One Boy's Journey Chapter 52

Written by Brianna Demonet

The next two weeks were an adjustment, to say the least. I was thankful for two things more than anything else: our parents and work.

Cathy was buried at work, which means I was as well. John was even busier than I was. Rick and Keith were grateful for the extra man in the field. They have been pulling round-the-clock surveillance over a solid week.

My typing skills greatly improved and so did my other office skills. Cathy called me "Radar" from the MASH sitcom. I began to predict everything she needed before she asked for it.

Most of our work was more mundane than exciting but it was all important work. The work kept my mind off things with John while I was at work. I was getting up at 5 am, doing my routines, and swimming every morning.

At Becky's home, it was harder. John and I still snuck around at night quietly. It didn't feel the same for either of us. It was like we were risking a catastrophic disaster if someone found out.

We didn't do anything outside the walls of Becky's property. We are both afraid of going to a movie together in fear of someone seeing us. John was even more paranoid than I was.

John spent so much time in the field these last two weeks doing surveillance that he was constantly looking in mirrors, driving different routes. It was scary the way he looked at everything around him now.

He had interviews with five different magazines, including a piece in Sports Illustrated and Kick magazine. The Las Vegas Tribune did a 1/3 page article on the hometown hero. In Vegas John was now a celebrity!

He did all his interviews by phone. Kathryn Bigelow called him and congratulated him and his team. Our movie didn't come out until Thanksgiving weekend.

John's parents put the money in a fund for his college fund. My Mom let me keep half for living expenses at my new place. I was still worried about getting a place.

Becky talked to Carol. Carol's husband, Matt, was a real estate developer and had a lot of connections.

The Fourth of July weekend was coming up. I was looking forward to seeing May and Hank. If anyone could help John and me, it was May.

John had just finished his evasive driving school and passed with flying colors. Becky paid for it, provided that John would agree to intern next summer as well.

I saw John with the guys, they treated him like a little brother. It was great to see things working out so well. Becky, Bree, and Ian took advantage of our plight and started going out on the weekend to dinner and nighttime entertainment.

John and I didn't mind a bit. We were living rent-free, so we never said no. John and I swam with the girls and played with James.

Caitlyn and Violet loved playing dress-up! I taught them my curtsy routine and added ballet movements; they performed it several times, and it always received a warm reception. Becky and her friends loved it!

Mom and Dad were actually really busy at the house. Dad started getting bored. He painted the basement floors. He added ceiling fans in the basement. Dad turned the garage into a makeshift machine shop.

Dad also started framing the basement and got the bathroom in the basement working.

Mom was working at Taylor's salon until school started in the fall. She was Taylor's go-to stylist when things were busy. Lexi was doing hair, waxing, and body piercings part-time.

Emma got a job at a small law office. She was supposed to be part-time, but it turned into full-time after her first week, her whole summer was working overtime.

The Fourth of July weekend arrived and John and I decided to drive up at night. John said it would be harder for someone to follow us if we drove at night because of less traffic. John used his new skills driving my Traverse up to Napa.

Hank told us to park the car in the barn and walk in the back door. We stayed near the house all weekend. We rode the quads and made love on the side of a mountain. Being at the vineyard made us both feel like we were together again.

We didn't talk about Soo-Min and the predicament she placed on him. As much as it hurts me, I think it hurts John even more.

Finally in August. Carol's husband Matt came through. It was a two-bed two, two-bath condo. I had to agree to a three-year lease. It was just as expensive as living in the dorm with the meal plan. Mom wrote a check for all three years.

The condo had a large pool. I was thrilled. I was told absolutely no parties! That didn't bother me. I was here to go to school. The school was a 30-minute drive. But now I could drive to school.

The day after I closed on the condo I got a call from Lexi. She was able to transfer from Arizona to Stanford. So I now had a roommate to share the bills with.

John had football practice starting 3 weeks before school started. The last weekend before John left, Becky let us use the pool house for the weekend. I felt like we were husband and wife. We made love every morning and evening for three days and nights.

Two weeks before school started, my parents drove up in Dad's truck. Dad brought my computer system and desk, and Mom packed a majority of my clothes. They also brought my hair rollers and my hair dryer.

