My First Apartment Chapter 17

On Tuesday morning, When I looked into the mirror, I couldn't believe what I saw! I looked like the combination of my mother and my cousin only younger, with slightly more defined, sculpted facial features. It wasn't an exact match, but damn close! Looking in the mirror, I noticed subtle changes that weren't there before.

My eyebrows had a slightly higher arch. My lips were a little bit fuller and slightly more pouty than my mother's. My Adam's apple was gone. My ears were tucked back a bit more than before. My cheekbones were slightly higher. My face looked more sculptured and feminine. It was me, but a more feminine and prettier version of me!

My nose was smaller, pert and smooth. When I smiled it still hurt, but I figured out why. My previous semi-squared jawline was V-shaped. I looked like most Polynesian women . I'm beautiful! Even with the pain of smiling, I couldn't stop.

Well? Do you like it? Doctor Channel asked.

I, I..... I'm beautiful! I said.

Yes, you are! Rianna came into my room.

RIanna! What are you doing here?

I heard your bandages were coming off, So I cleared my schedule! You look exotic! I'm jealous!

I can't thank everyone enough!

It still hurts to smile, but I can't help it. I said.

That pain will go away in about a month. Sophia said.

How am I going to pay for all this? I asked.

Let me worry about that! Rianna said.

Ladies, do you think it would be alright if I took our friend out for a little fresh air? Rianna asked.

I don't see why not, said Sophia. Just be careful. Dress casual, Lana, No heels or skirts for a while. No aerobics, or any physical activity for a while.

Yes, Doctor! I said.

Call me Sophia!

Thank you Sophia!

Come on, girlfriend! Let's get some coffee and maybe something to eat I'm starving! Rianna said.

I was still sore and a little weak, but the very idea of going outside was exciting. 10 days indoors in the summer time was miserable for me. I love summer. I wanted to lay by the pool. I was dreaming about going to the beach again with Charlie!

Charlie and I only made love once but it was incredible! Everyone had been texting me. Bunny's texts were warm and loving, but it felt different. Charlie's were very sweet. He sent me two big bouquets of flowers, one bouquet had a teddybear with them. The cards were very romantic.

Rianna helped me get ready. My mind was in a fog of excitement and thought. Tony was coming up up to take me home on Sunday.

I was going through the motions, trying to get my clothes on.

Donna, are you alright? Rianna asked.

I was staring at the Teddy Bear. Yeah! I'm alright! I said.

Who sent you the teddy bear?

My friend, Charlie.

That's a Dakin! That's an expensive bear. Rianna said. He must really like you!

Charlie is very sweet. He and his friend Stan saved me! I showed her a picture of Charlie and me on fourth of July at the pool!

He's handsome! Rianna said.

He plays football at San Diego State!

My husband played football at UNLV.

I guess we do have a lot in common! I said.

Come on! Let's go! I'm hungry! Rianna.

I walked beside Rianna as we exited the Spa. We got in her SUV, a Black Audi Q7.

We drove several blocks and ate lunch at a little cafe. We had cheeseburgers and Fries. I was so hungry, it was delicious!

I didn't figure you for a cheeseburger girl, I said.

I'm not normally, But I figured you would like a treat. Rianna said.

Thank you, this is great!

After we're finished I'm going to take you to a very special place. They helped me when I started college.

Special place? I asked.

Very special! You trust me, don't you?

Yes!

Good, because I like you, Lana! I think I can help you!

With what? I asked.

Your legal issues, for one! Help you with your finances, secondly.

But I can't afford an attorney. I said.

I know, and I'm not an ambulance chasing attorney either. Rianna said.

I know what it feels like to be exactly where you are! I can't promise you the moon and the stars. I can however, use all my legal prowess to help you get off to a smoother start.

I'm not sure I understand! I said.

Lana, you were assaulted and beaten. You're also in transition. In this state that is a very serious crime. It can also result in unforseen medical, psychological and financial problems.

Years ago, when it happened to me, my mother and I were broke, barely getting by before my attack. I was in hospital for over 3 weeks. When I checked out, the hospital bill was 6 figures!

My Aunt Vanessa sent an attorney to help us. With her help and friendship, I became the woman I am today. I want to pay the favor forward, if you'll let me!

How? I asked. I liked what she was saying, but I couldn't wrap my head it.

We're going to file a class action lawsuit against them! I'm going do my best to ensure you enough money to recover without debt and maybe get you through college without student loan debt.

That sounds great and all, but those people aren't exactly rich!

Let me worry about that! Rianna said reassuringly.

Read this, initial and sign it This will make me your attorney of record. This will authorize me to represent you and look out for you.

But I don't have a lot of money!

Do you have a dollar? Rianna asked.

Yes!

Good, give it to me!

I handed her wrinkled one dollar bill.

I'm now officially your attorney!

Let's get going shall we!

