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From: nostrumo@nienor.IN-Berlin.DE (Nostrumo)
Newsgroups: alt.sex.stories.tg,alt.sex.stories.moderated
Subject: Repost TG: Phoenix Risen    by Krystle Glass   (2/3)

Hi.

  This is a repost for Krystle.

  As usual I DIDN'T write this story and haven't any claim on it. If
you have some usefull hints or some good coments, your mail is then
welcome. Flames, you know, they will be piped to /dev/null.

  If you are an author and wish to remain anonymouns or just try to
avoid the replies to your work. I offer you the chance of posting your
stories and collecting the response for you. This offer only stands for
story postings and for nothing else.

Enjoy the story.

Ciao
	Nostrumo

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> cut here with a sharp knife <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

2___Phoenix_Risen_______________________________________by_Krystle_Glass_



jogging pants.  With a furious blush, he excused himself to relieve the
pressure on his bladder.



  Sharon had made them a breakfast fit for royalty.  There were slices of
melon; bacon done to a turn, crisp but not burned; pan grilled English
muffins (just the way he liked them, he hated them toasted); strawberry
preserves; omelets with cheddar cheese, mushrooms, vidalia onions and sweet
red peppers; orange-pineapple juice; fresh brewed coffee with cream.  Peter
knew he didn't have most of this in his apartment.  Where did Sharon get all
this food?  When he asked, she told him that she had seen the sorry state of
his pantry and refrigerator.  Knowing that ketchup, week old bread and beer
(even if it was imported) would not suffice for breakfast, Sharon had
checked the phone book and found a market that delivered.  She had also
found the list of numbers by his phone and called his garage to come fix his
car.  They had already towed his away and left him a loaner to use while it
was being repaired.  Sharon may have some fragile qualities but she
certainly wasn't helpless.  Surprised and touched at her thoughtfulness, and
being unused to having anyone look after him, Peter was overcome with joy.
Watching Sharon clean-up the dishes, he couldn't help himself.  Without
thinking he leaned forward, kissed her on the lips and said, "I love you!"

His smile vanished as he saw the color drain from her face.  Sharon dropped
the dish she was drying, and it shattered as it crashed to the floor.  Her
hands trembling, her face white she said in a small, tight voice, "no ..  no
you CAN'T. You don't even know me.  YOU CAN'T LOVE ME!" With a cry she
turned and bolted out the door.  Stunned, Peter took a moment to react.  By
the time he got out of the apartment, he heard the front door bang shut.
Hitting the street, he frantically looked around and spotted Sharon racing
down the next block.  "Goddamned, she's fast!  What the hell have I done?"
he wondered as he tried to catch up with her.  Peter couldn't believe how
fast Sharon was.  She ran like she was chased by demons, which was not far
from the truth.  He saw her finally stop running in the middle of the
bridge, her head was down and even at this distance he could see her
sobbing.  Peter pushed himself to further speed as he saw Sharon's head come
up.  She took a grip on the railing, leaned forward and began to raise her
leg.  It was a long drop to the river below.  She had just gotten one leg
over the top of the railing, when Peter caught her.  Her eyes were wide and
filled with fear, her face covered in tears.  With an inarticulate cry she
fought his grasp.  Peter found himself hard-pressed to keep hold.  Her
strength was surprising to say the least.  With a final heave, Peter managed
to get her free of the edge, and enfolded her in his arms.  He was really
shaken by her reactions.  Gingerly he led her back to his apartment.  He
found the key to the loaner car and drove her home.  Sharon sat slumped
against the door, her head down, her hands shaking.  What broke his heart
most was the lost, frightened look in her eyes.  When they got to her home,
Peter called Dr.  G and explained what happened.  He was afraid to leave her
alone, and the good doctor said he would be there soon.



  Dr.  G arrived shortly and checked on Sharon.  When he came out of the
bedroom, he went to Peter.  "I've given her a sedative.  She should sleep
now for a while.  I'll wait here for a bit.  I don't think it's wise for you
to be here when she wakes up."

