One Boy's Journey Chapter 31

There was less than an hour left, and the DJ played "Hit Me One More Time" by Britney Spears. All the girls crowded the dance floor. A few boys joined us, John joined me. Two songs later, they played "Only Girl" by Rihanna. All the Cheerleaders and the football players crowded the dance floor. We danced our asses off.

The boys all pointed at the girls during the chorus. Lexi, Emma, and the entire cheer squad pointed at me at the end of the song. They all screamed Only Girl! I blushed red, and I laughed, too. It was good fun.

John lifted me and spun me around. As he lowered me down I kissed his cheek. That was followed by a bunch of whooping and hollering. It was 11 pm when the dance was over. We were invited to go to the diner again. Julius had his mom suburban.

I called Mom and asked if I could go to the diner. She said it was fine but to be home by 1 am. I told John he said it was not a problem. Everyone had a great time. Julius drove Emma, Lexi, and their boyfriends.

John and I left the diner at midnight, which gave us about 40 minutes to make out before dropping me off. I love being in John's arms. I feel safe and loved. He played with my naval piercings. It was such a turn-on; it would make me quiver and sigh.

I love the face you make when I play with your belly button. I love the way you touch it, Johnny! John smiled and kissed me deeply. I love his affection. We kissed goodnight at the front door. I walked into the house. Mom was waiting for me when I walked in.

Did you have fun? We had a great time, Mom. My friends, the cheerleaders, everyone was there. It was great. Don't forget your friends are coming over tomorrow. I know! Thanks, Mom! I kissed her cheek and went upstairs. I did my therapy and routine. It was all a habit now. It was almost 2 am when I got to sleep.

I slept until almost 10 am. I put on my pink Speedo and capped my braids. I grabbed my mules and walked downstairs. Mom and Dad were drinking coffee. Morning Kiddo! Morning honey! Morning guys! You slept a little late, everything alright? Asked Dad.

Late night is all. I'm fine. I walked outside and started swimming. I tried to push myself to 30 laps. I'm not sure how many I did. My mind was all over the place this morning. John, the house, my Mom is getting married. The mediation is coming up.

The fact that I will have to go back to Ohio at some point. I could handle everything without an issue except going back to Ohio. I knew I had to at some point. I was dreading returning to Ohio. Running into anyone I may know. As semi-popular as I am here, I'm even less popular there now.

My old high school football team was predicted to win the Class B state championship. After my incident, they only won 1 game out of 10. My old school was probably throwing hate parties and blaming me. Serves them right I thought to myself. I tried to concentrate on my swimming and my form.

Hey! Are you gonna come in soon? Dad shouted.

I finished my lap, toweled off, and walked inside.

You alright kiddo? You must have done at least 40 laps.

Was I out there that long? Yes, Rianna, you were! Said, Mom.

I guess I was distracted more than I thought I was.

Do you want to talk, kiddo? We'll listen! Said Dad in a genuinely concerned manner.

It's a combination of reflection and going back to Ohio. I am not looking forward to going back there. I am probably hated more now than ever before.

Why would you say that? Asked Mom.

The football team lost almost every game last year.

That's not your fault, kiddo; those boys almost killed you. Mom said.

They got what they deserved! As far as I'm concerned they got off easy! Dad said.

I saw Dad looking a bit red with anger in his face.

Rianna, Brenda, don't worry about a thing I will keep an eye on Rianna if and when she comes back to Ohio. If anyone tries anything I will talk to the police. I still have friends there. Judge Franks is a friend too.

Truth be told Rianna, Dad was getting serious again. I don't think anyone is going to recognize you. If they do just walk away before anything can be said. Besides you're staying at my house when you come home.

Your Mom's place is for sale. So no one lives there anymore anyway.

Thanks, Dad!

That makes me feel a bit better.

No one will know where you are staying. If they do figure it out, they have to come through me first Ree Ree! He smiled brightly like a father to me. I almost felt like his daughter now! It is a warm feeling. Mom hugged him.

