and Sarah headed over to them and introduced themselves then asked if they needed help.
"I'm Steven Campbell and this is my wife Cynthia," Steven spoke. "We were hoping to locate you."
"Well, you've found us," Frank smiled. "What can we do for you?"
"I'd like to meet my daughter-in-law and grandchildren," Cynthia stated softly. "My selfish arrogant son is Benny Reese."
Frank and Sarah were clearly surprised.
"I'd like to meet them and apologize for Benny's inexcusable actions," Cynthia continued. "We have no intentions of intruding on their lives, but we would like to be a part of their lives."
"We saw the news clip about Jasmine coming out of her coma," Steven stated. "Then we saw the interview with Harry Halls. That's when we realized we were watching our grandchildren. We had our lawyer do some legal research and a local private investigator made some discrete inquiries. We never knew Benny was living with Heather much less that he fathered three children before marrying her. Abandoning them like he did is inexcusable."
"When we confronted him, he denied he was the father," Steven declared. "Then when we told him we had copies of the marriage and birth certificates, he hung up the phone and has refused to answer any further calls. We've sent his current address and employer to the Talbot County DA. Unfortunately, he's living in Vancouver, British Columbia and teaching at the University of British Columbia. If Heather gets local child support authorization, British Columbia will enforce collection but the process takes two to four months. The other possibility is to have him face criminal charges and face extradition"
“Those are pretty harsh words coming from parents,” Sarah said. “But you sound sincere.”
"I can promise you we are VERY sincere,” Cynthia said. “Benny is being utterly selfish so we’re dealing with him using tough love. We've made reservations at a Motel in St. Michaels and if you and Heather approve, we plan to stay a week. We really do want to get to know our grandchildren."
"They're our grandchildren too," Sarah replied. "We adopted Heather last weekend and she and the children were baptized last Sunday."
"That's wonderful," Cynthia declared genuinely delighted. "We feel so guilty for what happened. If I had my self-center ingrate son here I'd kick his butt."
"I should have done that back when he was in high school," Steven groused. "But we were afraid of alienating him since I was his step-dad."
"Worrying about past should of done’s is depressing," Frank smiled. "We were the ones who reported the girls to Family services. Our intentions were good but what happened was just so horrendous we both took early retirement."
"Their situation just ate at us," Sarah said. "But our guilt led us to help Krista and her sisters. Krista is the most caring person we've ever met. She found and rescued an abused little girl. The girl is now in foster care with Krista's parents and is pending adoption. Krista remembered our guilt about the Reese family and started the ball rolling to reunite them."
"Krista is the transsexual who walked from Massachusetts with her sisters," Steven said. "The girl who killed the escaped murderer?"
"One and the same," Sarah declared. "We're neighbors to her family, they live just up the lane. Say, you haven't checked into the motel yet, have you?"
"Not yet," Steven explained. "We flew into Baltimore and rented a car, then came straight here."
"Let me make a quick phone call," Frank smiled as he pulled out his cell phone.
After a few rings, Frank spoke. "Laura, this is Frank. We have some unexpected visitors and were wondering if you have any rooms ready?"
"Great, I'll send them right over," he replied after listening to her response.
"If your investigation didn't reveal it, almost everything since turning off from SR 579 is part of The Clan Wells Point as Krista dubbed us," Frank declared. "We and the girls are part of the clan as is everyone who lives out here. Laura Scott, Krista's aunt, is setting up a bed and breakfast at the other end of this road. She has a room you can stay in. Just head back the way you came but cross Wells Point Lane, the B&B is at the other end of this lane. Once you get settled in, come on back here. Heather and the girls should be home by then."
"Thank you," Steven smiled. "I just hope the girls won't hate us."
"I can't see that happening," Sarah replied. "They are angry and upset Benny abandoned them but they don't hate him. I'm sure they'll be delighted to meet you."
With that the Campbells headed north to the Clan Wells Point B&B. Laura was waiting for them and greeted them warmly. Even though in the midst of renovations, the Campbells were impressed with the B&B layout and their room. The rate Laura quoted was only one third that of the motel. She explained the rate was low because they were the first customers and they were staying during renovations. After signing in at the register, the Campbells took their bags to the second floor room and called the motel to cancel their reservations.
An hour after they left, the Campbells were back at The Clan Wells Point Landing. Frank and Sarah showed them around the complex and explained their business intentions. The Campbells were clearly impressed.
The Expedition pulled into the cul-de-sac. The driver, Heather, exited as did the front passenger, Ivy, and the left side rear passenger, Holly. Heather opened the tailgate she'd popped open and reached inside to pull out a lightweight high strength Invacare manual wheelchair. Holly picked up the swing-away footrests and attached them to the chair as Ivy opened the right rear door and acted as a spotter as Jasmine carefully pivoted in her seat, then slid out to shakily stand on the gravel, left hand on the open car door and the right on Ivy's shoulder. Heather brought the wheelchair to Jasmine, who then carefully turned and sat in the chair.
By that time, the Spades and the Campbells were in the grass at the edge of the gravel round-about. As Heather pushed Jasmine towards them, Holly and Ivy skipped over to the Spades for hugs. Jasmine and Heather received hugs when they arrived.
"This is Steven and Cynthia Campbell," Frank introduced. "They've come from California to meet you. They learned about you from the TV broadcasts."
"It's nice to meet you," Heather politely greeted the smiling couple although she was a bit concerned about why anyone from California would make the long trip just to see them. What really puzzled her were the tears forming in the corners of Cynthia’s eyes. They were clearly tears of joy.
Sensing their mother's caution Holly and Ivy moved to stand protectively on either side of Jasmine.
Tears started rolling down Cynthia's cheeks. As she dabbed at them she tried to speak but nothing came out.
Steven slipped an arm around her shoulder. "First, we want to offer our deepest and most sincere apologies for how Benjamin has treated you. We never knew you existed or we would have taken care of you after he abandoned you. I'm Benny's stepfather and Cynthia is Benny's mother. We're here to meet our daughter-in-law and grandchildren."
Jasmine immediately grasped what he was saying. "You're dad's parents?"
The light's went on in Heather, Holly, and Ivy as Cynthia and Steven nodded their heads. In seconds Holly and Ivy were hugging their new grandparents. Heather and Jasmine moved forward and exchanged heart-felt hugs with them.
Steven explained in greater detail how they'd been kept in the dark about Benny's family and once more apologized for his abandonment of them.
"There's no need to apologize," Jasmine smiled up at them then grew serious. "You didn't know about us because daddy was ashamed of us. We got in his way and were not cultured enough to be allowed to mingle with his social circle."
"I'm afraid that's my fault," Cynthia guiltily replied. "When he was growing up I was in the so-called elite social circles and kept on him to behave in keeping with our social status. I've learned I was wrong. Social status is worthless if there isn't genuine compassion. After 9/11 I realized the country club social circle I was in was shallow. They made the appropriate gasps of horror and indignation and how the families of the casualties had to be hurting. When I suggested we collect funds to send to help those families they almost laughed at me. They said the government would take care of them. A week after the attacks, they had completely forgotten about it and went on living in their sordid world. I was appalled and stayed with them for another few weeks, but my eyes had been opened and I hated what they were and what I had become. When I volunteered to help the homeless near our area, I was ostracized by the so called elite. I didn't mind as by then I knew they were nothing but inconsequential snobs."
"Nearly the same occurred with me," Steven said. "At the country club I golfed and played cards with the elite of the business world. They too expressed horror at the 9/11 attacks but instead of helping, they sought ways to make money off the tragedy. They're behavior disgusted me. I hang on for a few weeks but soon simply stopped going. We didn't renew our membership for the new year. Since then I've been active in the local Habitat for Humanity. I'm quite good at soliciting donations of goods and materials from businesses and I'm not that bad a carpenter."
"When we first heard about you, I couldn't believe it when that judge said Benny was wanted for abandonment and child endangerment," Cynthia declared. "Since we never knew anything about you, we wondered if it could be a case of mistaken identity. We hired an investigative agency to track down all they could on you. When we received their report we realized it was our Benny who had treated you so poorly. When we called him he denied everything but when we told him we had the proof, he hung up the phone and has stopped taking our calls."
"I suggest you file for child support," Steven said. "He's teaching at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Their local government will enforce any payments you are awarded locally but it will take two to four months to process."
"Judge Watkins had the Talbot County DA file charges against Benny," Heather said. "Three counts of child endangerment and one count of felony neglect. Warrants for his arrest have been issued but so far they had not been able to track him down.
"That's good," Steven said as he pulled a Blackberry from his shirt pocket and opened an app. "We've done our research. According to the Extradition Treaty between the United States of America and Canada signed at Washington on December 3, 1971 and Agreement amending the treaty effected by exchange of notes signed at Washington on June 28 and July 9, 1974. Article 1 states that: Each contracting party agrees to extradite to the other, in the circumstances and subject to the conditions described in this treaty, persons found in it's territory who have been charged with, or convicted of any of the offenses covered by article 2 of this treaty, committed within the territory of the other, or outside thereof under the conditions specified in Article 3 (3) of this treaty. Article 2 - 1 states that: Persons shall be delivered up according to the provisions for this treaty for any of the offenses listed in the schedule annexed to this treaty, which is an integral part of this treaty provided these offenses are punishable by the laws of both contracting parties by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year. Number seven on the schedule of extraditional offences is: Willful non-support or willful abandonment of a minor when such minor is or is likely to be injured or his life is or is likely to be endangered. With all that happened to Jasmine, he should be able to be extradited and stand trial."
Heather asked Cynthia. "You'd send your own son to jail?"
"Yes," Cynthia declared. "If he's so pig headed he won't even acknowledge his marriage and children, he needs to be stopped. I certainly wouldn't want a man like that teaching anywhere. Spending some time in jail might prove beneficial. He needs a good slap to the side of his head and this might do it."
"I'll talk to Leroy tomorrow," Heather said. "He's a deputy sheriff."
With that they went inside the house and together they made a delicious evening meal and then consumed it, talking the entire time getting to know each other. They got along wonderfully. A call to Laura before they left alerted her to the Campbell's return to the B&B.
*****
The next morning, the Campbells joined the caravan to St. Luke's UMC Church in St. Michaels where they met the rest of the Clan Wells Point. The Campbells were pleasantly surprised to see how utterly feminine Krista and Kylie appeared. There was nothing in their demeanor to indicate they had ever been anything other than girls. The closeness and love of the Clan Wells Point was undeniable. The Campbells realized their daughter-in-law and grandchildren were in a good, safe place.
On Monday, with the information provided by the Campbells, the State Assistant DA Amanda Frost contacted the Royal Canadian mounted police about the arrest Warrants they had issued for the arrest of Benny Reese. The Talbot County Children's Services had already filed paperwork to get child support from Benny and that too was passed along.
The Campbells passed on the breakfast at the B&B instead deciding to enjoy breakfast with their new family. After bidding the girls goodbye as they headed off to school, they spent the day with Heather and the Spades. Steven and Cynthia really liked the laid-back down to earth attitude of the Spades and Heather. Even though they had stepped out of the elite society, they still had not assimilated into another social group. With The Clan Wells Point they felt at home. They realized much of their lives had been wasted by their desire to be members of elite society. They also realized how much they missed this part of the country. The Chesapeake Bay was a natural wonderland.
For her first day at school Jasmine rode with Pat and Krista, stopping to pick up Tony and Jimmy along the way. Everyone at the school was aware of the ordeal Jasmine had endured and warmly welcomed her. No one mentioned her short hair. She had already met quite a few of her classmates through the Pop Warner football games. Jimmy gallantly volunteered to be Jasmine's chauffeur as they moved from class to class. Jasmine easily slipped into the school routine and her friendship with Jimmy was growing. In his shy, timid way he was exactly the type of guy she needed to overcome the natural angst she’d developed after her rape.
The shell of Bill's new house was up and the exterior was finished off. The inside was studded out and the plumbing and electric was being roughed in. At the rate the crew was working, the house should be ready by the end of the month. Bill already spent the evenings sitting on the end of his new dock fishing.
With guests in the B&B, it was decided to hold off on any dusty remodeling work until the guests had left. Since there was still a lot of work to be done the project remained on schedule to be completed by Thanksgiving.
Kylie's tool trailer was taken down to the main farm where she worked on the tractors and other equipment. Most were running but needed tune-ups and general maintenance. The few items that needed major overhauls she tagged and made up parts lists. During the coming months she'd take them down to the barn to rebuild them so that by the spring all the equipment would be in tip-top working condition. Bill was amazed by her mechanical aptitude and knew without a doubt she and Larry would make a formidable couple. The farm would be in good hands long after he was gone.
With the Halloween Dance scheduled for Friday, Maps on how to get to the O'Brien barn were made and posted on the school bulletin boards. The dance committee and at least one adult faculty advisor came out each night to decorate the huge building. The DUWK was parked outside looking menacingly. Inside with help from Bill they set up the still, which had been his father's. Bill tweaked it a bit so it dispensed Mountain Dew Soda. The kids really liked the touch of realism. Tables were set up for the refreshments at the side of the still. Jasmine and Jimmy joined the decorating crew. Jaz had an eye for spacial coordination so she would have the decoration’s location tweaked for maximum effect.
The excitement at the school built all week as the decorating committee reported their progress each day. The response was so great the school felt obligated to remind the students that only students from their school and a date could attend any school sanctioned dance. Any date who was not a student in grades seven through twelve in another school had to be pre-approved. All who attended would have to present a current school photo ID or equivalent to get inside. The dance began at seven and no one would be permitted inside after eight. The music would end at eleven and the dance would close down by eleven thirty.
The main barn ran parallel to Wells Point Lane. It was forty feet wide and one hundred feet long with a twenty feet by twenty feet annex on the narrow eastern side. From the back of the barn was what had once been a concrete barn yard. On the east side twenty feet from the barn an open sided shed fifteen feet wide and seventy feet long ran parallel to the barn. Next to that but back fifty feet from the barn ran a second open sided shed twenty feet long and seventy feet long. The night of the dance there would be a full moon and the forecast called for warm clear skies. With the back doors of the barn open and with the night clear and starry, the entire barnyard could be used as a massive 7000 square feet massive dance floor. The site was large enough to accommodate every student and a guest plus chaperones.
To the west of the barn Robert arranged for ten port-a-potties. Half the teachers had agreed to be there as chaperones as did many parents. Leroy would attend in uniform to make sure things stayed under control. Pat would be the on-site nurse. Robert and Lisa as well as Larry and Kylie would be present as chaperones as they knew all the possible make-out spots. Jane would take the children down to the Spades for their own Halloween party and stay there until midnight. The Spades were more than willing to host the youngsters.
The night of the dance, signs were posted on SR579 directing students and chaperones onto Wells Point Lane. Larry had parked a tractor across each side lane with a big sign and arrow pointing in the direction of the O'Brien barn. There was enough room to drive past the tractor if the residents needed to get in or out. Where Wells Point lane entered the two hundred feet wide stip of forest before the O'Brien barn, several sheriffs deputies with a drug sniffing dog and local police set up a police sobriety checkpoint. Dr. Harris was there to check the student IDs and had a hand held clicker to tock off each participant. Each vehicle was given a quick search for alcohol and illegal drugs, a practice that occurred at every school dance. Those found with contraband were issued citations. The contraband was confiscated and sealed in evidence bags. Larry and Kylie were waiting on the other side of the forest and directed the vehicles into the nearby fields to park.
Of the school’s three hundred ninety one students, three hundred eighty three showed up and brought an additional one hundred twenty two guests for a total turn out of five hundred five, all of whom were costumed. This was the best attended dance in the school's history.
The school's stage crew set up and operated the DJ system for every dance and did so tonight. They were delighted with the open dance floor and ran wires to set up speakers all over the place. With such coverage, they would be able to keep the volume down so conversations could be held yet were loud enough to dance. The snacks and still were a hit as were the decorations. The smiles on the faces of the students and chaperones left no doubts the effort to hold the dance in the barn was a good one.
The music was audible across the fields and the kids were dancing as they walked up to the barn. Jimmy and Jaz volunteered to man the table just inside the front entrance to greet the kids and point out where everything was located. Jaz was costumed as Steven Hawking in her wheelchair with a fake computer and an actual voice synthesizer that people with tracheotomies used. Jimmy was dressed as a male nurse assisting the great scientist. Leroy stood behind Jaz in his uniform and smiled. The chaperones spread themselves about to keep an unobtrusive eye on things. The students and guests danced happily.
Freddy, Barney, Dwayne, and Phil had dressed as hunters in camouflage pants and coats. They got together right after school and began driving around in Freddy's 2005 Chevy Colorado 4-door crew cab pick-up truck taking pot shots at vehicles with their paint ball guns, drinking beer and smoking wacky weed. By the time of the dance, they were drunk and high. They finally found Wells Point Lane about 7:30 and tore down the gravel lane. They nearly lost it when the lane turned at Dougherty Lane and fish-tailed into the grass almost slamming into the small livestock barn. They all laughed and Freddy tore out of the grass back onto Wells Point Lane. They were up to seventy MPH when they saw the police road block. Slamming on the brakes they skidded sideways on the gravel into the field to stop just fifty feet short of the checkpoint.
Freddy jammed his foot on the accelerator and tore across the field onto the lane and then sped down the lane. The local police on the checkpoint jumped into their patrol car and gave pursuit. Again they almost lost it at the intersection with Dougherty Lane but continued picking up speed. With the police in pursuit with lights flashing and siren wailing, Freddy reached ninety MPH on the gravel lane. The car was bouncing wildly as Freddy struggled to stay on the gravel lane. Suddenly Wells Point lane ended where it met SR579, the Bozman Neavitt Road, at a sixty degree angle. Emerging from the uneven gravel onto the flat blacktop at ninety MPH was a mistake. The unyielding black top didn't allow a sliding skid the way gravel did.
The car slipped sideways and rolled three times before slamming into the trees on the opposite (western) side of SR579. Since none one was wearing seatbelts, they were all ejected during the rollovers. The pursuing police stopped broadside in the center of the road with their lights flashing to stop traffic. One officer called for EMTs, rescue and ambulance as well as back-up. The second officer jumped out to check the bodies strewn helter-skelter amongst the wreckage across the road and berm.
Freddy was the most seriously injured as his right foot became entangled in the steering wheel as he was flying out the door. Half in the vehicle and half out he rode through two rolls. The impact crushed and splintered both femurs and it was only when his right leg shredded at the massive injury that he was flung clear to land twenty feet from the wreck minus his right leg. The first officer out of the patrol car saw the blood spurting from the stump and ran over to apply a tourniquet.
Barney was the first to be ejected and had slammed into the blacktop after sailing at least thirty feet. His body laid motionless in a growing pool of blood. The first officer ran to him to discover a nasty compound fracture just above the elbow of his left arm that had severed an artery. He too applied a tourniquet.
Dwayne was lying on the berm about twenty feet south of the wreck. Semi-conscious and dazed, he was trying to get up. A motorist stopped by the police lights knelt by the boy and pushed him down telling him to lie still until the EMTS arrived.
Dr. Harris, hearing the reports through the radios of the officers still manning the check point, understood the victims were most likely students.
The EMTs from Tilgham Island and St. Michaels arrived nearly simultaneously with the fire rescue squads from each. The two EMTS from St. Michaels each grabbed two volunteer firefighters and split up to work on Freddy and Barney. The EMTs from Tilgham Island went to Dwayne as the officers and the other firefighters began to search the wreckage of the pick-up and the surrounding area to see if there were any other victims. Upon locating Freddy's severed leg still hanging from the steering wheel, they brought it to the EMTS.
The fire police, specially trained volunteers from the fire companies, set up on either side of the accident scene to stop and control traffic. They directed traffic onto the eastern berm of the road, one direction at a time. Several students who were late heading to the dance saw the accident but were unable to determine what had happened or who was involved as they were shepherded through the wreckage area.
The EMTs finally managed to get Dwayne coherent enough to answer questions, the first of which was how many people were in the pick-up truck. As soon as he told them four, they shouted out that there was a fourth victim somewhere.
The searchers had already combed the area but this time lined up shoulder to shoulder to sweep through again. Still they found no one. Then they spread out into the trees and searched in past the tree line fifty feet without finding a clue.
By this time the EMTs had summoned two medi-vac choppers. Freddy and his leg were the first to be airlifted to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Barney and his nearly severed arm went on the second to the same hospital. Dwayne was loaded onto an ambulance with one of the EMTs and rushed to Memorial Hospital at Easton.
At eight, when the dance admission deadline, Dr. Harris headed down to the accident scene.
The searchers were frustrated they couldn't find the fourth victim and wondered if they had been given wrong information. A wrecker was allowed in to winch the truck back to its wheels. The police had already gathered up twenty empty and dented full cans of beer. In the cab they found a zip-loc sandwich bag half full of marijuana and several half inch butts. Also found were three paint ball guns and boxes of paint balls. The volunteer firefighters began gathering up the shredded pieces of the wreck that were scattered all over and tossing them into the mangled back of the pick-up. It was at that point one of the men heard a soft call for help.
"Everybody, quiet," he shouted. "I just heard a call for help!"
At once all activity ceased as everyone stopped to listen.
"Heeeelllp..." a weak pain filled voice called.
Flashlights stabbed into the leafy boughs of the trees above the path the tumbling pick-up had followed. It only took a few seconds until they located the bloodied youth entrapped in broken branches about twenty feet above the ground, five feet above the lower limbs. Spotlights and ladders were brought and the EMTS and rescue personnel climbed up to check on Phil. They immediately saw both arms and at least one leg were broken. They also saw they could not extract him without causing more injury.
The EMTs began to bind his wounds as the police summoned two bucket trucks from Choptank Electric Cooperative. The local operations center was based in Saint Michaels but they had to call in drivers qualified in bucket operation. Meanwhile the EMTs splinted Phil's arms and legs and strapped him into place on a body board right around the limbs of the tree. As they awaited the utility trucks with buckets they began trimming away all tree limbs that might interfere with the operation of the buckets.
It took twenty minutes for the two bucket trucks to arrive. The fire fighters guided them into position. Once the trucks were secured, each driver/bucket operator with an EMT beside him raised the buckets to either end of the body board. Then they secured the body board to the edge of each bucket. Once secured, firefighters on a ladder cut the limbs. Once freed, the bucket operators lowered themselves down to the ground. One bucket would go down six inches, then the other matched the movement. When they were down, the firefighters used the jaws of life to hydraulically cut the extraneous limbs to make the mass more manageable. It took another twenty minutes to do this and get Phil loaded into the ambulance for transport to Memorial Hospital at Easton. It had taken an hour after they located Phil to get him on his way.
It was 10:30 until they had everything cleaned up, just as the first of the kids left the dance.
While all that was going on, the dance progressed and since everyone was having a great no one left. Most heard there had been an accident out on the Bozman Neavitt Road from the late arrivals but since the vehicle had been heading away from the dance, no one assumed the accident involved fellow students. The dance floor was always occupied and the snacks went down quickly and the lines to the port-a-potties were kept short by the quantity available. Most of the chaperones danced a few dances. Krista and Tony, dressed as Bonnie and Clyde, spent about half the night dancing having a ball. Even Jasmine danced two slow dances an hour apart. She clung to Jimmy for support and they didn't wander too far from her wheelchair, but it was a milestone in her recovery. Dr. Olsen would be pleasantly surprised by her successful effort to dance as it showed Jasmine’s willpower.
For many of the students, this was their first exposure to Kylie. The older students had known her as Kyle, a skinny, sissy boy but now she was a cute curvaceous girl who just melted into Larry as they danced. Several of the older girls were jealous that Kylie had snagged Larry. By the end of the night no one could doubt that Kylie was a girl and looking back they realized Kyle had never really been a boy.
James Ewell, a junior, six feet two, muscular two hundred twenty pound forward striker on the school's soccer team attended the party with his cousin, freshman Linda Sweeney. James wore his soccer kit and Linda her cheerleader uniform. James was too shy to ask anyone to the dance and probably would not have come if Linda hadn't begged him to take her. She wasn't allowed to date boys until she turned 15 and was not allowed to attend stag so James was the solution to her problem. James had been warned by his uncle to keep a close eye on Linda and to make sure she didn't dance with the same boy too often. James was accustomed to doing as he was told so meekly accepted the assigned task. The only thing that James ever insisted upon was that he be called James, not Jim or Jimmy. For the most part the kids at school and the teachers and coaches honored his choice of name. The only exceptions were his parents who insisted on calling him Jim or Jimmy which really angered and frustrated him.
James stood on the periphery of the dancers and watched. He wished he could get up the nerve to go out and dance, but he simply could not bring himself to ask a girl. Linda on the other hand had plenty of guys ask her to dance so James' chore of keeping her switching partners was a none issue. As the dance progressed, James became depressed and morose. But it wasn't until he saw Kylie dancing with Larry that his spirits really nose-dived. As he watched, Kylie was clearly all girl. That she had been a boy tore at his soul. The more he saw of her, the deeper his anger and frustration became. Like a moth to a flame, he began to follow Kylie. Why he was so depressingly fascinated with her was not a mystery to him. Why he continued to be mesmerized by her ate at his very being. All he wanted to do was run away and hide yet he couldn't stop following her.
It was Krista who finally noticed his funk. She pointed him out to Tony and he too instantly realized something was wrong. Together they began surreptitiously following James. It didn't take them long to figure out he was intent on Kylie, watching her every move and clearly becoming more upset with each passing moment.
A little before ten, James began to tremble. In obvious distress, he began backing away from Kylie while wiping tears from his eyes with the back of his hands. When he reached the edge of the barn yard dance floor, he turned and slipped out into the darkness. Mystified by his behavior, Krista and Tony followed. When they left the light and sound of the dance they spotted him running off in the direction of Stevens Cove. The light of the full moon allowed fairly good vision and they could see James was desperately running across the small field as if he was fleeing a monster. Several times he tripped and fell only to instantly scramble to his feet and continue his hell bent for leather run.
*****
Part 10
James quickly reached and passed through the tree line into the marsh beyond. The closer he got to the water the soggier the terrain became. It didn't take him long to start sinking into the mud and stumble forward. Struggling to stay on his feet he kept going but stumbled and fell every few feet. The mud was so sticky it sucked the shoes off his feet as he struggled forward. His blind progress slowed until he was so mired he couldn't free himself from the muck. By that point he simply fell forward and started to cry like a little baby .
Krista and Tony followed at a more gingerly pace. Dodging the damp areas by stepping from tussock to tussock, they were able to make it to within a few feet of the trapped teen. Tony was starting to break through the crust into the muck beneath and had to halt before he became mired in the swampy ground. Being lighter than Tony, Krista gingerly managed to get close enough to James to put her hand on his arm in an effort to comfort him.
James jerked like he'd been scalded and screamed in fear when Krista touched him. All he succeeded in doing was to sink into the mud nearly to his waist. There was no way he could extract himself.
"It's okay," Krista soothed as she gently squeezed his muscled arm reassuringly. "We'll get help to get you out of here."
"I don't want to get out," James sniffed. "Just leave me alone. I came out here to be alone. I just want to die in peace."
"Whoa," Krista said. "This is my land and I'm not giving you permission to die here. Look, whatever it is that's bothering you can't be so terrible you want to die. It may be nasty and tough, but if you face your demons, you’ll be free of them. Believe me, I know about fears and how they can eat you up inside."
"You wouldn't understand," James cried. "I'm a freak and I can't keep on living. My whole life has been a fraud and a lie. I’ve tried to kill myself before but I’ve always failed. I’m nothing but a failure. I can’t even kill myself right! Look, I just can't go on. Please, let me alone and just let me die!"
"No can do," Krista declared. "Besides, I might understand. We noticed you following Kylie around. At first we thought you were stalking her, but we could tell by the way you were behaving you weren’t. Something about her has obviously upset you, but the question we don’t know is why?"
"Because she did it," James moaned.
Krista was perplexed. “What did she do?”
James then looked up to see it was Krista who had reached him and was trying to talk him out of killing himself. "You... you're Krista,” James gasped in surprise then looked around to see Tony waiting off to the side
“Hi James,” Tony said with a smile as he waved a greeting even though he realized it was a silly thing to do under the circumstances.
James automatically nodded and waved a muddy hand back at Tony.
“Alright,” Krista smiled with bemusement at the silly exchange of waves. “So what did Kylie do?”
“You know,” James answered as he turned back to look at her with the most forlorn expression she’d ever seen. “You're like Kylie."
"If you mean I'm a girl who was born in a boy's body, yeah you're right," Krista stated not sure where this was leading. "Are you upset because we've started correcting our birth defects to become the girls we really are?"
"Yes...no...I don't know...," James sniffled in obvious confusion and desperation. "I... just... can't..., yet... I am... damn... everything’s crumbling now. Look, I just want to die, please, just let me die!"
"James, I am NOT going to let you die," Krista declared. "You know enough about me to know that when I get involved with something, I'm like a pit bull and won't let go. I’m here. Tony is here. We’ll do everything we can to help you. Now calm down, take a few deep breaths, then tell me what's wrong."
James knew all too well about Krista’s tenaciousness. There was no way she was going to let him alone. Her stubbornness finally broke through James' wall of self pity and depression. Closing his eyes he took several slow deep breaths. After a few moments he looked up at Krista with whipped puppy dog eyes. "You'll hate me. Everyone will."
"I won't hate you," Krista promised firmly. "I don't even hate the man I killed. He was Tony's dad and Tony doesn’t hate me. A lot of people fear being hated for things that most people don’t even care about. Now tell me what's so bad you want to die."