We spent the whole weekend setting up the condo for Lexi and I. We went to a couple of second-hand furniture stores and Target for everything else.

The very same week before school started my Mom got a call from Mrs Newhouse. She asked us if we could fly to Ohio. I'll pay for your trip. My husband and I really need to talk to you. We'll pay for your lawyer's time as well she told Mom.

Mom told her she would call her back in an hour.

We talked to Cathy. Cathy already knew Mr. Summers already called her.

On Tuesday all four of us were on a plane to Ohio.

We stayed at Dad's house. My older step-sisters haven't done anything with it yet. Minus some furniture, everything was still the same.

It was 3 pm when we walked into the courtroom

Mr and Mrs Newhouse were there with their sons and Jack Fisk.

I had an idea of what this was about, but I stayed quiet. Her boys kept looking at me. But it wasn't a hateful look, more like the can I buy you dinner look.

Mr Fisk, you've petitioned the court for this session. Would you like to start?

Thank you, your honor. My clients have requested to petition the court for an adjustment to their plea deal. My clients, along with their parents, are asking to remove the chastity clause from their plea deal.

I understand, is that it? Asked the judge.

No your honor, said Mr Fisk. I would also request a motion to cut their probation from 20 years total to 10 years total.

Mr Summers, what do the people have to say?

Sir, may I have ten minutes to discuss this with the victim and her family?

The Court is recessed for 10 minutes.

The Newhouse family and Mr Fisk left the courtroom.

We'll Ree! Said Cathy we both knew this day would come!

Yes, we did! I said. I've actually thought about this day, on and off over these last few years. Much less lately.

Well, sweetheart, what do you want to do? My mother asked.

We'll back you up either way! Said Dad.

We're behind you too!

We turned to the new voices in the courtroom.

It was Dad's daughters! My sisters Samantha and Ellen.

We heard you were coming to town! We thought we'd show you a little support!

I hugged them both! Thank you! I said with gratitude.

We!!? Cathy asked

The ball is in your court, Rianna! Said Dad as he touched my shoulder in a fatherly manner.

Cathy, everyone. As much as I hate what happened to me. I can't stand here with hate. Not for them or myself. I love my life and everything that has happened to me after I healed. My life is so much better now than ever before. I feel blessed!

Cathy, endorse their motion, on one condition!

What's that? Asked mom

I want them to apologize to my mother and me in court and on the record!

I'll talk to Mr. Summers.

I'm very proud of Ree! Said Dad

Thank you, Daddy! I hugged him

Some things never change! Said My sister's in unison. You're still a big teddy bear, Daddy!

Only for my girls! He opened his arms and his daughters joined us!

Get in here Brenda! Said Dad.

We were still hugging when Cathy got back. She smiled sweetly at me.

You've come a long way in a short time! Said Cathy. I'm very happy for you Ree!

A large part of this is because of you Cathy. I wouldn't be where I am without you as a role model!

I love you too, little sis!

We hugged.

Mr Fisk walked in with the Newhouse family.

Mr Summers! Said Judge Franks. Do the people have anything they would like to say?

Your honor Ms. Stevens would like to address the court. Mr. Summers said.

I stood up at the table next to Mr Summers. Cathy was sitting directly behind me.

Your honor! I want to say first that I have worked very hard putting these events in the past. I want to believe we have all learned from past events.

I am willing to accept the request of the defense council and have expressed my decision to Mr Summers and my family.

I have just one condition. An apology from the boys! I've worked very hard to make the best of this tragedy. I'd like to think that they are more than willing to move forward from here. An apology would mean a lot to my family and me.

Well said Ms Steven! Said Judge Franks.

Mr Fisk? Do your clients have anything to say before I render a decision?

A moment your Honor? Said Mr Fisk.

Your honor my clients wish to address the court and Ms. Stevens.

Proceed! Said Judge Franks.

Thank you, your honor! Said Mr Fisk.

Tom and Rick stood up. They looked across the aisle at me.

Rianna, my brother, and I have regretted attacking you every day since we did it. We have reflected on it every day. I personally cannot express how sorry I am. I know I can't make up for what I did. I just hope you can one day forgive me. Tom said.

Rick faces me he looks at me and bows his head.