Just then Dan's phone rang. Hello? Yes sir! See you in an hour and thank you. Come on, girls, we have an appointment!

With who? Asked mom.

You'll see, just dress nice. Said Dad. How nice! Mom asked.

Office attire, look professional! What's going on Dan?

You'll see soon enough, Brenda. Wear that Black double-breasted coat dress, Brenda; I love that on you. Said Dad.

When I heard what Dad said, I thought I would wear my hunter-green blazer dress. I did a light green eyeshadow and just a hint of eyeliner. I did my lips in soft pink. Mom came in; she looked like a powerful lawyer in that coat dress.

Want me to redo your Boxer Braids?

Please! We redid my braids again. I love them!

We were ready in just over 30 minutes. We loaded up in the Escalade and headed out to Dan's destination. He had the address in the navigation system on his phone. After about 15 minutes we pulled up to an office building. Walking inside, Dan went to a terminal and punched in something.

We rode up the elevator and got off the 5th floor. The doors opened and I saw the reception desk and a large sign. Fountain and Associates attorneys at law. My jaw just dropped! Staying quiet, I thought, Oh shit, this is Cheryl's dad's office. What the hell are we doing here? I thought to myself. I had no choice but to let things play out. I trusted Dan with my life, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't having doubts.

Can I help you sir?

Dan Milford for Mr Fountain, Please.

Right this way sir! We walked through the office to a large corner office. The assistant outside said Mr Milford?

Yes ma'am, Dad said with respect.

One moment sir! Mr. Fountain, Mr. Milford, and company to see you? Yes sir!

Please go on in.

Thank you. Said Dan turning on the charm.

Dan, it's nice to meet you; you must be Brenda Rianna's mother. Rianna nice to see you again.

Good afternoon sir, I curtsied him.

He smiled, very charming, Rianna.

I have your paperwork all ready as you requested. I would like to go over everything if you have the time.

Please go ahead, sir.

Mr Fountain read through the document in front of him. As I listened I began to understand it was a prenup agreement. At first, I thought, what the hell! But as I listened to the terms of the prenup I realized Dad was only protecting his assets on behalf of his daughters and their families. It was also stipulated that he wanted nothing where our assets, including settlements, were concerned. I watched my mom's face. She was slightly dumbfounded.

I could see her concentrating on the conversation in front of her. My mom was in deep thought. My Mom is an educated woman. I could see her trying to understand everything about this. I saw my mother's face changing, she went from worry and deep thought to a slight smile with pride.

As the men continued to talk and the few notes Mr Fountain was taking. It appears to me my new Dad doesn't want anything from my mother except her hand in marriage.

Excuse me, gentlemen? My mom spoke up at a small lull in the conversation.

Yes, Ms. Stevens? Asked Mr Fountain.

Am I to understand that this is a prenuptial agreement and that my fiance wants only to protect his current assets and nothing else?

Yes, Ms. Stevens, Dan asked me to draw up a prenup agreement on behalf of both of you. According to your fiance, the only thing he wants to do is protect you both.

Dan?

Brenda, sweetheart, I love you; I never thought I would fall in love again. That being said, I have zero intentions of asking anything from you or your daughter except your love and understanding.

It was my late wife's wish that my daughters inherit what we built over the years. I have no wish to take anything from you ladies. You have earned it. I love you, Brenda, and I love Rianna. All we are doing here is protecting everything we have.

Mr Fountain? Mom asked if this was true.

Yes, Ms Stevens, everything you have or are going to gain is yours. What's yours is yours, anything you earn in the future is yours. What Mr Milford has is his. Your fiance has been very clear he wants nothing from you either financially or proprietaryly. You are more than welcome to have your attorney review the document.

My mother produced a card from her purse. I have no doubt Mr Fountain, but I would like my attorney to review it. She hands him her card.

I'll have it faxed immediately.