"It's stupid and silly," James whined as he glanced at Tony.
"If you feel depressed enough to want to die it's not stupid and silly," Krista said as she realized James was afraid of revealing his secret in front of Tony. "Tony, go back to the barn and get a long piece of strong rope. We'll need it to get James out of this muck. Just make sure no one sees you."
"Gottcha," Tony said as he turned understanding the need for privacy and started to make his back through the swampy marsh.
"Tony’s gone. Now tell me what's so terrible," Krista demanded once Tony was out of hearing range.
"I... I... I'm not a boy... I'm like you and Kylie... I'm a girl stuck inside a boy's body," James sobbed. "I've tried to tell myself I'm crazy when I start feeling or thinking girlishly. I try so hard to be the boy I am, but it's all a lie, everything about me is a lie. I thought I was just a perverted freak. I didn't know there were others that felt the same way until you showed up. Then BAM, there's Kylie. Heck, I used to join the other guys in hassling her for being a sissy because I knew I was one. But I can't do what you and Kylie did. I can't just announce I'm a girl. My family would disown me at best or have me committed. Besides, look at how big I am! I'd make an ugly girl."
"There are a lot of tall girls who are pretty,” Krista stated. “There was a Disney movie about twin sisters who both went on to be pro basketball players. The movie was called Double Teamed. The girls were about six feet five. Then there is Lindsay Davenport and Maria Sharapova, both were over six feet tall and pro tennis players. All you need to do is stop your body producing testosterone and start taking estrogen. With a good workout program you could slim down as your body softens and develops curves.
“Fat chance of that ever happening,” James huffed. “My dad would kill me if he even suspected I was gay.”
“Whoa,” Krista scolded. “You’re not gay, you’re transgendered. Besides, there is nothing wrong with being gay. Kylie and I are girls and we have boyfriends. We are heterosexual girls, we just have birth defects that make our bodies look male. If your dad can’t handle it and tries to hurt you, you leave.”
“If he doesn’t kill me he’d throw me out,” James stated. “But I have no place to go. No one would take in a freak like me.”
“You are not a freak,” Krista sympathetically replied. “You’re a human being. There are people who would take you in. My family wouldn’t hesitate to give you a home.”
“The guys at school would beat me up,” James threw up another roadblock. “If they found out I’d have to drop out of school.”
“They know about me and Kylie,” Krista responded. “They don’t hassle me.”
“That’s because your dad is a deputy and your mom is the school nurse,” James pouted. “They say all sorts of nasty things about you and Tony.”
“It’s a free country,” Krista answered. “Anyone can speak their minds, most just show how ignorant they are when they do. Look, you can’t continue to live a lie. You said this isn’t the first time you’ve tried to kill yourself. People who try to live a lie do that a lot when they get frustrated. You heard Kylie tried to hang herself and she almost succeeded. Suicide doesn’t solve anything.”
“I know,” James sighed. “Most of the time I’m too chicken to try it and when I do I’m so angry and frustrated I mess it up.”
Tony returned just in time to hear the last part. “Is that why you drove into San Domingo Creek on Labor day?”
“Yeah,” James sadly acknowledged. “I’d been with the guys and we were drinking. They started going on about how Kylie and Larry were just a couple of fags and that it was too bad Krista wasn’t killed when she was shot. I couldn’t take it and got pissed so I told them they were a bunch of f...ing bigots. That set them off and we got into a shoving match. I was so upset I jumped in my car and took off. That’s when I decided to drive into the creek and drown myself. I was too drunk to think straight and where I drove in it was too shallow. Everyone just thought it was just an accident because I was drunk, which I was, but it wasn’t an accident. I just let everyone think that.”
“Look, James, whatever reason you have for trying to kill yourself, offing yourself won’t help,” Tony declared. “Tie this rope around your chest just under your armpits. Krista, come over here and help me pull.”
By the time Krista made it to Tony, James had the rope tied around himself. Pulling together, they managed to turn him around but were unable to free the boy. James gave up trying and fell forward sobbing piteously.
“Kylie, go get Leroy,” Larry ordered.
Tony and Krista jumped. Turning about they saw Kylie hurrying back to the barn as Larry made his way to the rope.
“Let’s give it another shot,” Larry stated as he braced himself and pulled on the rope.
With Larry’s brawn, they managed to pull James about a foot but James was like a dead weight. As soon as they relaxed the pressure on the rope, the mud drew him back in. After a short breather they tried again but with little effect.
Krista abandoned the rope and gingerly made her way back to James. “Come on James, you’ve got to help us out. When they pull, try to move. Don’t give up on us because we are not going to give up on you!”
James raised his muddy face up to look into Krista’s determined eyes. “I’m tired of trying,” James mumbled.
Leroy, Pat, and Kylie arrived. They joined Larry and Tony on the rope as Krista gently urged James to try.
Slowly, they were able to drag the boy out of the mire. Everyone was huffing and puffing. James just lay on the swamp grass and cried.
“Dad, let mom, Kylie and I get him back,” Krista stated. “James won’t try anything stupid again, will you?”
“No,” James said forlornly. “I’ve been stupid enough for one night.”
Tony and Larry wrapped up the rope while Pat, Krista and Kylie helped James to his feet. Leroy followed them at a discreet distance as they headed back to the tree line. Once back at the barn, the guys headed back inside while the women led James over to the house to get cleaned up. Outside they hosed James and Krista off, then went into the house. Pat ran upstairs to get one of Leroy’s robes while the girls led a soggy James to the powder room to disrobe so they could launder his clothes. Krista scurried upstairs to change into jeans and sweater as the night air was becoming chilled, especially once a person was wet.
As the washer began it’s task, Krista made some camomile tea for everyone. James sat at the kitchen table huddled in the robe with his head buried in his arms.
“James, the first step in getting this straightened out is for you to tell Kylie and my mom what you told me,” Krista declared as she worked. “You can’t hide from this any longer. It will drive you crazy or to start drinking or doing drugs. You told me and the world didn’t end. Tell them. We’ll all help.”
“I can’t,” James whispered from his hunched over position.
“James Ewell,” Pat scolded in that simultaneously harsh loving tone mothers are so adept at wielding. “You sit up right now and tell us what’s bothering you!”
James promptly sat up and sheepishly looked at Pat. “It’s too embarrassing,” he pleaded.
“James, Kylie and I are here,” Krista chided. “Do we look embarrassed?”
“No,” James whined as tears began running down his cheeks.
Pat immediately slid her chair next to him and wrapped her arms about him. James instinctively leaned into the hug.
“I... I’m like Kylie and Krista,” he finally managed to choke out in a terrified whispered.
“Okay,” Pat stated as she hugged him tighter in an effort to cover her surprise. “That wasn’t so terrible, now was it?”
James snuggled closer and whispered. “You don’t think I’m a freak?”
“Of course not,” Pat declared. “A bit surprised perhaps, but as you said, I have a daughter and a future sister in law who are transgendered. I also know that being transgendered is NOT a choice. It is a very real condition and there is only one practical solution, and that is what Kylie and Krista are doing. They are living THEIR life, not a lie. They are living what is right for them, not what their parents think is right. If you’re transgendered, there is only one way you’ll ever be happy, and that is to become the girl you are inside. You’ve tried to kill yourself for living a lie, so live the truth! Granted, it will be a bit more difficult for you to transition, but it won’t be impossible and you already have people ready to help you.”
“My parents won’t understand,” James moaned. “They’ll try to force me to be a boy or send me to a military academy if my dad doesn’t kill me first.”
“Not on my watch they won’t,” Pat declared. “If they can’t love you for who you are, it’s their loss. Leroy can get children’s services to protect you and we’ll see to it you have a home and support. Krista, please find your father and tell him he needs to make some phone calls. Kylie, please call Dr. Sykes and ask her to come out here ASAP. We need to make sure that Jamie is safe. Then call the Spades and ask if they could keep the kids overnight. If they can, ask Jane to come home.”
A timid smile appeared on James’ face. He had heard Pat call him Jamie. Jamie... he really liked the name. For the first time, now that he had a girl’s name, he felt a bit of resolve building to end the lie.
The girls set out on their tasks. Leroy made a call to Judge Watkins. The judge faxed a copy of a restraining order against James’ parents just in case. Dr. Sykes was already on her way. Kylie went back to the dance with Larry to round up Linda Sweeney as the dance was winding down. They took her to the house where she could see James was in no shape to drive but was in very good hands. As the kids left, none of them suspected what was going on in the house. Two of the teacher chaperones took Linda Sweeney home as Jane pulled her old van up to the house.
Dick and Ruth Ewell were not happy when they received the call from Deputy Scott asking them to come out to the farm. Leroy told them James was having emotional issues that prevented him from driving and that they had arranged for Linda to get home. Dr. Sykes arrived before the Ewells and was able to spend twenty minutes with James before they arrived.
Pat and Leroy walked down the porch steps as they saw the Ewells pull in. It was just a bit past midnight and everyone had left the highly successful Halloween Dance.
“What the hell did Jimmy do now,” Dick angrily demanded as he exited his truck. Six feet five inches tall and weighing in at two hundred and fifty pounds the well muscled man with biker tats and his graying hair pulled back into a ponytail knew he was a force to be reckoned with.
Ruth exited the truck from the other side and promptly asked, “Is Jim okay?”
Pat and Leroy exchanged looks of exasperation.
“Physically, James is okay,” Leroy replied. “But emotionally he’s terrified.”
“He’d better be freaking terrified,” Dick snarled. “We trusted him to take care of Linda and he couldn’t even do that right! What did he fuck up this time?”
“Mr. Ewell, I think you need to calm down,” Leroy stated calmly. “I’m in uniform and on duty. I’ve taken James into protective custody and will not release him until I’m sure he’ll receive the treatment he needs.”
Ruth was clearly upset and spoke. “If he didn’t do anything wrong why do you have him in protective custody?”
“James tried to kill himself,” Pat answered. “My daughter saw him leave the dance and followed. She saved his life.”
“I don’t believe that bullshit,” Dick snapped. “Why the hell would he want to kill himself?”
“Because he’s transgendered,” Dr Sykes declared as she came out onto the porch. “James is terrified of how you’ll react. I can see why.”
“So you’re saying my son is a freaking pansy like those abominations Kylie Masters and your so-called daughter,” Dick raged. “Bring the faggot out here and let him tell me to my face!”
Larry opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. Kylie followed gently tugging on James’ hand. Krista followed James holding his other hand. Jane came next. Tony exited last carrying a camcorder and moved to the side where he could cover whoever was speaking. James hung his head and sobbed, visibly trembling as he stood on the porch between Kylie and Krista. Larry stood protectively by Kylie and Jane by Krista as they faced the irate father.
Ruth gasped and tried to rush to her distraught son. “Jimmy, baby, what’s wrong?”
“Stay put, woman,” Dick ordered as he reached out a beefy arm to block her. “Jimmy, tell us this is a sick fucking joke! There’s no way in hell you can be a freaking faggot like them other two. Hell, boy, look at you! You’re a fucking man! Suck it up and get your sorry ass in the damn truck. NOW!”
Jimmy trembled as he drew in a deep breath and meekly made an effort to follow his dad’s orders.
“Jamie, you need to tell them,” Krista said as she refused to let go of his hand and held him in place. “If you go with them now, you know you’ll just wind up trying to kill yourself again.”
James stopped and shivered but kept his head bowed in submission.
“You thought Jamie’s car crash on Labor Day was an accident,” Krista spoke angrily to his parents as she handed Jamie’s hand to Jane to stalk forward to the edge of the porch It was obvious her Irish blood was up. “Yeah, he was drunk, drunk because he couldn’t take living the lie YOU expected him to live. The alcohol gave him enough courage to try to kill himself. Fortunately it also made him forget how shallow the water was where he drove into San Domingo Creek.”
“You did that on purpose?” Dick asked in disbelief. “You ruined a good fucking car because you hate being a damn boy? What the fuck is wrong with you?”
Jamie was embarrassed. Thirteen year old Krista didn’t hesitate to take on his old man. Anger flooded his being, building up his courage until he finally raised his head to glare angrily at his father. “What’s wrong with me is I’ve been trying to live the life YOU want me to live! Well, I hate it! I hate being a boy! I hate being your son! That wasn’t the first time I tried to kill myself either! You remember when I fell off the roof of the garage last summer? That wasn’t an accident. You were ragging on me so much I dove off! If the bush hadn’t been there I might have succeeded. Think back... how about when I was five and drank that anti-freeze? Or how about when I was seven and rode my bike in front of that truck? Or when I was nine and reached into the electric panel box? Or when I was twelve and took all those pain pills? Or when I was fourteen and fell off the boat out in the bay without my life preserver? Huh? Do you really think they were all accidents? Damn it, I’ve been trying to kill myself for as long as I can remember! I hate being a boy! But did you ever listen when I tried to tell you I didn’t want to play ball? No, you only care about me for the way I make you look! Well, dad, the freaking genie is out of the bottle. I’m a girl...a girl with a birth defect hanging between my legs! I’m tired of living a lie. No more, never again, I’ve never been a boy and I’ll sure as hell never become a man!”
“I don’t know what bullshit you’ve brainwashed my son with, but you’re not getting away with it,” Dick yelled at Leroy. “Jimmy, get your freakin’ ass in the truck! NOW!”
“I can’t allow that,” Dr. Sykes bravely stepped forward. “I was called here tonight because James tried to kill himself. As my patient, I will not release him into a situation that will only make the situation worse. You, Mr. Ewell, most certainly make James’ situation worse.”
“Well for your information, Dr. Smart-ass,” Dick sneered. “Jimmy is a minor and I don’t want you anywhere near my son! In fact, I’ll sue you and everyone else for kidnaping and child abuse!”
“Mr. Ewell,” Leroy stated as he stepped forward and held out a paper to the irate man. “This is a court order from Judge Watkins of the Talbot County Courts temporarily removing James from your custody pending a full psychiatric examination and investigation by County Children’s Services. As of this moment, James is under the protection of Talbot County Children’s Services.”
Dick snatched the paper from Leroy’s hand and hastily scanned it, then began ripping it up. “This is a bunch of bullshit and you know it! I don’t know what kind of a sick perverted game you’re playing here, but you haven’t heard the end of this! Ruth, get in the truck, we’re leaving.”
“But Jimmy is here and needs his mother,” Ruth hesitated.
“Woman, I told you to get in the fucking truck,” Dick yelled as he slapped Ruth in the face.
Ruth flew backwards five feet and slammed into the front fender of the truck before dropping to the gravel driveway.
“Fuck you, dad,” Jamie screamed at his father as he tried to charge the man.
Jane and Kylie would have lost him if Larry hadn’t stepped in front of him to hold him back.
“I told you I’d kick your ass if you ever hit mom again,” Jamie tearfully screamed as he struggled to break free. “Hitting me is one thing, but mom always does what you want and you still beat her. You’re no fucking man! You’re a chicken shit asshole!”
Before Ruth hit the ground Leroy slammed Dick against the driver’s door of his truck so hard the door dented. Momentarily stunned and with the wind knocked out of him Leroy snapped the handcuffs on his left wrist. Pat and Dr. Sykes were by Ruth’s side. She was out cold. They immediately began checking her for injuries.
Dick got his wind back and was cursing and struggling against Leroy. Leroy not only had to contend with the raging man, but had to keep their scuffle away from the women. At some point Dick managed to free his right hand and spun on Leroy, managing to land a solid right hook on Leroy’s jaw. Leroy shook his head to clear the bell that was ringing but managed to keep hold of Dick. The struggling pair soon tumbled to the ground and wrestled.
Accustomed to protecting her family, without thinking, Krista bounded off the porch and into the fray. Swooping in feet first almost as if she were a ball player sliding into home plate, she clipped Dick in the head with a foot. Momentarily dazed by the blow, Leroy was able to pin him to the ground although he still struggled wildly. Krista’s skid stopped when her chest was above Dick’s head. On automatic pilot she wrapped her arms about his neck in a firm headlock and began cutting off the air flow through his throat.
Fortunately Leroy had both of Dick’s arms pinned so he couldn’t reach up to free himself from Krista’s iron grip choke hold. In his agitated and exerted state, the lack of air quickly took it’s toll and his struggles lessened. Only when they stopped did Krista release her death grip and roll away. Leroy promptly rolled Dick onto his stomach. In a few moments, the cuffs were on. Dick was a match for Leroy, but Krista proved to be the winning edge.
Jamie tearfully bounded over to his mother just as she started coming around. Larry hurried to help Leroy with his prisoner. Jane hurried down to help Krista to her feet.
Leroy and Larry manhandled the dazed behemoth to the cruiser. After sitting Dick in the rear seat, Leroy read him his Miranda rights, then locked him in the back of the deputy sheriff’s car. Climbing into the front, he called in a report and asked for back-up.
Jane could see Krista was in pain but stoically bearing it. So as not to draw attention, Jane wrapped an arm around Krista’s shoulder and guided her limping gait up the steps and into the house.
“Gram, next time remind me it’s not a god idea to slide on gravel,” Krista winced once they were inside.
Once they were sure there were no major injuries, Pat and Dr. Sykes helped Ruth to her feet and helped her to the porch where they sat her on a chair. Jamie pulled a chair next to her and wrapped her in a hug. Pat retrieved a blanket and draped it over both.
Kylie headed inside to get some chamomile tea and an ice pack for Ruth’s face. She shook her head as Krista bit her lip. Jane was washing the serious brush burns on her leg with alcohol.
“You’ll need this if any of the guys come in,” Kylie smiled as she flipped a towel over to Krista
Krista smiled through her pain and snagged the towel with a nod of her head.
“Mom, I’m sorry,” Jamie sobbed as he snuggled her. “If I’d have known dad would hit you again, I wouldn’t have said anything. Mom I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, Jim,” Ruth said with a tender smile. “Or should I call you Jamie now?”
Jamie was stunned. “You mean you’re not mad I’m a freak?”
“The only freak here is handcuffed and locked in the back of the patrol car,” Ruth said. “I should have stood up to him long ago, but I was too weak and scared. Seeing you with the courage to stand up to him tonight was the most wonderful thing I’ve ever seen! Baby, if I’d have realized you were hurting so much you tried to take your life all those times... God... I don’t know what I’d have done if you’d have succeeded. Please baby, promise me you won’t try again!”
“I promise, mom, I promise,” Jamie cried as he hugged his mother.
As Leroy walked to the house he looked at Tony. “Tony, did you get everything?”
“Sure did,” Tony smiled pleased he was entrusted with the task of filming the confrontation. It was only now that the commotion had settled that he wondered where Krista was.
“Good,” Leroy nodded as he turned to Ruth. “Mrs Ewell, if you’d like to press charges I’d be more than happy to oblige.”
“I most certainly do,” Ruth agreed. “He’s bullied us for the last time.”
“I’ll contact Judge Watkins in the morning and have the protection order changed. I need to have you removed as a possible danger to Jamie and to include you as protected from your husband. Since he also assaulted an officer of the law, he’ll be held without bail until a hearing can be held. The earliest that can happen is Tuesday. That will give you and Jamie some breathing room to figure out what to do. If you need to move, I can get you a temporary home by tomorrow.”
“Thank you,” Ruth smiled as she clung to Jamie.
“We need to go to the hospital to get checked out,” Leroy stated as he rubbed his jaw. “The doctors need to document my injury and yours. If either of you been recently hit and have bruises, we can have them documented too. In addition, if there were any previous injuries that required medical treatment, we can pull those records up. The more evidence we have against him, the stronger the case will be. Judge Watkins is known to be harsh with abusive parents and spouses.”
The local police pulled up to the house and Leroy gave them a rundown of what happened. Leroy and the officer moved Dick from Leroy’s cruiser into the patrol car. In a few moments Dick was headed off down the road to the county jail.
It was only then that Leroy looked around for Krista. While glad for her help he was upset she put herself at risk. “Where’s Krista?”
“She’s in the kitchen,” Kylie replied. “Jane is cleaning up the brush burns she received sliding in to help you on the gravel.”
Pat, Leroy, and Tony almost pulled an old Three Stooges routine as they all tried to jam through the door at once. By the time the reached the kitchen, Jane was cleaning up the bloody gauze pads. Krista smiled sheepishly from her seat by the table with the towel placed modestly across her lap. Her right leg was covered from ankle to mid thigh with poviodine-iodine. The brush burns and small cuts were clearly visible.
“She’ll be a bit sore for a few days but she’ll be fine,” Jane explained. “I saw when she rolled away from the fight she’d been injured but she didn’t want to disturb what was going on so I went down to help her inside. The little imp had the nerve to tell me, ‘Gram, next time remind me it’s not a god idea to slide on gravel.’ I don’t think it’ll do any good though. When she sees someone needs help, she dives right in. I have a feeling we’re going to have to get accustomed to things like this.”
Pat was already feeling guilty for not realizing Krista had injured herself. “Are you sure you’re all right, Krista?”
“Yeah, Mom,” Krista smiled as gestured at her leg. “I’ll have to wear thicker tights for Sunday’s football game to cover this up.”
“Krista...,” Leroy began to scold then hesitated. “Oh damn, it won’t do any good to scold you.”
“I’m sorry, Dad,” Krista apologized. “I didn’t even think about what I was doing. It was a gut reaction. I saw you were having a rough time with an overgrown bully and you know how I feel about bullies. It just sorta happened.”
“I should have stopped filming and went to help,” Tony guiltily said. “I’m your boyfriend and I’m supposed to protect you.”
”You did the right thing by keeping filming,” Krista replied. “Besides, you better than anyone else should know how I feel about bullies!”
Tony remembered all too well his first encounter with Krista and unconsciously picked at his teeth to get the grass out. Of course, meeting her had definitely changed his life for the better and it seemed things with her would never be dull.
Hugs were exchanged and Leroy led Tony outside so Krista could get ready for bed.
*****
Part 11
They quickly devised a game plan. Kylie would drive Jamie’s car to his home where Larry would pick her up to take her home after he dropped Tony at home. The Snarly Harley could only take one passenger at a time. Pat would drive Leroy, Ruth, and Jamie to the hospital for their check-ups. Leroy would run the cam-corder cassette to the county lock-up where Dick was being taken and fill out a full incident report. Pat would stay with Ruth and Jamie while they were examined. Leroy would get checked when he was done processing the crime paperwork. Then they’d all go home.
*****
Both Ruth and Jamie had multiple bruises to present as evidence of the abuse they suffered. Jamie understood he needed to continue presenting himself as a guy in public until the psychological tests were completed. Dr. Sykes made sure she was at the hospital to check up on Jamie. Once she was preliminarily satisfied he was transgendered, she ordered an initial month long course of testosterone blockers to be started immediately to stop Jamie's already begun puberty.
It took longer than normal for their treatment as the emergency room was just returning to normal after treating Dwayne and Phil. Word of the accident was rampant in the hospital.
It was nearly four in the morning when Leroy and Pat arrived home after dropping Ruth and Jamie at home. The four slept until noon.
The dance committee plus several other helpers arrived about four to take down the decorations and clean up the from the dance. In addition to discussing the dance, they also discussed the terrible accident involving their classmates. Surprisingly, there was little trash as most of the teens used the plentiful trash barrels. They were done by five thirty.
Kylie had her tool trailer back inside the barn by six and the DUKW back inside by six thirty.
Ruth and Jamie spent the afternoon discussing and researching gender dysphoria. Ruth was still unsure about the concept of transgenderism but knew she had to help Jamie as much as she could.
With Ruth's permission Leroy contacted Kevin Stewart to provide legal service for their upcoming legal struggle. Kevin called Ruth just after supper and they spoke for nearly half an hour. Ruth would be seeing Kevin Monday morning.
*****
The accident made the front page of Sunday's edition of Easton Star Democrat. The report laid out that Freddy was driving and fled the police checkpoint at the dance and crashed less than a mile away when they failed to negotiate a corner. The evidence of alcohol, marijuana, and amphetamines were found in the wreckage as well as paint ball guns and ammo. It was assumed they were the paint ball vandals that had been active during the past few weeks. All four boys were seriously injured with blood alcohol levels ranging from point two four to point two eight as well as high levels of THC. Two with amphetamines in their systems were medi-vaced to John's Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore where one had his arm removed and the other had been unable to re-attach his severed leg. Both were in critical condition. The other two boys were in Memorial Hospital in Easton listed in severe condition with numerous broken bones and concussions.
*****
Ruth and Jamie joined The Clan Wells Point at church. Ruth was a bit apprehensive as she entered since the last time she'd been in a church was when she had married Dick seventeen years before. Jamie had never been in a church and had no idea what to expect. The out-pouring of friendship and acceptance was nearly overwhelming for the mother and son.
During the Sunday church service, Pastor Giles prayed for Freddy, Barney, Dwayne, and Phil. The service was inspiring and afterwards, The Clan Wells Point held back with Ruth and Jamie. Rev. Giles greeted everyone warmly, then Leroy explained what had happened Friday night.
Much to Jamie's relief, Rev. Giles was not judgmental, but compassionate and supportive. The Clan Wells Point headed off to home to move Betty and Jimmy into the B&B. Rev. Giles spoke to Ruth and Jamie for several hours answering their questions about God’s will and love as well as their concerns about transgender issues. Pastor Giles even ordered pizza for their lunch.
After church, the entire Clan Wells Point headed out for a football fest. It didn’t really matter if the Titans won or lost as long as they played well. Krista refused to acknowledge her minor injury from skidding on the gravel and cheered with her squad. Even though she broke open the scabs on the small cuts she managed to keep from wincing or limping. Of course, she felt the pain soon after the game. Even though not an official member, Jasmine had been adopted by the cheer squad. Today they rolled her right onto the sidelines so she could cheer Jimmy on from within their ranks. The Titans played against Kent County whom they'd defeated twice before. They beat them again but the score was closer. The Titans won the Bayside Pop Warner Football League Championship game six to two.
*****
Linda Sweeney was a gossip. She knew something was up with James when the teacher chaperones took her home. The next day her mother had called Ruth to get the scoop on what had happened. Ruth wisely kept quiet about the transgender issue but confirmed Dick assaulted her and Leroy. Linda called everyone and began making up what she didn’t know. Fortunately the news of the pick-up crash superceded her efforts to stoke the rumor mill.
*****
Somehow, Harry Halls and Fox 16 managed to get a copy of the video Tony had made to show on the Sunday evening news. It began when Leroy served the court order to Dick so Jamie’s secret was safe. The tape clearly showed the savage blow to Ruth, followed by the fight between Leroy and Dick. It also highlighted Krista’s slide in to help and that she had choked out the large man. The video clearly showed Krista with her arms wrapped around Dick's head almost as if she were a cowboy wrestling a steer in a rodeo. She managed to center her clasped hands on his throat. With her body holding his head up and her legs churning the gravel driveway for better leverage she laid everything she had into the choke hold on the big man. Tremendous physical exertion and grim determination were etched on her red face. All in all, her appearance was quite intimidating. Those who knew of her life or death fight with Jack Masters now realized that diminutive Krista's victory was not as absurd as it at first seemed. Harry once more trumpeted Krista’s amazing daring, guts and abilities.
*****
By the time school started on Monday, the rumor mill was running wild. The enthusiastic discussions about the Halloween Dance were rampant and expected. What happened after the dance also had everyone gossiping and speculating. While they had no idea why things had happened, they knew Dick Ewell was in jail for assaulting his wife and Deputy Scott and that it happened after the Halloween Dance outside the O’Brien barn. They were also stunned that Krista had been able to choke out the big man. Those few who still resented Krista became more circumspect in voicing their dislike. Most simply chalked it up to Krista simply being Krista. The big news however was the tragic crash of the pick-up truck and the role alcohol and drugs played. Very few were surprised to learn that Freddy was the driver and Barney a passenger. What was surprising was that Dwayne and Phil had been with them.
As planned, Jamie and Tony walked to school timing their arrival at the same time Pat arrived bringing Krista, Jasmine, and Jimmy. Jamie pulled the wheelchair from the back of the SUV as the others helped Jasmine from the Expedition. They headed into the school together. Seeing James with the others, people wisely refrained from asking him for the scoop. Once inside, Pat walked with Jamie to his locker to get his things, then walked him to his homeroom.
Once settled into homeroom, Jamie began to field the numerous queries about what had happened. Jamie began by saying he had asked Deputy Scott for advise on how to handle the abuse his father was dealing out to his mom and himself. Deputy Scott explained the need for James to confront his father in a safe place with witnesses about. When that happened, his dad hit his mother and then punched Deputy Scott. His dad was in jail and he and his mom were trying to repair their lives. Jamie also made a point to tell everyone that to get his life without his abusive father to a good start, he wanted everyone to call him Jamie instead of James.
As part of the normal announcements during homeroom, Dr. Harris called for a first period assembly. Since this was an unscheduled assembly, everyone wondered what was going on.
Once everyone was settled into the auditorium, Dr. Harris praised the student body for their conduct during the Halloween Dance and thanked the Dance committee for a job well done. Then he turned to the main subject of the assembly.
"As we do for every dance, we checked for alcohol and drugs," Dr. Harris began. "Those of you who attended the dance know you had to pass through a police checkpoint. Those of you who were at the dance know it was not invasive and we basically did a quick visual and ID check. At 7:30 four students in a pick-up truck approached the checkpoint at a high rate of speed. Upon seeing the police, they slammed on their brakes and skidded into the field, then turned and tore off back down the lane."