"Maybe I shouldn't tell you what I'm about to, but the ethics here get
fuzzy.  You're both my patients and your welfare's seem to be inter-twined.
You must never reveal that you know anything I'm about to share, especially
to Sharon."

"You have my word, Doc."

"Well....  Some time back Sharon was married.  She had a son, a little boy.
She was also leading a double life, something she kept from her spouse and
everyone else that knew her.  Just what that entailed you will have to hear
from her, IF she ever decides to volunteer it.  One night while she was away
from home, leading this double life, tragedy struck.  Her family was killed
in an accident.  She blamed herself, feeling that had she only been home
WHERE SHE BELONGED it wouldn't have happened, that they would have still
been alive.  More than likely she would have been killed also.  She felt
enormous guilt over having been deceitful with her family.  She held herself
together until after the funeral.  I met her after she had tried to kill
herself.  Since then I've been treating her for her depression.  She has
dealt with things within herself that would have broken lesser people.  But
she has never forgiven herself, refuses to do what she needs to let herself
be happy.  She feels she doesn't deserve to be happy.  She doesn't feel she
can allow herself to be loved, since she had once before betrayed the love
she had.  I have been hoping that in time she could overcome this, find
someone to love and accept their love in return.  I thought after seeing how
well you two had hit it off, you might be the one.  I guess maybe she just
isn't as strong as I hoped.  She isn't ready yet to be more than friends."

"Doc, whatever she needs, however she will have me in her life, however long
it takes, I want to be there for her.  I do love her."

"Well tell her that when you see her again.  IF she will see you again.
I'll leave her a note to call you later.  Wait for her call, don't call her.
When she calls you'll know she's ready."



  Sharon did finally call, but not until 2 days later.  She apologized
profusely, but Peter told her that she had nothing to apologize for.  He had
acted on impulse, he said.  He felt he owed her an apology.  They argued
back and forth over who owed whom an apology, until the absurdity of it got
to both of them and they ended up laughing.  They tentatively resumed their
"friendship", slowly getting back to where they had been.



  By the time Peter's family barbecue came around, they both had shaken off
the effects of Peter's declaration of love.  He had explained he did love
her, but would never look for a response from her.  He would never push for
or ask for more than she offered.  He told Sharon that she was important to
him.  Enough so that he would let her set whatever pace there was to be in
their relationship.  Sharon told Peter that she felt strongly for him too.
She wasn't ready to commit to a relationship as "lovers" and that there were
things about her, about her past she was not ready to share.  Peter's
response was that he didn't care at all about he past, that he knew the
person she was inside and that was who he loved.  They resolved to not put
any label on what they had together, and to just let things develop as they
would.

The barbecue was held at Peter's grandparent's home.  His grandparent's had
passed away some years before, and the house and grounds were held in joint
trust by all of Peter's relatives.  It was an enormous estate and used by
any of the family whenever they were in the area, as well as for family
get-togethers.  There was a couple who lived in the carriage house and
served as caretakers.  By the time Peter and Sharon arrived there were close
to 200 people already there.  They covered 4 generations of the Hutchinson
clan.  It took nearly an hour for Peter to take Sharon around and introduce
her to everyone.  When he introduced her to his parents, they recognized her
immediately from the awards dinner.  His father was cordial, but a bit cool.
His mother was more easy- going, and although she wondered about her son
seeing someone from a lower social class, Sharon's smile and self-
deprecating demeanor soon won her over.  His mother took charge of Sharon
and they walked off arm in arm.  His mother was fascinated with Sharon's
work with the hospital and had a million questions about what celebrities
she had worked with.

Peter was left standing with his father, smiling as he watched the two most
important women in his life become friends.

"So tell me Peter, is this girl another frivolous fling?" His father was
always harping about Peter getting serious, settling down and "taking care
of business".

"No Dad, she isn't.  She's very special.  I've never met anyone like her.
We've been seeing each other for months and we are taking things slow,
getting to know each other."

