One Boy's Journey Chapter 4

Written by Brianna Demonet

Aunt V took pictures of the outfits and texted them to Mom and Cathy.

Mom and Cathy both started bombing Aunt V's phone and mine. Wanting details, recital dates. It was exciting to see their enthusiasm. My mind was beginning to feel more in line with my body. Now all I needed was a friend or two to share my hopes and dreams with.

Aunt V and Martina were relentless in correcting me all the time. Though lately not nearly as much. My walk had a nice sway too. I trained myself to walk like Donna in the "Suits" show I watched. I was always smiling.

Even when you're sad in public, always smile, said Aunt V. I made a habit of getting up at 6 am to swim every day. I was up to 20 laps. Aunt V wouldn't allow sunbathing. She said if you want to look young, stay out of the sun.

I never argued with her or Martina. They pretty much let me know what they wanted when things weren't busy. My TV time was minimal. I haven't played a video game in weeks. I was way too busy learning to be a girl.

Truth be told, I was beginning to enjoy it. It's a lot of work to be a girl. Hair, makeup, clothes, learning new mannerisms. As the HRT took hold, my brain, mind, and body seemed to start working together.

Aunt V and I went shopping at the mall in Cesar's Palace one Saturday afternoon, and I noticed the boys following me, whispering and staring at me. It made me feel good.

As we were leaving the Mall I got a call from Cathy. She wanted Aunt V and me to visit her at her parent's vineyard in Napa Valley. Aunt V made the arrangements for the following weekend. We turned around and went back to the mall to buy boots. We both bought high-ankle black combat-styled boots with 3" heels.

This week was busy for me I had my entrance exam on Wednesday Morning at my new school. On Monday and Wednesday, I had Hap-ki-do at 6 pm. Tuesday and Thursday I had ballet at 6 pm and Gymnastics on Saturday.

I wasn't sure I could do it all. Aunt V said not to worry. It will all work out. Aunt V made arrangements for me to do gymnastics this Friday morning so I wouldn't miss anything. Still, in July, school was 7 weeks away from starting.

I was packed up and ready by Wednesday night. As tired as I was from everything, it was more mental than physical. I was in great shape, and really felt good for the first time. I wrote Mom a letter about everything. I emailed and texted updates, but my letters reflected my feelings.

Friday at noon, Aunt V and I got on this small twin-engine plane and flew to an airport just outside Napa Valley. Cathy picked us up. I loved her car. Silver Audi A-4. It was about a 30-minute drive to the Vineyard. It was breathtakingly scenic. Mountains in the background, rolling hills. It looked like a painting, but it's all real.

She pulled into the driveway, and it was still another 2 minutes until we saw the house. It was an older home a colonial 2 story. It looked well-maintained. We started to unload When two men walked out to greet us. The older man, I was guessing, was her father; the other man was about Cathy's age and was wearing a wedding ring I recognized him from Cathy's pictures, her husband Caleb.

Ladies, meet my father, Hank, and this is my husband, Caleb.

Caleb said; Let me get those. He took most of the bags. Hank grabbed the rest. Caleb was enormous. 6 feet 6 inches tall, blonde hair, blue eyes, and a bright smile. His face reminded me of Liam Hemsworth. He had muscles everywhere.

When we walked in the house it smelled like an Italian restaurant. Cathy's mom was Korean, with beautiful black hair and green eyes just like Cathy's. This my mother, May said, Cathy. Nice to meet you I said, I curtsied. She smiled.

May told us the history of the vineyard. She said like many families that own vineyards, that it has been in their family for over 150 years. They made 12 different types of wine and 12 different types of small-batch signature wine. She showed us their awards wall. It was covered with awards going back almost 100 years.

Can I try some, I asked. Of course, if it's okay with Vanessa. It's tradition to drink wine with dinner. Small single glass for children.

Yes, You may have one glass of wine Ree.

Thanks, Auntie V, I smiled.