"One of the police units gave pursuit but they were barely able to keep the vehicle in sight," Dr. Harris continued. "The fleeing vehicle spun out at the sharp turn by the farm but regained control and continued to flee. When they reached the Bozman Neavitt Road, they lost control again and skidded sideways. Since they were off the gravel and on the blacktop, the tires didn't slide sideways. As a result the pick-up truck rolled over three times. Since none of the four boys inside were wearing seat belts, all were quite violently ejected during the roll overs."
"Most of you already know who was in the pick-up," Dr. Harris solemnly stated. "I've spoken with the parents of the boys and they've consented to allow me to tell you their current status. The driver was Freddy Grant, Barney Flint was in the front seat, Dwayne Harper and Phil Abott were in the rear seat. They had been drinking heavily and smoking marijuana. Freddy and Barney had also taken amphetamines. I'm not going to sugar coat their injuries so if any of you feel the need to leave, do so. Nurse Scott is in the back to help anyone who needs it."
"In the initial roll over, as Freddy was being flung out through the open door, his right foot became caught in the steering wheel. As the truck continued to tumble, it repeatedly crushed and splintered both femurs As near as the can reconstruct the sequence of events. after the second complete roll, Freddy was finally thrown clear when his right leg tore off," Dr. Harris paused briefly to let his words sink in.
Virtually everyone present gasped in horror. Several held their hands over their mouths as the idea made them nauseous. A few girls got up and scurried out the back to Pat.
"The rescue personnel found Freddy’s leg still stuck in the steering wheel," Dr. Harris continued. "The damage to Freddy's legs was so extensive the doctors were not even able to attempt to re-attach the severed limb. It took all their effort to try to salvage the shattered left leg and it may yet become necessary to remove his left leg. In addition, Freddy suffered a severe concussion and multiple fractures to his skull, broke both arms, fractured three vertebrea and suffered nine broken ribs. One of the broken ribs punctured a lung There were numerous lacerations to his liver, spleen, and kidneys. During the eighteen hours surgery they used fourteen pints of blood and had to remove part of his liver and his spleen. Quite naturally, he is in a coma and listed in critical condition. The doctors still don't know if he will survive. They were able to determine his blood alcohol level was point two eight and he had high levels of THC indicating he had been smoking pot as well as using amphetamines. A person is considered legally drunk with a blood alcohol level of point zero eight. Freddy was more than three times past that limit."
"Barney is in nearly as bad shape as Freddy," Dr. Harris rolled on. "It appears he was the first fully ejected, flying about thirty feet down the road and at least twenty feet high as he had leaves from the overhanging trees on him. He must have been conscious because he tried to break his fall by putting his arms out in front of him. By trying to ease the face first impact, Barney’s right humerus suffered a severe compound fracture. On his left arm, the humerus, radius, and ulna bones splintered and disintegrated. The doctors were unable to save his left arm."
Again everyone gasped. Quite a few were openly crying.
"Every rib in Barney’s chest was fractured when he'd landed," Dr. Harris continued after a brief pause. "His collar bone snapped and three vertebrae fractured. Nearly every internal organ in his torso was bleeding, they had to remove his spleen, half a lung and one kidney. Barney’s front eight teeth, four top and four bottom, were shattered. His skull, nose and cheek bones were fractured. His jaw was broken into three pieces. Barney is also in a coma and listed in critical condition. The doctors expect him to survive but it will be a long recovery. The blood tests showed he had a blood alcohol level of point two six with high levels of THC and amphetamines. Like Freddy, he was more than three times over the legal limit for blood alcohol levels."
"Dwayne is listed in severe condition suffering fractures of both legs and the left arm as well as breaking his left scapula on the same side and his collar bone," Dr. Harris reported. "There was some internal bleeding but it seems to have stopped on its own so they are holding off surgery taking a wait and see approach. With a slight skull fracture he had a nasty concussion but is expected to make a full recovery. The blood tests showed he had a blood alcohol level of point two five and high levels of THC but no amphetamines. Again, he was over three times the legal alcohol level.”
“Phil is listed in severe condition," Dr. Harris went on. "They couldn't locate him at first. Despite repeated searches of the area, they could not find him. Forty five minutes after the accident, after the other three had been transported to hospitals, was Phil located. The fire-fighters were cleaning the wreckage debris off the road and berm that Phil regained consciousness. One fireman heard a faint call for help but he could not tell where it came from. He yelled for everyone to be quiet. They heard another call for help... from above them. They discovered Phil twenty feet above the ground entangled in the branches of the trees. The EMTs realized there was no way to get him out without causing further injury so they called for two bucket trucks from Choptank Electric Cooperative in St. Michaels. It took twenty minutes for them to arrive. The EMTs splinted his arms and legs and tied him upside down to a back board while the firemen removed all tree branches that would interfere with the operation of the buckets. With an EMT in each bucket with the bucket operators, they raised up to secure the backboard to the buckets. The firemen then cut off the branches that entangled Phil. The buckets with Phil on the backboard and still entangled in the branches were lowered to the ground. He was transported to the hospital, branches and all.”
“ All four of Phil’s limbs were broken and he fractured three vertebrae in his back,” Dr. Harris explained. “Fortunately there were no internal injuries and there seems to be no damage to his spinal cord although he has a concussion. The prospects for a full recovery are dependant upon the broken vertebrae healing properly. The blood tests showed he had a blood alcohol level of point two four and high levels of THC but no amphetamines. His blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit."
"Freddy and Barney were airlifted to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore," Dr. Harris went on. "As of yet neither has regained consciousness and the doctors have no idea how long it will be before they do. Dwayne and Phil are in Memorial Hospital in Easton. Both have regained consciousness but are in a world of hurt. As the boys recover and return to school, I will expect everyone to treat them well. Teasing or taunting will not be tolerated. At best they'll still be in casts through January, possibly longer."
"While I'm sickened by their injuries, I will use them as examples," Dr, Harris summarized. "But I won't beat you over the head with it. This time we all know the victims. Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone, adding marijuana and amphetamines to the mix only aggravated the disaster. You all know that drinking at your age is illegal and the pot and amphetamines are always illegal. You all know you shouldn't be consuming any of those. I also know some of you will do so anyway. Please, if you do, don't get behind the wheel. Don't get into the vehicle of someone who has been doing those things. I'd like to see all of you stay healthy. Please, if you believe in a higher power, pray for the boys. Thank you."
The entire school was stunned by the revelation of the seriousness of the four accident victims. As can be expected, they were the main topic of discussion for that day and many days to come. As for James, no one really questioned his version of what happened after the dance, especially since Krista and Tony told the same story. All of the staff and most of the students accepted his
request to call him Jamie
Linda Sweeney found her stature greatly decreased. The falsehoods she spread all Saturday night through Sunday afternoon about what happened had been shown to be lies by the news report that showed Krista in action. She’d lost considerable face.
The data duo brought their proposed Clan Wells Point Facebook and Youtube pages to school to show Krista and Tony at lunch time. They were quite impressed and asked them to show Pat after school. Pat loved the sites and asked Amy Beck and Freddy Hammond to put them online. She also paid the pair fifty dollars each for their efforts.
Amy and Ferdy were happy. During their time together working on the searches and web sites, they had grown closer than mere friends. They had attended the Halloween dance as a couple.
Jamie made it through the day with no real issues and headed to Dr. Syke's office to begin taking the gender identity tests.
*****
Also on Monday, Ruth met with Kevin Stewart to discuss divorce and to lock Dick out of the jointly owned assets. Ruth brought all the paperwork for their home and vehicles as well as their bank accounts, credit cards, mortgage and loans. Kevin called each account supplier and explained the immediate lock-out for Dick and followed up with a certified letter as confirmation. In addition, Kevin notified all the county bail bondsmen to tell them that Dick was being frozen out of his accounts. By the end of the afternoon, there was not a single place Dick could turn to for financing even a minimum bail.
*****
Tuesday Dick appeared in court with a court appointed attorney before Judge Watson for arraignment on the multiple charges. As soon as he entered the courtroom, a bailiff handed him the subpoena containing the divorce filing. As expected, Dick began cursing and screaming threats at Ruth who sat beside Kevin Stewart and Leroy. Judge Watkins banged the gavel several times to restore order before ordering the bailiffs to subdue Dick.
They finally succeeded in hand and leg cuffing him to the sturdy courtroom defendants chair. As his verbal tirade continued, the judge ordered him to be gagged.
"Mr Ewell, this is my court room and your behavior is both out of order and outrageous," Judge Watkins declared. "I'm holding you in contempt of court for your outburst. You are being charged with nine counts of child abuse. Fifteen counts of spousal abuse, assaulting an officer of the law and resisting arrest. Shake your head yes if you want to plead guilty or no if you want to plead not guilty."
Dick shook his head no and tried to yell through his gag.
"You plead not guilty to all charges," Judge Watkins stated. "Obviously, you can not control your temper and are a clear threat. I hear by impose a restraining order on you forbidding you to come within a mile of James or Ruth unless you are accompanied by a guard. I'm sentencing you to thirty days in jail for your outburst. To be released after that I'm also setting bail at two hundred fifty thousand dollars."
"Your honor," his lawyer stood. "We ask the court to assign Mr. Ewell to the work-release program. If he doesn't get back to work, he'll loose his job."
"There is no way I'm letting Mr. Ewell go on the work release program," Judge Watkins declared. “Perhaps serving thirty days will make him understand he can't go around bullying people."
"Your honor," his lawyer began again. "The bail you've set is extremely high. Would you please consider lowering it?"
"Not at this time," Judge Watkins stated. "His behavior clearly indicates he is a high risk case and I will not jeopardize anyone's safety by lowering bail."
"Your honor," Kevin rose. "We've just served Mr. Ewell papers of divorce on the grounds of assault and vicious abuse. It seems obvious that Mr. Ewell will not cooperate in regards to community property, child support, or alimony. Therefore, I'm asking the court to appoint an independent analyst to evaluate the shared assets and determine an equitable rate of alimony and child support. Then since Mr. Ewell will be incarcerated, his share of the joint assets can be liquidated to make those payments."
Dick began bouncing the chair and screaming into the gag as he tried to voice his outrage at the idea of taking his property. The bailiffs had to hold down the chair but he still struggled.
"Mr. Ewell, I'm once more holding you in contempt of court and am giving you an additional sixty days in prison before you'll be eligible for bail. Mr. Stewart, I can see why your suggestions are necessary," Judge Watkins agreed. "What bank handles their accounts?"
"The Bank of America branch in St. Michaels, your honor," Kevin replied.
"I'll call the manager when I get to my chambers and have him select one of his employees to review the finances," Judge Watkins answered. "As soon as the audit is completed, I'll process the divorce. Normally, it takes a minimum of six months, but because of Mr. Ewell's continued disrespect and the hardship that places on the family, I'll do what I can to speed the process. If there are no further comments, this hearing is adjourned. The deputies will please see that Mr. Ewell is kept secured and gagged until he arrives at the prison. My clerk will fax the ninety day contempt sentence to the prison so they'll be ready to properly incarcerate Mr. Ewell."
Ruth was amazed by the swift judgement.
"Judge Watkins is the best judge in the county if not the state," Kevin explained as they left the court house. "She upholds the law in favor of the victims, not the criminals. Your husband really cut his own throat in there. She will have no pity on him and will make sure she gets the case when it comes to trial. If your husband is smart, he'll accept a plea bargain and sign off on the divorce. A plea bargain will probably get him ten years, if it goes to trial it'll be twenty."
"So even though the divorce is just starting, it's as if It's already done," Ruth stated.
"Pretty much so," Kevin replied. "The bank will analyze jointly held assets and debts and divide them by half. They'll also determine fair child support and alimony figures which if approved will be drawn from his half of the common assets. If his jail time is long enough, you'll simply be given everything."
"Wow," Ruth smiled. "Life will go on."
*****
The RMC investigated the warrants and child support issues from Talbot County against Benny Reese. Their investigators were surprised, not by the charges, but by the profession and seeming lack of moral responsibility of the accused. Even though it was anti-ethical, during his first semester, Benny began dating a student from one of his classes. Gretchen Rich was a quiet unassuming eighteen year old with impeccable manners and a ready smile from a lower middle class family. Benny liked having younger somewhat innocent women because he could easily dominate them. Her parents objected to the relationship but with Benny's backing she Gretchen blew them and their objections off. Without the support of her family, they married in a private ceremony just after the school year ended in June of her freshman year. The couple now had a son eighteen months old with another on the way.
*****
Meanwhile at school the terrible crash was still the main topic of conversation even though there was nothing to report on the status of Freddy, Barney, Dwayne, and Phil. This certainly drew the spotlight away from Jamie and he was starting to relax. The questions about his dad had subsided and things were almost back to normal. The major difference was that he gave up trying to hang with the jocks. Even as James he had never really fit in with them but since he was so good at sports they put up with him hanging around. Now that he was freed from the domination and macho expectations of his dad, he could relax and try to find a new niche as Jamie.
After school Jamie once more met with Dr. Sykes with his mother present.
"Your tests results on the gender identity test are clear," Dr. Sykes began. "Mentally you are a girl."
Jamie smiled broadly. "All right, so I'm not crazy!"
"No, you most certainly are not crazy," Dr. Sykes smiled. "Ruth, how do you feel about this?"
"Confused," Ruth answered honestly. "I never realized this gender whatever is real. Jamie and I have been doing a lot of reading on-line and you're right, it is real. But honestly, I don't know how to handle this. I love Jimmy and want him to be happy."
"Mom, please," Jamie said. "You know I don't like to be called Jimmy or Jim. Until Monday I had convinced most people at school to call me James, but you and dad never did! Yesterday I told them I wanted to be called Jamie as a way of breaking away from the abuse dad dished out. All my teachers and most of the kids are already calling me Jamie. Why can’t you call me by the name I want?"
"I'm sorry," Ruth blushed. "Your dad was so insistent on calling you Jimmy I just got in the same habit."
"Well, please call me Jamie from now on," Jamie demanded with a pout. "It's the girls name I want and it still passes for a guys name. I won't answer you anymore if you call me anything else."
"That's a bit harsh, Jamie," Dr. Sykes gently rebuked. "It would be much better if you helped her break the habit by reminding her you're Jamie when she calls you something else. Ruth, you have to accept Jamie's corrections when you mess up. Working together, you'll soon be using Jamie all the time."
Jamie blushed at the mild rebuke as both nodded their agreement.
"As far as transitioning," Dr. Sykes explained. "It will take time for you to successfully begin transitioning in public. While you can be girly at home or amongst people you trust, at this time you're simply too butch to pass in public. You need to give the testosterone blockers two to three months to shut down your production and rinse what is in your body out. I'll give your test results to a few colleagues who may want to interview you. If they agree with my diagnosis, we should be able to start you on HRT. With no testosterone left and estrogen flooding your body, your body will soften and you'll start going through puberty as a girl. Unfortunately, it'll take about six to eight months for significant changes to accumulate. What it boils down to is that for school, you'll need to present as James for the rest of the school year. By the time summer gets here, there should be enough changes to begin going public as a girl. So next year you should be able to start school as a girl. That's a long time and it won't be easy, but it is the safest way. In the mean time, you can let Jamie the boy change his likes and dislikes, and even his companions. You'll also need to think about the possibility of plastic surgery to make your appearance softer and more feminine. Your Adam's apple will have to go, your nose could be smaller, and lips fuller. Again, you can make arrangements for that to take place as soon as this school year is completed."
"I understand," Jamie nodded. "I'm taking the testosterone blockers and can't wait for that poison to get out of me. The plastic surgery is a bit scary but I know I'll need it if I hope to pass as a girl without being hassled. As for the estrogen, bring it on!"
Dr Sykes looked at Ruth. "Ruth, how do you feel about this?"
"Overwhelmed," she replied honestly. "I don't know how to handle this. But Jamie is my son... daughter... and I'll do my best."
"Thanks mommy," Jamie smiled as she hugged Ruth.
For Ruth, the hug was cathartic. It perked her up. It had been years since she'd been hugged. Jimmy had been forced to give up hugs at five and Dick never was one for hugging or snuggling.
"I suggest you find an online store that caters to large women," Dr. Sykes said. "They have size charts to help you find the correct size. Order a few items, lingerie and nightwear for starters. Then as you feel comfortable, you can slowly expand your wardrobe. That way you won't have the embarrassment of going out in public to get you clothes until you're able to pass. You can find a discrete shop in Easton that will perform electrolysis on you to permanently remove that unsightly boyish hair. About three hours a week and by summer, you'll be quite softer and smoother and thus more girlish. I'll also see that you're excluded from phys-ed classes. In return, you'll need to join a gym and begin a grueling regimen of aerobics to slim you down and tone up your muscles like a girl."
"Okay," Jamie declared. "I'm used to hard work-outs so it'll just be doing different things. I'm not worried about becoming beautiful, I just want to be able to pass in public."
"If you follow a strict regimen of diet, exercise, treatments and medications you shouldn't have any worries about appearing to be a guy in drag," Dr. Sykes added. "Stay in touch with Krista and Kylie. They and their families can help you get through tough times, especially Kylie as she spent longer pretending to be a boy."
"Thank you, Dr. Sykes," Jamie smiled as the session ended. "I'll follow through on everything."
"I'll make sure you do," Ruth smiled. "I think I'm going to like having a daughter."
*****
The longer the Campbells stayed, the more they liked the people and locale of Wells Point. They were absolutely delighted with their daughter-in-law and grandchildren. The fact Heather had killed the man who hurt Jasmine didn't bother them in the least. When the law didn't step up to the plate to arrest and punish the fiend, they felt the killing was somewhat justified. Not that they condoned the killing, but they couldn't condemn it either.
On Wednesday, October 31, the Campbells headed back to the West Coast with plans to take an early retirement and sell off their assets. Once that was done they planned return to the Bay Hundred area to be near their grandchildren. They contacted a real-estate agent about finding a suitable waterfront property as close to the Clan Wells Point as possible.
*****
That same day Freddy’s ordeal worsened. He was so beat up from being trapped with his torso outside the pick-up as it rolled that he had little strength and virtually no physical reserves left to put into his recovery. With poor circulation and massive infections setting in, the doctors were forced to remove his left leg. All that was left was a three inch stump on the right and a six inch stump on the left. News of the loss of his second leg swept through the school like wildfire.
*****
Ruth stopped in at the YMCA in St. Michaels that day and signed herself and Jamie up for a twice weekly evening exercise class. During the years of abuse she had let herself go and was slightly overweight and out of shape. Together, they'd get themselves in shape and once toned, they could talk with the staff and see what they could recommend for softening and reshaping Jamie into a more feminine physique. She also arranged for a three hour Saturday morning electrolysis schedule to begin the unpleasant task of removing the hairy evidence of Jamie’s testosterone. It would be a tough regimen, but Jamie was determined to see it through.
*****
After verifying the charges and the fact Benny had never divorced Heather, the RMC issued their own warrant for bigamy and in the afternoon of October 31 headed to the university to arrest him. Arriving on campus, a plain clothed RMC detective headed to the main office to explain they were about to arrest Benny. A member of the staff accompanied the RMC officer to the classroom where Benny was teaching. They waited until the class was dismissed, then they came forward and arrested Benny.
Benny was quite upset and began protesting his innocence as he was led away. At the arraignment he was ordered held on $250,000 bail based on the possibility of fleeing to avoid the charges.
Gretchen was totally stunned when she learned Benny had been arrested. She couldn't believe Benny had abandoned a wife and three daughters. They had often spoken about his student college years and living ALONE in an off-campus apartment. The betrayal she felt simply shattered her world. What made it worse was that since Benny had never divorced his first wife, her marriage was not legal. Barely holding it together, she called her estranged parents.
Not having any contact with Gretchen during the two and a half years since the unsanctioned marriage, instead of being supportive, they bluntly told her she made her bed so now she'd have to sleep in it. When she mentioned Benny Jr. and that she had another baby on the way, they were unimpressed as they already had seven grandchildren from her three more respectful siblings.
*****
Also on Wednesday October 31, Dwayne and Phil were moved to the Requard Rehab Center where they shared a room. Both were out of danger and on the long road to recovery. The entire class had signed a large get well card for each and sent them. The PTA sent flowers.
Krista knew that Tony and Jimmy had been good buddies with Dwayne and Phil before she came into their lives and that she was the reason their friendship deteriorated. Not that she did anything wrong, but she did set Tony and Jimmy on a better life path and they were resentful. Krista urged Tony and Jimmy to visit their friends as they were sure no one outside their families had been in to see them. Jasmine only learned about the effect Krista had on Jimmy and Tony when they discussed Dwayne and Phil. She joined Krista in urging them to visit. Both girls volunteered to accompany the guys, but at least initially would wait outside the room.
The guys knew they should visit but were reluctant seeing how rude they had been to Krista and disrespectful of their new live style.
"Look, you guys were good friends before I came into the picture," Krista finally scolded. "Obviously you liked them or you wouldn't have remained buddies for so long. You changed for the better, they didn't, and they resented me for that change. Unless something makes them change, they'll never admit they were wrong in disliking me and thus you. They're too stubborn and macho. You two know better now. You have to be the ones to take the first step to renewing your friendship."
"Krista's right," Jaz agreed. "If they were worth having as friends before, they're worth having as friends now. If you renew your friendship now, you may pull them away from their tough guy life. While they're hurting is the best time to convince them they need to change. But you can only do that by giving them an example to follow, not by lecturing. They already know they screwed up. I'm sure their parents have scolded them for being so stupid. They need true friends who are going to accept that they screwed up without rubbing it in and help guide them to a different path."
"We'd better do it, Jimmy," Tony sighed dramatically. "Now there are TWO of them riding herd on us. We don't stand a chance."
"I guess you're right, partner" Jimmy played along as he theatrically placed his right arm up to his forehead. "Our days of running wild and free are over."
Krista and Jaz exchanged looks of bemusement, then burst into giggles. The guys joined in by laughing.
Pat thought the visit was a good idea but called Dr. Olsen to make sure she agreed. Dr. Olsen was delighted as both boys were clearly depressed and still beating themselves up over their stupidity. Dr. Olsen called the parents to make sure they were okay with the visit, then got back to Pat who contacted the other three parents and Jane to let them know she was taking the foursome in for a visit.
*****
Part 12
Dwayne and Phil were clearly surprised when Tony and Jimmy entered the room.
"Hey guys," Tony greeted them. "Man, I thought you two took some awesome hits on the football field, but I think you went a little bit overboard on this one. You make me hurt just looking at you."
The bit of humor made both boys smile. They missed Tony and Jimmy's sense of humor.
"Yeah, we did," Phil sheepishly smiled. "But did you see the tree I hit? It took a beating!"
"It may have taken a beating," Jimmy snickered. "But I heard it had you out in LIMB-o for a while."
Dwayne and Tony moaned as they knew what was coming.
"Well, I did have to BRANCH out a bit," Phil admitted. "But the tree just wouldn't LEAF me alone."
"I don't know why it WOOD do that," Jimmy retorted. "But then again, you can be a real SAP at times."
"Yeah, I let it come be-TWIG-st me and Dwayne," Phil sighed. "Then they couldn't find me. I had to call out to them for help TREE times!"
"Wow, I guess you couldn't just LUMBER off on your own," Jimmy retorted.
"No, I couldn't," Phil nodded. "But when they finally got me down I did say PLANKS a lot."
"You were polite," Jimmy exclaimed. "You really must have gotten BOARD while you were hanging around waiting for them to get you down!"
"Well, I was hurting too much to BARK up a storm like I normally do," Phil admitted. "I can't imagine the world of hurt I would have been in if I hadn't been so TRUNK."
"Yeah, I guess I can understand how you were ROOT-ing for them to take care of you," Jimmy smiled.
"Yeah, I was just PINE-ing away," Phil sighed.
"I bet," Jimmy responded. "I guess you didn't NEEDLE them while they were working on you."
"No, the were busy LOG-ing my vitals," Phil declared.
"All right already," Tony chuckled. "Enough with the bad OAK-s."
They all laughed. The comradery they enjoyed in the past had been restored.
"It's really good to see you guys," Dwayne said once they settled down. "What are they saying about us at school?"
"Most of the bad stuff is about Freddy and Barney," Tony replied. "Mostly they worry about you guys. They think you were victims, being used by the older guys as go-fers and lackeys. To be honest, most think you were like dogs scrambling for treats from your masters."
"That's harsh," Phil said. "Unfortunately it's mostly true. We did a lot of stupid things with them. It was fun at the time but it was bad fun. They did use us. They'd get us drunk on purpose so they could make fools of us. Damn, we were so stupid."
"Yeah, you were," Jimmy agreed. "But the big question is what are you going to do now?"
"There's not much we can do now," Dwayne frowned. "We're both pretty well beat up."
"Yeah, but you're here for rehab," Tony stated. "To recover you've got to work at it. If you don't, you'll never recuperate. The girls told us you need Jimmy and I back as your friends. They're right. We miss you guys."
Dwayne was a bit surprised. "Krista and Jaz sent you here to be our friends again?"
"They sure did," Jimmy smiled. "They came with us and are in the waiting room. They'd like to be friends too."
Dwayne was confused. "After all the hassles we gave Krista, why would she be concerned about us?"
"Because she's a good person," Tony replied. "Krista showed me I can be a tough guy and care about others. I'll be honest with you, she changed my life."
"Yeah, she killed your old man," Dwayne stated still obviously put off by Krista.
"Yeah, but it came down to him or us," Tony said. "Jimmy was there when we met. I was calling her all sorts of nasty stuff and she just fired right back. Before her I never confronted anyone who didn’t at least flinch a bit when I got in their face. You know she's a lot shorter than me, yet she calmly pushed my buttons and I attacked her. She didn't even break a sweat and had me down on the ground pushing my face in the grass every time I said something nasty. It was only when I gave in that she let me up. Dr. Harris came out and was going to nail me but Krista stood up for me and said we were only fooling around. That confused the hell out of me at first, but I’ve since learned she honestly cares about people, including you guys."
"You missed what happened after the dance," Jimmy added. "James Ewell broke down and went to Krista's dad for help. His dad was abusing his mom and him. Deputy Scott called in to get a protection from abuse order for James. When Mr. Ewell showed up after the dance to get James and found out about the protection order, he flipped, smacking his wife. Then when Deputy Scott tried to cuff him he fought back. They were wrestling on the ground. Mr. Ewell is so big and strong he was starting to get the upper hand. Krista charged into the brawl and put a choke hold on Mr. Ewell and literally choked him out. Tony caught the whole thing on tape and somehow it got on the news."
"I know Mr. Ewell," Dwayne said in amazement. "Krista really choked him out... like unconscious?"
"Yeah, like unconscious," Tony answered. "Krista is a gentle person until she sees someone who needs help. Then you better help her or get out of the way."
"It sounds like you're already henpecked," Phil declared. "How do you stand being around her?"
"It's easy," Tony smiled. "Just ask Jimmy, he likes being around Jaz. But we're not henpecked. We've just realized the girls are usually right and we’ve learned to trust their judgement. What they say is true, ‘Behind every good man there is a good woman.’"
"Yeah, the girls don't boss us around at all," Jimmy added. "You know how in cartoons you sometimes see an angel and a devil sitting on a guys shoulders urging him what to do. Well, they girls are just bigger angels. I mean, heck, when we used to get in trouble, most times we KNEW what we were doing was wrong but we did it anyway. Sure we'd laugh and joke about what we did, but it was never really satisfying. It was a temporary satisfaction at best and it never made us feel good. The girls help us have REAL fun and do things that feel good."
"Just look at the whole idea of holding the Halloween dance in the barn," Tony picked up. "The dance was awesome and everyone had a good time. On top of that, we raised $9100.00 for Toys For Tots. That was a fun activity that we can always be proud of. The girls keep us pointed in the right direction and make sure we stay out of trouble."
"Well, I guess I can see that," Dwayne admitted. "But Tony, I don't want to start a fight or nothing because right now you can whip my ass without trying. But I just don't understand how you can have a boy for a girlfriend.
"It's hard to explain," Tony sighed. "Jimmy knows I said some really nasty things about Krista being a fag and stuff when we first met. I was just being a bigoted ass. Krista is a girl with a birth defect. You've seen her, does she ever act like a guy?"
"No, but she gets into fights," Dwayne responded. "That's not very girl-like."
"Yeah it is," Tony answered. "For one, she only gets into a fight when there is no other choice. She's like a momma bear protecting her cubs. But then as soon as they fight's over, she's checking to see if you're okay and how she can help you. A guy would never do that."
"I know I wouldn't," Dwayne huffed.
"I used to say the same thing," Tony agreed. "But not anymore. Now I avoid fighting, but look out if I have to fight. Look, in her head and soul Krista is a girl. She KNOWS she's a girl just like you know you're a boy. But having a pecker between your legs is not the only thing that makes you a boy. In fact, think about everything you do. Very little has to do with your pecker. You think and behave like a boy, that's what makes you who you are."
"But what about making out with her," Dwayne persisted. "What you're doing is gay."
"There you're wrong," Tony answered. "In the first place, we're too young to do more than hold hands, hug, and kiss. The idea of touching her down there makes me ill and she doesn't want me to go anywhere near it. She hates having it. But she's more than girly enough to make a great girlfriend. When she's old enough, she'll have her birth defect corrected. Then we can get into physical boy/girl stuff. Until then, she's worth the wait."
