One Boy's Journey Chapter 24

Written by Brianna Demonet

When we got to town, it was very high-end for a small town. Eclectic is the best way to describe it. Caleb took us to the shopping district on First Street.

We visited the Mercantile, Tay&Grace clothing store, I bought a pretty yellow Sweater dress with black leggings that had sheer flower lace pattern inserts. We wandered through the Makers Market and looked at the artwork.

We went to this great clothing store called Boho Lifestyle. It was a high-fashion clothing store. I wanted so many things. I settled on a matching two-piece Couture two-piece tank top and skirt that was bright purple. I had to have it with matching shoes. My mom almost flipped out when I paid for it in cash.

We visited Whole Spice; I bought some hard-to-find spices I knew Martina would like. I bought two of each, one for our house and one for Martina.

Becky had made us all appointments at The Spa at Silverado Resort. We all got Mani/Pedi including Caleb. Caleb's nail technician was flirting with him big time. Caleb was eating it up for a bit.

He said you really should check with my wife first! She blushed a deep red! I couldn't figure out how she didn't know. Caleb always wears his wedding ring.

She finished Caleb up and was apologizing for her advances.

Caleb smiled and said, if it helps I was very flattered by it. He tipped her $20. When we got in the car everyone was laughing.

We went to the Boon Fly Cafe for lunch. Lunch was expensive. I ordered the burger, it was made with Akaushi Kobe Beef. It cost over $22. My burger and Cappuccino was $30. Becky was about to pay, and Mom tore the check out of her hand. Sorry Becky lunch is on me. You, Cathy, and your family have been more than just gracious; you are generous to a fault and treat us as family.

Ree thinks the world of everyone here. It's my check and my pleasure. I also want to thank everyone here for being so kind and loving to my Rianna. Mom started to tear up. That includes you Caleb, and our men that didn't join us today.

May got up and hugged my mom. Your family now Brenda that goes for Dan too

Ohh... May! Thank you, thank you, everyone!

After our lunch, Caleb took us to Napa Premium Outlets. I had some money on me and wanted to get Dan a nice bottle of Bourbon.

I handed Caleb the money and he stopped at The Napa Valley Distillery. He bought Dan a bottle of Maker's 46. It was a nice bottle of whiskey.

Rianna my girl!

I dare say you are a very well-adjusted young woman, said Mom.

I looked at everyone in the car, then winked at Aunt V.

I have a lot of great supporters and Influencers! I said.

I dare say it was the perfect afternoon. As soon as we got back I could smell the Korean food coming from the Kitchen. Ian and Dan were cooking up a storm.

I saw a cookbook open. May went into the kitchen and inspected his work.

I'm impressed Ian!

It was no trouble considering you did all the prep work. Ian said.

Maybe, but it's impressive nonetheless. Nice job!

Thanks, May!

Caleb handed me the bottle.

Here Dad I got you something. He opened the gift bag.

How'd you know?

Mom said you like a good bourbon from time to time.

How did you buy it?

Guilty said Caleb.

She gave me the money.

You bought liquor for a minor! Dan said.

We laughed.

But I didn't let her open it! Caleb said

I love your dress Ree said Caitlin. You are so beautiful just like my Mom's!

You are going to be even prettier than me when you grow up sweetie.

Caitlin had most of Becky's facial features and blonde hair with Brianna's tucked-back ears. She also had Bree's hazel eyes.

Everyone should get dressed dinner will be ready in an hour, said May.

We went to our rooms, as before there were two boxes marked V and Ree. My box was a new Korean dinner dress; it was Royal Blue with gold trim, and Aunt V's was Black with silver trim. Both with shoes to match.

We both wore black stockings with our dresses. Just as we finished dressing, my mom knocked on the door.

Come in! I said.

Can you girls help me with this?

Sure Mom!

Mom's dress was silk like ours but it was black with red trim.

Did Dad find his shirt? I asked.

Yes, he's downstairs with Hank and Caleb.

Here, Mom, you put it on kind of like a jacket, button the shoulder first, and work down.

Thank you, sweetheart!

You're welcome.