"Well, what do you know about her?  Where's she from?  What's her
background?  What's her family history?  What do her parents do?  Where did
she go to college?  You know you have to be careful.  I don't really think
she's right for our social circle.  She seems very common.  She may just be
after the Hutchinson money, trying to get to it through you." His father
would have gone on, and in the past he would have reacted to his father with
angry shouts.

"Dad, I don't know where she's from, what her background is, what her net
worth is and I don't care about your precious social circle.  I DO know that
she is the kindest, gentlest, most unselfish, unpretentious, modest,
down-to-earth person I have ever known.  If it wasn't for her and how she's
helped me, you would not be seeing me here today.  I had gotten to the point
where I began to hate you.  But she's helped me get past the fact that you
are such a stiff-necked, arrogant bastard and love you in spite of
yourself." His response, delivered in such a matter-of-fact tone, and
accompanied by Peter's boyish grin, left the elder Hutchinson speechless.
With a chuckle Peter left his father standing there with his mouth open, and
he set off to find his cousin Sid and see about starting a softball game.

When he recovered his composure, Peter's father went into the house.  He had
things to find out and he knew just who to call.



  The family had chosen teams for the softball games.  The kids had a game
going in one field, the adults and teens in another.  The older folks and
babies watched and cheered.  As it turned out Peter and Sharon ended up on
opposing teams.  She looked great.  She was wearing pink shorts, white
Reeboks, white and pink athletic ankle socks, a hand-painted white blouse
with a picture of teddy bears and butterflies across the back, and a pink
cotton baseball type cap.  Peter had worn a pair of hiking shorts and a polo
shirt, but by now it was hot enough most of the men had stripped down to
bare chests.  Sharon thought he looked so handsome and many of the
spectators drooled over his rugged good looks.  Sharon's team had first at
bats.  Whenever a woman got up to hit the men would all crowd in and tease
them mercilessly.  Sharon got the same treatment as the other ladies.
Peter's cousin Sid called to the pitcher," Take it easy on her!  We don't
want to make it too hard for Petey's new girlfriend her first time here!" So
the pitcher lofted up a big fat easy pitch.  If they were expecting Sharon
to swing and whiff like some weakling and act the part of a flighty, flirt,
they were in for a surprise.  Sharon connected solidly with the ball and
used her whole lithe frame to drive it way past the outfielders (now acting
like second infielders) and all the way back to the edge of the field.  By
the time anyone recovered enough to go after it she was already rounding
second base.  As she crossed home plate, well ahead of the ball, all the
women were cheering.  Even the ones on the opposing team.  That would teach
the men to take the women for granted!

Later, when her team was fielding, one of the teen cousins hit a wicked line
drive straight at Sharon, expecting her to duck or dodge aside.  Instead the
ball landed in her glove with a loud "slap!" and she pegged it to first
base, catching Sid in a double play.  She certainly didn't throw like a
girl!  The game broke up eventually, with no accurate score, and it was time
to eat.  Sharon and Peter found a spot under the shade of an old maple tree.
It was cooler there and away from some of the noise.  It was pleasant, as
they sat, looking at each other and just enjoying each other's company.
They were just finishing their plates when Ned Jr.  came over and told Peter
his father was looking for him.  Peter left Sharon under there in the shade
to find out what his old man wanted.  He didn't see his Uncle Ted, who had
been drinking a bit too much, approaching from the other direction.



  "You did WHAT?!" yelled Peter.  He was outraged at his father, nearly
ready to revert back to the old hostilities.

"You heard me.  I said I had her checked out.  I don't know just what she
is, but I do know she's a phony.  Until four years ago there was no record
of a Sharon Phoenix anywhere."

"Dad, what do you think gives you the right to meddle in my affairs?  It is
no business of yours who I see or where they are from." Peter struggled to
remain in control, to not let his anger best him.

"Look.  As head of this family, it is my obligation to protect it from
schemers, riffraff and golddigging bimbos.  Obviously you haven't matured
enough to take responsibility and protect the family's interest.  I DID
learned that she has spent time in a psychiatric hospital.  She some sort of
fruitcake son."