Phil was trying to wrap his head around the idea of a birth defect. "But don't you want any action?"
"I'd be lying if I said no," Tony replied. "But Krista has taught me there is a big difference between sex and love. Sex is just getting your rocks off. You can do that by yourself. It feels good but without love it's empty. Love on the other hand makes you feel good almost all the time. I believe that when you have sex with someone you love, it's better. Look, sex is all about satisfying your needs and pleasing yourself. Love is all about satisfying your partner's needs and pleasing her. Your release is just a delightful reward for making your partner happy."
"That sounds weird," Phil stated.
"Yeah, it does," Jimmy added. "But think about this. "You've been doing things for old Mrs. Delp like taking out the garbage and helping tend her yard. You're doing things to help her which make you feel good. That's why you keep doing it."
Dwayne and Phil both nodded their heads. Neither had ever given any deep thought to what made them feel good. They's always lived in the moment. Now their eyes were opened and they would have plenty of time to think.
"Well, we know we screwed up big-time," Dwayne admitted. "It will be months before we're healed up. Phil and I have been talking and we realize we created most of our own problems. We thought we were being tough drinking and smoking pot. We were lucky to escape with only the injuries we have. Freddy lost his legs and Barney lost his arm, plus both are still in comas. We've learned our lesson the hard way. We know we need to change but have no idea how. If you and the girls will help us, we may be able to successfully change and we may as well start now. Call the girls in."
Jimmy stepped out to fetch the girls. In a few moments, Krista and Jaz entered the room. Jaz was hesitant but smiling. Krista was beaming.
"I won't ask you how you're doing," Krista smiled. "But I will ask you if we can be friends."
"We'll try," Dwayne answered with a forced smile.
"First thing you've got to do is stop considering me a freak," Krista grinned. "I am what I am just as you are what you are. It took me a long time and several real tough weeks until I finally realized I was girl. You need to think about who you are. Forget about what other people think. Think about what you are inside, what you want to be. But it has to be something real, something you can accomplish, not some vague image. You know you'll never be NBA stars so don't even think about something like that. Try to decide what you like and go for it. Be true to yourself."
Phil nodded. "How do we do that?"
"I'm still trying to figure that out," Jaz stated. "When I came out of my coma, everything had changed. I lost two and a half years of my life. With Krista's help, we talked about what we liked and what we didn't like, about what made us feel good and what made us feel bad. What I'm trying to do now is concentrate on the things I like and what makes me feel good while avoiding things I dislike and make feel bad."
"The key is you have to be almost brutally honest with yourself," Krista added. "I was so busy trying to be a tough guy I buried my good side. When we were on our odyssey, I tried getting small jobs to earn a bit of money but everyone rejected me. We were broke and hungry. I felt terrible because I wasn't taking care of my sisters. My tough guy persona was pretty well licked. When I went into a bakery to ask for work, I was desperate and simply acted and spoke from my heart. The guy thought I was a girl and gave us a job. After that, I figured out being an honest, open person was better than being a gruff macho guy. I had to disguise my boy self as a girl to survive with my sisters. Once I stopped being so damn macho, I felt better about myself and people treated me better. But the hardest thing was for me to accept that pretending to be a girl named Krista wasn't pretending. The pretending had been trying to be a tough guy named Kristopher. It took a while for me to understand which was real and which was fake, but since I finally understood where my heart was, I've been Krista. You don't have to make as drastic a change as I did, but you will need to be honest with yourselves."
Dwayne nodded his head. "So how do we start?"
"Start with what you were doing with Freddy and Barney," Krista said. "Did you like shooting stuff up with the paint ball guns? Did you like the beer? Did you like the pot? Did you like the police chase? Things like that, then figure out why you liked or disliked it."
"Well the pot was weird," Phil said. "It made you feel real good while you were smoking it, but afterward it was a real bummer coming back down, depressing in fact. Now that I think about it, the highs weren't enough to make the lows worth while."
"That's just what you need to do," Jaz encouraged.
"The same goes for the beer," Dwayne added. "The hang-overs were not worth the highs, heck, we couldn't even remember some of the stuff we did."
"See guys, this is what I was talking about," Tony smiled. "The girls make us think about what we're doing like that little angel sitting on your shoulder. After a while, you'll start doing it on your own. We had fun when we used to hang out, but it was never long term fun and certainly not much satisfaction. Now I have more fun than ever and it is a lot more satisfying."
"So we need girlfriends," Phil said. "Can you set us up?"
"Perhaps," Krista said. "But you've got to make headway on discovering who you really are. Also you need to realize the girl that might be best for you may not be a beauty queen. You'll need to look at the person inside the body. I'm a perfect example of that. Inside I'm a girl, my physical body doesn't agree. But it's what's inside that really counts."
The conversation turned to serious matters as the guys began describing their doomed adventure that night. The big question both guys had was why Freddy tried to go to the dance. They knew there would be a check point and they were high on beer, pot, and amphetamines. They were sure to get nailed so why go there? They also admitted they were too spaced out to think of the possible consequences and assumed the same lack of fore-thought applied to Freddy.
Then they moved on to discussing school. Krista and Jaz volunteered their services as tutors to help the guys stay up with their schoolwork. They gratefully accepted.
"Just watch out for Phil," Tony warned. "He loves getting into ridiculous pun conversations. You should have heard him and Jimmy going at it earlier with tree jokes."
"I can imagine," Krista said. "It's a good thing they didn't hit a power line. That might have been ELECTRIC-fying."
Dwayne, Tony, and Jaz moaned.
"Yeah," Jimmy promptly piped up. "That wreckage would have been re-VOLT-ing."
"Come on guys," Phil joined right in. "WIRE you doing this to us?"
"Because we want to SOCKET to you," Krista replied.
"Yeah," Jimmy added. "We just need and OUTLET for our energy."
"OHM my," Phil chuckled.
"RESISTANCE is futile," Krista answered.
"Krista, I didn't know you could pun," Jimmy declared. "It's quite a SHOCKING revelation."
"Well, considering the CURRENT state of things, she's doing quite well," Phil added.
"A girl always likes a compliment," Krista smiled. "Why don't you AMP-lify that."
"Oh Krista," Jimmy pined melodramatically. "How could we ever re-FUSE!"
"Well, at least I can't be CHARGE-d with starting this round," Phil chuckled.
"Oh really," Krista fake huffed. "Are POSITIVE about that?"
"Come on Krista," Jimmy retorted. "Don't be so darn NEGATIVE."
"Yeah," Phil agreed. "I thought you were better GROUND-ed than that."
"Just for the re-CORD," Krista smiled. "I can be silly at times."
"So I guess by EXTENSION, we can all be silly," Jimmy nodded.
"Punning isn't a matter to be taken LIGHT-ly," Phil declared.
"I know punning isn't something you can just SWITCH off and on," Krista agreed.
"Well, we're sure getting quite a punning CIRCUIT going on here," Jimmy nodded.
"Tony, I think you've got a wild one on your hands," Phil intoned. "I don't think you'll ever BREAKER."
"Yes, but with my gift of gab I might someday be elected a senator and wind up in DC," Krista affirmed smugly.
"It's starting to get hot in here," Jimmy made as if to wipe perspiration from his brow. "We need to turn on the AC."
"That's from all the hot air you're GENERATING," Phil quipped.
"Well, I learned to stop spouting off during my odyssey," Krista declared. "The entire experience was quite TRANSFORMER-tive."
“Say Krista, while you were on your odyssey, did you pass through Groton, Connecticut," Jimmy asked. "You know where I mean, it's a SUB-STATION."
"I bet your trek was a POWER-ful experience," Phil jumped in.
"It certainly proved WATT I can do when I set my mind to it," Krista answered.
"You certainly proved to be quite CABLE-ble," Jimmy praised.
"Plus since you've arrived here you've become quite a FIXTURE," Phil said.
"I can tell by their grimaces that the others don't care to be RECEPTICLE-s of our wit," Krista sniffed.
"Especially now that were in a 3-WAY punning race," Jimmy chuckled.
"I think their patience is starting to run SHORT," Phil laughed.
"As long as they don't get HOT under the collar we should be okay," Krista added.
"I guess it's hard for listeners to remain NEUTRAL," Jimmy conceded.
"Yes, but to we afficionados, punning is the SPLICE of life," Phil exclaimed.
"You said it, but I think they may be about to OVERLOAD," Krista observed.
"Well, at least it's not my FAULT," Jimmy defended.
"Besides, it's fun to be so OPEN," Phil expounded
"Apparently we have punning in COMMON," Krista declared.
"Yes, and it's often a TERMINAL condition," Jimmy sighed.
"Our PANEL of judges think we've gone overboard," Phil replied.
"I guess we've reached a JUNCTION where we need to be emb-ARCING on a new line of conversation," Krista agreed.
"Enough already," Jaz exclaimed. "God, You guys were really stretching for terminology there."
"Yeah, but it was kind of fun," Dwayne added. "I really missed Jimmy and Phil going at it like that. Krista, if you can keep up with those two like you did, I'd really like to be your friend."
"I'd be delighted to be your friend," Krista smiled.
"I want to apologize for all the bad stuff I said about you," Dwayne declared. "Tony was right, I was being a bigot."
"The key word you used is WAS," Krista grinned. "I accept your apology."
At that point there was a knock on the open door. Pat came into the room with Maureen Abott and Norma Harper who were delighted with the visitors. They'd been listening outside, wincing at the puns, waiting for the kids to reach a point where their entry wouldn't be breaking up any conversations. They welcomed the foursome as genuine friends fro their injured sons.
*****
Thursday, November 1 was the day of Buffy’s, Sandi’s mother, sentencing. Previously Buffy had plead guilty before Judge Watkins to neglect and child endangerment. It was the first case of the morning. Without protest Buffy willingly accepted her sentence of ten years in prison. She also waived her rights to parental custody but did ask the court’s permission to be allowed supervised visitation once she was released. Since she was genuinely remorseful for her actions and vowed to use her time in prison to get clean and complete her education, Judge Watkins tentatively approved pending Buffy’s good conduct while in prison. Krista sat in the court room during the sentencing and once it was completed, Judge Watkins looked at Krista who nodded her head. Judge Watkins then ordered the deputies to sit Buffy off to the side instead of removing her from the courtroom. They and Buffy were confused by the strange order but did so.
"The next case is the adoption of Sandra Herr by Patricia and Leroy Scott," the bailiff called the next case.
Buffy promptly stiffened and sat bolt upright. She realized she was being given a gift, and although she kept silent, she could not stop the tears.
Leroy, in uniform, entered and smiled when he saw Buffy. Krista rose from her seat and stepped to the doorway and held out her hand. Sandi took the hand and Krista led her forward to face the judge as the rest of the Clan Wells Point entered, filling the courtroom.
Judge Watkins smiled and spoke softly. "Sandi, do you know why you're here today?"
Sandi timidly nodded her head.
Krista knelt down by her and whispered in her ear. "You need to say your answers."
Sandi nodded then looked at Judge Watkins behind her imposing desk and whispered "Yes Ma'am."
"Very good, Sandi," Judge Watkins smiled. "Do you want to be adopted by Mr and Mrs Scott?"
"Yes ma'am," Sandi declared enthusiastically as she nodded her head.
Judge Watkins looked over to the County representative. "Does the Talbot County Children's Services object to this adoption?"
"No, your honor," the representative from Children's Services replied.
Judge Watkins looked about the now crowded courtroom, particularly Buffy. "Does anyone in the courtroom object to this adoption?"
Buffy shook her head no as her tears continued to fall.
"Then by the order of this court, the adoption of Sandra Herr is hereby approved," Judge Watkins declared as she softly banged her gavel. "Sandra, you are now officially the daughter of the Scotts. The Scotts have asked that you decide whether or not you want to change your last name from Herr to Scott. It won't make any difference to the Scotts or the court, but it is an option available upon adoption."
"I'd like to be a Scott," Sandi softly replied after a moment of hesitation.
"Very well, young lady," Judge Watkins smiled. "Before I order the change of name from Sandra Herr to Sandra Scott, does anyone object?"
Everyone turned to look at Buffy. Again she shook her head no.
"Very well, hearing no objections, I hereby order the name change to Sandra Scott," Judge Watkins smiled as she once more gently banged the gavel. "There is one last piece of business. Sandi, your mommy realizes what she allowed to happen to you was very bad and she is extremely sorry. Because she loves you she has plead guilty to allowing you to be hurt and is willingly accepting her punishment. She also knows that it is in your best interest to be adopted by a loving family. Just before you came in, I sentenced your mommy to ten years in prison. Your mommy is still here and has approved your adoption and name change by the Scotts. If you'd like, you can say goodbye to her before she is taken to prison."
At that point Leroy, who had been blocking Sandi from seeing her mother, stepped aside.
Krista knelt by Sandi to once more whisper in her ear. "It's okay if you want to give her a goodbye hug. It's also okay if you don't. The choice is yours."
Sandi looked at Krista through teary eyes. "Will you come with me?"
"Of course," Krista smiled as she stood and took Sandi's hand.
Together they slowly walked toward Buffy.
"Deputy, please temporarily remove the prisoner's handcuffs," Judge Watkins ordered.
With the cuffs off, Buffy knelt on the floor and reached out for Sandi.
Sandi stopped just short of her mother. "Mommy, I love you," Sandi softly spoke. "But I can't be your little girl anymore. This is my big sister Krista. She's the one who saved me after I ran away."
Buffy dropped her arms and nodded her understanding as she sobbed.
"Sandi, it's okay to hug your mommy goodbye," Krista urged.
That was all Sandi needed to throw herself into her mother who spontaneously caught her and hugged her. Through her tears Buffy looked up at Krista and nodded her appreciation. She now knew without a doubt this family would take better care of Sandi than she could ever do.
Pat and Krista returned to the St. Michaels Middle/Senior High School arriving just as lunch period ended. Jane drove Sandi Scott to the Tilgham Elementary School where she had Sandra’s records updated while Sandi entered her class room just after lunch.
*****
Starting on Thursday November 1, Maureen Abott and Norma Harper waited outside St. Michaels Middle/High School every day at the end of classes to pick up Krista and Jaz to take them to Easton so they could tutor Dwayne and Phil. The girls brought the news that Freddy had lost his left leg. Dwayne and Phil were clearly stunned. They vowed to never again drink and drive or use illegal drugs and to turn their lives around.
The mothers were amazed the spunky girls were so effective in teaching the guys. They set right to work and didn't give the guys a chance to stray from the subject. This isn't to say they didn't joke and gossip, but they did so while staying on topic.
By this time Jaz was able to walk short distances. The school provided a manual wheelchair for her to use to navigate the halls during school hours. When they arrived at the hospital, she used one of the hospital provided wheelchairs to move about. Seeing her in the wheelchair went a long way in easing the boys' concerns about being looked down upon as cripples. They knew Jaz was getting stronger and would soon no longer need a wheelchair. They also knew the same would eventually be true for them. It was merely a short term solution. With that realization, they cooperated with the rehab staff as they were fitted with manual wheelchairs to meet their specific needs.
Krista did most of the teaching as Jaz was still playing catch-up, but Jaz was smart and picked up most of the lessons in school so the tutoring just reinforced her learning. As Krista taught, Jaz watched the guys for comprehension, when she noted they were getting lost, she let Krista know. Krista would then take another track to get the lesson across.
They'd get to the hospital about 3:30 and teach until 5:30 when Leroy would stop by to pick them up to take them home. The girls steadfastly refused to take any money, telling the mothers they were just doing what they could to help friends and that they could best pay them back by passing on the good deed.
*****
Part 13
Barney came out of his coma on Saturday November 3, eight days after the accident. Finding his jaw wired closed upset him, but when he discovered his arm was missing he flipped out and they had to sedate him. It took three days until he was able to accept the fact he'd lost his left arm. All in all, his injuries thoroughly destroyed what little self esteem he possessed. As far as he was concerned, his life was over.
*****
On Sunday, November 4, the season ended for the Tidewater Titans. The first round of the Eastern Region, Third Division of the Pop Warner Football League was as far as they’d go this year. Although they put up a valiant effort, the other team was just a bit better that day. The thirty to thirty four score revealed it to be an action packed game. Both teams shook hands after the game ended, knowing that neither team really lost.
Jasmine had once again been with the cheerleaders and promised that next year she’d be on her feet cheering with them.
No one objected when Jasmine sat with Jimmy on the trip home just as no one ever objected to Krista and Tony sitting together. They all knew the young lovers respected each other too much to let their relationship get out of control.
*****
In Vancouver, the University of British Columbia placed Benny on un-paid leave pending dismissal. Since he had not yet earned tenure, Benny knew he would be fired. When it became clear he would not be released on bail and would eventually be extradited to Maryland, Benny decided not fight extradition. To save what he could of his reputation and to prevent placing a big black mark on his record, Benny resigned from his position.
The call to the Talbot County DA from the RMCP came in on Monday, November 5 that Benny could be picked-up for transport. A detective was dispatched on Wednesday to pick up and return Benny.
Heather was notified of the arrest and extradition, receiving the news with mixed emotions.
"I can't see daddy living on his own since he ran away from us," Jaz said. "I wonder if started another family in Vancouver?"
No one knew the answer. Heather placed a call to Steven and Cynthia to ask if they knew. While they didn’t, they did promise to contact the PI they’d hired to check out Benny.
It didn’t take the PI long to discover Benny had a wife, son, and a baby on the way. Since that wasn't one of the things he'd been asked to investigate, he had not previously taken the investigation that far. The phone number the PI had given Steven was for Benny's cell phone. He now provided the land line phone number for Benny's home.
A call to Benny's home on Friday evening was answered by Gretchen. Steven could tell by the slight tremor in her voice she was emotionally distraught.
"My name is Steven Campbell," he identified himself. "I'm calling in regard to Benny."
Gretchen sighed heavily. "Oh my God, what has he done now?"
"Apparently he's left you in the lurch just as he did his first wife," Steven began. "I'm Benny's stepfather. His mother and I are concerned about you and your son. We never knew you existed, but then we only discovered in October that he had had a first wife and abandoned that family. We've since reconciled with them and are delighted with our daughter-in-law and three granddaughters. Am I correct in assuming that with his arrest and extradition you're without means to support yourself?"
"Yes," Gretchen sniffed. "Benny handled all the finances but as far as I can tell we were living paycheck to paycheck. I can't make our mortgage or car payments. I have no idea how we're going to survive. My parents want nothing to do with me so I'm on my own."
"I'm a CPA," Steven said. "With your permission, Cynthia and I will fly to Vancouver as soon as we can get a flight. I can go through your finances and we'll help you sort things out. Unlike Benny, we honestly care about you and our grandchildren and want to do all we can to help. Do you have a guest bedroom Cynthia and I could stay in?"
"Yes," Gretchen answered clearly surprised by the offer.
"Great, we'll rent a car when we land in Vancouver, then call you for directions to your home," Steven said. “Cynthia has already started to pack. I'll call back with our flight details. If all goes well, we should arrive sometime late tomorrow. In the meantime, keep your chin up. The cavalry is on the way."
"I don't know how to thank you," Gretchen cried clearly relieved that she had someone who cared. "I look forward to meeting you."
The Campbells flew out of Los Angeles International mid morning on Saturday, November 10. They arrived in Vancouver at 1:00pm. They arrived at Gretchen's home by 3:00pm. Greetings were exchanged and Benny Junior hugged. At Cynthia's request, they ordered Chinese for delivery as they sat and talked and played with BJ, just getting to know each other. Gretchen's second baby was due in February. The Campbells assured Gretchen she and her children would be supported. How that would be accomplished was still up in the air.
Naturally Gretchen was interested in Benny's first wife and family. When she learned how Benny had abandoned them she became furious. "Not once in our three plus years together did he ever mention having a wife and children back in the states. If he had, I would have been less trusting. The creep refused to see me while he was in jail and I think he agreed not to fight the extradition so he could get away from me. All I know is that he was charged with child abuse and endangerment."
"Calling Benny a creep is being charitable," Cynthia sighed. "He's a coward who won't face his responsibilities. We just learned about Benny's first family in October when a huge nursing home scandal was exposed."
Between Steven and Cynthia they filled in what they had learned of Benny's first family and that they were in the process of selling off most of what they had in California in preparation to moving to Maryland to be with their grandchildren once they found a suitable home.
Gretchen was shocked and angered by what had happened to Jasmine. She also finally accepted that Benny was using his arrest to abandon her in a similar fashion to how he abandoned Heather.
"What we'd like to suggest is that once we have our new place," Cynthia said. "We move you in with us and introduce you to Heather, Jasmine, Holly, and Ivy. After all, they are BJs half sisters. In fact, it was Jasmine who said she didn't think her dad could live alone for over three years and wondered if he had started a new family. That's why we asked the PI we'd hired to to initially find Benny to check a bit further."
They also explained about the Clan Wells Point and how Krista Scott had been the one to get the ball rolling to re-unite Benny's first family. They told her all of Krista's exploits from her odyssey where she met the Spades through her transsexualism, killing the escaped murderer, rescuing the abused little girl, saving two young transsexuals from suicide, and choking out the big man resisting arrest.
"Krista sounds like a real spit-fire," Gretchen smiled.
"That she is, but I doubt you'll ever meet a nicer, more compassionate person," Cynthia replied. "She and Jasmine are best girlfriends. The people there will welcome you with open arms."
"That is if you have no objections to joining us there," Steven said. "Since BJ is already a US citizen, it shouldn't be problematic for you to get a visa. We have a lawyer there who can help you get everything you'll need to pursue US citizenship. Then like BJ and your baby, you'll have dual citizenship."
Gretchen agreed to the plan. Sunday Gretchen and Cynthia began sorting possessions to sell, donate and keep while Steven plowed through the paperwork and computer files of Benny's finances. When all was said and done, they had found enough stashed assets to keep Gretchen afloat until the new year. When the Campbells found a home in Talbot, they'd make plans to liquidate Gretchen's belongings and move her to the new home.
At Cynthia's urging, Gretchen once more called her parents, on speaker phone so the Campbells could hear. A man's gruff voice answered the call. When she identified herself there was stony silence from the other end. "Dad, I'm not asking for anything. I admit I was wrong in marrying Benny, but I love my son and will love my baby. I'd just like you meet your grandchildren so they can get to know their grandparents."
"Yeah, I know how that works," Mr. Rich harrumphed. "Once we see the little buggers you'll hit us up for money. Try that trick on your precious Benny's parents!"
"Mr Rich, I'm Cynthia Campbell, Benny's mother," Cynthia spoke up. "My husband and I are here with Gretchen and we have met our mutual grandson. You're right, my son is a deceitful scumbag who abandoned his first wife and three daughters. We've made up with them and we have offered to have Gretchen and Benny Junior move in with us when we settle into our new home in Maryland before the end of the year. All Gretchen is trying to do is have you meet your grandson. There are no strings attached."
"There are always strings attached," Mr. Rich growled.
"Dad, I know you're proud and stubborn and rightfully feel that I betrayed you," Gretchen admitted. "I've missed my whole family and only want to keep in touch."
"Don't expect me to do that," Mr. Rich sighed easing up a bit. "You betrayed your family. I heard you admit you were wrong, that counts in your favor. You know our address, write your mother. If you can prove to us you've wised up and won't be hitting us up for support, I may allow you to visit."
"Thanks daddy," Gretchen said with a quivering voice. "I promise not to let you down this time. Once we get settled in Maryland and have my baby, I'll send you pictures."
"Mr Rich," Steven said. "I'm Steven, Cynthia's husband. "I'd like to invite you to visit us this summer. There is a nice Bed and Breakfast near where we'll be living and we know the owners. We've stayed there ourselves. We'll pick up the cost of your stay but you'll have to get there and back."
"Why are you doing this," Mr. Rich asked.
"Benny's first family couldn't make it on their own," Steven answered. "Only at the time we don't know he even had a family. We only discovered them in October when they made the news as our oldest granddaughter had been molested and was in a coma for over three years. We've since met them and have fallen in love with our grandchildren. We discovered Gretchen existed this week and called her Friday, then came here to visit and help her. Gretchen is a wonderful woman and mother who was charmed by a snake in the grass. She's learned her lesson the hard way. What we're doing now we're doing for our family. We don't want our involvement to be to the exclusion of your family. The people in Maryland that helped Benny's first family are honest to goodness good and caring people who willingly put themselves out to help others. The only thing they ask of those they help is to pass it on. It's a lesson we've learned and we're passing on what was done to help them to help Gretchen. If you come to visit, you'll meet them. I sincerely doubt if you could find a better group of people anywhere."
"You make it sound like paradise," Mr. Rich replied.
"It is," Steven chuckled. "I think what they have is as close to heaven on earth you'll ever find."
"We'll see," Mr. Rich brusquely declared. "You have our address, Gretchen. Goodbye."
"Well, he certainly seems like an interesting man," Cynthia said.
"Dad had a really bad experience with his sister draining their parents financially and then abandoning them when they needed help," Gretchen explained. "He always told us he'd never give us anything but would always help us if we were willing to work for it. I let him down when Benny swept me off my feet."
"We all make mistakes," Steven said. "The first step in recovering is to admit to the error, then move on. That's what we're helping you do."
"Thank you," Gretchen said as tears flowed down her cheeks.
The rest of the evening was spent talking and getting know each other better until it was time for bed. The Campbells left Monday morning after a hearty breakfast and tearful hugs and farewells, headed back their home in Los Angeles.
*****
The days flew by after that. Bill's house had been completed on November 8th and he promptly moved in with the help of the construction crew. The crew then immediately moved over to the large farm house Bill had vacated and began updating the plumbing, adding two more bathrooms, installing soapstone counters and a deep double sink in the kitchen and refurbishing the magnificent hundred year old cabinetry. The electrical system was replaced and greatly expanded, and the heating system was replaced by a geothermal heat pump. The efficient crew would have the home ready two days before thanksgiving.
The kitchen was located in the right front of the house, being twenty five feet wide and twenty feet long it was quite large. A center island with a small sink and soapstone top was built to match the rest of the cabinets. It would serve as a food prep area as well as a seven person meal counter.
Behind the kitchen was a walk-in pantry ten feet wide and fifteen feet deep. Beside that was an open area the same size which served as the house laundry and a mud room for the back door.
The dining room was huge. Forty feet long and twenty feet wide, it ran from the front of the house to the back. The enclosed back staircase descended from the second floor to the back of the house in this space. A doors at the bottom landing opened into the mudroom and the dining room. A stairway to the basement ran under the upper flight with it's entry door by the walkway into the kitchen. A matched pair of oak tables with expansion boards for each stood end to end. Without the expansion boards, each was twelve feet by five feet and together sat twenty eight people. With the three sixteen inch wide expansion boards each, another eight people could sit. The fully expanded pair of tables were five feet wide and thirty two feet long for a total seating capacity of thirty six. With the seven seats in the kitchen this would provide seating for forty three.
The living room was twenty five feet wide and forty feet long. The front stairway ran from a front landing up to second floor and a powder room was tucked beneath this flight accessible from the rear pass through from the dining room to living room. A huge fire place stood on the outside wall. The small rear porch was removed and an expanded porch twelve foot deep by seventy feet long, the full length of the house, was built.
The second floor had a hall six feet long. One bath was already located opposite the landing of back stairs. Another was added opposite the landing of the front stairs. A stairway to the attic paralleled the hall with it's start near the rear stairs. Three bedrooms thirteen feet by twenty feet were at the north end of the house accessed off the front stair landing. Two bedrooms 15 by fifteen were in the middle, one front and one back. On the south end there were three bedrooms like the north except the middle room was made into a hall with storage shelves and closets on either side. An elevator six feet square was added on the center exterior of the south side of the house with ground level access from the outside, and stops on the first, second and attic floors. This made the house handicap assessable if it ever became needed. A master bedroom suite with walk in closet and bath was carved out of the attic for Larry and Kylie.
*****
Because of the casts, therapy was slow for Dwayne and Phil, basically consisting of learning how to cope and be as self sufficient as possible in the casts. Their manual tilt in space wheelchairs provided support for their broken bodies and provided easy means of shifting the weight bearing sites on their bodies while allowing them to be wheeled around by an attendant.
The boys had always been best friends and now their shared personal stupidity and the resultant tragedy and disabilities made them dependant on each other for moral and attitude support. When one or the other would start to slip into past poor behavior patterns the other would alert the miscreant. Unlike in the past, both accepted the gentle rebukes in the spirit they were made. They felt closer than ever and vowed to remain fast friends the rest of their lives.
After a week and a half in rehab, they were discharged to go home on Saturday, November 10. Workers from Comfort Keepers came to their homes each morning for an hour to assist the boys in getting out of bed, dressed and eating breakfast. They would return each evening to help them bathe and prepare for bed.
The boys would return to the Requard Rehab Center every Saturday morning for a three hour session of out-patient therapy.
*****
Late in the afternoon on November 10, Barney was transferred from John Hopkins University Hospital to the Requard Rehab Center to begin his long road to recovery. Barney laid all the blame for the accident on Freddy and was almost gleeful when he learned the accident cost Freddy both legs. Unknown to him, he was placed in the room vacated by Dwayne and Phil earlier that day.
*****
Dwayne and Phil returned to school on Monday, November 12. Their classmates and teachers greeted them warmly and welcomed them back. There was even a welcome back banner in their homeroom and the cafeteria. There was no shortage of volunteers to help them move through the halls. If they had to use the bathroom, they headed to the nurse's suite where Pat assisted them. The outpouring of concern, friendship and encouragement really effected the former bullies. They profusely apologized to one and all for their past stupidity and vowed to start life anew on a solid track. Everyone knew the positive change of attitude of the boys was due to Krista's unflinching efforts to help everyone and give one and all a chance to improve their lives.