Thank you, sir. Said Mom.

Excuse me, gentlemen, my daughter and I need to make a phone call.

Please use my office, Dan can I offer you a cup of coffee? Please say, Dad.

Cathy? Hi!

Brenda, what can I do for you? You were just faxed a prenup agreement.

Let me look... Yes, I have it.

What can you tell me about it?

Just a moment. There was a brief silence on the phone

Brenda?

Yes?

First off, you should know Dan consulted Becky and me on this. When Dan asked us. We recommend Mr Fountain, he's a good man. Secondly, you are fully protected. Dan wanted to make sure you were protected, and he only loves you, not any gains or rewards from you and the lawsuits. Dan loves you, Brenda, that's all he wants from you.

He's a retired Police officer. This is his way of showing you he has no interest in anything but you and Rianna. Sign it Brenda, protect yourself and Rianna. You can trust Dan and this document.

Thanks, Cathy.

Thank you, Aunt Cathy.

You are welcome, ladies.

Mom waved the men back in. Mom shook Mr Fountain's hand. Mom kissed Dan deeply right there! They both signed the document and I signed as a witness.

Thank you, Mr Fountain, I said.

You know Rianna, I should thank you!

Why is that, sir? Rianna, you helped my daughter become a cheerleader again. Between you and me. She is much improved thanks to you. She earned her spot and she has a much better attitude since.

I just gave her a few tips and some advice. That's not how Cheryl sees it. She is grateful for your help, and my wife and I are very grateful.

You're welcome, Mr Fountain.

Thanks again, sir! said Dad.

Have a great day, guys! Mr Fountain said.

We all left the office Mom and I were holding Dad's hands. How does Pizza sound for lunch? Asked Dad.

I know a place! I said. Marsigliano's Pizzeria & More.

Lead on Ree Ree, said Mom. We had a great lunch, as we were leaving the restaurant Maria called and she said our offer was accepted as long as it was a cash settlement. Dad said we would be in the office tomorrow to sign the offer after the home inspection tomorrow morning.

Dan also asked about the permits and codes that were required by the county inspector's office. Dad said, great, we'll see you around 3 pm. We got in the Escalade and headed home! Well, my ladies, barring any major issues or surprises, you two will be homeowners very soon!

Mom and I hugged Dan tightly. What would I do without you, Dad?

That's my line! Smiled. Mom.

Maybe, but he saved my life! I said with tears of joy.

No sweetheart, he saved us both. Mom kissed him deeply. I watched as her left leg went straight up!

So this is what it's like having a Dad!

I like to think so! Said Dad.

And a husband! Said Mom.

You two mean a lot to me! Brenda, you gave me a second chance at love. Ree, you allowed me to be a father again. You both have no idea how special that is, or how much it means to me.

Brenda, I promise I will give you the home you dreamed about and the father your little girl deserves. Aunt V got home about 30 minutes after we did.

Where's Lexi? I asked. Taylor is bringing her over in a few minutes. I saw Mom talking to Aunt V quietly. Taylor and Lexi showed up Linda and Emma were right behind Taylor. Mom left with Aunt V, Taylor, and Linda.

You and your friends are stuck with me kiddo!

Where did mom go? She didn't say, she did say she'd be back soon. The girls loved my braids.

Who wants Boxer Braids?

Me!!! They said in unison.

We did Emma first; I didn't have to show Lexi much; she is already an expert with hair and makeup, thanks to Taylor.

Emma watched with great care as we braided her hair. Emma and I did Lexi's hair,

Emma struggled a little bit at first, but she was getting the hang of it. Finally, we were done. We decided to show my Dad.

What do you think about our hair, Dad?

You three look like sisters!

Dad, can you take us by the house?

House? The girls asked. We might be buying a house!

Where?

Just down the street.

We walked down the street together, Dad was all smiles walking with us.

Here it is! I have to warn you girls, it needs a lot of work on the inside. I said.