Hold on Brenda, we have to do your hair and makeup to do this right. Sit down! Aunt V said.

Mom sat down at the edge of the bed. Ree, do her eyeliner and I will tie up her hair. I got to work on her eyes. I did the same oriental cat-eye eyeliner.

I put false eyelashes on Mom like mine and Aunt V. I did a black and silver smokey eye with a red line just above the crease in her eyes. I added just a small touch of red in the middle of her blush and blended it in. I did a 3 tone ombre lip color for her lips.

Aunt V gave her an oriental updo for her golden brown hair.

Perfect! I said!

I agree with Ree, she'll be the most beautiful woman at dinner!

Mom looked into the full-length mirror on the door. Oh my gosh!

I'm, I'm... Beautiful! I said.

Do you think Dan will like it?

If he doesn't, kick him to the curb sister! Said Aunt V.

He'll love it, Mom. I know John loved it when he saw me all dressed up.

Ree!!!! Mom squealed

It's true Brenda, he was speechless!

Aunt V and I touched ourselves up.

I walked to the door. Shall we Ladies?

Let's knock 'em dead said Aunt V!

We walked downstairs. Aunt V was first; I followed her with Mom last. We wanted to surprise Dad/Dan.

Hank, Dan, Ian, and Caleb were in their matching shirts and black slacks. Just then a Yellow Camaro pulled in. A woman was driving, and a taller man got out of the passenger side.

Someone is here I said.

Great! Right on time, said Caleb. Just as they got to the door,

Caleb opened it. Hey Sis!!!

Hey bro!

Caleb hugged her lifting her off her feet.

Hi Steve! Caleb offered a hearty handshake.

Great to see you, Caleb. Happy holidays!

Caleb took their coats. Steve was wearing a Hawaiian blue silk shirt.

Let me get that Terri, said Caleb. Terri had a matching Hawaiian blue dress. It was a little shorter than mine with a slightly higher slit on the side.

Terri was very beautiful; her hair, makeup, and nails were all color-matched. She wore Black seemed stockings and 5" Lou Vuitton heels. She was about 5' 9 and very curvy. I was a C-cup she looked like a D-cup to me

After greeting her brother and the little girls that ran to her, she saw me. She smiled warmly at me. Caleb caught the scene.

Terri, this is Rianna Stevens, her Mother, Brenda, Dan Milford, Brenda's fiance, and Dr Vanessa Stockton, Rianna's aunt.

A pleasure to meet you, I curtsey to her.

She is very well-mannered; thank you, Rianna. I am Terri Mills and this is my Husband Steve.

Pleasure, sir. I curtsey again. I offered a limp handshake, and he shook it gently.

So you're the young woman my brother and sister-in-law are always talking about?

I guess?

Caleb has talked about you too.

A few nice things I hope.

He said you are pretty special and you two are much closer now.

Really? She looked at Caleb and smiled.

That must have hurt.

No, not at all!

They laughed.

We were chatting when Bree and Becky walked in.

Auntie Bree!!!

Terri my sweet niece. They hugged and kissed their cheeks.

I see everyone has met!

Yes, and this young woman lives up to the description, too! Terri said.

We had drinks. Ice water for me I wanted rice wine with dinner. Ian was cooking while May got dressed. I studied Terri just like I did Bree or Cathy. The only difference was I knew about Terri beforehand.

Steve was very handsome too. Terri told me Steve was the director of the San Francisco Crime lab and detective lieutenant. I was impressed. Steve was state and board-certified in Forensic science, but his specialty was computer crimes.

I love technology, and we had a good conversation about it. Turns out Terri is a freelance Network security specialist. I said I heard of a wiz kid in Wired Magazine a few years back about Terry Elgin.

That's me! Or was it me before?

Wow, you're the one that brought down Sally Preston and the Billionaire Martin Compton! I was part of it; Steve here played a major role, too; that's how we met.

I was reeling about meeting them. This was something my old Internet friends used to chat and trade conspiracy theories about.

You two are heroes. I still hear your name whispered online from time to time. Rumor is you died, killed by a hitman hired by Martin Compton.

That would be hard honey!

Why?