*****
On November 13, the Campbells received notification from their private investigator that he'd found the perfect site for them to relocate while investigating the owners of Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems. It seemed the estate adjoining The Clan Wells Point land to the north was owned by the family that owned by Calvin and Harold Gordon, the brothers who owned Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems. Since they fled the country to avoid prosecution, they quietly put the place up for quick cash sale. No FOR SALE signs were posted and the price was at the bottom of fair market value. The greedy family hoped to sell before the government seized their real estate holdings. The estate had been the family's secret quiet nearby vacation spot.
The PI informed the Campbells he'd already had a meeting with the law firm handling the family's legal affairs and now needed assurance the Campbells would put up the three million dollars to make the buy. The property had one mini mansion, four houses, two barns, five sheds, three garages, two boathouses, one pool house and pool and three piers. Starting on SR579 at Wells Point Lane it went north two thousand one hundred feet to a tree line a hundred feet beyond Apple Lane. The property line then followed the tree line six hundred feet east to Leadham Creek, then followed the shoreline east to Longs Cove. The total area was four hundred fifty acres.
The PI was working with the FBI to set up a sting to draw in the fugitive family in hopes of capturing them. By doing so immediately after the property sale, they could arrest them and confiscate the cash, thus avoiding the need to maintain the property until it could be sold at public auction.
The Campbells were eager to buy the property and if they assisted in nabbing the fugitives in the process, all the better. To avoid seeming too willing and have the sellers become curious, the Campbells offered two million for the purchase. After a bit of dickering they compromised on two and a half million dollars. They sent confirmation for the two and a half million dollar cash sale but insisted they meet the current owners to hand over the cash at the title transfer as they didn't trust intermediaries with that much money. Eager for the sale, the seller agreed. The PI and FBI made arrangements for the sale to be made on the Monday before Thanksgiving in Baltimore at a restaurant in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
*****
Also on November 14, Freddy emerged from his coma. When he realized the extent of his injuries he fell into a deep depression. The staff of John Hopkins University Hospital had no success in raising his spirits enough to try to help himself.
On Friday November 16 Freddy was transferred to the Requard Rehab Center. There they placed him in the same room with Barney. The two looked at each other with great sadness. Upon seeing the sorry state Freddy was in, Barney felt remorse for being happy that Freddy lost both legs. The two had little to say to each other but took a bit of solace in the fact misery loves company.
*****
While Dwayne and Phil now understood they had been used and abused by Freddy and Barney. They had also changed enough to want to try to help the broken duo. Of course, they had no idea what they might do. Naturally, they turned to Krista for advice. At first Krista was surprised by their request, but quickly realized she had become the local problem solver.
"Guys, at the moment I don't know what you can do," Krista honestly admitted. "But I will talk to some people and see what we can come up with."
Krista brought the matter up before the student council but they too were stymied. Freddy and Barney had been so anti-socially rebellious the only thing they wanted from school was to be out.
*****
When not otherwise engaged, Krista and Tony helped Kylie each day after school. How long was dependant upon their homework. Frank worked part-time with Kylie. Together they easily pounded out the scheduled repairs. Unscheduled time was spent working on the DUKW. By Thanksgiving they had the watertight gearboxes for all six drive axles repaired and reinstalled. The engine was rebuilt but waiting completion of the transmission overhaul. The gearbox, propeller shaft, and twenty five inch propeller were repaired and installed. The rudder had been rebuilt and the body patched and sealed. The tire pressure compressor and inflate/deflate system repaired. The canvas convertible style top was ordered and should be arriving soon. They hoped to have the transmission back in the week after Thanksgiving. They were trying to decide on an appropriate color scheme.
*****
Jasmine grew stronger day by day. By Mid November, she was able to walk from class to class. Krista and Tony walked directly behind her to act as human buffers to keep her from being jostled in the halls. Jaz and Jimmy were in heaven walking beside each other as they were allowed to hold hands as they walked through the halls in case Jasmine started stumbling or worse. The principal made sure all the students and staff knew that the ban on couples holding hands in the halls was temporarily waived for the pair because of Jasmine's physical issues.
*****
Two days a week, usually Tuesdays and Thursdays, Frank set sail with Bill and Heather in his large sailboat to fish the bay. For fifty dollars, Frank had purchased a Consolidated Bay Sport Boat License which allowed everyone on board a vessel used for pleasure to recreationally fish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries in lieu of individual licenses. A special complimentary Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license, which included recreational crabbing, was also issued to the boat owner purchasing the license. During November they caught mostly striped bass and white perch with a few catfish. In addition, as the owners of private shoreline property, they were each allowed to place two crab pots from a private property or pier or within 100 yds of shore and attached by line. They caught enough so every family in the Clan Wells Point had fresh fish and crab. Frank used the fishing expeditions to film the inlets and coves all around Bay Hundred to make DVDs for future customers. Virtually all public waterways had channel markers for larger vessels and were well documented on charts. The charts really had little information other than a place name for the shallower areas that canoe and kayak enthusiasts loved. The videos would give them an idea of what awaited them as they ventured about, allowing them to hug the shore lines and explore inlets and coves.
Frank also made arrangements with Fairbank Tackle, Fuel & Market on Tilghman Island to get wholesale rates on supplies for The Clan Wells Point Landing. Fairbank Tackle sells fishing bait, and tackle as well as fishing tackle parts and are repair specialists. They also sell Gas and diesel fuel for automobiles and at their dock for boats.
*****
When Dwayne and Phil went in for their first out-patient rehab on Saturday, Krista, Tony, Jaz, Jimmy, Gwen Moore and Ken Poore accompanied them. They arrived early, Gwen pushed Dwayne and Ken pushed Phil as they went in to visit Freddy and Barney.
The older guys were openly surprised to see Gwen and Ken pushing the younger boys followed by the other four with Jaz in a wheelchair. The serious expressions on the faces of all the visitors told of their horror at the injuries.
"So you came to gloat," Freddy snarled. "We're both cripples now, take a good look."
"We didn't come to gloat. We came to see what we can do to help you," Dwayne replied. "What's happened to us has happened. We all screwed up that night and there is no way we can undo what happened. All we can do is learn from our mistakes and go on with our lives."
"What lives," Freddy yelled. "Look at me, I ain't got no friggin legs! My life's over! Go back to school and tell everyone you saw the freaks!"
"If I tell them what I'm seeing right now I'll tell them I saw two cry-babies," Gwen spoke. "Two guys who were constantly going out of their way proving how tough they were and are now helpless cripples. Sure, you messed up, you got hurt real bad, but no one is going to rub your nose in it. We want to help you recover. We want to help you learn what you CAN do. We want to help you live and be happy."
"Happy," Freddy snarled. "How the hell can I be happy like this?"
"It won't be easy," Dwayne said. "Phil and I are getting better because we finally accepted WE screwed up. You were driving, but we were with you of our own free will so we are responsible for our injuries. Stop trying to place the blame on others, man up and accept you are responsible for your injuries. Once you accept that you are responsible for your own injuries you can move on. Prove to everyone how tough you are by admitting you made bad decisions. Then do something about it! Learn how to live the best life you can!"
"That's easy for you to say, you didn't lose your freakin legs," Freddy lashed out.
"No I didn't," Dwayne retorted standing up to him from his wheel chair. "But look at me! I'm never going to be able to do a lot of the things I thought I'd do. I'll heal up enough to get around okay, but sports are out and you know I loved sports. So what I plan to do is study hard and get good grades, then go to college. While I can't play, I can coach. So that's what I'll learn. I've accepted my limitations. Sure, I hate them, but tough shit. I'm not going to sit around and cry about might have beens."
"Freddy, I did a bit of research on double amputees," Krista spoke up. "Let me tell you about a man named Dana Bowman. He has astounded the nation and the world with his drive, determination, and will to succeed. He is a retired Sergeant First Class with the U.S. Army where he was a Special Forces Soldier and a member of the U.S. Army’s elite parachute team, the Golden Knights. On February 6, 1994, Bowman gained worldwide attention when he and his teammate Sgt. Jose Aguillon collided in midair during the team’s annual training in Yuma, Arizona."
"Bowman and Aguillon were practicing a maneuver known as the Diamond Track. The maneuver calls for the jumpers to streak away from each other for about a mile and then turn 180 degrees and fly back toward each other crisscrossing in the sky. Bowman and Aguillon had demonstrated the Diamond Track more than fifty times without a mistake, but this time was different. Rather than crisscrossing, the two skydivers slammed into each other at a combined speed of 300 miles per hour. Aguillon died instantly. Bowman’s legs were severed from his body, one above the knee and one below the knee. Bowman’s parachute opened on impact. He was taken to a hospital in Phoenix where doctors closed his leg wounds and stopped his internal bleeding."
"Nine months later, he turned this tragedy into a triumph when he became the first double amputee to re-enlist in the United States Army. Bowman re-enlisted in the United States Army airborne style, skydiving with his commander into the ceremony, making his dream a reality. This achievement is just one example of Bowman’s many successes under adverse circumstances. After Dana’s re-enlistment, he became the U.S. Parachute Team’s lead speaker and recruiting commander. Dana has been fortunate to have the opportunity to let his speeches touch so many from the physically challenged to the able-bodied. He strives to show physically challenged people can still work and excel in today’s society and military. Dana emphasizes the words amputee and uselessness are not synonymous."
"Dana has given more than 400 speeches in the last few years and has been featured in magazines such as Sports Illustrated, Reader’s Digest, People and many more. There have also been numerous television programs which focused on Dana and his story. Some of the programs include: Dateline, A Current Affair, Real TV, NBC Person of the Week, Day and Date and Extra."
"Dana retired from the United States Army in 1996. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in commercial aviation at the University of North Dakota in May of 2000. Since the accident he's been on more than 1,000 jumps, and in the meantime, he's touring the country speaking to anyone he can about not giving up hope, during times of distress."
"Then there's a guy named Scott Rigsby," Krista continued. "He was an 18 year old kid on a hot summer day just prior to his first college semester, riding in the back of a pickup truck in rural Georgia with friends after a hard day of landscaping work. They were talking sports, girls and plans for the weekend, when suddenly their truck was hit by a passing 18- wheeler, throwing him underneath a 3-ton attached trailer and dragging him 300 feet. His back suffered third degree burns, his right leg was severed off and his left leg hung barely intact. His life was seemingly over, or so it seemed for Rigsby. Over a decade of countless doctor visits and hospitals, 26 surgeries, additional amputation, depression, fear, and uncertainty, Rigsby had become a professional patient. An inevitable battle with prescription drug addiction followed, as did the loss of many relationships and trust. There was no steady income and no dreams for a stable or successful future."
"Life had hit Scott Rigsby hard, knocking him down and keeping him there. Yet he turned his life around, reaching unprecedented heights as a world-class athlete. Doing the unthinkable was not easy. It required an unshakeable determination to overcome any obstacle. Rigsby not only has done the unthinkable, he sees no finish line in sight. Rigsby embraced this motto of ‘doing the unthinkable’ when he decided in 2005 to change his life, and the world, by breaking down barriers for physically challenged athletes. He believes he has a genuine purpose to make a difference in everyone's life and is on a mission fueled by a simple prayer that if God would open doors for him, then he would go through them. Once that first door opened more than 15 years after his accident, a relentless and determined Rigsby arose and never looked back. A once beaten man from a small town has now taken on the world."
"He completed 13 triathlons and 5 road races on his way to setting world records for a double below-the-knee amputee in the Full Marathon, Half Ironman, and International Distance Triathlon, earning him a spot on the 2006 USA Triathlon Team. As his accomplishments mounted, so did Rigsby's desire to do the unthinkable and take his mission to the next level. He would tackle the toughest endurance test of them all, the Ironman, to raise the bar and inspire all challenged athletes to reach beyond their circumstances. Call it fate or maybe just life taking another swing at Rigsby, but tragedy struck again as he crashed halfway through the cycling portion of the Coeur d' Alene, Idaho Ironman event. Cracking a vertebrae, he overcame the pain to finish ahead of the bike cutoff time and ran 12 miles of the marathon before succumbing to his injuries. Not one to give up, Rigsby then prepared himself for the World Championship Ironman in Hawaii."
"On October 13 of this year, a little more than a month ago, after enduring the elements for sixteen hours and forty three minutes, Scott Rigsby became the first double-amputee on prosthetics in the world to finish an Ironman distance triathlon with prosthetics at the one hundred forty point six mile World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Rigsby used 'swim legs' to navigate the difficult two point four mile ocean swim, 'bike legs' to cycle one hundred twelve miles through the heat and gusting winds of the Big Island lava fields on a standard road bike, and 'run legs' to complete the marathon segment in darkness and intense pain."
"Take a lesson from those guys," Dwayne spoke up. "I know you're a damn tough guy, both of you are. It's okay to get pissed off at your injuries. But it's not okay to stay pissed off. Do the therapy, learn to adapt. We'll all be rooting for you."
"Everyone at the school wants to see both of you back after Christmas," Gwen said. "A few of your former buds have been saying you’ll be too chicken to come back to school, that you’ll use your injuries as a get out of school free pass. Dwayne and Phil have been telling them you guys are not cowards and that you’ll prove how tough you are by coming back to school. Besides, have you even heard from any of your former buddies since the accident?”
“No, we haven’t. But I don’t understand why are you guys doing this,” Barney asked through his wired shut mouth as he blinked back tears of frustration and disbelief. “All we ever did was give everybody a hard time. Why don’t you just laugh at us and tell us we got what we deserved?”
“No body deserves what happened to you,” Krista spoke. “My mom didn’t deserve to get cancer and die. I didn’t deserve to be left in charge of two younger sisters or be shouldered with the responsibility to get them here from Massachusetts. But this is real life. Shit happens. If you don’t shake off the shit, it’ll bury you. You were already doing booze and drugs. All it got you was f-d up. You can give up and be buried feeling sorry for yourself or you can accept the help you’re offered. The staff here will show you how to adapt. A lot of us from school will help you just like we’re helping Dwayne and Phil. But you can’t do anything if you give up.”
Barney was openly crying. “But why are you willing to help us?”
“Because right now you need help,” Krista answered. “Strangers helped me when I was down and exhausted. I never asked for their help, they just offered it. Now I try to help others.”
“Krista helped me,” Tony added. “She saved Kylie’s life. She helped Sandi, the little girl who was molested and is now Krista’s adopted sister.”
“She helped my whole family,” Jaz declared. “She saved my life. We’re just passing on the help to whoever needs it. Someday you’ll be able to help others. But you have to want to get better.”
“Christ, Barney, I can’t believe you’re falling for their line of crap,” Freddy exclaimed. “Look at you, balling like a freakin’ baby!”
“Yeah, I am,” Barney sniffed. “Look at us man, we’re really fucked up! You worse than me! I don’t want to give up. I don’t want to be a cripple. I want to live! They’re right, man. We did this to ourselves. They’re offering to help us... with no strings attached! I’m freakin’ crying because for the first time since I woke up to this nightmare, I got hope!”
“Look Freddy,” Ken said. “Do you remember last year when Mr. Douglas showed us that movie ‘Forrest Gump’ in social studies?”
“Yeah, about that dumb guy,” Freddy replied with mixed emotions.
“Well you remember Lieutenant Dan,” Ken answered. “Forrest saved him after he had his legs blown off. He hated the world but dumb old Forrest just kept plugging away and trying to cheer him up. It was only when he quit feeling sorry for himself that he was able to make something of his life. That’s what you’ve got to do. The rest of us, we’re sort of like Forrest, we just want to help you.”
Freddy’s tough shell began to crack. Now that he’d been reminded of Lieutenant Dan he could see the pitiful angry cripple, much the way he pictured himself. Tears appeared in his eyes. “I don’t want to be a loser.”
“Everyone at school has your back,” Phil spoke up. “Just like they do for Dwayne and me. All you gotta do is let them do it.”
‘I don’t know how,” Freddy muttered. “I can’t remember anyone helping me. My mom was killed when I was in first grade when my dad ran off the road when he was drunk. He and I weren’t even hurt but mom... she was just gone. After that, my dad just didn’t give a shit. I had to take care of myself. I had to kiss his ass to buy me clothes and food. Once I got a little older I’d just take money from his wallet when he passed out drunk and get what I needed. I shoplifted a lot of stuff, and outright stole others. The doctors at Johns Hopkins said my old man never even called to see how I was. I haven’t heard a freakin’ word from him. Even if I get better and can get of here, he won’t do a damn thing to help me. Even if I could get home, I couldn’t get inside or get around inside. The place is pretty well trashed. I got no where to go.”
“You will,” Krista declared. “I don’t know where, but we’ll get something set up for you. You just concentrate on getting better and learning how to live with your physical issues.”
“Nobody would want to take in a scumbag like me,” Freddy scoffed. “What are you gonna do, have your parents take me in too?”
“If it comes down to that, yes,” Krista replied in a tone that left no doubt that was exactly what she’d do.
Freddy shook his head. “Why?”
“Because you deserve a chance,” Krista answered simply.
“If we had room, my mom would take you in,” Barney said. “You know she’s always been there for you if you really needed something.”
“She just felt sorry for me,” Freddy rebutted. “That plus you were my best friend.”
“I’m still your best friend,” Barney declared. “Look man, with everyone behind us, we can do this. We just gotta take it slow and ease into it.”
“Yeah, I guess so,” Freddy sniffed. “What other choice do we have?”
“You’ve always got a choice,” Krista stated. “What matters is if it’s a positive or negative choice.”
Freddy and Barney nodded their heads.
“I’m glad to see you’ve got some visitors,” Dr. Olsen declared as she stepped into the room. “I came to gather these three,” she indicated Jaz, Dwayne, and Phil. “It’s time I took them into the torture chamber to work them over.”
Gwen and Ken stayed and talked with Freddy and Barney about school and what the scuttlebut was about the accident and their injuries. Both boys were surprised to hear nearly everyone was concerned for their well-being.
*****
Part 14
This Saturday also marked an important event on the Clan Wells Point calendar. As the work wound up on the main farmhouse, the new residents began moving in. The attic suite was finished first so Kylie and Larry moved into the suite while Kylie's mom, Eveyln Masters, moved into her second floor bedroom. Tony and his mom, Rachel, would move in the day before Thanksgiving.
*****
That evening Krista spoke to her parents about Freddy and Barney. Leroy knew that Jacob Grant had a long history of drinking issues dating back to his days in school. Leroy explained that Jacob and Freddy lived in a decrepit fifty year old mobile home on a rented lot. The trailer park was known as the local haven for white trailer trash. Pat was quite upset to learn that he had not even called to check up on his son. Barney and his mom lived in the same park in a slightly newer and better mobile home.
Leroy and Pat were not in the least surprised when Krista said she wanted to approach the Clan Wells Point to see if they would help the injured boys. Since the renters wanted to move, as soon as the place was vacant, maybe Pappy Scott could remodel the home at the intersection of Dougherty Land and Wells Point Lane to make it fully accessible and rent it to Cora Flint with the understanding she take in Freddy.
*****
Sunday morning after church Krista cornered all members of the Clan and soon had them all agreeing to do her latest scheme if Cora Flint agreed. When there was no answer at the Flint home when she called, Krista called the rehab and discovered she was with the boys. Of course, Krista wasn’t satisfied until she and Tony were riding into Requard Rehab with Robert, Sheila, and Jane to speak with Cora and the boys.
Together, Krista and Tony led the way to the room where she knocked on the door. Cora, Freddy, and Barney were surprised to see Tony, Krista and her grandparents. Krista took the lead and introduced her grandparents and herself to Cora. Barney quickly introduced his mother. Krista quickly recapped the conversation she and her friends had with Barney and Freddy.
“Of course I know Freddy has no support,” Cora nodded. “If I could I wouldn’t hesitate to take him in. But I’m not sure I can even handle seeing to Barney’s needs. I won’t abandon Freddy, but I don’t know how much I can do.”
“That’s why we’re here,” Robert smiled. “If you don’t know Krista, you have no idea how stubborn she gets when she has an idea on how to help someone. What it boils down to is we have a rental ranch home out on the Clan Wells Point land. The renter will be moving out before Thanksgiving. We’ll discuss with Dr. Olsen what specific needs you boys will need and we’ll remodel to accommodate your needs. It should only take us a few weeks so by the time you’re ready to be discharged, you’ll have a place to go.”
Freddy, Barney and Cora were gobsmacked.
“I appreciate your plans, but I could never afford to rent a place like that,” Cora demurred.
“Pay us what you pay now,” Sheila spoke up. “The boys will be eligible for aid and part of that is for housing. We’ll accept whatever the aid will pay.”
“But... you can’t...,” Cora stammered more than a bit overwhelmed.
“Of course we can,” Jane cut in. “Krista told the boys she’d work something out for them, and she has.”
“When you said you’d figure something out yesterday, I thought you were just a punk kid spouting off,” Freddy spoke up as tears rolled down his cheeks. “I never expected you’d be able to actually do something!”
“One thing you’ll learn is to never underestimate Krista,” Robert chuckled. “Once she gets something in her head, go with her or get run over.”
“You’ll also be needing a lawyer,” Sheila spoke up. “Kevin Stewart is a good man and handles all our dealings. I’m sure he’ll take you on as clients. We’ll cover the costs if he doesn’t do it gratis.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Cora declared. “I’ve never had anyone offer something like this.”
“Just say okay,” Krista piped up with a big grin. “Then we’ll welcome you into the Clan Wells Point.”
Tears of joy were flowing down Cora’s cheeks as she nodded her head. Krista promptly gave her a welcoming hug, then gave gentle hugs to each of the teary eyed boys. For both, it was the first hug they’d had from anyone besides Cora as far back as they could remember and it felt good! Krista promised help and she delivered. They had what they needed most...hope!
*****
The Campbells flew into Baltimore Sunday, November 18, and checked into a hotel. The next day they met the PI and headed to a local branch of the Bank of America where arrangements had been made to pick up the two and a half million dollars. Acting as their guide, intermediary and armed escort, the PI escorted them to the clandestine meeting. The FBI had already installed surveillance equipment and would record everything.
The Campbells maintained their formerly well practiced snobby superiority as they greeted the Gordon brothers. While the PI and the Campbells quickly perused the documents, the lawyer for the Gordons brothers counted the cash. The PI and the Gordon's lawyer were licensed notaries so after the reading and counting was completed, they all signed the bill of sale and title transfer documents and had them double notarized. At that point they exchanged the cash. As they rose to shake hands after completing the deal Steven Campbell dropped out of character once he had the hand of the eldest Gordon.
"It will be my pleasure to see you in jail," Steven spoke firmly with a genuine smile. "You see, my granddaughter was one of the patients your company LOST."
The smiles on the Gordon brother's faces disappeared as FBI agents swarmed in to arrest the them and their lawyer who was aiding and abetting criminals.
With the signed papers in hand, the Campbells checked out of their hotel and drove to Easton to register the sale and transfer the deeds. On the way they called Laura and asked if they could rent a room in The Clan Wells Point B&B for a week as they wanted to spend Thanksgiving with their grandchildren and also to look at property they'd just purchased.
After checking in at the B&B, the Campbells headed south to greet Heather, Frank and Sarah. When Holly and Ivy arrived home from school and saw the Campbells, they ran to them for hugs, then insisted they stay for supper. Jasmine was able to stand from her wheelchair to hug them when she arrived home. The Campbells were delighted Heather was able to walk a bit without assistance.
The first news they shared was of Gretchen, Benny Junior, and the soon to be born half-sibling. Jasmine and Heather were both quite upset to learn Benny had married a second woman but not with Gretchen. In fact, they looked forward to meeting the newest additions to their family.
At the Campbell's insistence, they watched the evening news as they ate. Everyone sat up and paid attention when the news reported that the FBI had set up a sting to lure the fugitive Gordon Brothers back to the USA. "Steven and Cynthia Campbell were looking for property on the Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay. One of their granddaughters is Jasmine Reese, the young miss who had been shoved into an unlicenced nursing home owned by Apple Tree Quality Healthcare Systems."
"Previously the Campbells had contacted a realtor to find a suitable high end property near their grandchildren. They also had a Private Investigator checking out any and all leads he could dig up on the Gordons. Last week they were contacted by the PI when he learned the Gordon brothers were trying to sell their summer vacation property for cash. Contacting the Gordon's lawyers, they negotiated a selling price. Realizing they had stumbled onto a sure way to nab the Gordons and get the property they wanted, they contacted the FBI and set up the sting. The Campbells put up two and a half million dollars in cash to make the purchase. As soon as the sale was completed, the FBI arrested the Gordon brothers and confiscated the cash. The Gordon Brothers are now in jail without bail as they are a flight risk. The sale was legal and had been completed so the Campbells now own the property near their grandchildren while aiding in nabbing the perpetrators of the Apple Tree Quality Healthcare System scandal."
The Spades and the Reeses were surprised and delighted that the greedy brothers were finally in custody and that the Campbells had played a key role.
Jasmine looked at the satisfied smiles on the Campbell's faces. Dragging herself out of her chair she went to them and hugged them saying "Thank you."
"Since the FBI let us complete the sale before they nabbed the Gordons," Cynthia said. "We now legally own the property and the money we paid for it will go to help satisfy the lawsuits against Apple Tree and the Gordons."
"I assume the property is near here," Heather declared.
"We'll go see it tomorrow while the kids are in school," Steven smiled.
That made the kids groan. The phone began to ring with others of the Clan Wells Point calling to make sure they knew the Gordons had been captured. Heather fielded the calls and thanked them adding the Campbells were with them and the property they bought was nearby.
*****
After breakfast and sending the kids off to school the next morning, Robert, Sheila and Jane joined the Spades and Heather as they climbed into the back of the Campbell's rented SUV to go see the property. Thirty three hundred feet past Robert and Sheila's new home, they turned north off Wells Point Lane onto Longs Cove Lane where they stopped.
"Here we are," Steven chuckled. “This is estate we just bought. Everything east of SR579 and west of Leadham Creek up to the tree line a hundred feet north of Apple Lane, an area of four hundred fifty acres. The house just off SR579 is vacant, there is a tenant farmer on the farm. The three other homes are vacant as they were the vacation homes of the Gordons. We'll move into the large home by Longs Cove. If you’ll accept us as members of The Clan Wells Point, we'd like to add all of this to The Clan Wells Point LLC."
“That sounds quite nice,” Jane spoke up. “I don’t think we’ll have any objections to having you join us.”
“We’ll call everyone tonight and once we have okay, I’ll contact Kevin Stewart to incorporate your holdings into the Clan Wells Point LLC.”
As a group they decided to check out each home. Jane smiled as they checked out the vacant home on Wells Point Lane. The inside had been pretty well trashed but the shell was solid.
"This would make and ideal spot for a store," Jane said as she surveyed the area. "It's only one hundred fifty feet in from SR579. We could convert the kitchen and back bedrooms into the bakery Lisa and I have been discussing. We could sell fresh bread, cakes, pies, and other baked goods as well as organic foods and dairy products from the farms. It has adequate electric, plumbing and ventilation. The walls and floor of the baking room would need to be tiled with drains in the floor. We already have an equipment list of ovens, refrigerators, freezers, mixers, blenders and shelving we'll need. Robert when the remodel is completed, we could have the bakery up and running two weeks after you’re done.”
As they toured the home they wanted for themselves, Cynthia explained all about Benny’s second family and that they were going to move Gretchen and Benny Junior as soon as they were settled in the new home.
The last home on Longs Cove Lane bordered on Leadham Creek northwest of Longs Cove. It consisted of a large house, large garage, two sheds, and a pier, eight feet wide and one hundred seventy five feet long turning at a right angle for twenty feet at the end. Heather promptly perked up when she saw it.
“This may sound crazy, but I think Krista is rubbing off on Jaz,” Heather began.
That got everyone’s attention.
“Jaz is really excited about helping those four boys who were hurt,” Heather began. “She’s so excited she said she’d like to do something to help other children or teens who need rehab. The Requard Center is good, but it’s geared for adults. Jaz said it’d go better for kids if they were treated separately from adult patients. The Clan could fix this place up and open it as some sort of half-way house for kids in rehab. Out in the country, away from the constant uninspired clinical surroundings I think this place would be a much better site for them. Imagine turning the garage into a gym where they can work out. They can move around the yard, go down to the shore, go out on the dock, and at the same time be away from gawkers.”
“I like the idea,” Cynthia smiled. “Jaz did mention those boys and how depressed they were. This place would be safe and inspiring.”
“I’m sure Dr. Olsen would leap at the chance to help set up a half way rehab house,” Sarah exclaimed getting caught up in the excitement.
“Well, I don’t see any serious challenges to remodel the house for those boys,” Robert smiled. “This site certainly would be more inspiring than the smaller place we were thinking of using.”
“I’ll call Dr. Olsen to see how soon she can come out to look the place over,” Sarah said.
"We should call Kevin Stewart too to see if he can join us," Heather added. "With everything he's been doing for us, perhaps we should offer him a chance to join the Clan Wells Point?"
"Leroy suggested the same thing," Sheila said. "I think we'll sound him out when he gets here."
“The way the Clan is growing, you’ll need a top notch CPA to keep the books straight.” Steven declared. “I just happen to know an experienced CPA who would be very interested in the position. He just retired from a plush corporate CFO position in California and will be moving into the area very soon.”