Rianna, I agree with everything my brother said. I am very sorry for what we took from you. I can't explain how ashamed I am of my actions on that day. I hope you can forgive me and my brother. You didn't do anything to deserve it.

As the brothers sat down Mr Newhouse stood up.

May I be heard, your honor?

You may! Said Judge Franks.

Rianna, Mrs Milford, and I would like to apologize to both of you! I never realized how traumatic your situation really was until it was too late. I never looked at any of the reports, I shrouded myself in denial.

Never once did I believe my boys would ever do such a thing. Your tragedy is my fault as well. After our settlement conference, Mr. Summers gave me the reports. I couldn't believe what happened.

I hope one day you will be able to forgive me as well. I am so very sorry. He sat back down slowly.

Mr Summers! Does the DA's office have a recommendation before I consider the motion? Asked Judge Franks.

Yes sir! After speaking with the victim and her attorney we agreed with the motion before this court.

Very well. The Court orders to be released from chastity from the previous plea bargain and parole service to be rolled back ten years from its previous date! I will remind you, young men. All other limitations are still in place. Behave yourselves. I'm a judge of very little tolerance!

Courts adjourned! Bang! The gavel thunders through the near-empty courtroom.

Mrs Newhouse walked over to us.

Rianna, Brenda, Dan. My husband and I cannot thank you enough. We are in your debt. If you need anything, and I mean anything, just ask; we are forever in your debt!

Thank Mrs. Newhouse I may take you on that. I said

The following weekend Lexi was moving in. I was excited that Lexi was going to be living with me. I'd finally have a friend at school.

Cathy and Caleb had me over for dinner on the Friday night before I left for school. It was great; Terri and Steve came over, too. It was a lot of fun.

Lexi and I had classes on the opposite sides of campus. We got home normally at about the same time.

Lexi was just like me with study habits. We had to drive separately due to the size and distance of the campus.

John was busy all the time at school. Soo-Min was really putting the pressure on Jii and Yon saying he should be living at home. Soo-Min was Jii's oldest cousin and pretty much the matriarch of the family.

Jii started ghosting her calls. Soo-Min starts bothering Yon. Yon told Soo-Min if she ever wanted to see her girls or her cousin again she better back off.

Soo-Min finally agreed to back off if they flew back to Korea for an engagement party with Lin-soo. Yon said she'd think about it. She also told her if she continued to harass them. She would have a much bigger problem than the excommunication of her family.

I talked to Yon a couple of times since school started, and she reassured me she had a plan to fight this power play. But she couldn't share any information because of the risk and blowback it might cause. She asked me to trust her and told me she loved me.

Lexi and I spent a lot of time together. We were homebodies. Emma came over a few times from Berkeley and spent the weekend with us. We did our hair and makeup together.

Most bars and nightclubs require you to be 21 to get in. The three of us had only one thing on our minds, Grad school! Emma was still in pre-law school, and Lexi was majoring in psychology. And Pre-Med.

When mid-term exams came up we hunkered down at the condo studying.

When the Thanksgiving holiday came, we went home to Vegas together. I drove. Becky invited all of us to stay with her. We thought about it. But I was dying to see my parents and Aunt V.

Plus I was desperate to see John.

We had a full week off. I picked up Emma at Berkeley and we drove straight to Vegas. It was a lot longer drive than I remembered. We got home it was almost midnight.

I left my things in the car, went upstairs, took a shower, and went to bed.

We went to the movies on Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. We saw The Crusaders. It was my movie. Everyone came, Emma and Linda, the Park family came. Aunt V, Taylor, and Lexi. My parents flanked each side of me.

Everyone kept calling John and me movie stars. John looked great in his fight scenes. Yon said I looked really good in mine. Mark Strong and Jessica Chastain were great.

A couple of girls from high school recognized me in the movie. You were so good! I can't believe I know a movie star. When they saw John they squealed! We thanked them and went to dinner together.

Mom had everyone over for Thanksgiving dinner. Mrs Park loved not having to cook. She sat by the pool, sipping wine, and watched her girls play in our pool. John and I spent as much time as we could together indoors.

John had a feeling he was being watched. He was so paranoid now. But he wasn't wrong either.