My Mom used to let me have a small glass at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Cathy showed us our room. Aunt V and I shared a king-size bed. It was a brass bed with lots of quilts and lace. The bathroom was right across the hall. Aunt V and I started getting dressed for dinner. I changed into a cute flower pattern summer dress. Aunt V wore a similar dress. We both wore 3" heels.

Dinner here was an event. Mrs Pambini and Cathy put on a spread. Chicken Florentine, Italian wedding soup, homemade breadsticks, and salad. Mr. Pambini and I set the table; he poured the wine, a chardonnay, I think.

As we were about to sit to eat I noticed we had put out too many plates. I asked him about it. Caleb said my Aunt and her wife will be joining us. I caught what Caleb said and stayed quiet, I didn't want to seem rude.

Not a minute later I heard a quad approaching the house. In walked Two beautiful women. The blonde-haired woman was tall, at least as tall as my Aunt at 5' 10", and her wife with dark red hair was a couple of inches shorter. They were smiling, holding hands. Aunt V walked over and hugged and air kissed hello.

Becky, Bree this is my niece Rianna from Ohio. I curtsey and said hello offering a limp handshake.

Aren't you a doll said Becky with a very friendly smile.

And very well-mannered, too said Bree.

A pleasure to meet you. I said. Smiling brightly.

Cathy tells me you want to be a lawyer! Becky stated.

Yes Ma'am, I said proudly.

Have you thought about where you want to go to college? Becky asked.

I thought about Notre Dame or Indiana University, but living out here, I am thinking of Stanford. Those are all good schools. How are your grades, asked Becky. I had a 3.85 GPA last year.

Where are you going this year? Becky asked.

The Meadows School. This fall in Las Vegas.

That's a great school. You have to participate in extracurricular activities to get accepted to a good school. Becky said.

I want to be a cheerleader and join the drama club, I said.

Join the debate club too Rianna. Debate is a big part of practicing law. Becky said.

Good Idea ma'am, thank you.

Call me Becky, Ree!

I couldn't take my eyes off them. Bree had large beautiful breasts. Her eyeliner was double-winged and perfect. It looked tattooed, I loved it. I saw something shiny in her mouth. I said nothing. Bree had a septum and 2 small rings in her right nostril and a stud in the left.

Bree was over-the-top beautiful; her facial features were similar to Joan Collins in the Dynasty reruns my Mom watched. I studied Bree, her piercings, her breasts, her body the way she moved. It was graceful, almost over-the-top feminine.

I also noticed her index finger was shorter than the ring finger. I used to be a boy too. As I studied everyone at dinner I noticed only Mr Pambini was the only one that didn't have earrings. Caleb had 2 in each ear and a left nose stud.

Bree, I love your eyeliner, I said.

She smiled sweetly at me and said thank you.

Becky beamed a smile at me. I kinda figured everyone at the table knew my story.

When you turn 16, and if your mother approves, well, see about you getting yours done, but not as heavy as Bree's.

Aunt V? I was surprised when she said that.

Sweetheart, but not until then, said Aunt V.

I just smiled in acknowledgment.

I never really had a full family dinner; it was a real treat for me. Chatting, passing all the food. It was like the Sunday Dinner scenes in the Blue Bloods TV show.

Dinner was fantastic, I told Mrs Pambini as much. I started cleaning the table. Caleb and Bree helped.

Ree, you don't have to do this. My nephew and I have this covered.

I know, but they cooked, and we cleaned. That's the rule, correct?

She's right, Aunt Bree.

She sure is Caleb, and smart too.

I smiled. Caleb finished his part and Cathy asked him to bring some wine to their room.

Be right there Cat, he called back.

Aunt V was talking on the porch with Mrs Pambini and Becky. Mr Pambini was watching the news. I did a head check to make sure Bree and I were alone.

Bree? Can I ask you a personal question?

I'm an open book, sweetheart. Were you a boy once like me?