“Well, we have to discuss this with the other Clan members,” Robert replied with a smile. “But I think I can speak for them when it sounds like you’ll make a fine addition to the Clan Wells Point.”
*****
Dr. Olsen was able to come out late that afternoon with her family and Cora Flint. Kevin Stewart also was able to make it. They all met at the B&B. Jane, Laura, Betty, Lisa, Evelyn and Rachel prepared supper and with David, Ed, Bill Larry and Kylie rode herd on the younger kids. Dr. Olsen, Greg, Kevin, Cora, Leroy, Pat, Krista, Tony, Jaz, Jimmy, Heather, Frank, Sarah, Steven, Cynthia, Robert, and Sheila caravaned out to the proposed site. After a tour of the property and pier, they gathered in the house.
"I really like the location," Dr. Olsen said. "I think it would be very therapeutic. In fact, I'd wouldn't mind living here. But I think your idea for a half-way rehab house for youth is wonderful. Once their primary rehab is completed in a facility, coming to a place like this will be quite beneficial."
"You're really good working with kids like me," Jaz added. "Would you be willing to head the operation?"
Dr. Olsen raised her eyebrows, obviously surprised that someone Jasmine's age would ask such a question. But looking at the adults she saw they were awaiting her answer.
"I'd be delighted," Dr. Olsen recovered. "Forgive me, Jaz, I'm just not accustomed to having someone your age making a legitimate job offer. I'm still new to the Clan Wells Point so I forget everyone is involved in decisions."
"Barney and Freddy will be the first two here," Pat added. "Cora, I know you'll be here for them, but do you think you could handle being the house mother for other children as well?"
"You're offering me the position," Cora stated the question. "I'd really like the opportunity. I've been working as an aid in nursing homes for years but I don't have any formal training. Won't you need someone with a degree for the position?"
"I'm sure with your experience we could get you the certifications you'd need," Dr. Olsen stated. "You might have to take a few courses and pass some exams, but that can be done as part of the job. You'd be ideal for this. You can tell when someone is faking an issue for attention or really needs help. In fact, I think Barney and Freddy have the potential to become ideal therapists for a place like this once they progress through their therapy. Who would be better suited to get through to depressed kids than two tough guys who learned their lessons the hard way?"
Everyone nodded their head in agreement.
"So this is the way The Clan Wells Point operates," Kevin smiled. "Consensus agreement on doing things for the betterment of others. You keep this up and I'll be able to drop my other clients."
"I'm glad you said that," Robert chuckled. "We'd like to ask you to join the Clan Wells Point."
Kevin was clearly pleasantly surprised by the offer.
"Before you agree," Sheila spoke up. "It will entail doing work gratis. Freddy and Barney both need a lawyer to get what assistance they can."
"I've already been doing a lot of work gratis," Kevin smiled. "To be honest, I needed my fees from the settlement of the Reese case to pay off my bills. I’m two months behind on the rent of my office and my small apartment above it. My credit cards are just about maxed out too. The settlement will give me enough to pay off my debts and stay solvent for a while."
"That makes our offer even better," Jane smiled. "Your heart is already in the right place. We'll be able to help you do more to help those who need it."
"Well, it looks like you've gotten another Clansman," Kevin smiled. "Plus I play the bagpipes."
"Great," Steven exclaimed. "So do I! It'll be wonderful having a another piper!"
"I think this will work out well for us in another way," Sheila added. "The tenants approached us about getting out of their leases early and getting their deposits back. They're concerned that the changes we're making are going to increase traffic and disturb their peace and quiet. We can easily do that and update the houses. Kevin could move into the smaller house on Wells Point Lane and we were thinking perhaps the Ewells could move into the one down by the landing."
Dr Olsen was a bit put out as she had expected to get the home near the landing.
"Relax, Grace," Jane smiled at Dr. Olsen. "Sheila, Sarah, Heather, Cynthia and I quietly discussed this after you mentioned you'd like this place. There is another house just on the other side of those trees that's bigger than the one you were thinking about." Jane pointed to the northwest. "It has it's own dock, a garage, and a shed. There is already a track through the trees to the farm line. We can add a layer of stones to it and link it to the farm lane that goes out to that barn. That would make it convenient for you to get here and the kids to ride bike to each other without getting on the main road."
"We can head up there when we're done here," Cynthia smiled. "I think you'll love it. It was our second choice."
Grace smiled. "You've surprised me yet again. Thank you."
Grace was pleased with the replacement home and the fact it was ready to move in. They could be living there as soon as arrangements were made to vacate their apartment in Easton. Their sons would transfer to Tilgham Elementary with the other elementary age Clan Wells Point students.
The Clan had a simple meal when they returned to the B&B. Those who hadn't been on the exploratory mission listened to the plans. Everyone eagerly welcomed Kevin Stewart into the Clan Wells Point.
*****
When she returned to Requard the next day, Dr. Olsen and Cora sat down with Freddy and Barney to discuss their future. They were quite surprised to learn Krista's plans to remodel a house for them to live in had morphed into a full blown rehab half-way house for youths in similar circumstances. They were excited at the prospect of moving out to The Clan Wells Point Youth Rehab Hostel. They were even more surprised when they learned Dr. Olsen thought they had a future as physical therapists at the planned Rehab Hostel. But the best news was they would be getting a day pass to enjoy Thanksgiving with the Clan Wells Point.
*****
The pace of The Clan Wells Point didn’t slow down even for Thanksgiving. The farmhouse was to be the center of the Clan Wells Point and the first floor was large enough to accommodate everyone for meals and gatherings. Although the B&B was bigger, if guests were present it would be inconvenient. The house would be broken in by the planned Thanksgiving Feast.
The Clan Wells Point celebrated Thanksgiving together at the main farm house breaking in the newly renovated kitchen. They invited Jamie and Ruth Ewell to join them and were able to get day passes for Freddy and Barney so they and Cora joined the group.
Kevin Stewart, a forty eight year old life-long bachelor, realized he missed family style get-togethers and looked forward to enjoying them now that he was a member of the Clan Wells Point. Krista noticed he and Grams spent a lot of time together and soon was plotting with Jasmine to unite the unattached duo
Frank and Barney were quite helpless and had been apprehensive about coming to the Clan Thanksgiving. Much to their delight, everyone greeted them warmly and voiced excitement to have them move into the newly designated youth rehab hostel. They were surprised to see Jamie Ewell was there. They had heard about his father and that Krista had choked the big man out.
Once the initial welcomes were over, Kylie and Krista brought their classmate James over to Barney and Freddy. It was clear James was quite anxious and even scared.
"Freddy, Barney," Kylie greeted the pair. "It's been a long time.
"Ah... yeah," Freddy stammered recalling how he and Barney had hassled Kyle for several years. "Look, about how we used to tease you... we're sorry."
"Yeah," Barney hastily added. "We were just dumb rednecks back then. Now we're sorry rednecks who are trying not to be rednecks anymore."
"I'll accept your apologies," Kylie smiled and slowly turned in a circle to show of her budding curves. "So guys, what do you think of me now?"
Freddy sheepishly smiled. "Larry is a lucky guy?"
Kylie laughed. "Thank you. I'm also a lucky girl to have him."
"Krista explained a bit about transsexuals," Barney added. "We always thought they were some sort of freaks. We were wrong, very wrong."
"Yes you were," Kylie answered with a smile to let them know she wasn’t scolding. "But I must congratulate you."
Both looked puzzled.
"Your apology and admission you were wrong means you are now ex-rednecks," Kylie smiled.
The duo exchanged smiles and nodded as they realized she was right.
"Now comes a big test to see if you've truly shed your redneck past," Krista spoke up with a challenging smile. "Kylie and I are not the only transsexuals here. There is one other."
At first they looked hastily around to see who it might be. It took Freddy a moment to see the deep scarlet blush that had crept over James. "James?"
"HER name is Jamie," Krista answered. "She's just started transitioning but is still presenting as a boy at school. In fact, she's too embarrassed to begin presenting as a girl because she feels that physically she's just too manly. Rather than look like a guy in drag she's waiting. With a bit of surgery this summer to soften her face and the culminant effect of the testosterone blockers and female hormones by then, she should be able to return to school in the fall as her true self. We need you to keep her secret until she's ready to come out."
Jamie was looking at the floor and most likely would have bolted if Kylie had not hooked her elbow. Freddy and Barney were clearly gobsmacked.
"Okay...," Barney finally managed to say. "If you want us to keep her secret, why did you tell us?"
"Because you're now members of The Clan Wells Point," Krista replied. "We help and support each other. Just like we're doing with you as you learn to deal with your new bodies, we all need to help Jamie deal with hers. She's going to have a tough time passing as a girl, but that's who she is. Just like you guys have no choice but to deal with your bodies, neither does Jamie."
"I don't mean any offense, Jamie," Freddy replied after an awkward silence. "But this is all a bit much to take in all at once."
"We understand that," Kylie smiled. "The fact you didn't freak out proves you're making an effort to change. As Krista said, this was a big test of your resolve to leave the redneck life behind. You've passed."
"But we...," Barney began.
"You've spent your whole lives being rednecks," Krista spoke up. "You can't help the redneck thoughts that pop into your mind. The fact you didn't act on those thoughts is what's important. In time, the redneck thoughts will become less and less. While they'll never go away, they will be merely be a reminder of your past and that you've moved beyond the past. Now, say high to Jamie."
"Jamie... we'll keep your secret until you're ready to reveal it," Freddy smiled uncertainly. "And we'll support you then. Just be patient with us. If we make some smart ass comment, just shut us down."
"Yeah," Barney smiled as he offered his hand in friendship. "Just go easy on us. We only had our casts removed on Monday."
Jamie smiled and shook hands with Barney and then Freddy. The world was looking much brighter for the three classmates.
Cora was also ambushed by Dr. Olsen, Sheila, Jane and Kevin.
"I've called in some markers," Kevin smiled. "With the help of Amanda Frost, the State Assistant Attorney General who headed the Apple Tree investigation, we've been able to clear through the red tape with the State Medical Examiners Board."
"The staff at Johns Hopkins is impressed by our plans to create a Youth Rehab Hostel," Dr. Olsen added. "They’re glad someone is helping Freddy and Barney. We've spoken to the staff of their nursing and therapy schools and they are willing to give you a one-up chance to show them what you know. If they feel you are qualified by your skills demonstration and accompanied oral questioning, they'll credit you as completing those classes. They’ll test you next Friday. That will give you all week to bone up on terminology and regulations with the staff at Requard."
"Together they've agreed to wave the normal classes and tests for certified nursing assistant and certified physical therapy assistant," Kevin stated.
Needless to say Cora was delighted
For the most part the women spent the morning cooking and gossiping, the men spent it talking sports and fishing while the kids watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. About one everything was ready and they all sat down to enjoy their first repast.
Everything was homemade from scratch. The turkey was melt in your mouth moist. The potato filling, creamed corn, candied yams, bread, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie were a delight to all. They gorged themselves and gossiped.
During the meal Heather asked for a brief Clan meeting with the adults, Krista and Jasmine sometime during the afternoon. After a brief discussion they decided to hold the meeting as they finished the meal.
"I'll make this brief," Heather began with a smile. "Now that the settlement has been deposited in our accounts, I'd to let everyone know if the Clan needs cash at some point, I can help. Because of the terms of the settlement agreement, I can't disclose the amounts, but Jasmine, Holly, and Ivy now have substantial trust funds so they will never have to worry about the costs of schooling. In addition, I took part of my share of the settlement and had Kevin set up a trust fund for Krista that is equal to those of Holly and Ivy."
Nearly everyone was stunned by her generosity.
"Thank you, Heather," Krista demurred. "But I can't accept that. I..."
"Krista, the fund is already established and cannot be revoked," Kevin cut in. "Heather was quite specific in her instructions in setting the fund up for you as she knew you’d refuse it. Even if you don't use it, it will become your's at age twenty five. At that point you can give it away, but it is yours."
"Krista, after all you did in getting my family back together as well as all you've done since then, this is something I wanted do," Heather declared as she fought back tears of gratitude. "I have no doubts you'll continue to help others. If getting a good education will help you do that better, I've just set up that option. You'll be able to go to any school and study anything you like. Through you, you'll be letting me help you help others. As Kevin said, the trust fund is now yours. Now, not another word about this."
"Thank you," Krista smiled. "I won't let you down."
"I know that, Krista," Heather smiled.
After a round of congratulations, everyone went about their own agendas for enjoying the afternoon. With the main meal completed, things were kept warm and everyone was encouraged to help themselves to whatever they liked as the day progressed. The football games were on, board games were out, and rocking chairs available for friendly conversation. The day was one of relaxation and companionship. No one went home hungry and most carried leftovers.
*****
Part 15
Monday after Thanksgiving the Clan Wells Point Contracting and Construction crew began work on converting the selected property into an accessible youth rehab center.
Kevin Stewart worked on getting Freddy and Barney every benefit which was available to them. In addition, he was busy setting up the various Clan Wells Point businesses including two newest, The Clan Wells Point Youth Rehab Hostel and The Clan Wells Point Attorney at Law. Kevin had his own small office in St. Michaels but was affiliated with a successful law firm in Easton. The affiliation allowed the larger firm to showcase for PR purposes Kevin’s gratis work as being sponsored by the firm. In return, they provided Kevin with access to their office staff to serve as his part-time telephone receptionist and secretary. With the Clan’s permission, Kevin would establish the office of his Clan attorney business in his remodeled new home on Wells Point. The only thing he needed was to secure a dependable secretary. That proved to be an easy issue to resolve, especially when the rest of The Clan Wells Point heartily approved his plan.
Finally freed from Dick’s heavy handed oppressive thumb, Ruth blossomed. Dick had wanted her to remain dependant upon him so had forbidden her to have a full time job. She worked about thirty hours a week as a secretary in a small office and had managed to squirrel away about half her earnings for the past ten years. Now with Dick’s income gone, she had to rely on that savings to pay the bills. While they could make do for better than a year, she knew she needed a full time position.
Ruth’s present employer was understanding but unable to give her more hours or a raise. He did provide a solid recommendation for her applications. Since serving as her lawyer, Kevin was well aware of Ruth’s job skills and needs. Kevin approached his affiliate in Easton with a request to allow Ruth to work with their office staff for two weeks to learn the basics of being a lawyer’s secretary. The Clan Wells Point would pay her salary during this time and the bigger firm would be freed from the small drain Kevin’s needs placed on their staff. They jumped at the deal. When Ruth learned the Clan was inviting she and Jamie to join and were being offered the house down by the landing, she broke down in tears of joy knowing her financial worries were solved and Jamie would have a safe accepting place to transition. Jamie was equally overwhelmed with joy.
Jamie and Ruth quickly grew stronger in their lives without Dick. Their twice weekly work out at the YWCA drew them even closer. At Jamie's request, Ruth gently pointed out any overtly macho habits Jamie had acquired. Jamie made an effort to squash those unwanted masculine indicators. Some were easy to manage, others were not, but he made steady headway to erasing his unwanted masculine traits.
During this period Jamie became more confident with his transgenderism and obtained some basic lingerie and nightgowns from the internet. These he wore daily while outwardly still presenting as a male. Although he longed to wear skirts and dresses, the idea of seeing his still all too male self outwardly dressed as a girl was too unpleasant to even consider. Dr. Sykes understood his reluctance to wait until his body began to soften and the electrolysis had time to remove most of the unwanted body hair. Jamie wanted to look like a girl when fully dressed, not like a stereo-typical jock in drag.
Once the soccer season ended, Jamie dropped out of the school's phys-ed program, thus avoiding the boy's locker room. The administration also had him switch from using the boys restrooms to using the intersex handicap facilities. This change caused the school jocks, although not to his face, to openly question Jamie's sexuality, many assuming he was gay. Many others thought the same thing but were accepting of gays so had no issues. At the same time Jamie eased his way into the ranks of the geeks.
At first the geeks were hesitant, fearing a big soccer player starting to hang with them was some sort of weird prank or a joke although they could see no point for humor. Slowly, as Jamie remained open and consistent with them along with his obvious self exclusion from the jocks, they began relaxing and letting him into their friendship circle. Jamie had always been a good student, but without the dumbing down peer pressure of the jocks and the constant harassment of his father, his work and grades instantly improved. Jamie had seamlessly slipped from a semi-jock to a nerd while still on talking terms with everyone. Some people thought that perhaps he was gay but as he wasn't flirting with anyone they simply let it go.
*****
After Thanksgiving things didn't slow down. The excitement about the school’s annual Christmas Dance went into high gear, at least amongst the girls. It was a quasi-formal dance, not as big as the prom, but the only school-wide formal dance. For the seventh grade girls this was their first chance at attending a formal dance. Like the other girls, Krista and Jasmine were swept into the maelstrom. Tony and Jimmy just went along for the ride. For the guys, it was fairly simple as they would rent a tuxedo. Their only concern was that the shirt match or compliment the color of their date's dress.
Since neither Krista nor Jasmine had any real experience in shopping for a formal, they decided to head to the Charisma Clothing Boutique on Tuesday November 27. The owner, Mary Willis, had used Krista in a photo shoot out on the bay that summer. With their mothers, the girls stopped in on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to see what they could find.
"Its good to see you again," Mary said as she hugged Pat and Krista. "I hoped you'd come in for your gown. Who is your friend?"
"This is Heather Reese and her daughter Jasmine," Krista introduced.
"I've heard a lot about you two," Mary smiled as she hugged them. "I'm sure I can find something you'll look scrumptious in. I have an outfit in mind for Krista, but I'm not sure what will look good on Jasmine. Melissa, can you show Krista and her mother the gowns we'd been discussing for her?"
"Sure mom," Melissa, an eleventh grader, replied with a smile as she came out of the back of the store. "Hi Krista, come with me and we'll see what you think."
While Melissa led Krista and Pat over to several racks of dresses, Mary smiled at Jasmine and Heather. "First, I need to know if you're going to style your hair or wear a wig."
"I decided when I first woke up that I wouldn't wear a wig," Jasmine answered. "I know my hair is short and I haven't really done too much with it, but I've been thinking about having it styled in a short sassy Keira Knightly style." (http://www.short-hair-styles-magazine.com/short-celebrity-ha...)
"I think that's a marvelous idea," Mary smiled. "With a bit of a trim and bangs, you'll look great. The dress style will have to compliment your hair, so that points me in the right direction. Let's go see what we can find."
After looking at many selections, they decided on a long narrow gown that would accentuate her budding curves and enhance her short hairstyle. The sleeveless gown made her look older and was a perfect style for her. (http://www.millionlooks.com/images/keira-knightley-white-dre...)
Meanwhile, Krista was trying on her gown. It was a knee length girly gown with a floral lace overlay that left her left arm bare. It looked stunning on her and accentuated her tomboyish figure to perfection. (http://thefierceglamourblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/D...)
Both gowns had to be tweaked for the gowns to show off the girl’s figures. The girls and their mothers left the Charisma Clothing Boutique knowing they could pick up their gowns next week, Friday December 7.
*****
Cora gave notice at her job and they promptly told her to leave. That freed her to study hard and speak with the therapists at Requard.
On Friday November 31 Dr. Olsen drove her to John Hopkins and stayed with her as the teaching staff worked her over. An observer from the state medical examiners board was present as an observer. Dr. Olsen never said a word but her mere presence helped Cora overcome her nervousness and do well. She passed the special examinations with flying colors.
*****
The Olsen family moved into their new home on the December 1, the second Saturday after Thanksgiving. The farm was busy but with guidance and help from Bill, Larry and Rachel easily handled things. The fifty head dairy heard needed milking at 6:30am and 4:00pm. Each session took an hour to set up, do, and clean up. After that they mucked the barn. Then moved down to the landing to take care of the eight horses. They needed mucking only once a day. Jasmine and her sisters gave the horses their evening feed and rubdowns. The steers in the small barn on the triangular field only needed care once a day. Tony and Evelyn fed the chickens each morning and gathered the eggs before school began. In the spring they intended to up the dairy herd to one hundred fifty head and add more steers. They also planned to up the number of chickens to two hundred.
Kylie's repair business was booming. Ed was there at least six hours every day, Krista, Tony, and Jimmy spent two to three hours every day after school and most of Saturday helping out. The three youngsters became quite efficient mechanics.
Kylie completed the arrangements to fly to Thailand for her surgery. Her mother Evelyn would be accompanying her. With Kevin’s assistance both obtained their passports and had them appropriately validated. Kylie had notarized letters of recommendation from Dr. Sykes and her airline tickets. Thanks to Robert and Sheila, everything was pre-paid... an early wedding present.
She was scheduled to leave January third. The flight out would take two days, then one day for a thorough physical by the surgeon and staff. The surgery would be done the following day. In the hospital recuperation would take three to five days followed by ten days to two weeks of recovery in their hotel room. The trip home would take two days. The minimum trip would be three and a half weeks including travel time. Her expected return home would be January 28.
Ed willingly agreed to keep the business going while Kylie was gone and until she recovered. Krista, Tony, and Jimmy promised to put in as many hours as needed to help Ed. Kylie intended to return to work as soon as she returned. She fully understood her return to work would be gradual and quite limited with frequent breaks and perhaps even some nap time, but she intended to keep her fingers greasy.
Larry and Kylie spent a lot of time together. While Kylie was looking forward to completing her transition, the surgery scared her. It scared Larry too, but he was strong for her. Their separation would be difficult.
*****
The annual "Christmas in St. Michaels" event was held on Saturday, December 8th and Sunday, December 9th. CISM, an all-volunteer, private non-profit corporation, not only enhances the quality of life for residents, but also contributes to their basic and fundamental needs. The event is made possible through the work, energy, and creativity of hundreds of volunteers,
working together for most of the year. Since its inception in 1987, Christmas in St. Michaels has raised more than $700,000 to support various community groups and organizations. As in the past, many local businesses and individuals contributed goods, services, and financial support. The event would generate a total of $72,175 that would be awarded to eight local community organizations. The non-profit recipients were selected by the Board of Directors of Christmas in St. Michaels within the community of St. Michaels. These organizations deliver service to the community in a number of ways such as providing support to families, preserving the heritage of the St. Michaels area, and enhancing the opportunities for children and young adults.
This year a grant to the Good Samaritan Fund of Talbot County assisted residents with costs associated with food, prescription medications, rent, and utilities. A principal beneficiary of the proceeds of the 2007 event is the Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers. The funds raised by Christmas in St. Michaels 2007 will also help to support an innovative playground initiative, to fund improved athletic facilities, to restore a local museum, to provide support for persons in financial distress, and to preserve the Bay Hundred Community Pool Endowment Fund.
David and Laura took Wanda, Sandi, LJ, and Peter to the Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 8 from 9:00am to 10:00am at the Town Dock Restaurant. This event, for children ages three to eight, began with a scrumptious breakfast while Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with each child. The little kids were pleased and excited.
Next came the annual Talbot Street Parade. Starting at 10:30am it formed in the parking lot of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on Perry Cabin Lane one block east of Talbot Street. The parade marched south on Talbot about two thirds of a mile to turn east onto Seymour Avenue where it disbanded in the school parking lot. Everyone from the Clan Wells Point was along the parade route intermingled with the crowds of spectators. Everyone enjoyed the spirited Christmas parade, the largest holiday parade on the Eastern Shore.
Next the Clan took the youngsters between three and eleven to Santa's Wonderland in the cafeteria at the St. Michaels School Complex on Seymour Avenue. This event was been planned especially for children and featured many activities. Santa and Mrs. Claus were there and every child had an opportunity to tell Santa about his Christmas dreams. Professional photo opportunities with the very popular couple were available but adults were encouraged to bring their own camera as well. The children participated in games, face painting and prize raffles. A disc jockey provided music. Shopping opportunities planned just for children were available in the Secret Santa Shop.
The event that made everyone drool was the Gingerbread House Competition and Display at the Woman's Club of St. Michaels on St. Mary's Square. Anyone could enter their gingerbread house in the competition. Everyone enjoyed the aromatic display. The gingerbread houses were judged in several different categories from children to professional.
One of the highlights of the Christmas in St. Michaels weekend is the tour of historic homes in the village and a few very special homes just outside of town. This is one of the longest running home tours in Maryland. The houses in town are within walking distance of each other, which gave participants a great opportunity to stroll through town and soak up the historic atmosphere. For the members of the Clan Wells Point who were not native to the Bay Hundred area, the tour made them aware of the history and depth of the community. Most of the homes, built in the 18th and 19th centuries, had at one time been the residences of watermen and seafarers and have since been restored, expanded, and adapted to today's life style. The country homes located just outside of town are mostly situated on expansive waterfront settings. Visitors reached the country homes via professional licensed shuttle bus service, which was included in the price of the tour ticket. The use of exquisite architectural details on the buildings and their creative landscaping set amidst the Eastern Shore landscape was quite impressive. Buses between the country homes left from the Crab Claw parking lot at the end of Mill Street. Along with the ticket purchase, a tour guide booklet with lots of local information and complete descriptions of each home on the tour along with other major landmarks in St. Michaels was provided. The ticket for the Tour of Homes also admitted them to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
All in all it was a pleasant and informative day for everyone and a welcome relaxing day away from the normal bustle of activity on the Clan Homestead.
*****
The Campbells only made minor decorating changes to the home they'd selected, removing the objects d'art and other over the top furnishings as well as the antiques. Most they hoped to sell en-mass to a decorator. The house was then refurnished with good quality sturdy furniture that would hold up to daily use by adults and children. They easily converted the nouveau-riche summer vacation home into a family friendly home.
They had kept Gretchen appraised of their actions. While Steven stayed to hold down the fort, Cynthia and Heather flew to Vancouver on Monday, December 10. At their initial meeting there was a moment of appraising their competition, then Heather smiled and opened her arms for a warm hug greeting Gretchen as a sister.
"I never had a sister," Heather explained. "If you don't object I'd like to think of you as my sister."
"I would like that," Gretchen smiled. "We can be aunts to each other's children."
"That sounds like a plan," Heather smiled.
Benny Junior had no problem welcoming his grandma and quickly accepted his new aunt. The women made quick work of packing and disposing of what was to be donated. The vehicles were sold. Papers were signed with a realtor and local attorney to sell the property with the proceeds if any to be deposited in the bank accounts. Cartons with items Gretchen wanted to keep were boxed and picked up by UPS.
*****
Monday, December 10 had also been hectic for Dwayne and Phil. They missed school that day as they had their casts removed and began therapy on their unencumbered limbs. Both understood they had to ease back into using their limbs as they could easily be re-injured. Dwayne still had to be wary of his collar bone and Phil of his back. But to have the heavy casts off and to be able to bend their knees and elbows was a tremendous relief. They would still have to use wheelchairs at school at least for a week. It also meant they would no longer need the Comfort Keeper aids. While they had appreciated the assistance, it was embarrassing for their privates to be exposed to non-family.
They endured three painful sessions and would go to Tidewater Physical Therapy in St. Michaels for daily work-outs after school. In about a week, once they had regained some strength and stability, they could begin using crutches until they fully recovered. The pair profusely thanked the staff of Requard for all they had done to help them.
During their last session Barney and Freddy were brought into the gym. Much to their surprise and delight they too had their casts removed. The four warmly greeted each other and the younger boys filled the older pair in about the goings on at school.
For the first time in their lives, Freddy and Barney were eager to return to school. The school arranged daily tutoring between their therapy sessions were quite productive, especially after the Thanksgiving pep talks by Dr. Olsen and Kylie and Krista. The boys had surprised everyone, especially themselves, as they excelled in their studies. In the weeks since they had come to Requard the tutors had brought them up to speed in all their classes.
They knew their new home was being finished and once Dr. Olsen was satisfied, the duo could be transferred later this week with the prospect of returning to school after the Christmas Holidays.
*****
The big move came on Thursday December 13. Freddy and Barney were moved to The Clan Wells Point Youth Rehab Hostel. Upon their arrival, both were delighted to find the spacious property had been made fully accessible, including a small elevator four feet by six feet to the second floor. All the exterior doors had been equipped with electric door openers so at the mere press of a button, the door would open. (Anyone who has spent time in a wheelchair learned how difficult it can be to open a door with an automatic closer, then hold it open while crossing the threshold. If you don't, try it some time. It'll teach you that even handicap accessible areas are not so easy to get into.) All the interior doors had been converted to pocket doors that easily slid out of the way to give unhindered passage.
Waiting for the boys were two used power wheel chairs. Both had the speeds limited to a normal walking pace of two and half MPH. The unit Freddy was given had been equipped with special rear anti-tip wheels because the balance system designed into nearly all wheelchairs takes into account the weight of the users legs to act as a counter balance. Gravel walkways had been laid out throughout the yard to allow them unhindered mobility to the pier and out buildings. The pier had been equipped with sturdy guard rails ten inches high to prevent any wheelchair, manual or power, from accidentally or intentionally driving into the water.
Freddy would have the power chair available until he was fitted for and able to use prosthetic legs. Barney would only have his until he was strong enough to walk on his own. Even so, the boys were delighted with their new-found mobility and their new home. Both expected to return to school after the Christmas Holidays, Barney under his own power and Freddy in the power chair.
Nearly everyone from The Clan Wells Point stopped by that evening to welcome the boys home.