My Dad decided to take John's car for a drive. He put dash cams in the front windshield and back window. Dad showed Jii what he found. Jii was not a happy person.

Jii and Dan set up more cameras in their cars.

John didn't play running back all year. He had a solid year as a return man. UNLV went to a minor bowl game that year. Blake had a solid year on special teams as a blocker and filled in as a second-string linebacker and strong safety.

We had Christmas in Vegas that year. The Stapleton and Elgin clans went to Michigan. But Hank and May visited us in Vegas. Despite all the spying going on Yon refuses to let it get in the way of the holidays. Hank and Dad smoked a beautiful Prime Rib for Christmas. Hank and May brought 4 cases of wine. Chardonnay, White Zinfandel, Cabernet and Lumbrusco.

Everyone had a great time. John's sisters gave out presents.

Lexi, Emma, and I drove back to school a week early. We had reading to do and laundry. Emma wanted to spend time with us. We stopped at her place, She followed us to the condo. She was about an hour or so behind us.

I was picking up my mail when the condo manager stopped me.

You're Rianna Stevens, right?

Yes sir! Is there a problem? I've had some strange traffic and people visiting here. They were hovering around your place while you were away.

Can you describe them? I asked, my anxiety was building up.

Better than that, let me show you! He showed me the security video. It had good shots of the car and you could clearly see people hovering around my place.

Have you girls been inside yet? He asked.

No sir, we just got home.

They come by about this time. Let's wait here. If they come by I'll call the police now that you're here. Lexi and I didn't like the idea. But we did as he suggested.

We waited almost an hour before they showed up. They parked in the visitor lot. Lexi parked my SUV behind their car as the manager called the police and secured the gate surrounding the complex.

They must have been monitoring the police radios because when the call went out they ran to their car. Lexi hid in my car, taking videos with her phone. She got a great shot of their faces.

Their car was boxed in. When the police arrived. They were arrested.

The police dusted the condo for prints. They found two prints that weren't ours and listening devices all over my place.

I called Cathy and Dad. Cathy looked into it from the legal side. My Dad came up the next day. He added a new security system with night vision cameras and motion and heat sensors. The system had an app that linked to our smartphones.

My dad was in full cop mode! I was impressed and scared at the same time. Lexi thought he was so cool.

The condo manager doubled the amount of security cameras throughout the complex.

You're like a daughter, too, Lexi, both you and Emma! Don't forget it! Said Dad.

Jii, Yon, and Dad kept collecting evidence. Cathy found out they were hired by a Korean Soju company.

We didn't have any problems after that. Brianna made arrangements with her friend Russ. Russ was an old friend of hers. He specializes in setting up secure mobile devices. He set up new phones for me, John, Mr. and Mrs Park,, and my Mom and Dad.

John joined the golf team at UNLV that year as a walk-on. He did it for two reasons. The first was to impress Stanford. The second reason was to fill up his schedule. This way he wouldn't have to go to Korea.

The golfing cut his continued internship with Becky's law firm short but she didn't care.

Lexi got an internship working for Dr. Lisa Maples, a psychiatrist and surgeon. Lisa was a good friend of Becky's and a fellow colleague of Aunt V.

Emma got an internship working with Cheryl and her father at the Fountain Law Firm in Vegas Cheryl was working in a Law firm in Chicago.

Lexi and I stayed at the condo all summer. We commuted to our jobs.

John stayed with Becky all summer. John started teaching Caitlyn and Violet Hap-ki-do. Becky and Brianna loved it.

John and I started drifting apart due to a lack of contact. We would steal time together. But as John's graduation approached it became increasingly harder.

We broke up the following Christmas. I must have cried for a week straight on and off. My friends and family tried to console me, but it was no use.

John got roped into going to Korea to get engaged. I was devastated.

May called me and invited me to the vineyard for a few days.

Mom and Aunt V thought it would be a great idea and a change of scenery might do me some good.

Aunt V, Taylor, and Lexi rode up to the vineyard with me. They stayed two nights and flew back to Vegas.

I spent much of my time exercising and meditating on the mountain. May talked to me for hours. Terri and Bree came up for the weekend before I had to leave school.