Yes, I was, how'd you guess?

Your fingers, Bree.

You are a clever girl.

Thank you I said.

Do you ever miss being a boy?

No, Ree, I don't. Since the day I met Becky, I have lived as a girl. I have been so much happier as a girl. Becky and her friends saved my life.

Really?

Really, Ree, it's a long story; the quick version is Becky and her friends went out of their way to give me my dream and treated me with friendship, therapy, and discipline. I was suffering from both PTSD and depression.

I Love your ears, Ree.

Thanks, that's with Cathy's help.

Can I tell you a secret Bree?

Sure, honey. Cathy is my role model. I want to be like her.

You picked a great role model, Rianna.

I have PTSD, too, night sweats and night terrors. I said.

Do you exercise, Ree?

All the time. Aunt V and her housekeeper Martina see to it that I swim and do yoga. I just started Hap-ki-do and gymnastics. Tuesday I start ballet.

How is your recovery progressing? I was just cleared by the doctor, I'm 100% now.

Is your dilation therapy going alright? Bree asked.

I am beginning to enjoy dilation a lot.

Do you dilate Bree?

No, sweetheart, I can't yet, maybe in a few years.

Do you still have your boy bits?

Just a tiny penis. I had an orchiectomy four years ago when I got my new breasts.

How big were you before your implants?

I was a C-cup, but hormones helped me grow to a D-cup, and Doctor Channel gave me Double D's, and I love them.

So do I, they look perfect on you.

Thank you, Rianna.

Do you know Doctor Channel? I asked.

Dr Channel was consulting with my Doctor Mitchell and Yung on my surgeries when I was cleared to start exercising.

Yes, Dr. Sophia Channel did all my work. She did all the surgeries on my niece Terri too. Terri had SRS surgery, too, just like you.

Rianna, if it's okay to ask, can you tell me what happened exactly?

I hesitated for a moment, I knew I could trust her.

Before I do, can I ask, were you ever the subject of being bullied, or horrible jokes in school?

All the time Rianna, it only ended when I decided to fight back. When they realized I wasn't going back down or giving up and was ready to kill, they left me alone. But it took a long time for me to learn it. Bree said.

The 4 boys that attacked me did it all at once. I didn't have a chance. I proceeded to tell her the whole story. Bree poured herself a glass of wine and poured me a short one of wine too.

It felt good sharing with her. Sipping wine with her made me feel like an equal adult. Talking with Brianna was like sharing with a big sister.

Just as I was finishing my story, Mrs Pambini walked in.

Oh, Rianna, I knew a little, but I didn't know how bad, you poor dear. Mrs Pambini hugged me tightly. She kissed my cheek. I'm sorry honey, I wasn't trying to eavesdrop.

It's Okay ma'am, I said.

I am not sure what kind of boy you were. But I think you're a lovely intelligent young woman.

Thank you, Mrs Pambini; call me May, Ree.

You must be very proud of Cathy. She has been a huge help to my mother and I. I said.

We are honey! Now, all we need is grandchildren. We all giggled.

Between her and Caleb they should be beautiful children, I said.

Those are my thoughts exactly, Ree.

Have you ever had Korean food?

No, May, I haven't. Well, dinner tomorrow is Korean.

For now, you better get some rest; tomorrow, we'll give you the grand tour. We'll show you how to cut grapes too.

Sounds like fun, I said.

Aunt V said we should probably get ready for bed.

Sleeping with Aunt V was the first true good night's sleep I have had since the incident. I dressed in my new white babydoll nightie, it was satin with white lace trim.

I love my nighties. Aunt V wore a black knee-length nightgown. After I woke up I put on my mules with 4-inch heels and went to the bathroom. Caleb was just leaving the bathroom.

He was shirtless, only in tight short shorts. His upper body was ripped with muscles. I was shocked and started getting turned on just looking at him.