*****
Dwayne and Phil easily slipped into the rhythm of school. With their tough guy belligerent attitudes in their past, they gained new friends. While both were in the advanced class, neither had been academically motivated. Now they were doing their best to make up for lost time. Neither was sure what they wanted out of life, but they at least understood they had to have a good education and positive attitude.
What most people noticed was the pair were even more inseparable than they had been before the accident. Everything they did, they did together. Since they were neighbors they often shared meals. On weekends they even slept over. What really stuck out was how nice they were to each other, always smiling, racing to open doors for each other. The rumor mill quietly began to wonder if they were gay.
Realizing such a wild rumor, even if it was true, could have a serious negative impact on the pair, Krista and Jasmine decided they should have a heart to heart talk with the former bully boys who had now become their friends. Bringing Tony, Jimmy, Jasmine, Pat, and Principal Harris into the loop, they arranged a private 'study' session for the six friends during the class before lunch on Friday.
Dwayne and Phil knew something was afoot by the almost guilty expressions upon the faces of Tony and Jimmy. Not one to beat around the bush, Dwayne looked at Krista and spoke up once they settled into their seats around the library conference table. "Okay, so what's up?"
"You guys have been doing real good since the accident," Krista began. "Everyone is delighted with the new you and want to see it continue. However, there is a possible storm approaching and we want to let you know before it hits."
Phil spoke up. "What storm is that?"
"You guys were always close," Tony said. "Since the accident you've been glued to each other which is understandable. However, the rumor mill has started and we want to cut it off before it hurts you."
Dwayne and Phil exchanged looks of confusion, then Dwayne spoke. "What rumor?"
"People are saying you guys are hanging together like Jaz and I," Jimmy softly replied. "And Tony and Krista."
It took a moment before they duo realized the implications of Jimmy's statement. They exchanged looks of horror.
"That's why we wanted to tell you in private before you heard it or some dufus made a smart-ass comment," Krista said. "Whether the rumor is true or not makes no difference to us or most of the students. Most have accepted me so they'll accept you IF you're a couple. My guess is that you don't even know if you're a couple and I sincerely doubt if you've ever considered the possibility you're gay. I didn't know I was a girl until August. Up until then I thought I was just pretending to be a girl to make it easier to get here. I'd just realized that I really was a girl when I met Tony, then, wham, I'm the girlfriend of a hunky guy."
"We're not saying you're gay," Tony said. "What Krista is saying is don't over react and deny being gay. It will make it harder to admit the truth if it turns out you are gay. What we're asking you to do is think about how close you guys are. Face it, neither of you have really ever been interested in girls."
"Either way, we'll be your friends," Jasmine declared firmly. "We just didn't want you to be blind-sided when the rumors reached you."
Dwayne and Phil were caught off guard and unprepared. Their gut reaction would have been vociferous denial but Krista had prevented that. It was true neither had really been interested in girls. They appreciated girls, but there had never been any attraction. But they had never felt an attraction to guys either.
"I don't think we're gay," Phil said. "Neither of us is swishy."
"Not all gays are swishy," Krista answered. "That's just a stereo-type. A lot of gays are big and strong. A man who likes sports, hunting, and all that manly stuff can still be gay. Gay couples can both be manly. Gays don't have to be trying to hit on other guys all the time either. A lot become life-long couples. Like I said, we don't think you've ever considered the possibility you're gay. We're not saying we THINK you're gay. We are saying you guys have the type of bond we do. For couples to succeed they need to be each other's best friend. They feel a need to help each other, to make life easier for each other, and do their best to make each other happy. We see you, and so do a lot of other people, as a couple. There is nothing sexual about your relationship, no one has seen that, but never the less, you guys are behaving like a couple."
"You need to be true to yourselves," Tony added. "That's the biggest lesson Krista taught me. Do what YOU feel is right, not what other's expect."
"We'll head out into the library and let you two talk this over," Krista smiled. "You don't even have to reach a conclusion. We just want you to be aware the question is out there. If you want our input, we'll share, but this is your decision, your call to make or not make. Just remember, straight, gay, or whatever, makes no difference to us. We ARE your friends."
With that they left the Dwayne and Phil in the room.
Dwayne and Phil were deep in thought for several minutes. Finally Phil spoke. "Looking back on how we've been acting since the accident I can see where people might start to wonder about us. Heck, it even makes me wonder a bit now that I think about it. I know I don't want any type of sexual relationship with you or anyone else, at least for the foreseeable future. I've never even thought about being gay. I know I'm not swishy. But you are my best friend and I sorta like being considered a couple. Maybe that makes me sorta gay. I can see where others might think we're gay. Before the accident that would have pissed me off, now, I can take it. I'm just glad we have friends who warned us about the rumors."
"Yeah," Dwayne agreed. "I might have done something stupid if it just hit us. I never though about being gay either and I know I'm not swishy. Despite the way we used to talk about it, sex isn't one of my priorities. What freaks me a bit is I'm not upset about us possibly being a couple. Krista is right, we've always cared about each other, but since the accident, it's been different. I don't want to be without you, so I guess that makes me at least sorta gay too."
The duo looked at each other, not sure whether to cry or hug. Finally Phil moved closer to Dwayne and gave him a quick hug. Both boys blushed and said nothing. Then after a few moments of mutual contemplation Dwayne gave Phil a quick hug. This time they smiled while they blushed.
"I guess we are gay," Dwayne softly admitted as Phil nodded his head. "This is too weird. I'm not even freaked out. In fact, I feel a bit better."
"Krista was right again," Phil chuckled. "But since neither of us are swishy, at least we won't be holding hands and kissing in public."
Dwayne reached across and took Phil’s hand in his. "I'll agree with the kissing part, but I think I kinda would like to hold your hand sometimes."
Phil nervously smiled and squeezed Dwayne's hand. "All right, but definitely no public kissing!"
Both chuckled guiltily as Dwayne asked, "So what do we do now?"
"I guess we tell Krista and the others we are a couple and that we might be gay," Phil replied. "Then when we get home we sit down with our moms and talk to them."
Dwayne blushed uneasily. "Do you think they might suspect we're gay?"
"It wouldn't surprise me," Phil smiled. "They're happy we've got our act together and have been encouraging us to hang. I think they'd be cool if we are gay."
"Yeah, I think so too," Dwayne smiled. "So how do we tell the everybody?"
"We don't," Phil said as he stood up still holding on to Dwayne's hand. "Tony said he'd learned from Krista to just be himself. That's what we need to do, just be ourselves. We just go out to them like this."
"Sounds like a plan," Dwayne agreed as he stood. Together they left the room to rejoin their friends, smiling timidly and hand in hand.
Krista smiled when she saw them approaching. So did the others. No words were needed and none spoken. They headed off for lunch.
No one said anything but by the end of the day half the school figured out Dwayne and Phil were indeed a couple.
Their mothers were not surprised when the nervous boys held hands as they sat down to talk to them that evening. In fact, they were relieved and supportive.
*****
Part 16
After four days of non-stop action, Gretchen dropped the keys to her now ex-home with the realtor, then they headed for the airport. Cynthia, Heather, Gretchen, and BJ landed in Baltimore in the afternoon of December 14. Steven met the plane and after hugs were exchanged, sheparded his family to the brand new silver 2008 Lincoln Navigator SUV he'd purchased while they were gone. They talked as they drove. Gretchen had never been out of British Columbia and to see the leafless forests and trees and flat fields of the Chesapeake Bay were all new to her after growing up surrounded by the rain forest covered mountains around the Salish Sea north of Puget Sound.
Steven provided a state map and sitting in the back seat as they drove, Heather showed Gretchen her new surroundings. The Bay Hundred area intrigued her and she looked forward to arriving there. By the time they rolled through St. Michaels, Gretchen knew she was getting close to home. When they pulled onto Wells Point Lane, they stopped.
"You'll get to know this area much better," Steven said. "Everything east of the road we just left is part of The Clan Wells Point. One thousand four hundred and seventy five acres. Let's head up to our house.”
Soon they were pulling into the area in front of the house. Jasmine, Holly, and Ivy came out of the front door followed by Frank and Sarah. The younger girls ran over while Jasmine walked slowly but steadily. Gretchen was overwhelmed by their open welcoming hugs and excited self introduction.
"You must be Jasmine," Gretchen greeted her with a gentle embrace aware of Jasmine's ongoing recovery. "I want to thank you for asking if your father started another family. You've really saved us."
"That's what family does, Aunt Gretchen," Jasmine smiled. "You'll have a lot of family here."
Cynthia emerged from the Navigator cuddling a just awakening BJ. Holly and Ivy squealed with delight to see their half brother. Naturally, after just waking up and the long trip, BJ was startled into tears.
"Did they scare you, Benny?" Jaz sympathetically asked as she smiled and gently reached out for her half brother.
Much to everyone's amazement, Benny stopped crying and reached out for Jaz. Jaz carefully took him and rested him on her skinny hip. "Benny, these two squealers are your sisters Holly and Ivy. I'm your big sister Jasmine but everyone calls me Jaz. Welcome home."
Benny looked at the contrite girls, then smiled. "Jaz," he said as he reached up and touched her nose. "Me BJ."
With the ice broken, everyone headed into the house. Jasmine carried BJ as Heather and Gretchen followed closely just in case the plucky girl had any problems. Once inside and divested of their jackets, they began a tour of the house. BJ looked around in wide eyed wonder as he toddled along. When they reached the second floor bedroom that had been set up for him, he was ushered forward to look before anyone entered the room. It was a little boy's paradise of cars and trucks. The bed looked like a race car.
"My room," he exclaimed as he scurried inside and looked about. "BJ's room?"
"Yes, this is BJ's room," Cynthia said.
BJ jumped onto the bed and bounced around. "BJ happy," he smiled.
The girls stayed with BJ as he explored his new bedroom and checked out all the neat toys. Even though they didn't play with cars and trucks, they did so with their little brother letting him 'teach' them.
The adults knew that the girls would watch BJ while they finished the tour. Donning their coats they went outside to explore the property. Gretchen was pleasantly surprised by the pool and the dock and simply amazed that she would be living here.
When they returned to the house, instead of going inside Steven led them to the garage. Pausing in front of the door he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out two key rings.
"Cynthia and I decided to give you each a gift," Steven said as he handed them the keys. "I don't know which is for which vehicle but except for the color, they're identical, so if you want to swap, feel free."
With that he pressed the opener to raise the garage door. Inside were two brand new 2008 AWD Ford Taurus X's, one in blue and one in silver. Heather and Gretchen were speechless as they looked at the new SUVs.
"Don't even try to decline accepting them," Cynthia pre-empted their protests. "We want our grandchildren to be safe and comfortable and these will do that. Since they're identical there is no favoritism. Now try them out."
Heather and Gretchen hugged and profusely thanked Steven and Cynthia then excitedly moved to their new cars. Heather had the keys for the silver and Gretchen the keys for the blue. Neither wanted to swap.
That evening, the entire Clan Wells Point gathered in the main farm house to meet their newest members over a grand supper. BJ discover Wanda and DJ. BJ and DJ were nearly the same age and immediately became friends.
Gretchen was impressed by the open welcome and genuine caring of the Clan Wells Point. But it was Krista who really amazed her. Before her arrival every time they had talked about their new home and the Clan Wells Point, Krista had been intimately involved. Now that she had met Krista, she was puzzled. Krista appeared to be a fairly normal bubbly outgoing young teenage girl with an attentive boyfriend. It seemed impossible that Krista was a transsexual. Of course, she felt the same about Kylie and Larry who were clearly in love. Jamie on the other hand fit Gretchen's idea of a stereo-typical transsexual. Gretchen had never been exposed to transsexuals before and while her family had issues with anything outside standard heterosexual relationships, she was open enough to let others live as they saw fit. Krista intrigued her, especially as the young girl was clearly, at least to everyone but the two directly involved, playing matchmaker between her gram Jane and Kevin Stewart. The pair seemed to mesh quite well.
For her part Krista noticed the frequent inquisitive glances and suspected it was because of her adventures. After things settled down, Krista let Heather and Kylie know the pair needed to talk.
Kylie quietly led Heather, Gretchen and Krista to the new third floor master suite to show it off. Once the brief tour was over, Heather smiled. "Gretch, we know you want to talk to Krista. Krista knows the look of curiosity she often evokes from others and has no qualms about answering your questions and concerns. We'll leave you two here to talk things out."
Gretchen was clearly anxious but Krista smiled warmly. "I know I'm an enigma. I had a hard time figuring myself out until I realized it wasn't worth the effort. I learned to simply trust in God and be myself. If doing something feels right, do it, if doesn't, don't. That's made me an open, welcoming and caring person."
"I can see that," Gretch replied. "I find it hard to believe someone your age could blow the lid off the Apple Tree Scandal and saved Jaz and her family and through them my family. You didn't know any of us."
"True, but I was helped by the Spades and I knew they were nearly overwhelmed with guilt about what happened to Jaz and her sisters," Krista answered. "I simply decided to see what I could do to help. I didn't really do much other than getting the ball rolling."
"But it was a big ball and it's still rolling," Gretch said. "You've probably helped hundreds of people beside my family. Then there is your little sister Sandi, and Jamie, and Kylie. You literally saved their lives. Then you choked out that big man and killed that escaped criminal. All in a few months. You've done more good than most people do in a lifetime."
"It's all because I stopped fighting myself. I opened my soul to God and let myself be me," Krista smiled. "When I thought I was a boy life was tough. I was a good kid but life kept kicking me in the butt. I was seldom happy and always on edge. When my mom got sick, I felt hopeless. Then when she couldn't go on, she charged me with getting myself and my sisters here. It was my odyssey. I discovered that being a tough guy got me no where. It was only when I finally hit bottom that my macho facade crumbled. All I had left was me, a frightened but determined kid who was determined to get my sisters here. Once I stopped being such a hard ass, everyone thought I was a girl. I went along with it because it worked while we were on the road. By the time we got here, being a girl wasn't an act. It was natural. Everyone saw it but me but they let me discover it on my own and supported me fully and without judgement. It was only when I accepted in my heart that I was a girl did my odyssey end. Since then I've tried to encourage everyone to be true to their heart."
"You make it sound so simple," Gretch sighed.
"It is that simple," Krista replied. "Stop trying to be what you think others think you should be. Look into your heart to see what you like, then go for it. Here with The Clan Wells Point you have the freedom and support to do it."
"A freedom and support you've instilled," Gretch smiled.
"I've had a hand in it," Krista smiled. "You'll learn that everyone here is willing to talk and help. Don't ever be afraid or ashamed to speak up."
Gretchen smiled and nodded. Krista was wise far beyond her years. But then she had experienced more in the last six months than many people do in a lifetime.
The pair hugged and headed downstairs. Everyone looked up at them and smiled as they rejoined the group. They all knew they'd had a heart to heart talk. Gretch realized these were indeed a very special group of people, a true caring clan, and was glad to be here.
*****
Saturday morning was sunny and mild with temperatures in the fifties. At breakfast, Heather called to see if Gretchen would like to tour The Clan Wells Point land on horseback. It had been years since she'd been riding but Gretch thought the idea was brilliant and that her pregnancy shouldn’t be an issue as long as they maintained an easy pace and made frequent stops. Pat, Heather, Jasmine, Krista, Holly, and Ivy rode up to the house about 9:30. After Krista gave the excited BJ a ride around the yard, Holly and Ivy took the boy back into the house to play while Gretchen took one of the horses the girls had ridden. Krista led the spare mount by it’s reins as they rode.
Deciding to stay on the roads they ambled up Longs Cove Lane past the tenant farm then headed north to the Rehab hostel. They stopped and talked with Cora, Barney, and Freddy. The boys definitely liked being near the horses and both petted and spoke to the animals. Jasmine reached into a saddled bag and gave each a carrot to feed the horse. Barney was anxious to recover enough to ride. Freddy appeared frustrated. Krista quietly resolved to research saddles to see if any were available for double amputees.
After leaving the hostel, they headed west to the storage barn where Longs Cove Lane previously ended. The extension to Longs Cove Lane the Clan had added ran north to the tree line where it met the extension of Apple Lane. They then followed Apple Lane West and soon reached the Olsen family home. Once more they visited for a few minutes allowing the boys to ride around the yard while seated in front of Krista and Jaz. Leaving the boys with their father, Grace mounted the sixth horse and joined the ride.
They then followed Apple Lane out to the Bozman-Neavitt Road. They walked south in the grassy berm as the passengers and drivers in the cars and trucks passing by waved. At this time of the year, anyone on horseback had to be a local as were most of the motorists. When they reached Wells Point Lane they turned in and rode through the forest edged lane listening to the clip clop of the horses on the gravel and the singing of the winter birds as they foraged.
They talked about life in general and about the closeness and hopes of the Clan Wells Point. As the new-comer, Gretchen listened more than spoke but once more marveled that the opinions and ideas of Jazmine and Krista were respected as much as those of the adults. For the first time in her life, Gretch began to understand the true meaning of HOME and how a clan supported it's members.
The tour led past Robert and Sheila's home, then to the first farm where Kevin was checking out the remodel. They headed down Dougherty Lane and angled off onto Bills Lane. Bill waved them out to the end of the dock where he was lazily fishing while basking warm December in the sun. Heather uncoiled a rope from her saddle as Krista went to Gretch and showed her how to hook the lead rope which they had stored behind the saddle to the bridle and then tie it to the rope Heather had by then tied between two trees about thirty feet apart. The horses could graze while the riders relaxed or in this case headed out the pier to Bill.
Soon they were back in the saddle and soon headed south on Johns Cove Lane to the main farm. After riding past the farm buildings they headed south to the landing. As they reached the small house just before the landing, they waved to the Ewells and who were in the process of moving into the home. The horses thought they were heading back to the barn but easily followed the rider's directions to keep moving. Riding through the farm yard they headed east out across the field until they reached Locust Neck Lane, turning south for a short distance till it ended where it met Steves Cove Lane. From there they headed north to the O'Brien farm on Wells Point Lane. Once more they dismounted and headed into the barn to greet Kylie and Tony who were busy working on the DUKW. Gretchen was stunned by the size of the behemoth and the fact that diminutive Kylie was the chief mechanic. Krista explained the history of this particular DUKW and that the repairs would be complete in time for Kylie and Larry to be married on board in the spring. Kylie smiled and blushed demurely.
Kylie and Tony washed up and joined the others as they headed across Wells Point Lane to the house. Jane with help from Lyndi, Teri, and Sandi had prepared lunch. Krista beamed to see Kevin arrive for the repast. LJ and Pete had to be pried from playing 'Madden NFL 07' to join the meal. Gretchen was surprised by the large family not having realized they were all living together. There was no whining or arguing, only cooperation and sharing.
When they were once more in the saddle Pat explained they occasionally had spats but that between Jane and Leroy, compromise and love held sway. The ride to the end of Wells Point Lane was pleasant and conversation flowed. After tethering the horses they walked over to the small stone walled cemetery.
Krista opened the gate and walked over to her mother's grave. "Mom, I'd like to introduce you to Grace, Jasmine, Heather, and Gretchen. I guess you already know about them but they've never met you. I want to thank you again for helping Jasmine wake up and I guess this is as good a time as any to tell them about you."
Heather and Jasmine looked confused at the part about helping Jaz come out of the coma.
Krista proceeded to tell them about her mother walking into the sea to save her children from going into children's service. Then she explained how once she arrived here, it was while at the grave that Krista first met her father. It was also here that she later confessed to him that she was a boy not a girl and that her mom's spirit had helped give her the strength. Then she told how her mother's salt water soggy, seaweed dripping ghost had delayed Kylie's attempted suicide long enough to let Larry reach her and save her. Then she sheepishly glanced at Pat. “The night I first saw you, Jaz, in Requard before we got your family, I was so upset I couldn’t sleep. I got out of bed, dressed, and came here to talk to mom to ask her to help you.”
"Oh my God! Your mom... she was the woman who led me out of the darkness," Jaz exclaimed. "She was wearing a long nightgown that was wet and had seaweed clinging to it! I could smell the ocean! I thought I'd imagined it! Your mom... she saved me! She's why I woke up while you guys were singing MICKEY!"
Krista and Jaz hugged as tears of joy flowed from their eyes. The others tearfully joined in a massive group hug. Once they recovered, Jasmine explained in detail how she had been rescued by an angelic voice from the void of her coma. How the voice had encouraged and guided her as she struggled to pull herself together. Then at the end the mystery woman had appeared and hand in hand helped her escape the void as the cheerleaders started singing MICKEY.
"In all the excitement of waking up and everything that happened I forgot about being in that void," Jasmine confessed. "But as you talked about all your mom did, I remembered and I realized she had been the one who lead me back to life! She heard you ask to help me!"
"Carol was a wonderful person who always cared for others," Pat nodded with a sad smile. "We were best friends. I can see her asking God to let her help you. Krista, it also proves she's keeping an eye on you and is happy with all you're doing. Your faith in God is as strong as hers. However, sneaking out after midnight is NOT something you should be doing.”
Krista nodded her head fully expecting to be punished but willing to accept it.
Everyone could see Krista had revealed her night time escapade knowing she would face discipline. Again they marveled at how strong she was.
“Next time you even think about sneaking out of the house during the night to come here,” Pat chided then smiled. “Wake me and we’ll come down together."
"Thanks, mom," Krista hugged her step-mother.
Heather and Gretchen exchanged smiles realizing that Krista had no qualms about referring to her stepmother as mom while still retaining and honoring the memory of her birth mom. It was yet another reason Krista was so inspiring.
After they all collected themselves, they walked over to Nelsons where they were welcomed with cups of hot chocolate. After a pleasant discussion, they mounted the horses and headed back to the landing and the barn.
"Before I met Benny, I had been going to the uni to become a physical therapist," Gretch said as they road back while the hot chocolate warmed their tummys. "Seeing Freddy and Barney this morning reminded me about what I had wanted to do. Grace, what are the requirements for becoming a Physical Therapist in Maryland?"
"It depends on how far you want to go," Grace answered. "You can become a PT assistant after two years of schooling. To function on your own requires four years of undergraduate study, but to really have any sort of indepence and control over your career you'll need a master's degree, MPT, which is another two years. From there it takes another year to get your doctorate, DPT. Then if you want to go further, you'll need to become a medical doctor which would take another two years. That's where I'm at."
"Geeze," Jasmine gasped. "You mean that after twelve years of school, you had to go another nine years in college?"
"Yes," Grace chuckled. "Plus there are refresher courses that have to be taken every year to keep your license current. Without a current license, you can't be a physical therapist."
"That's not too much different than what I was looking at before I met Benny," Gretch said. "Do you think a local uni would accept the credits I've already earned?"
"You attended the University of British Columbia for a year," Grace stated to be sure she had her facts straight. "I would say that any courses you took as a first year student and earned a minimum of 'C' would be accepted by the University of Maryland. The Requard Rehab Center where I work is affiliated with University of Maryland. I'm sure I can pull a few strings to get you enrolled for next fall."
"I'd like to check it out," Gretchen said. "Is it close by?"
"The University of Maryland main campus is in College Park just outside Washington, about 80 miles one way. I always plan two hours travel time when we lived in Easton but it usually took ninety minutes, from here I'd add twenty or thirty minutes. You have to cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on US Route 50 and pay the toll of $2.50 per crossing. It'd be difficult at best to commute."
"I guess I'll have to talk to Cynthia and Steven," Gretchen sighed.
"If your intention in becoming a PT is to work in the rehab hostel, as a member of The Clan Wells Point I'm pretty sure we'd pay your tuition," Krista spoke up. "You could even intern here under Dr. Olsen which would cut some away time."
Gretchen gave Krista a funny look as once again she was amazed a thirteen year old would speak so boldly about committing the Clan to such an obligation.
"Krista is right," Pat agreed. "While we haven't made it a policy, we have agreed in principal to aid clan members in getting the education, permits, certifications and licenses needed to make our enterprises stronger."
"I'd have to live on campus during the week," Gretch said. "Someone would have to look after BJ and my new baby."
"We'll work it out, Aunt Gretch," Jasmine smiled. "That's what a clan does. We take care of our own."
"I'm really taking to this concept of The Clan Wells Point," Gretch smiled.
"By starting this now, you'll be able to scout out the campus and living spaces," Grace added. "Freddy and Barney have both expressed great interest in becoming PTs and staying on to work at the hostel. They'll be high school seniors next year which means they'll need housing that's convenient to the campus and accessible when they go there the following year. If you can't find anything suitable, we'll have to find something to remodel."
"Actually, that sounds like a more practical idea," Krista piped up. "If we can buy a suitable older building and make it accessible, we can use it to house anyone from the clan who wants to go to UM. Any empty rooms we can rent to students that need accessible housing that's convenient to the campus. If the place is big enough, we might be able to recoup most of the investment from the rentals."
"If we start now, we should be able to have it ready by the start of the next year's fall semester," Pat chuckled. "With all our youngsters, we'll need decent and safe housing and by starting now, we'll be ahead of the curve. Sounds like we need a full Clan meeting.
"So this is how you do things in the clan," Gretch said in amazement. "A small, simple discussion evolves into spending probably at least a quarter of a million dollars and no one blinks an eye."
"Oh we blink an eye," Pat chuckled. "We're still getting use to the fact that most of these good ideas emerge from one thirteen year old head. But we've learned to trust Krista. Her idea to provide Freddy and Barney with a place to live out here morphed, with Jasmine's assistance, into the rehab hostel. Krista and Jasmine still have the positive outlook on life that for many of us older folk has become tarnished by too many disappointments and frustrations. They reinvigorate us and keep us motivated. To be quite honest, after all the two girls have been through, I find it hard to believe they haven't become jaded. But as you can see, they're as bubbly and upbeat as any other innocent teen."
"I have faith in God," Krista said. "I learned that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade. When one door is shut, another opens. You just have to be flexible and follow your heart."
"Krista is right," Jaz spoke up. "Trust in God is locked in my heart. Carol's spirit taught me that and Krista has reinforced it. As long as you keep God in your heart, you can't stay depressed or sad. That's not to say you won't become depressed or sad or frustrated, but with God in your heart there is always hope and once you face being depressed, sad, or frustrated, you leave it behind and move forward. Too many people get stuck being down and then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy."
"Trusting in God and keeping him in the front of your heart becomes a self fulfilling prophecy too," Krista added. "You can take the simplest idea like Gretch needing a place to stay at UM and with God's input it balloons into a just off campus dorm for Clan members with open spaces being rented to students who need accessibility."
"So it all boils down to a matter of faith," Gretch nodded. "I believe in God but I confess I've never given him such prominence in my heart. But you're right, the times I did, I felt wonderful and was doing good. When I pushed him to the side things went down hill."
"Just trust God," Pat smiled. "That's why I have six children while I only gave birth to two. I won't trade any of them in."
*****
Part 17
That evening Krista began researching adaptations to saddles for amputees. Most of what she discovered were to accommodate prosthetic limbs which Freddy would eventually need, but she thought a saddle that accommodated an amputee without prosthetics would be better for those in recovery.
Finally she found the description of a stirrup adapter that had been patented in the mid seventies. This invention consisted of saddle stirrups for leg amputees which can be adjustably attached to a saddle to enable either single or double leg amputees to attain a safe and comfortable saddle seat while riding horseback.
The patent description explained that in the past it had been very difficult for leg amputees to enjoy the pleasurable experience of riding a horse or to derive any of the therapeutic benefit associated therewith. A principal element of riding a horse well is the requirement that the rider maintain a good seat. The word "seat" refers to the manner of sitting on horseback. A good seat is attained when the rider remains in control of his equilibrium, whatever the actions of the horse may be. Such a seat must provide security as well as ease and comfort for both horse and rider. For a non-handicapped rider such a seat is dependent upon balance, augmented by suppleness, muscular control of the body and use of the legs.
Since a horseback rider is continuously receiving impulses from the moving horse, he is frequently in danger of losing his equilibrium and can retain it only by clinging to the horse with his knees and thighs, necessitating a relatively strong leg grip. Good balance reduces the necessity for this continuous leg grip and is a principal requisite for a secure seat. Since a leg amputee cannot depend upon the use of his legs, the use of balance must be maximized, supplemented as much as possible by whatever suppleness and muscular control of the body is available.
Saddles and saddle stirrups have been developed which enable both single and double leg amputees to ride horseback. Generally, in previously known saddles and stirrups for leg amputees, the rider is fastened to the saddle by the use of belts, straps, harnesses or the like. There are numerous drawbacks and objections to such stirrup and saddle arrangements in which the handicapped rider is fastened to the saddle. In contrast with the theory supporting use of automotive seat belts, it is much safer for a horseback rider to be thrown clear of a horse in the event of an accident or runaway, rather than to be fastened to the horse. If an accident should occur with the rider fastened to the saddle, there would be a great chance that the horse would fall or roll upon the rider. Since the average riding horse weighs in the order of about a thousand pounds, a rider upon whom such a horse falls or rolls is very likely to be badly injured.
A further objection to most stirrup and saddle arrangements in which the rider is fastened to the saddle concerns the philosophy behind the use of horseback riding as therapeutic exercise for leg amputees. Horseback riding helps the handicapped person adjust to his disability, not only by improving his balance, muscular control, co-ordination and posture, but also by restoring his self-confidence.
The invention Krista found is a saddle stirrup designed for use in conjunction with a saddle and which alleviates the objections and drawbacks discussed above. The invention allows a leg amputee to ride a horse in a natural position or seat without the aid of other people or mechanical devices. Thus, not only will the leg amputee enjoy the pleasurable experience of riding a horse, but also he will develop balance and acquire independence and self-confidence.