Rianna, took me to Xtreme Salon and Day Spa. All the women there were extremely nice. Rianna and I got massages side by side. They washed and styled my hair with rollers giving my hair a full body waves.

They gave me a makeover and taught me how to cover the leftover bruises on my face. I was given makeup lessons and shown how to enhance my appearance. These ladies really knew their stuff.

After the Salon, Rianna took me to her office. It was a five story building on the edge of the city. Her office was on the top floor. The outside office sign said Stapleton and Elgin Attorneys at law. The sign on the glass window of her office said Rianna Stevens-Park Senior Partner.

No offense Rianna, but aren't you a little young to be a senior partner?

None taken! I graduated high school when I was 16. I was 22 when I passed the bar exam and started at the DA's in town. I'm 35!

You look like your in your twenties! I said.

Thank you! My husband and I believe in physical fitness! He still competes in Martial Arts tournaments from time to time. Mostly at Law Enforcement conventions. I swim and do yoga everyday.

Do you compete? I asked.

Only when confronted! She laughed. John and I still do our Kata together. Our kids are trained as well. My son is a tournament champion just like his father! Our daughters are very good too.

I saw the pictures in her office. In the center of the wall behind her was four degrees. One for business another political science. The other two was her law degree and Masters in business. All from Stanford University.

You have a lot degrees on the wall! I was very impressed.

I worked my ass off getting them too! I didn't party in college very much. Mostly because I was too young. It was worth it! Rianna said.

Rianna and I talked for over an hour about my situation. She was very smooth and charming. I could tell she wanted to help. She didn't make me feel like a charity case or a gold digger.

Her assistant walked in holding coffee. She was very pretty. I recognized her immediately, she's Mary's wife.

Nice to meet you, Lana. Sharon said.

Nice to meet you too!

This is great coffee! I said where did you get it? I asked.

I made it! Sharon smiled with pride. I used to be Barista at Starbucks before I worked here. I retrofitted the kitchen here not long after I started. It's the best office coffee in the city!

This is great! Thank you. I said.

Your welcome! Sharon said smiling with pride.

I'll be at my desk if you need me, Ms Ree!

Thank you Sharon!

Normally we take 40% of the amount of the lawsuit. I'm going to do yours for 25%. If you're still interested? You won't be charged a dime for expenses.

What do you need from me? I asked.

Two things! First I need full disclosure of everything that happened from the first incident until today. I need a background history of your life. Any legal issues in the past, speeding tickets, anything you have been accused of. Problems at school or anything that the defense can use against you.

The second thing is equally important! Stay out of trouble! Any altercation of any kind can be twisted against you. So behave! No drinking, rave parties. Stay as far away from trouble as you can. You can call me anytime 24/7. You're also going to need to file for your name change. Sharon will help you.

Not to sound greedy, but how much could I get? I asked.

It all depends on your medical bills, time of full recovery, therapy and your suffering. I'm not going to lie to you! This process is slow. It took almost a year for me to get my settlements finalized. We can go to court, or we can do arbitration. I suggest arbitration, it's faster and there's no appeal to it.

I listened to her as she explained everything. Rianna knew what she was talking about.

I was starting to get tired and my pain pill was wearing off.

Are you alright honey! She asked.

I'm getting tired, I'm due for my pain pill. I said. Come on! I'll take you back to the Spa.

Sharon, I'm going to take Lana back to the Spa!

Okay! Lana here's your name change form. Just fill it out and file it when you get home or call me. I'll take you to the court house if you want me to. If you have any questions call me! Sharon said. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to call, even if it seems insignificant, call us!

Thanks Sharon!

You're welcome, Lana! Take care of yourself darling!

As we were leaving we bumped into Rianna's boss.

Becky! I'd like you to meet Lana Simmons! Rianna said.

Pleasure to meet you! My wife Brianna has many nice things to say about you!

It's a pleasure ma'am! I said.

Becky was tall, and statuesque! She reminded me of Sophia! Beautiful, strong, powerful and confident. Her smile was welcoming and warm.

You're in good hands with Rianna! She'll take good care of you! Just listen to her! Becky said.

Yes ma'am! I said.

Come on, Lana! Let's get back to your room!

It was nice meeting you Ms Stapleton! I said.

You too, Lana.

Rianna took me back to the spa. Mary met me at the entrance with a wheelchair.

I thanked Rianna and we said goodnight. I was so tired I was asleep before we got to my room.

Mary helped me in bed. I missed dinner, I was so exhausted I didn't care. It was after 8 am when I woke up. I capped my hair and took a shower. I went down to the cafeteria and got myself a vanilla yogurt, toast and a cup of coffee.

I started thinking about changing my name. I thought at first to consult my father. But the more I thought about it the more I wanted to keep a piece of my mother alive.