His nipples were pierced with rings with balls in the center, his naval was double pierced. He had 3 piercings on each hip. He had a huge bulge in front of his shorts. I couldn't help but stare in shocked awe!

Morning Ree, he said smiling.

M, morning Caleb.

You look very cute this morning; I love that on you in heels too. Very nice young lady.

He took my hand gently and motioned me to spin. Let's show Cathy quickly. Holding my hand he led me to Cathy's bedroom.

Look who I ran into Cat!

Oh, Ree, that nightie is so you and those mules! Oh, girl, it's perfect on you.

I curtsied and thanked her. Cathy was in a black sheer bodysuit that left almost nothing to the imagination.

Her body had 4 hip piercings, double naval exposed in the middle of the bodysuit with a dangling heart. Her nipples were pierced too.

You two have a lot of body piercings, I said. I love them.

You can, too, if you want them when you get a little older, honey. They stuck their tongues out at me, and they were pierced too. I blushed.

That's so sexy I said blushing red.

You're going to break hearts before you know it Rianna, Cathy said.

Be careful around the boys said Caleb. If you have a problem with them, I'll straighten them out.

Thank Caleb, he had a killer smile.

I went back to the bathroom and washed up. When I got back, I walked into the room without knocking; Aunt V was naked. My Jaw dropped I studied her body for a brief moment before turning around.

It's okay Ree, she said. You know my truth, we live together, it's going to happen eventually.

Take a look Rianna.

I turned slowly around. Aunt V had Double D breasts maybe E cups. They fit her frame beautifully. She had a flat stomach with a semi-washboard abs. Her nipples pierced, naval double pierced.

She had 5 piercings on each hip. 2 back dipple piercings. What really got my attention was her penis. It had to be 9" long. She, just like me, had zero body hair.

Ree it's okay to be curious. I already told you.

Do you ever plan to have surgery? I asked.

No, sweetheart, I don't. I am very happy as I am.

You are so Beautiful, Auntie.

As are you Rianna. Can I get pierced like you?

Maybe when you're older. I'd like my body pierced like Cathy's.

We can talk about that soon enough. Let's get you in school first before we start poking holes in you.

You're probably right, Auntie. I was saddened by the answer, but I knew she was right.

Come on girl, let's get some breakfast. I could smell the coffee as we walked downstairs. I wore my skinny jeans and new boots. May handed me a tiny coffee cup.

She said breakfast would be ready soon; why don't you enjoy that on the back porch?

I walked through the house, opened the back door, and saw this amazing view.

The vineyard stretched as far as my eyes could see. There was a light hazy mist that glistened over the fields of grape vines. The sun was rising in the east. It made the mist look magical. I sat on the porch swing, taking it all in.

Aunt V sat beside me and put her arm around me. I took a sip of the espresso and leaned my head on her breast like I always did with Mom.

It's the most beautiful view I've ever seen. It's magical, I said. Thank you, Auntie, for everything, I said.

You're welcome, sweetie, she kissed my forehead.

Cathy and Caleb came out and joined us. I saw Cathy snuggle into Caleb, his muscular arms around her. We all sat there, just enjoying the view and sweet morning air.

Breakfast!!! May shouts. We all went in as Hank was finishing setting the table. Scrambled eggs, sausage, toast and fruit. I had some eggs, 1 sausage link, and some fruit. We ate just like a real family.

I was beginning to get used to family dining. I hear a quad approaching. Becky and Bree showed up just after we sat down.

Sorry, we're late said Becky; it's a long ride from the cabin.

Cabin? I asked.

Cathy answered. We have a small cabin on the far side of the vineyard. It's very secluded.

Who's up for a tour? Asked Hank.

I'm in, I said.

Me too, said Aunt V.

I won't say no, said Caleb.

Becky and Bree said we're in.

Go on ahead, Dad said Cathy, I'm going to help Mom for a bit.

Ok darling, said Hank.

Cathy kissed his cheek.

Hank and Caleb brought out the Quads. Caleb drives the big two-seater over to us.