Dad unlocked the door and we went inside. The girls started walking through the house. This is the same floor plan as Vanessa's house, said Lexi

Yes, it is; I said

I like it! said Emma.

Emma says I can see the advantage of this place. You can decorate it any way you want!

I know! Right! Want to see my room?

I'll bet I know where it's at! Said Lexi. They guessed correctly. Before I knew it my friends were discussing paint colors and carpet. It was funny listening to them talking about my new room decor. We explored the whole upstairs. Emma and Lexi were happy for me. Dad was very charming; Emma and Lexi couldn't help it; they liked him.

Well girls, what do you think?

We like it, Mr Milford!

Can you fix all this up? Asked Emma.

I sure can, girls. You girls should help Ree pick out paint and carpet for her room. We can do that, said Lexi. Lexi and Emma had all kinds of ideas. Their color palette was pink, green, and yellow. Mine was purple. I wanted a bed similar to my canopy bed at Aunt V's. I prefer the style of my current bedroom.

My bedroom is super girly and to be honest I loved it like that. I was thinking pink for my bathroom. I had to remind myself to ask Dad for a heated floor for the bathroom. As we talked about room decor, I realized I love being a girl. I felt free to be myself as a girl.

I cried a lot as a boy, and boys aren't allowed to cry. As a girl, I cry all the time and always feel better afterward. Just then I decided to make a note for my therapy notebook. Emma knows about Lexi and I being trans and never pretended we were boys or thought differently of us. To Emma, we are girls. Sharing my thoughts about the house and decor and my secrets. I don't know what I would do without my friends.

Are you girls ready? Asked Dan

Yes, Daddy! I smiled and kissed his cheek. We walked back to the house holding my Dad's hand with pride. Dad just smiled at us chatting away. Dan is a very manly man, but he is a teddy bear at heart. I was excited to become his daughter. I had a passing thought about what his daughters would think about me, but I knew Dad enough to know he was somehow prepared for that one too.

We got back to the house, and Mom, Taylor, Linda, and Aunt V were sipping wine. They were all giggling.

What's going on mom?

I want to show you something, honey. I like your hair girls.

Thanks, Ms Stevens.

What's up, Mom?

I took your advice, Ree.

What advice?

Take a look! Mom pulled up her blouse and she had her naval double pierced. They were double cubic zirconia. They looked great on her flat stomach.

Dad saw it, his jaw hit the floor!

Do you like it, Dan?

I, I, uhh!

Dan?

I love it! You didn't have to do it, but yes I love it!

I got these too! Mom pulled her hair behind her ears. She now had 5 ear lobe piercings in each ear!

Mom, we have the same piercings now!

That's right sweetheart, we all do! Aunt V!

Dad says, I love it girls, I do! But I am too old to get body piercings!

We all laughed. Don't sell yourself short Dan! Exclaimed mom.

We laughed again. Vanessa, would you mind if I borrowed the Escalade tomorrow?

No problem. What's up?

Brenda and I have a meeting with the home inspector tomorrow. Pending a good report. We can begin to close on the house tomorrow.

Which one? Taylor asked

The fixer-upper 7 houses down the street! I exclaimed. Do you mean the one like Vanessa's with the stucco exterior?

The one you always walk by Ree?

Yes ma'am! I exclaimed.

We loved it said Lexi

Mr Milford said we could help Ree decorate her room, said Emma.

Rianna has been eyeing that house for months. I know for a fact it needs a lot of interior work. Said Aunt V.

Yes, it does, but it's not anything we can't handle. Ree has promised to help me put in the work to finish it. Well I hope the realtor was fair with the price, said Vanessa.

She was, Dad said. Maria was very helpful. It turns out the realtor is Anita's mom, I said.

Your Anita, the cheerleader? Linda asked.

Yes ma'am!

This is going to be great! Said Vanessa.

It sure will be my family all together, I exclaimed.