The invention provides saddle stirrups for a horseback rider who has had one or both legs amputated. Each stirrup comprises a cup, for example, in the shape of a truncated right circular cone having its two planes parallel, and means for securely attaching the stirrups to a saddle without fastening the rider to the saddle. A double leg amputee can utilize two such stirrup cups to ride a horse. When two of the stirrup cups in accordance with the invention are utilized, a leather strap passes from the front of one stirrup cup, over the top of the saddle, to the front of the other stirrup cup, while a second strap similarly connects the rears of the two stirrup cups. Each strap is securely fastened to the saddle. The straps can be adjusted so that the stirrup cups are at the height and angle preferred by the rider. A single leg amputee can utilize a single stirrup cup fastened to the saddle in conjunction with a standard stirrup.
The device sounded perfect. What took a lot more time was to find someone who could supply the device.
*****
Sunday the Clan Wells Point discussed the proposed purchase of a building in College Park just off the campus of the University of Maryland for use as housing for Clan members who would be students as well as a rental rooms for other students. The building would be made fully handicap accessible. The idea was quickly and enthusiastically embraced and would be completed by the time Gretchen was ready to enroll next fall.
On Monday Steven used his business connections to locate a trustworthy realtor in College Park. Steven didn't beat around the bush and explained what they looking for and what they intended so the building had to be immediately available and in an appropriate zoning locale. The fact it would be an immediate cash deal if an appropriate building was found spurred the realtor to quick action.
By Tuesday the realtor contacted Steven with photos and dimensions of a prospective building just two blocks southeast of the main campus. The only drawback was that the students would have to cross US Route 1, which ran right in front of the building. Fortunately this potential hazard was somewhat alleviated by the traffic lights and pedestrian crossing signals at the intersection. Robert, Jane and Steven made the trip on Wednesday to inspect the partially vacant building. When they completed the tour, they made an offer on the building.
*****
Although he liked living on the Clan Wells Point estate, Jamie felt lonely. Krista and Jaz were nice but their interests were different. The same held true for Tony and Jimmy. Having cut himself off from the jocks he used to hang with, his new geek buddies lived too far away to make visiting convenient. Ruth was busy learning how to be an effective secretary/receptionist for a lawyer so their time was limited to working out at the gym and meals.
"Jamie, I've been thinking about Freddy and Barney," Krista said on Wednesday December 19 as they were riding home from school with Pat. "They're being tutored to bring them up to speed for when they return to school, but you know how boring teachers can get and they're so far behind they're getting frustrated. Since you're in the same grade, maybe you could help them with their homework."
"I guess I can give it a try," Jamie replied still nervously unsure how the two would react to his being transgendered in a more private setting.
"It'll help you get used to being a girl amongst classmates and help Freddy and Barney leave their redneck past behind them," Krista smiled.
"That does sound like a good idea," Pat spoke up understanding what Krista was trying to do.
"Besides, they told you to correct them if they get too nasty," Krista added. "Mom, is it okay if we stop at the hostel today and see what the guys think?"
"Of course," Pat smiled glad Krista at least asked rather than just assuming they could stop by.
Realizing there was safety in numbers, Jamie readily agreed. A few moments later, they were pulling up in front of the Rehab Hostel.
Freddy and Barney were glad for the visitors and told Jamie she'd be welcome to join them whenever she could. Pat and the others left, leaving Jamie with the guys.
It didn't take long for the awkwardness to fade and conversation to flow smoothly. Jamie brought Freddy and Barney up to date on the latest goings on at school. Of course, since the main topic of conversation at school was the Christmas dance, they discussed that. None of the three had ever attended. Jamie because while she was pretending to be a guy never felt comfortable asking a girl on a date. Freddy and Barney never went because they thought going to a formal dance was just dumb.
As they discussed their reasons for never having attended, they realized a rather large part of them felt shortchanged by their former macho persona. They all realized if they hadn't had their experiences on the Halloween Dance night, they would still be in denial that they wanted to attend.
"Part of me would like to go, but only if I could go as the girl I really am," Jamie sighed.
"I'd like to go too, but what girl would go with someone in a power chair," Freddy admitted. "I mean, there is no way I could dance, plus what girl would even consent to going with me?"
"Yeah," agreed Barney. "With only one arm I couldn't even hold a girl to dance."
"Both of you could dance with a girl," Jamie asserted. "Sure, it wouldn't be like a normal boy/girl dance, but you can still move to the music. I doubt anyone would hassle you for trying. In fact, I think they'd applaud you. Besides, no one would be expecting you to be there so just showing up would knock their socks off. It'll also give you a feel for what it'll be like when you return to school after the holidays."
"Even so, at this point all the girls already have dates for the dance," Barney said. "I sure don't want to go to a dance like that stag."
"I guess you're right," Jamie agreed. "I wouldn't want to go without a date and there is simply no way I could ask a girl even if there was one without a date. I'd feel like a lesbian or something. It'd just be too weird."
Freddy began to chuckle which made the others look at him wondering what was so funny.
"I know a girl who doesn't have a date," Freddy smiled. "I know she'd really love to go too, but she's too timid and unsure of herself."
"I don't know who it could be," Jamie frowned as she thought of the girls at school. "As far as I know, they all have dates lined up."
Freddy laughed a bit, then grew serious. Pulling himself upright in his power wheelchair he looked at Barney, then at Jamie.
"Miss Jamie Ewell," Freddy began as he bowed forward a bit. "Would be so kind as to accept our offer to accompany Barney and I to the School Christmas Dance?"
Jamie's mouth fell open and gaped open and closed like a fish.
"Please, Miss Ewell," Barney caught on. "We would be honored by your presence."
"I thought you guys weren't going to tease me," Jamie pouted.
"We're not teasing, Jamie," Freddy replied with a kind smile. "Not only would the dance be good for Barney and I to get back into the swing of school life, it would also be good for you to stop hiding. We can see you're a girl. The way you behave now is nothing like the false face you presented when you tried to be James. You are Jamie and your still pretending to be a boy in school is the joke. By being our date, everyone can find out you're transsexual like Kylie and Krista. The gossiping will peter out by the time we return to school and you'll be able to return as the girl you really are."
"But I'm not ready," Jamie whined as she put a hand to her mouth. "I'll look like a guy in drag. Everyone will laugh at me."
"They'll be surprised," Barney agreed. "But they'll be surprised to see us there too. With you as our date it'll only be one more surprise, not a big one all by it's self. Beside, if Freddy and I are your dates, no one will hassle you. They know we're straight and would only date a girl. Being our date will only reinforce the concept you're a girl."
“I don’t know,” Jamie sniffled. “I do want to stop pretending to be a boy but I’d make an ugly girl. I’d rather keep on pretending to be a boy than to make a fool of myself.”
“I don’t mean any offense, Jamie,” Freddy replied seriously. “You’re not fat, in fact you’re fairly lean and strong, but you’re simply big boned. That’s what made you so awesome on the soccer field. You know you’ll never be a supermodel. Even if you have the facial surgeries and wait for the hormones to round out your figure, you’ll be a big boned woman. There is nothing wrong with being a large woman. Heck, the way I am now, I don’t think I’ll ever find a woman who is shorter than I am.”
That comment made Jamie and Barney chuckle.
“I know it’s not proper to ask a girl this, but I’m curious,” Barney said. “Just how big are you?”
“Last I checked I was six feet two inches and weighted two hundred twenty pounds,” Jamie blushed.
“Definitely big boned,” Freddy smiled. “But take a look at your shape. Your waist is narrower than your hips and chest. With a bit of modest padding up top, you’d have a decent girlish figure. Get your hair styled and some expert make-up, I bet you’d be hot.”
“But I’m so hairy,” Jamie demurred.
“So shave,” Barney added. “Look, Jamie, the more I think about this, the more I like it. Krista is always saying we need to pass on the help people give us. Freddy and I can’t do much of that yet, but we can help you... and we want to help you. We want you to be our date for the dance. The three of us showing up showing the entire school what we are... well, it'll be great.”
“But I don’t have any idea where to start,” Jamie sighed.
“Krista and Kylie would,” Freddy smiled. “We swear them to secrecy and let them guide us through this.”
"Let Krista and Kylie guide you through what," Cora asked as she entered the room. "Jamie, you're staying for supper, I already spoke to your mom and she's going to join us. Now what are you three plotting?"
"We want to go to the school Christmas Dance," Barney said. "Freddy and I want to take Jamie as our date."
Cora raised her eyebrows as she looked at Jamie who was blushing. "How do you feel about that, Jamie?"
"I'd really like to do it, I'm already tired of hiding who I really am," Jamie confessed. "But I'm afraid I'll look like a fool, like a guy in drag."
Now I understand," Cora smiled. "Jamie, we have two days to get you ready. Call Krista and Kylie now, invite them and their moms for supper. Tell them it's not an option. Boys, you stay in the background of this while we eat and then find something else to do afterwards. I'll guarantee you don't want to get caught in a female council of war."
Everyone invited showed up for dinner. With Jane gone to College Park, Pat had made supper with the help of Lyndi, Teri, and Sandi so the girls could easily serve their menfolk. As soon as they sat at the table, Cora laid out the scheme for the dance.
Krista and Kylie were excited and immediately started encouraging Jamie. Ruth was a bit a hesitant but quickly fell in line as she listened to the others. Pat smiled and said she'd contact Charisma Clothing Boutique about a gown. Mary Willis, she was sure, would jump at the chance to help Jamie become a beautiful girl.
"But her daughter Melinda is in our class at school," Jamie cautioned.
"She'll keep quiet," Krista smiled. "She intends to join her mom as co-owner of the boutique. They couldn't get better advertizing for their business than making you look beautiful! Every girl in the area will want to shop there once they see how you look!"
True to Cora's warning, Freddy and Barney kept quiet except to acknowledge it was their idea to take Jamie to the dance as their date. They eagerly slipped away from the estrogen fueled war council as soon as they finished eating.
By the end of the meal, Pat had called Mary and outlined their plan. Mary was delighted and agreed to reopen the store which normally closed at six on Wednesdays for a private fitting. Pat also contacted Dr. Sykes who agreed to join them. By 7:30pm they all arrived at the Charisma Clothing Boutique.
Melinda had been watching the front door and opened it to allow them to enter. Upon seeing how frightened and apprehensive Jamie was, she smiled broadly and hugged her. "Relax Jamie. Mom and I will fix you up, not only for the dance, but also for school. Once you see yourself as the girl you've been hiding inside, you won't be able to go back to being a yucky boy!"
Krista and Kylie both giggled at the comment and assured Jamie Melinda was right.
No one was really surprised to find Jamie wearing panties and a camisole under her drab boy costume. Once down to basics, Melinda took Jamie's vital measurements. Once the hips, waist, and chest were recorded, Dr. Sykes and Mary went in search of an appropriate girdle to hold in Jamie's undesired male bits and a matching 'B' cup bra.
Jamie was once more lamenting her hairy body but Melinda quickly shut her down. "I can see you've already started electrolysis so you're serious about being a girl. Have you been getting it done up at Serendipity Salon and Spa?"
"Yeah, they've been very nice about it and haven't given me any hassles," Jamie admitted. "They've been telling me if I let them give me the works I could start living as a girl right away. But I just haven't felt confident enough to try it."
"Well girlfriend, you're going to do it now," Kylie declared. "After school tomorrow we'll set you up for the works at Serendipity Salon & Spa. They'll give you a full body wax, clean up your eyebrows, and trim and style your hair. They did me when I finally decided to go girl full time. By the time they're done, the boy you've been masquerading as will just be a bad memory."
"But if I do it tomorrow, I can't go to school on Friday," Jamie protested trying to put off the inevitable. "They won't let you in the dance if you missed school."
"You'll be at school," Dr. Sykes declared as she and Mary returned to the changing room. "Just not at your normal school. I've already called a friend of mine to make arrangements for you to attend special classes in feminine deportment and movement in Bowie. The place is called Charm School, Inc. They pride themselves on the guidance they provide to aspiring talent and professional models. No one compares to their distinctive style and reputation. They are specialists in personal presentation, image make-overs, and social development. Their team is dedicated to empowering students with the gifts of self-confidence, poise and distinguishing character. I know the owner and she's been running a successful business for ten years. I'll also contact Serendipity Salon and Spa to make arrangements for you to have your treatments done tomorrow evening so we can squeeze in two days of classes. Of course, I had to promise you'll come down at least three days during the holidays to give you the confidence you'll need for day to day girlhood when you return to school."
"I'll explain what's going on to Principal Harris," Pat said. "Since this crash course in girlhood will be quite educating for you and since it's coming at your doctor's recommendation, there should be no issues with you attending the dance. The biggest issue will be getting tuxedos for Freddy and Barney."
Jamie’s head was spinning and she was crying tears of joy. Going to school each day had been getting harder as her masquerade as a boy was increasingly becoming a major effort. Now that she had begun liberating the girl in side, it took all her effort to hold her back. Ruth was crying too, as she saw the gratitude and hope in Jamie's eyes.
It didn't take too long for them to outfit Jamie in an ankle length gown with billowing long sleeves to hide her muscular arms. With the right undergarments, she looked femininely statuesque. With a proper hairstyle and make-up, she'd be quite pretty.
In addition to the gown, they selected a mini-wardrobe of skirts and dresses with appropriate undies so she could attend the classes in Bowie. Needless to say she was a bit surprised when they put her in a denim skirt and long sleeved pull-over sweater for the trip home. It was only then she realized since she didn't have to attend high school the next two days, she'd never have to dress as a boy again! Her sixteen year masquerade as a boy had ended! This time she broke down in tears of joy as everyone hugged her and welcomed her into the sisterhood.
The next two days were hectic for Jamie. Cynthia agreed to be the chauffeur for the trips to Bowie. During the long drives, Cynthia served as a prime example of feminine deportment and kept their conversation centered on feminine topics, correcting Jamie's still often male oriented movements and phrases. The ladies at Serendipity Salon and Spa were more than glad to swarm Jamie in a special Thursday evening session of waxing, manicures, and hair styling. Cynthia and Gretchen had already volunteered to do Jamie's make-up for the dance. The classes were busy and tough but the teachers were kind and considerate. They insisted she wear heels as it aided in a feminine bearing but kept them at one inch. They pushed her hard, but not to far that she'd be too tired to enjoy the dance.
Freddy and Barney were confused by the secrecy surrounding Jamie as they were taken into Easton and fitted for Tuxedos. All they were told was that they would be expected to show their mutual date a good time while being assured her appearance would make them proud to have such a pretty girl on their arms.
It took all of Krista's will power not to divulge Jamie's secret, even to Jaz, Tony and Jimmy. Of course, Kylie made sure to keep Tony busy.
*****
Steven, Robert and Jane returned to College Park on Friday to complete the cash purchase and take possession of the building. That evening they spoke with the apartment renters explaining their intentions to add two stories to the building and eliminate the apartments in favor of single dorm like bedrooms. They would be allowed to finish the semester in the building. The remodeling would begin sometime in late January and the noise and dust would most likely be inconvenient at best. They offered to pay the fees for a rental agent to locate a new place for them, would waive any further rent and would give them their deposit back to use as a deposit on their new place. Everyone had to be out by the end of January. They also explained their plans for the place and that if any of the current residents wanted a room once the renovations were done, they would be given first choice. While not happy, the renters admitted the offers to assist relocating were fair.
The sturdy brick two story building was on the northeast corner of Baltimore Avenue (US Route 1) and Calvert Road. The portion along Baltimore Avenue was forty feet wide south to north, then made a right angle turn due east for twelve feet, then turned southeast at about thirty degrees for sixty two feet. The portion along Calvert Road ran west to east for seventy feet then made a right angle turn due north for twenty four feet to meet the angled back northern wall. The street level had a vacant store at the intersection. The windowed store front ran twenty feet east from the intersection and thirty two feet north with a door in the corner at the intersection facing Baltimore Avenue. A three foot wide canvas canopy/awning stretched over an arched tubular steel frame wrapped around both exterior sides of the store front. The last eight feet of the western wall was an entrance door to the second floor apartments and first floor warehouse. About twelve feet beyond the store front on the southern wall was an entrance door to the indoor garage/warehouse with a flight up to the second floor apartments serving as an emergency escape route. Eight feet beyond the door was a steel overhead garage door ten feet wide and eight feet high. There was another sixteen feet of building beyond that. There was a door on the eastern wall next to the corner at Calvert Road that served as a rear entrance with a flight of stairs to the second floor. The sidewalk on Calvert Road was three feet wide from the curb, then another 3 feet of grass except where pavement lead to the doors. On the very edge of the Calvert Rd. side of the building at the intersection was a fire hydrant. The sidewalk along Baltimore Avenue consisted of six feet of brick sidewalk from the curb with four feet of concrete sidewalk up to the building.
The Clan Wells Point Contracting and Construction began drawing up plans to remodel. The plans included installing sprinklers throughout the building, adding an elevator six feet square and adding a complete third and fourth floor with a partial fifth. Solar panels would be installed on the new roof for electricity and a super high efficiency heat pump system installed to provide heating and cooling. All windows and doors would be replaced with energy efficient units and all exterior walls sealed and insulated. All interior walls and floors would be insulated for sound suppression and fire resistance. Before Christmas the plans were submitted to the town planning board for approval.
The first floor consisted of the twenty feet by thirty two feet store-front which would serve as an eating/study area for residents as well as a coffee house type study lounge for customers. There was an office eight feet by twelve feet behind the store front on the Calvert Road side. A pair of four feet by six feet restrooms opened from the store front. Then there was a kitchen area twelve feet by sixteen feet. A walk-in refrigerator/freezer six feet by eight feet opened from the kitchen behind the rest rooms. The area behind that was a large open garage/storage area thirty eight feet long taking up the remainder of the floor except for the elevator which was next to the kitchen. Other than installing the sprinklers and elevator, the first floor merely need to be cleaned up and painted.
The second floor would be gutted and the third and fourth floors added with the same basic floor plan. The front and rear stairs connected by a single 'L' shaped hall with the elevator in the middle. Each floor would consist of twelve bed rooms averaging about a hundred forty four square feet with two shared eight feet by twelve feet bathrooms, one for guys and one for girls. This would provide thirty six rooms, most of which could be rented to pay off the investment.
The fifth floor would consist of a three bedroom two bath apartment between the elevator and the rear stairway away from the street. This would be the residence of a full time manager for the kitchen who would double as building manager. This person would over-see a limited home-style menu available for three meals a day with snacks and drinks in between and after meals. Room rentals would be funneled through the campus housing office with the proviso that those students who needed accessible facilities at reasonable costs would have first shot. The rentals would be priced below off but near campus prices but high enough to pay the expenses. Renters would be provided one meal a day, with options for pre-paid two or three meals available. Any other meals and snacks would be ala-carte.
*****
Quite a few people wondered why Jamie was absent from school the last two days before the holidays but the excitement of the approaching dance and holiday kept their wondering brief.
The teachers knew that on Friday December 21 it would be foolish to try to teach. It was the last day before the Holiday vacation and the day of the Christmas dance. Most used it as a review day or for a fun activity related to their subject. The girls were gossiping about their dresses and the guys were just playful, nervous about screwing up their date with the girl they were trying to impress.
Many girls had made arrangements to leave school after 1:00pm to get to their makeover appointment with the local beauty salons. The excitement was palpable.
Krista and Tony spent most of the day with the rest of the dance committee making sure the gym was tastefully decorated for the formal dance. Streamers were stung, balloons were placed, refreshment were tables set up. The DJ had all his equipment sound checked and ready to go. Kent Photography had a quiet corner of the hall by the main entry set up as a makeshift portrait studio to photograph the couples or just the girls. Kent Graham and his wife/assistant Hannah charged five dollars for a single five by seven color proof shot. They made their money off those who wanted copies and enlargements, plus it placed them in the forefront of the students and their family's minds as a reasonable professional photographer.
Krista and Tony with Jaz and Jimmy arrived at 6:30pm as the doors opened, as did most of the student council. They had their photos taken then headed inside to double check that everything was ready. As they moved about in their gowns, Krista and Jasmine felt wonderfully girlish, especially on the arms of their handsome although uncomfortable tuxedo clad dates.
Leroy, in uniform, stood by the door with Craig Holtzman, a St. Michael's policeman to screen all the attendees for contraband booze and drugs. After the incident at the Halloween Dance no one tried to sneak anything inside. Principal Harris was there to ensure none of the gowns were too revealing and that everyone met the requirements of the formal dress code.
The DJ began to play at 6:45pm even though the dance didn't officially start until 7:00pm. Quite a stir erupted at 7:15pm when Dwayne and Phil arrived like all the other couples, hand in hand. Both wore tuxedos and looked quite handsome. They had their photo taken and then headed inside. Tony and Jimmy had saved a spot for them at their table by the DJ and the boys nervously took their seats. Krista and Jaz welcomed the couple and told them how nice they looked.
The chaperones had all been descreetly notified the boys would be attending as a couple, not to keep them from being together, but to keep other students from hassling them. As was expected, 'gay' and 'faggot' comments swept the attendees as they watched the boys. But other than holding hands and staying together at the table, they did nothing untoward. The fact they were sitting with Krista went a long way to curtailing an open hostility as they understood the school was aware of and accepted the gay couple.
After sitting for ten minutes to let the rest of the students acclimate to the gay couple, Krista rousted everyone from the table to dance a slow dance. The three couples made sure to dance in a group on the side of the dance floor nearest their table with the Dwayne and Phil dancing between Krista and Tony and Jaz and Jimmy. The boys didn't press their bodies together but kept about an inch between them. They danced smoothly which surprised everyone. The boys were glad their moms had made them practice. Other than a few disdainful glances, everything went smoothly.
As the dance ended, the three couples returned to their table. Soon afterwards, another disturbance rippled accross the gym. Standing at the entrance, was a tall beautiful girl holding Barney's one remaining arm while on the other side she held Freddy's arm as he sat in his power wheelchair. Dispite their obvious lost limbs, the tuxedos had been descreetly tucked to minimize the obvious. Both guys looked good all dressed up. Most of those attending were surprised to see the formerly swaggering redneck duo dresssed in tuxedos and attending the dance.
Once they had their pictures taken, Gwen Moore and Ken Poore, who had been told of the threesome, headed over to them to escort the threesome to their table on the other side of the DJ where space had been saved. As they made they way around the edge of the dance floor, many wondered who the tall pretty girl with them could be. She was obviously school age and knew Gwen and Ken. She also smiled and waved to Krista's group. That's where her identity was revealed.
"That can't be Jamie Ewell," Dwayne exclaimed when Krista quietly explained to those at the table who the mystery girl was.
Murmurring spread rampant through the students stiffling all other conversation. Jamie froze like a deer in headlights. Panic began to build as Barney and Freddy held her arms to prevent her from bolting.
Krista stood and headed to the microphone. "I'd like to take this opportunity to welcome Freddy and Barney to the dance and we all look forward to their return to school after the holidays. I think we all should applaud their bravery and stamina in coming here tonight.” With that she began applauding. In moments the entire audience was standing and applauding the duo.
Once the applause died down and people took their seats Krista resumed speaking. "We also need to applaud Dwayne and Phil for being brave enough to admit they've become a couple. It took them awhile to realize they were more than best friends. I know some of you are opposed to gay couples, you have the right to be opposed to anything, but you don't have the right to interfere with the lives of others. I hope Dwayne and Phil coming out will encourage any others in the school who might be gay to come out too. Everyone deserves the right to live their lives as they see fit, if you don't agree, well, get over it. They're here and are not going away. Let's give them a round of applause to welcome them." Krista again began to applaud and everyone followed suit even though a few did so in a definitely desultory manner.
"Then we have Jamie," Krista began when the applause died down. "Not everything about what really happened the night of the Halloween Dance has come out... until tonight. James saw Kylie at the dance. She was so pretty it ate at him and finally got to be more than he could bear. James ran off, intending to drown himself in the marsh behind the barn. Tony and I chased and stopped him but he broke down. With help from my family, we got him back to our house and called his parents. You know what happened then. What you don't know is why James tried to kill himself or why his dad flipped out. You know James changed after that night, he stopped being so macho and started studying harder. He also asked everyone to call him Jamie. Well, Jamie is just like Kylie and I, she's a transsexual, a girl trapped in a boy's body. She's known this for years but her father tried to beat it out of her. Once he was locked up, she began transitioning, but was too ashamed of her boyish body to try to start being the girl she is."
"You may find this hard to believe but it shows you how much they have changed. Freddy and Barney were the ones who urged Jamie to just do it," Krista explained. "They were discussing the dance earlier this week and the boys decided they'd like to come but didn't want to come stag. They knew Jamie wanted to attend, but not as a guy. The boys asked Jamie to be their date for the dance. It took a lot of convincing and a lot of effort during the last two days, but as you can see, it was well worth the effort. Fellow students, I'm pleased to introduce Miss Jamie Ewell. She will be attending school after the holidays, so please, make her feel welcome!" Krista once more began to applaud. There was little hesitation amongst the rest of the attendees about joining in. The applause continued until everyone once more rose for a standing ovation.
Most were surprised by the revelation that Jamie was a transsexual, but what really floored them was that the scrappy redneck duo of Freddy and Barney had not only urged Jamie to come out but do so as their date. They understood the boys had really changed their attitudes.
Jamie smiled and blinked back tears as she nodded her head accepting the applause. Soon she and her dates were seated at the table with Gwen and Ken and their dates.
The dance continued with many stopping by the table to welcome Freddy and Barney back to school and to tell Jamie they were surprised but would be there for her. Quite a few students also stopped by Krista's table to thank her for her persevering and opening the minds and horizons of the school. They also let Dwayne and Phil know they were brave for coming out. A few even thanked them and said they hoped things went smoothly for the pair so they too could feel safe in coming out.
Jamie spent quite a bit of time on the dance floor as she had two guys who wanted to dance. Dancing with Barney wasn't too awkward although he had a bit of concern over maintaining his balance during fast dances. But it was with Freddy during slow dances where her grace showed. After driving onto the floor followed by Barney, Jamie stood between the front caster wheels of his power chair as Barney reached down and disengaged the motors to allow the power chair to free-wheel. As Freddy wrapped his arms about Jamie's waist, she placed her hands on his shoulders and the couple swayed to the beat as she stepped side to side deftly avoiding the casters while turning the wheel chair just as normal couples moved about on the dance floor. This would have been physically tough for almost anyone, but drawing on the strength and agility James had accumulated as the star forward striker on the soccer field, Jamie easily moved the chair and Freddy in time to the music. Everyone was in awe of the spectacle of their graceful dancing.
One tradition was that between nine and ten, everyone voted for the couple they'd like to see crowned king and queen of the dance. The ballots were counted and Principal Harris took the microphone at 10:30pm.
"For the first time in the history of this dance, you have chosen the winners of the ballot by a majority vote," he spoke. "The winners received sixty five percent of the votes. It is my pleasure to ask Miss Jamie Ewell and her dates Freddy Grant and Barney Flint to come forward to be crowned."
The gymnasium erupted in applause and cheers as Jamie just sat in speechless shock. Never in her wildest dreams had she ever expected to be even nominated much less win. Freddy and Barney were equally surprised but recovered quickly. They pulled Jamie from her seat and escorted her toward the microphone and the crowning.
Barney took the microphone. "I'm flattered and humbled, but we all know I'm merely the odd man out. We can only have one king, I'm merely the official court jester. Freddy is the man of hour and he deserves the crown." With that, Barney handed the mike back to Principal Harris and stepped back from the couple.
"Court jester indeed," smiled Principal Harris. "Let's hear it for our knight errant, Sir Barney!" The applause resounded for several minutes as Barney bowed and made circular motions of acknowledgment with his remaining arm.
As the applause petered out, the King's throne was quietly removed and Freddy parked his power chair in the spot. Jamie gracefully swept her skirt beneath her as she sat on the queen's throne. Tears of joy were flowing down her cheeks as the royal robes were draped over the shoulders of the couple and the crowns placed upon their heads. The final touch was the bouquet of roses.
Everyone stood and the applause was almost deafening as hundreds of photographs were taken, including dozens of official portraits by Kent Graham.
Once that was done, Principal Harris announced the last dance of the evening, to be started off by the king and queen. Barney once more deftly disengaged the motors and took the bouquet as Jamie led Freddy and chair onto the floor. Everyone watched so mesmerized by their style and aplomb as they smoothly followed the music that no one else joined them. When the dance ended, as was tradition of the last dance, the couple kissed.
"This simply won't do," Principal Harris announced when the song ended. "Play the song again, this time, everyone out onto the dance floor!"
As the music started again, everyone did go out to the dance floor. Jaz and Jimmy cuddled and barely moved. Krista and Tony did likewise as Krista rested her head on Tony's chest. Even Dwayne and Phil danced closer. This time when the last song ended, EVERYONE kissed their partner. Most were chaste, but quite a few were most passionate.
The dance was rated the best Christmas Dance ever by nearly everyone. The crowning of the king and queen not only headlined the local news, it made the national news. The tale of Jamie's triumpant emergence as transgendered on the arm of the classmate who had both legs amputated in a car crash two months before, the very night Jamie's dad was arrested for abuse and subsequently choked out by Krista, was simply fodder for the scandle seeking press. Of course they just had to mention the gay young couple. It was evident to anyone that Krista had been a prime mover in the lives of everyone involved and she once more became the focus of intense scrutiny.
*****
End of Odyssey II