Do you ladies know how to operate one of these?

I do! I said proudly.

Okay, Ree, climb on, Caleb said as I climbed on.

Vanessa, may I help you? Caleb asked.

Yes, Please.

Caleb helps Vanessa on the quad. I see Bree driving the other big Quad with Becky holding onto her. Caleb and Hank are each on their quad.

Hank says follow me.

We start on the perimeter road. We go slow. Vanessa is holding me tight. Becky is a bit more relaxed.

It's okay Auntie, I won't bump you off. I said.

She relaxes a little. The road is a bit bumpy but Hank keeps a relaxed pace.

Caleb keeps a sharp eye on us, especially me. We stop where the field crew is collecting the grapes.

Ree, Vanessa, come here; let me show you how we harvest the grape.

Opening the toolbox on the back of his quad, Hank hands us gloves and hook-shaped knives. He shows what grapes to cut and how to cut them.

We cut grapes for about 20 minutes.

Okay, enough cutting, let's press on, shall we, said Hank.

We continue on the road until we come to a small creek. We crossed the small bridge. We see the small cabin. We stopped and headed inside for a short rest. Becky and Vanessa need to relax a bit.

The quad ride is a bit too bumpy for them. After a bottle of water. We head out. We come up to a big warehouse. Inside are hundreds of wood barrels. There are dates and types and other information labeled on each one. There are giant press machines for every variety. It looks like a factory of sorts.

It's an interesting sight. A crew brings in a collection of grapes. They washed, rinsed, and prepared for the press. The press slowly presses down on the grapes. The juice flows into a large wooden barrel. Ingredients are added and the barrel contents are blended. The barrel is labeled and dated.

Hank explains the whole process. He explained about the fermentation process. You can tell Hank loves what he does. I am impressed with the science that goes into winemaking. It's a labor of love for him.

Making good wine is as much about the love we put into it as grapes we grow, said Hank.

We go up and down row after row of vines. It's an incredible sight. Hank stops and inspects the vines, taking notes. Grapes anyone? Asked Hank.

Yes please I said. Go on serve yourself.

I don my gloves and grab the cutting knife. Each grape is so sweet. Almost like candy. Directly off the vine tastes so much better.

Time went fast in the field. We returned to the house. Becky and Bree took their quad back to their cabin. When we walked in Cathy and May were already preparing dinner. Cathy handed Hank and Caleb each a cold beer from the fridge. Thanks, Cat said Caleb, kissing her cheek.

I could smell different aromas floating in the air at once. Cathy and her mother were speaking in Korean. I listened not understanding anything they said.

Just then Hank responded in Korean. I smiled. Aunt V smiled as well. Aunt V said something in Italian and Cathy responded.

I said it smells great in Spanish and Cathy and Hank answered in Spanish too. I took Spanish in 8th and 9th grade. Since hanging around Martina, my Spanish has been getting better.

Vanessa joined in Spanish and then floored us all by switching to German. None of us knew German. We all laughed.

Hank said it's important to learn different languages. Especially Spanish out west, once you're fluent in Spanish, Italian is easy

Becky responded it's also great for college applications. Being bilingual or more is great for any college or job.

Who speaks the most languages here? I asked.

May says I think Cathy and I are tied at 5. We both speak English, Spanish, Korean, and Italian. The difference is she speaks French, and I Speak Japanese.

That's impressive, I said. It helps when your parents are bilingual, said Cathy.

Where did you learn Spanish, Rianna? Cathy asked.

Back in Ohio, I took it in 8th and 9th grade.

Your accent isn't too bad.

Martina has been helping me with it. I said.

Dinner in 30 minutes everyone, said May.

Aunt V and I head upstairs to freshen up. We found two boxes on our bed. One had a big V on it the other said Ree. We opened them up and found Oriental wrap dresses that were buttoned just below the shoulder and on the side and just above and below the waist.