Seething inside Peter worked to calm himself.  "She is no fruitcake.  She's
had a hard time in life and had been strong enough to seek help with
depression.  She sees Dr.  G just as have I. There is nothing but good in
Sharon."

"I can see there's no reasoning with you.  I want you to stop seeing her.
Drop her.  That's an order."

His voice never colder or more stern Peter replied, "Dad, go to hell.  I
intend to marry her, IF she'll have me.  I love her and you better get used
to the idea."

With that he turned and left the library.  His mother was on the other side
of the door.  It was obvious she'd heard their conversation.

"Good for you Peter.  I love you father but he can be such an ass at times.
Sharon's a wonderful girl.  Follow your heart."

He hugged his mother close, touched by her support.  "Thanks Mom."



  Peter's Uncle Ted had a reputation as a drunk and a lecher.  Today was no
exception.  Once he'd had enough liquid courage, he looked for some nubile
young thing he could corner alone.  He'd used his bulk and greater strength
to pin them and depend on the family motto of "Don't make a fuss" to keep
them quiet.  There were few ladies in the family he hadn't tried to score
with.  Today Sharon was his intended victim.  Just a couple of things he
didn't count on.  One was Sharon wasn't about to cooperate or pass him off
as "harmless".  The second was fourteen year old Ned Jr.  had developed
quite a crush and his eyes hadn't been off of Sharon for a second all
afternoon.  When Ted tried to corner her, Sharon pushed him back.  When he
tried to grab her arms and pin her against the tree, she fought him with
more strength than he expected.  He found himself in a real struggle and
made the mistake of trying to cover her mouth to quiet her.  Sharon bit him
between the thumb and forefinger.  In pain he let go with his other hand,
his own yell drawing the attention he'd sought to avoid.  Everyone turned in
time to see Sharon's knee connect solidly between his thighs and her right
fist to nail him hard enough to make his head snap.  Peter had just come out
of the house when the commotion was in full swing.  His uncle writhing on
the ground yelling about "that bitch tramp", half the older generation
deriding her for "assaulting" him.  Many of the women were silently
applauding her for doing what they had wanted to for years.  It was Ned who
spoke up and said he'd seen everything.  When Peter heard what his uncle had
tried, he snarled, "Uncle, you are a pathetic piece of shit.  I'd beat you
senseless if Sharon hadn't already kicked your ass.  I'd better not see you
again for a very long time." Ted's wife glared at him through tears and
said, "This is the last time Ted.  I've stood by and turned a blind eye to
your antics for too long.  Tomorrow I'm seeing our attorney about a
divorce."

Just as Peter and Sharon turned to leave, there was Peter's father.  "Well,
Peter, I see she's shown her true colors.  Fighting and causing a scene like
so much POOR WHITE TRASH. Now do you see I was right?"

Peter was about to tell his father to fuck off, but Sharon stopped him.
"Mr.  Hutchinson, you may be able to cow and bully some people.  You may be
able to use your money and influence to buy your way through life.  You may
not even like me very much.  Personally I don't care.  I don't care about
your money, influence or power.  None of it impresses me.  What people DO
impresses me.  All I've seen from you is someone who abuses what they have,
someone who makes themselves big by beating others down, someone insecure
with themselves.  You're a little man with little dreams, imprisoned by your
fears.  You don't live life because you're too busy trying to guard and
hoard your money.  I gave up caring about other people's opinions years ago.
As much as you resent me though, I am not angry at you.  I pity you." As
Sharon and Peter finally left, his mother was there.  She hugged Sharon, and
the look she gave her husband promised a long, unpleasant night.

As he dropped her off at home Sharon said, "I'm sorry things got so ugly
today."

"It's not your fault.  Uncle Ted has been deserving more than what happened
for a long time.  And my father has been in need of a good telling off for
longer.  But I know my mother and everyone else loves you.  So what are two
bad apples out of so many?"