He was killed in prison over 3 years ago. We had nothing to do with it said Steve. Mr Compton framed a lot of people for his illicit deeds. He was a bad man, that did many unspeakable things. In the end, his death was his fault.

Stop it, Steve. It's Christmas time. No more horror stories. Tell me about you, Rianna. Terri asked

Only if you call my Ree, Terri.

Okay, Ree, tell me your story, then I will tell you mine. Okay, come! I took her hand and led her upstairs and laid it all out for her.

Talking to Terri was like talking to Bree, no judgment, no what-ifs. Just straight talk without the BS. I brought her right up to date, including today.

She and I teared up a bit. I know a lot of people would hold it in. My therapist said it's better to share it. She says every time you share with someone that wants you to share it lightens the load you carry.

Just like Bree, Cathy, and May, Terri lightened my load. I felt a little better sharing the unedited version. Terri and I both cried. I hugged her tightly. She kissed my cheek too.

Please don't pity me, Terri.

Never sweetie, I will support you. I am very proud of you. You turned your tragedy into triumph, now you are not just surviving, you're thriving.

Terri told me about her girlfriend Sara and getting her body pierced and then Sara and Bree dressed her up. She said after that weekend she was hooked. She said she met Steve about a few months later.

She told him she was in transition. They had to wait to date due to the investigation, but that didn't stop Steve from taking me to lunch and consulting on the case with our network equipment. He never made a move on me until after it was over.

The day after Compton and Preston pleaded guilty He asked me out on a real date. And the rest is history.

You move with a certain grace, Terri. Were you a model? I asked.

I did some model work at a salon competition once. It was a week-long show. Bree, Amber, and I. Amber and I were awarded with honorable mention. We trained for months.

Amber is extremely beautiful, she looks like a young Pamela Anderson with green eyes. You could be a model too Rianna. I'm not beautiful like you or Bree. No, You're more beautiful than we are and younger too.

Are you a complete woman Terri? Yes, honey, almost 4 years now. Do you ever regret having your bottom surgery? No, since I fully transitioned, I have never been happier. Steve supported me every step of the way, and his parents too. I've been very fortunate that way.

How did your parents react? My mom is my Rock! She supported me every step of the way, Bree too. When I went in for my facial feminization surgery and breast augmentation, I asked the doctor to make me look like my mother.

My Doctor, Dr Channel did a beautiful job. She did my vaginoplasty too.

Doctor Channel, I met her once. I had a consultation with her and my doctor before I was cleared to start exercising. She was very sweet to me.

Doctor Channel or Aunt Sophia, as I call her, is a close friend. She's one of Becky's oldest friends both her and Bree's sister Carol, they are very tight.

How did your Dad handle it? My Mom and Dad divorced when I was young. My stepdad raised me and my brother. Matt is a great dad.

Dinner! May called out.

My mother looked stunning, Dad/Dan never took his eyes off her. I loved this holiday. I never wanted it to end. I dared myself to think maybe those boys did me a favor. Mom and I never had so much as we did now, I don't mean money.

I can never remember being happier or seeing my mom so happy. If my mom was depressed she rarely showed it. But seeing her this happy is a real Christmas gift. She was always proud of my school grades, but now she's proud of me.

We sat and Caleb and Ian served us. Chicken fried rice, kimchi, white rice, beef bulgogi, chicken skewers, and Korean meatballs with noodles.

Dan says, I haven't seen or smelled Korean food this good since left Korea!

Where were stationed? Asked Hank.

Camp Red Cloud on the DMZ.

I was at Suwan AB back in the 90's said Hank. That's when I met the love of my life. He kissed May on the lips. It was so sweet.

It's easy to fall in love with Korean people, I said. Before I dated John, his mother took a special interest in me. I love her. You and May are so similar, disciplined, honest, and caring.

May smiled at me like a mother to a child.

My mom said I can't thank all of you enough for welcoming us to your family! Mom started to tear up again.

That's because you are family, said May.

To family! Hank said raising his glass for a toast. To the family, we all repeated.

Family! said Caitlin and Violet. We laughed.

Dinner was great. I loved these dinners more than Christmas itself. My Mom was on my left, and my Dad was on my right.