I liked the name Lana! But what about my middle name. I couldn't keep my middle name (Tyler). The more I thought about the more I wanted a Hawaiian name to keep ties with my mother. I decided to take my mother's first name for my middle name (Ailani, Ah ee lah nee). It means Heavenly one. It's also the name of Hawaiian royalty. My mother was the great, great granddaughter of the tribal chief on Maui prior to World War 2.

I started filling out the application form. My old name Lawrence Tyler Simmons would be changed to Lana Ailani Simmons I also applied for a new birth certificate in that name with change of sex. I double checked the forms and I called Sharon.

Sharon said she'd pick me up and take me to the courthouse. Mary wasn't thrilled about me leaving again. She said to stay with Sharon at all times. I promised I would.

Sharon picked me up at 10:30 and she took me to the courthouse. When I turned in my paperwork the clerk was very hesitant at first. Especially with the birth certificate application.

Sharon intervened on my behalf. Sharon used a bunch of legal language, quoting the laws and rights of the transgender laws. The next thing the clerk said was Yes Ms Rosollini! Give me a few minutes!

Thanks Gina! Sharon said.

That was impressive! I said

Working where I do, with Becky, Carol, and everyone, you pick up a few things. You should see Rianna in court sometime! She's a Shark! Her opposition sees the attractive woman, but they never see how smart or how strong she is until it's too late. Sharon said.

You should be an Attorney! I said.

I thought about it, but it's a lot of school and I like my free time. Besides I do pretty well. Paralegals that work for senior partners make almost as much as associate attorneys, without the stress! Rianna is a great attorney and boss. I actually helped train her as a receptionist when she was a teenager!

You two sound pretty close! I said. We are! She's one of my best friends. I'd walk through fire for her and she would do it for you too! A few months ago I watched Rianna tear apart Marla Meyers in court.

Marla Meyers is a heavy hitter defense and divorce attorney. Rinanna tore her case apart! She shredded Michael Walker apart about ten years ago in a murder trial when she was an ADA! Rianna's eye for detail is amazing. She was trained by Cathy Elgin, her mentor.

She sounds amazing! I said.

You're in good company, Lana! Just listen to her. She's as smart as any attorney, with twice the age and experience. The opposition sees her red hair and large breasts and figures she's an airhead! They never see her coming!

I sat there listening to Sharon, she sounded pretty confident too!

Lana Simmons! The clerk called out.

Yes Ma'am! I said respectfully.

Ms Simmons, here is your name change certificate for approval. I've sent your birth certificate fax and email. They will need the application with a wet signature to expedite the certificate. I can expedite it for $50.

Can I get three copies? I asked.

That's an extra ten dollars. The clerk said.

I handed her three 20 dollar bills. Thank you, I said.

Your welcome Ms Simmons! Your birth certificates should arrive in about 10 to 14 days.

Sharon took me to the DMV next. I applied for a new driver's license. 90 minutes later I had a new license with my new face, sex, and name. "Lana Ailani Simmons".

What does Ailani mean. Sharon asked.

It was my mother's first name. It means Heavenly One!

It's a beautiful name! Sharon said.

Sharon took me to this little Italian restaurant around the corner from the courthouse. The waiters all spoke Italian. They were older men. They were flirting with Sharon and me. It was fun.

After lunch I was exhausted. Sharon took me back to the spa. Mary greeted me with a wheelchair and took me upstairs for a massage. After my massage I was given a full body moisturizer treatment. The pink lotion was applied in a very thick coating. I was wrapped up in cling wrap and laid out on a massage table.

I took a nap on the heated massage bed. Over an hour had passed when Mary woke me up. We went to the cafeteria for dinner. Sharon showed up and the three of us had dinner together.

I showed Mary my new driver's license. I told her the story about Sharon and the clerk at the courthouse.

Mary smiled and said, That's my girl. Mary and Sharon stole a kiss. I could see the love they shared. It reminded me of my Mom and Dad. I started getting tired again. Mary and Sharon walked me to my room and said goodnight!

Thursday morning, Kelly escorted me to breakfast. After breakfast, Sophia gave me another exam. She said I was healing very well. She started talking with me about my transition. She asked me about what I wanted and explained to me about surgery and timelines.

I hadn't really thought about it. I said.

Sophia said that every reputable surgeon is booked in advance. She suggested if I wanted to come back. I should schedule now. If I needed to move it in the future that I'd be on the books.

I actually liked the idea. I told her that was a great idea.

I'll send Mary up with information and a calendar of openings. Sophia said.

Thank you! I said gratefully.

Mary came in an hour later. With a cart loaded with information and videos to watch. Mary left as I watched the videos. There were surgery videos and recovery videos I must have watched it over 6 hours worth of videos. I only took a break for lunch.

The price list blew my mind. Sophia's center was expensive! She also had AMA certifications, and awards for innovative procedures that the rest of the medical community was training on. I took notes and did the math. My Dad wasn't going to be thrilled about the cost.

I was worried about having the money for it. I still had school to pay for!