She kissed him good-night, ever so gently on the lips.  With a stroke of her
hand across his cheek, she closed the door.  Her answering machine was
blinking furiously.  Peter's mother left a message saying not to worry about
his father.  He wouldn't be causing her anymore trouble and would she please
call her May in the future.  Sid called to see if she was available to play
softball next week.  He said his team needed a ringer.  But seriously he
hoped she wouldn't think ill of the rest of the family because of Ted or
Petey's dad.  Ted's wife called to thank her for decking Ted.  She was
holding off on seeing the lawyer for now.  Ted was more than contrite when
he sobered up.  Not to mention that he was hardly able to stand or walk, and
had ice packs on his eye and "other injury".  It seemed all he'd needed was
a kick in the ass.  She thanked Sharon again and asked her if they could
have lunch next week.  Ted called to apologize.  He knew she probably would
never want to see him again but he hoped that somehow he could make amends.
Sharon though he even seemed to mean it.



  As Peter drove home, the day replayed itself in his mind.  He smiled when
he thought of how dumb they'd looked as Sharon drove the ball over their
faces.  He felt a cold anger at his father, but more than warm at his
mother's support.  She'd not taken sides much while he was younger.  He
chuckled at so many of his aunts and grand-aunts commenting on "that sweet
young thing" saying he'd better not let her slip away.  Even Sid, who
usually made a pass at Peter's dates, told him Sharon was a keeper and that
if he was too stupid to marry her, then he would be FORCED to court her
himself.  Court?  It wasn't like Sid to speak like that.  In fact Sid
usually made light of everything and was a confirmed bachelor.  Well, he and
Sharon were facing a busy next few weeks.  They wouldn't be able to see each
other for a while, which gave Peter time to do something that had been
nagging at him.



  The next day, Sharon was awakened by a knock.  It was still early and she
had no idea who it could be.  Peter always called first before he came over.
When she opened the door, she was surprised to see his father standing
there.  "I'm sorry to disturb you, Sharon.  May I come in?"

"Of course.  Please.  Can I get you some coffee?"

"No thank you, I won't take up much of your time.  I came here to apologize
for my outrageous behavior.  There was no call for it.  You're right, for
too long I've let my money rule my life.  It, and my arrogance, almost cost
me my son.  I thought things had improved between us because he was finally
seeing things my way.  My wife disabused me of that notion.  She made me see
that it was you who gave him back to me.  For that alone I owe more than I
can ever repay.  I love my son.  I always have.  I guess I don't show it
enough.  And I am proud of him.  Proud of the man he has become."

Sharon laid a hand on his arm.  "Then go tell him.  It's never too late to
start over.  I know Peter loves and respects you.  You are both alike in
many ways.  You may be surprised at how much you have in common."

"Well, you are the first person I couldn't intimidate or infuriate.  I
respect that.  You're quite a remarkable young woman.  It isn't every day
you find someone with your blend of compassion and strength.  Like silk
covered steel.  Thank you again."

With that he took his leave.  Sharon, closed to door, humming and smiling.
It promised to be a great day.



  Peter and Sharon were out celebrating.  Peter's business had hit 10
million dollars in sales.  The program Sharon had begun at the Children's
Hospital was being adopted at other hospitals all over the country.  She had
used her contacts as a make-up artist to pull together artists, surgeons,
chemists from all over the country.  They had developed a network to provide
cosmetic care and facial reconstruction for disfigured children and adults
nationwide.  Best yet it was funded totally by donations and didn't cost
hospitals or patients a dime.  She had also gotten a contract to head up the
make-up and special effects for a major motion picture.  It meant going away
on location overseas for 6 months, and a year in the states.  Not to mention
6 months of heavy work planning the effects.  Crystal Illusions had hit it
big.  After dinner they strolled through "their" park.  The stars were out
and it was so clear.  When they got to the bench where they had met, Peter
asked her to sit.  "I have something important to ask you.  I don't want to
pressure you.  Take as long as you need to answer.  I'll wait for as long as
it takes." He reached into his pocket and drew out a small velvet box.  He
feared another severe reaction, as when he first proclaimed his love.  But
lately Sharon had seemed less fearful, less skittish about intimacy.
Dropping to one knee, Peter opened the box.  Inside was a flawless 1 carat
diamond solitaire.  It was set in platinum and gleamed in the lamplight.
'Sharon, I would be honored if you would consent to accepting my hand in
marriage.  Sharon, I love you will you marry me?"