You are always on my left, aren't you, Mom?

Just like Captain America, said Terri! We laughed again.

Terri, Bree, and I did the Dishes and cleaned up.

I said that is a great car you drive. Is that an SS?

ZL1, Ree!

That's an awesome car.

You should see Bree's Camaro!

Really? What kind?

69 SS/RS 350. I love the 69 body style.

Bree showed me a picture.

Do you like cars? Bree asked.

I love cars!

This is Ian's. It was a 67 SS 396 Chevelle. Bree showed me a picture.

Those are beautiful cars!

We go to Hot August Night every year in Reno. You should join us, maybe bring John, we'd love to meet him. Terri said.

Get your master's degree and you can have a sweet ride too! My Dad said, listing in the background.

I will, I will! I said.

You've never seen my car, have you, Ree? Asked Dad.

No, sir, I never knew you had anything besides your truck. What do you have?

I have a 1969 L-79 427 Corvette.

Wait? L-79! The tri-power! 3, 2 barrel carburetors? I said

Impressive Ree you know your cars. Dad said smiling.

I love Corvettes.

It was my father's car; I inherited it and restored it myself.

I'm surprised I've never seen it.

I don't drive it much in town. It's always in the garage. I took it to Dream Cruise in Detroit a couple of times along with some friends, but it's a long haul.

What is your dream car Ree? Hank asked.

I always wanted two actually. A 1967 L-88 or L-79 Corvette and a 69 Camaro SS/RS convertible. It's just a dream for now.

A 1969 Charger is pretty cool too. Then you would love my friend Russ's car, Ree. He has a 1969 440 tri-power Charger. It's not as fast as my Camaro, but it's fast, and it's beautiful, Bree said.

I realized in talking cars I didn't have to give up on any of my dreams anymore. I could attain them, but it would take lots of work. I wasn't afraid of work!

Ree!

Yes May? Are you making dessert?

Yes Ma'am! Need help Ree? Asked Ian.

From a chef? Always! I said smiling at him.

We went into the kitchen together. What are we making? Mom asked.

My specialty is blueberry empanadas!

With the master chef Ian and my previous prep, we were done in no time.

Ian praised me for my skills.

You know if you change your mind, you could be the next Gordon Ramsey!

Thanks but I think I will stick with being an attorney.

We laughed.

Becky asked, what kind of an attorney do you want to be?

The kind of attorney you and Cathy are! I want to help those that can't help themselves Like I was when Cathy and Aunt V threw me a lifeline, I said.

I'm very happy to hear that. Not many people care about others, Rianna. Just remember we have to take bigger clients to help the little clients.

I know, Cathy explained it to me. She explained everything to me about you, Carol, and your firm and all the good you do. I winked at Becky.

I don't know if she knew I meant it as a thank you for the support, but I did mean I was very appreciative of her and her firm.

The Preston Case was the biggest of my career, said Becky

The desserts disappeared fast, even Caitlin and Violet ate it up.

I saw Becky, Bree, and Cathy talking with my aunt V, Mom, and Dad. I wasn't sure what they were talking about but they all kept glancing my way.

Rianna honey! Join us, please. It's okay, I'll finish cleaning up, said Ian,

I'll give you a hand said Caleb.

It was kinda intimidating walking into a group of adults that have been talking about you for 20 minutes.

Yes?

Ree how would you like to stay with me over Spring break? Work in my office with Cathy and I for the week? Becky asked.

Really? You mean me going to work every day with you both!

Monday through Friday. It's not going to be fun and games. You will have to dress appropriately and sign a nondisclosure agreement. Becky said in a serious tone.

Yes, I would love to join you.

Mom, Dad can I go? Please?

Of course, Ree, you need to be on your best behavior, young lady! Dan said. He winked and smiled at me.

One question! Can I sit in during court or a deposition or a meditation?

All three! If we can manage it! But you have to stay silent the whole time. Becky said.

Yes, Ma'am, Ms Stapleton!

I think we have a winner, Becky, Cathy said.

I think you're right Cathy.