I am very happy for you guys; I hope it goes well tomorrow, said Linda.

Congratulations, guys,. Good luck with the inspection said, Taylor.

Who's hungry? I asked.

What are we having? Asked Linda

Chicken fajitas!

Martina's Recipe? Asked Taylor.

Yes, ma'am, I said

You guys are in for a treat! Said Lexi.

I love good Mexican food! Said Dad.

Then you will love this, said Aunt V.

Girls, give me a hand.

What do you want us to do? Asked mom.

Have a drink, relax in the living room. I got to work on the meat and veggies. Lexi started on Spanish rice. Emma started on the taco salad. We were working and giggling together.

We watched as the adults were talking away as we prepared dinner. We set up the island counter as a Buffett line. Emma and Lexi set the table. We opened a bottle of Chardonnay from the Pambini winery. We were each allowed a short glass of wine.

Mom and Dad (that sounds more natural to say every day) Loved the fajitas.

I told you, said Aunt V. I'm impressed, girls, this is great! Said Dad. I haven't had Mexican food this good in a long time. We all ate as a family. We had a great time. The house was the big topic of conversation.

Everyone wanted to know when Mom and Dad would get married. Aunt V wanted to know so she could reserve a ballroom at the country club. Taylor, Linda, and Aunt V were talking about a bachelorette party.

Dan said he didn't need a bachelor party. He said he wouldn't be opposed to a good steak dinner and a night at a nice cigar bar. We girls wanted to be part of the bachelorette party. The adults shot us down, saying we were too young.

Mom and Dad did want a honeymoon. Dan said I know the perfect places for a honeymoon. Places? Asked mom. Yes, more than one, and you're going to need a passport, Brenda.

Where are we going?

Trust me, Brenda, you will love it. And you're going to need a bikini, Dan smiled. Do you trust me?

Of course, I just want some say in where we go!

That will ruin the surprise! I will say this Brenda, I have been listening to everything we've talked about over the months we've been together. I've been planning this for a while now. I've even consulted with Vanessa.

He's right Brenda! Don't ruin your surprise! Trust me sister; It's going to be a trip of a lifetime! I can tell you this, you're going to need more than one bikini and evening gown!

A mystery! Said Linda

It better be romantic! Said Taylor.

It's going to be very romantic, said Dad.

We cleaned up dinner and Taylor and Linda left for the night. The girls and I went upstairs and started getting ready for bed. We started planning my belated birthday party. I invited the entire cheer squad, Shelly and Cheryl. I didn't bother inviting anyone from ballet, Karate, or gymnastics.

We decided on a Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. I told everyone "No Presents". I just wanted to be with everyone. It was going to be a girl's day and slumber party. We had it on Sunday afternoon, and we had Monday off from school.

Aunt V had a plan. What it was she wouldn't tell me. With over 20 girls coming over I couldn't imagine what it could be. What I did know was everyone had to be at the house by noon. I told everyone to bring a swimsuit. I was super excited about the party.

Back in Ohio, I'd be lucky to have a twenty-minute conversation with one person. 7 months later I am having over 20 people at my birthday party. Lexi, Emma, and I were in the middle of rolling our hair when Mom knocked on the door.

Come in! I exclaimed. Wow! You girls are very serious about your hair!

I like to think so! Says Lexi smiling.

Mom inspects our work. Very nice Lexi! You do nice work. Thanks, Brenda. We stayed up until 2 am giggling and sharing our holiday events.

Linda and Emma visited her mother's parents over Christmas in Reno. She had some great pictures. Lexi was home with Taylor and Taylor's mom. It wasn't as exciting as mine or Emma's Christmas but it wasn't too bad. Taylor's mom allowed Lexi to style her hair and give her a Mani-pedi.

Taylor's mom was starting to warm up to the idea of Lexi as a girl. I listened to Lexi and swore to myself the next chance I got; I wanted to take Lexi to the vineyard; both of them, they both needed a chance to reset and relax.