Sharon's heart beat furiously.  She'd sensed this day would come.  She both
dreaded it and looked forward to it.  "Either I can surrender to my fear
forever, or I can face it down." she thought.  "Peter, I love you too.
Before I can answer, there are things you have to know.  Please take me
home.  I have something you have to see before I can explain."

When they got to her house Sharon had Peter sit while she went into the
bedroom.  She came out holding what appeared to be a picture.  "Peter,
before I met you I was married.  I had a son, a small boy.  I loved my
family with all my heart.  They were my entire life.  But I also had other
problems to deal with, things that caused me to begin leading a double life.
I would have never done anything to hurt my family, but I'm not perfect.  In
regards to this I was weak.  One night while I was away from home, indulging
my secret life, there was an accident.  A fire broke out and my family was
killed, our home destroyed, burned to the ground.  I blamed myself.  If I
had been there the fire never would have happened.  If it had I could have
gotten them out in time.  If I had been responsible they would still be
alive.  My son would be 7 years old now.  I managed to stay together until
the funeral was over.  No one could hear me screaming in my mind.  Once they
were laid to rest I tried to kill myself, because I felt I didn't deserve to
live.  After failing even that I met Dr.  G. He literally saved my life.  He
helped me resolve some of the things that had troubled me before the fire.
He helped me learn to live with the pain and guilt."

Peter already knew most of this.  He could sense there was something more.
Handing him the picture, she told him, "This is a picture of me and my
family." It was the same photograph he'd seen in her bedroom.  The little
boy must be her son.  But he didn't understand.  The woman in the picture
didn't even faintly resemble Sharon.  She was too short for one.  Her eyes
were the wrong color, hers were brown and Sharon's were green.  She didn't
have the beauty mark Sharon had by her lip.  "Peter, the family I lost was
my wife and son.  I'm the person on the left." Peter looked totally lost.
The person on the left was the man.  Was Sharon trying to tell him she was a
man?  No way.  "Peter, you said you'd give me time.  I know this is a shock
to you.  I will understand if you don't want to see me again.  Go home now.
Call me in a few days if you want to talk and I'll try to answer your
questions if you have any.  If you don't call I will understand."

In a daze Peter left, his mind whirling.  He hadn't seen Dr.  G in a couple
of months.  Maybe he could help him sort this out, make some sense of it
all.  He couldn't see or hear the silent anguished sobs coming from the
other side of the door.



  It was a very confused and distraught Peter that saw Dr.  G the next day.
He looked as if he hadn't slept.  In fact he hadn't.  Peter hadn't even gone
home.  He'd walked all night, his mind a whirl of emotions and questions.
Finally when the sun was fully up, he'd stopped at a pay phone and called
the doctor.

"Doc, I don't get it.  Not at all." He'd related the evening's events to Dr.
G, from their celebratory dinner to Peter's proposal and Sharon's
revelations.  Dr.  G's brow was furrowed in thought.

"Peter, given the situation and the fact that Sharon has told you her
deepest secret, I feel I can fill you in a bit more.  You see, son, Sharon
is transgendered.  That means that she is of mixed gender.  Now understand,
we all have male and female components to our mental and physical make-up.
Typically, we lean predominantly more one way than the other.  In the
transgendered person, these traits are not so polarized.  Many have very
strong components of each.  Or their physical and mental genders are out of
sync.  Sharon is somewhere in there.  When she was married she struggled for
years with her inner turmoil.  She was born physically male, but her mind
and feelings had a very large female aspect.  This is what lead her to
leading a double life.  She was a transvestite, or so she came to label
herself.  She would take time to go off and dress and act like a woman.  I
don't mean she'd go out looking for men, but just take on the outward
appearance and mannerisms of a woman.  Then she'd go out and do very normal
things, take in a movie, have dinner, go shopping.  She didn't get to that
point overnight, but slowly over a period of years.  The entire time she
would be riddled with guilt."