I would like to invite you all to my spring ballet recital, we are doing Swan Lake! I would love to have my whole family there.

Hank says May and I will ensure everyone is there. There's no way we will miss it.

I wanna go! Said Caitlin.

I turned around and picked her up. I say to her, I want you there too, and your brother and sister.

Tomorrow is going to be a bit warmer.

Who wants a tour of the vineyard and winery? Asked Hank.

I'm in said Dan.

Brenda, will you join me? Said Dan.

Steve, Terri, and Ian agreed to a tour. Ree, are you up for a second tour? We can use a quad driver.

Of course, I said. I ride with Ree said Caitlin.

She's only 5 years old, but she's very smart.

We all had a long day; I started my nightly routine. I was in the middle of my dilation when Mom knocked on the door.

Ye, ye, yes?

Ree honey, can I come in?

Just a minute! I forgot to don my panties I just grabbed my robe.

Yes, mom?

Ree what were you doing?

I blushed a bit. My dilation.

You are still dilating?

Every day, the doctor said I had to dilate every day or risk my flower closing up.

Sweetheart, I wasn't aware of that risk.

That's why I asked for a bigger tool to dilate with. Oh, sweetie, I remember you asking; I just wasn't aware of that.

Mom, how old were you when you had sex?

Brenda

I knew this subject would come up eventually. I was hoping I had more time. But my time just ran out. I thought long and hard for a couple of moments before answering.

My sweet boy is now the daughter of my dreams. How I answer her will determine not just her future but the future of Dan, myself, and Rianna, not to mention our new extended family.

Ree honey, I made a lot of mistakes as a young woman. While I don't want to lie to you, I will say I should have waited. Let me say this: I was sexually active before I was out of high school. It was a mistake I always regretted.

I met your father in college when I was 17! By the end of my second year of college, I was 19 and pregnant. I dropped out and took care of you while your father graduated college.

He had a hard time finding a job after graduation. A month before he left us, he told me he had a couple of job offers out of town.

He never told me where, he said it was a surprise. The day he left he told me he would call me the next day. I never heard from him again. Getting pregnant at such a young age was a big mistake; being sexually active at a younger age was an even bigger mistake.

Having you and raising you is my greatest accomplishment! Now you sit before me as a young woman with a brilliant future that I could only dream of for either of us.

I know you can't get pregnant but that doesn't mean you should have sex. I know you're extremely curious about sex, Aunt V, and I understand more than you can imagine.

Do I think you should wait? Yes, absolutely. Sex is more than a physical act. Sex can be emotionally binding for a young woman.

Once you have sex, you may want it even more. Your emotions combined with physical and psychological desires to experience it even more.

You have to ask yourself what's more important? Your future or your desire! Ultimately it's your decision.

You are an intelligent, trustworthy young woman. I trust you will make the correct decision, but the decision to have sex is a decision you can only make once!

Rianna

I sat there absorbing everything my mother said. It explains so much I never thought to ask or even thought about it. I always thought she never dated because she was too busy raising me. Now I realize she didn't date to protect us both and is trying to move forward for us both.

I didn't think it was possible to love my mother more than I already did, but I do now. I was shedding tears when I looked at my Mom again.

Ohh!! Mommy!!!!! I hugged her tighter than ever before.

Ohhh!!!! Sweetheart!!!!

Thank you, Mommy! For what sweetheart? For protecting us! I realized just now how much you sacrificed to protect us. I never understood until now!

What are you talking about?

You! You fought tooth and nail to give us a decent, honest life! Your decision to not date was a decision to protect us both. I always thought I was the reason and you were too busy raising me. I never once thought there was so much more to it.

Ohh!!! My sweet daughter!!! You are a brilliant young woman.

Knock, Knock! Aunt V walked in.

Mom and I were crying!

Everyone alright?

Everything is great V!

Vanessa, I will never be able to repay you. You have raised an extraordinary young woman here! I cannot begin to thank you. My Mom said.

You raised an extraordinary person, Brenda. I just gave her some freedom and direction. You and our new family did.

Goodnight sweetheart! Mom kissed me on the forehead.

Aunt V and I went to bed, I slept like a baby.