We did lots of girls' trips into town. We talked about everything and nothing. I finally started laughing a little and felt a little better.

I knew there was a plan in place but communication between myself and the Park family was almost non-existent.

I monitored John's fiance's Facebook page. There were dozens of pictures posted of her and John together. They had a wedding date set for June in Korea after John graduated from UNLV.

I did my best to put it out of my head. Lexi and Emma were God sends! The three of us were finishing our third year of school. We were all on track to graduate with honors. Judge Franks and Cathy wrote me glowing letters of recommendation for law school at Stanford.

I was finally starting to get over things with John it's been over a year. We didn't talk anymore. I dated a few times but it wasn't the same.

Emma and Lexi were very supportive. Lexi and I became extremely close. If it wasn't for Lexi, I don't think I would have made it through school.

I was working at Becky's law firm when I got a Facebook alert. John had tied the knot with his Korean bride Lin-Soo. I fainted at my desk.

I woke up in Cathy's office on the Couch. Sharon was stroking my hair.

Cathy and Caleb were standing over me.

I think someone needs a little time off! Cathy said.

I'll talk to Becky! Caleb said.

Thank you I mumbled.

I'm going to cancel my afternoon! Said Cathy. I think I know just the thing to help you relax a bit!

What's that? My curiosity peaked. You'll see!

She picked up the phone and called Becky.

Becky, my little sister needs a little R and R. Can you spare me for the afternoon?

Thank you and that's perfect! Okay, I'll see you in the morning!

Come on little sister! We'll be late if we don't get a move on!

We took my car. Cathy drove. We arrived at Extreme Salon and Spa.

Amber greeted us. Ree!!! So great to see you! Come on I'm all set up for you!

I didn't know what was going on, but a little pampering wasn't going to hurt. I just followed her blindly not saying a word.

Amber gave me a hot stone massage, and when I rolled on my back, she applied a facial mask.

You have very beautiful breasts, Ree! Said, Amber.

Thank you, you are very beautiful too! I said.

Would you like me to pierce your nipples? Or maybe add a couple piercings to something more intimate? Amber asked!

What do you mean by more intimate? I asked.

Your hood, outer labia! Maybe some hip or back dermals?

Dermals! Yes Please!

Amber took off her Salon cape and took off her school girl blouse and skirt. She took off her bra and showed me her body piercings.

She was very beautiful. 5 hip dermals on each hip. Two back dermals. Her nipples were enormous with large nipple rings. Her body was as toned as mine maybe even a little better. Her breasts were D-cup at least and perfect.

I noticed a little bump in her panties.

Amber, can I ask you a personal question?

Sure sweetheart! Ask away

Are you pre-op transgender? I don't mean to offend you! I'm transgender too so is my aunt Vanessa.

Yes, I am! I'm very happy with my body. I might get bottom surgery someday, but for now, I'm very happy!

Wait! Your trans, too? Asked Amber. But you don't have any visible scars.

I got my surgery when I was 13 years old. I said.

How? Asked Amber.

I was beaten within an inch of my life. My testicles and penis were damaged beyond repair. I was allergic to male hormone supplements. They said the only way I could go through puberty was as a girl.

I've been fully transitioned for over 6 years now.

Why do you look so sad, sweetheart? Asked Amber.

My long-term boyfriend was just married today in an arranged marriage to a girl he hardly knows.

We were in love! His extended family from Korea forced him into marriage to preserve their lineage! His Aunt said I was unacceptable due to my being transgender and unable to have children! I told her.

That's so barbaric! Said, Amber!

I know, right! They did everything they could to break us up! His parents were even against it!

She wants John to move to Korea after he graduates from grad School. John emailed me a long apology. He didn't have a choice! He told me he would always love me. He said his parents were very sorry.

Sounds like you need a night out! Said, Amber. You need to let your hair down sister!

Now do you want some piercings or what? Asked Amber.

Load me up! I said. I want my tongue, nipples, and your dermals! And one on my hood and one on each side of my outer labia!

How about frog eye piercings for your tongue? Two will heal as fast as one if they're done at the same time!

What is a frog eye? I asked

Amber stuck out her tongue!

Wow! I love it! I'm in!

Lie back, sister! Let's begin!

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