They looked like they were made from silk. They had gold trim and buttons. Mine was bright purple and Aunt V's was a dark blue. They hung mid-thigh with a slit on one side that went almost to the top of the thigh. There was a card on the bed.

Aunt V said open it.

I opened the card. It said. For the little sister and our adopted granddaughter, we never had, and her wonderful Aunt.

Love,

May and Cathy.

I went all out on my makeup and did the best Oriental style I could. Aunt V did the same. I did my eyes in a purple smokey eye with cat-style eyeliner; it was a bit heavy but tasteful. Aunt V did the same. We took selfies and sent them to Mom.

When we got downstairs, Becky and Bree were dressed similarly to us. Becky was in red, Bree in a dark purple. May's dress was black and Cathy's was a dark cherry red. Hank was dressed in black slacks and a Black silk dress shirt, and Caleb was in black slacks and a dark cherry red shirt that matched Cathy's dress.

You girls look lovely, said May.

Thank you for the beautiful dress, I said. You're most welcome, Ree Ree!

I smiled when she called me Ree Ree. It sounded like a grandma praising her granddaughter.

Cathy said you look as pretty as I imagined you would Ree! Cathy squeaked, smiling. I began to tear a touch and hugged them both.

May said I thought if we're going to eat Korean we should dress Korean.

I love it, thank you, May! I said.

The dress is beautiful thank you Vanessa said.

We Have beef bulgogi, shrimp fried rice, kimchi, and white rice. The aromas floating around were intoxicating.

From Korea, I have some rice wine. We all sat and passed the dishes around. The kimchi was spicy. Cathy said to eat the white rice with the kimchi.

The texture of the kimchi was different but it was great. The bulgogi was very tasty. I loved the shrimp fried rice. The rice wine was also enjoyable.

The food wasn't far different from Chinese food. But it was great. I knew I had to learn how to cook this too. We were chatting, laughing, carrying on like a family would. I was enjoying the whole experience.

I started clearing the table and Caleb came into the kitchen and helped me.

Caleb touched my hand gently and said, how are you doing, adjusting and all?

I was a bit shocked at the question.

When I looked up at him, the look on his face showed only care and concern.

I'm adjusting I said. It helps a lot to be able to start fresh out west.

You know, my sister Terri is transgender too. Since she started her transition, I've never seen her happier than she is now.

Really I asked.

Yes, really, he said. When we were boys we never got along. We were so different. When Terri moved to San Francisco to help Aunt Becky, he met a trans girl and started dating her. Soon, he was dressing more feminine every day.

Then, one day, he decided to go all-girl. He realized that being a girl was his happy place. He became Terri, my sister. We are much closer now. I'd do anything to protect her. That goes for you too. If you need a big brother, you call me anytime.

I teared a bit and hugged him tightly. I kissed his cheek and Cathy walked in.

Easy sweetie, that's my man you're kissing. She was smiling. I hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek too.

Thanks, little sister, said Cathy.

Finish up, you two, the sun is setting. Cathy grabbed a tray and glasses. She said to grab two bottles of Chardonnay from the wine fridge, Ree, and join us on the front Cathy said.

Caleb and I started the dishwasher and put things away. I grabbed the bottles, and Caleb grabbed the corkscrew. Caleb poured the wine as we watched the sunset over the trees and hills.

You could see the different colors reflected in the trees and on the hill. This place was magical. I can see why Mr and Mrs Pambini love it here.

I stared at the sunset. May wrapped her arms around me. May said your family to us now. I hope we'll see more of you and Vanessa. I can't wait to meet your mother. I turned and hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek too.

Where's mine Hank bellowed.

I gave him the same right hug.

Ohhh! That's a Cathy-styled hug; he said as I kissed his cheek.

Becky and Bree were cuddling closely as the sunset. I thought of Mom alone in Ohio. I knew she'd love this. I hope we can do this with her soon. I love my new extended family. I still miss my mother