"But Doc, surely her wife must have known?"

"No, Peter, and that's where the guilt came from.  You see most
transgendered people live with the constant fear of discovery, live with the
fear of rejection, of being labelled freaks and perverts."

"Well Doc, it IS pretty strange.  I mean men are men and women are women.
Except for gays I guess."

"Now you're confusing gender with sexuality.  They aren't the same at all.
Gender has to do with emotions, feelings, attitudes, how you look at things.
Sex is about the physical person.  Sexuality is about who we find attractive
and sexually stimulating.  A person can't do anything about their gender.
They can change their sex.  They can either come to terms with their
sexuality or let it rule them.  There are more options than just
heterosexual and homosexual.  There is also bi-sexuality where the person is
attracted to both sexes.  There is asexuality, where the person really has
little or no sexual drives.  There is also, like gender, a lot of gray
areas."

"So are you saying Sharon is gay?  Or has she had a sex- change?  Or is she
one of those she-males you hear about in those porn magazines?"

"In Sharon's case I believe that she reacts to a person's essential self,
without regard for their physical sex.  So in effect she is not gay, but
falls into one of those gray areas.  She is neither she-male, nor has she
had sexual re- assignment surgery.  I believe Sharon was on the border
between the transvestite and the transsexual.  The trauma and guilt over
losing her family, her attempt at suicide, was the catalyst for her to
become a transsexual.  She felt her feminine alter-ego, and her everyday
male self were to blame for her family's death.  So she felt they too had to
die, resulting in her suicide attempt.  Her mind especially sought to purge
the existence of her male ego.  She was left with just the purest essence of
her female psyche."

"But why didn't she then get the surgery you talked about?  Why not go ahead
and become what she portrays?"

"That too is a result of the guilt.  She did allow herself electrolysis, to
remove the male aspects of her body and facial hair.  She had some very
minor cosmetic surgeries to give her a more feminine facial appearance.  But
for her to let herself become totally female, would mean she'd have to
forgive herself, let herself heal.  That she couldn't do because she feels
she should be punished."

"Oh, that's so sad.  She isn't to blame for anything.  I can't imagine
having to live with that kind of pain everyday.  Doc.  I don't know what to
do, how to handle this.  I love her, but as a woman.  It's how I know her.
If she hasn't done anything to become female, then why is it she looks so
much like one?  Besides, I'm not gay.  I have no desire to be with a man.
But I don't know her as one.  I'm so damned confused!"

"Peter, remember she's a make-up artist.  She deals with creating illusions
every day.  She's one of the best in her field and has pulled off some
amazing transformations.  I can't tell you what to do.  I can suggest you
look inside yourself.  Decide if you love Sharon as a person, for who she
is, as opposed to what she looks like.  Look into your heart and let it lead
you."

Peter left, finally to go home.  he was physically and emotionally drained.
He needed time to think and sort things out.



  Two days later, Peter got a call from Dr.  G. Sharon had been hit by a car
and was in intensive care.  She might not make it he said.  Since she had no
family Dr.  G had arranged for Peter to be able to visit her.  If he wanted
to.  Without a moment's thought Peter sped to the hospital.  He was assured
that Sharon was getting the very best of care.  She was well loved by the
staff and everyone was praying she would pull through.  When he saw Dr.  G,
he was handed a letter addressed to him.  Sharon was crossing the street to
mail it when she was struck.  The driver's brakes had failed for no apparent
reason.  He had been cleared of any negligence.  It was simply a tragic
accident.  Peter opened the letter and began to read:


     "Dear Peter,
     I am sorry for hurting you.  I should never have let you or anyone
     become involved with me.  It wasn't right to tangle up someone
     else in my messed up world.  I'm sorry for having deceived you.  I
     hope someday you can forgive my selfishness.  I am leaving town.
     I have contacted a Realtor to sell my house.  I won't mess up your
     life any further.  You will never have to see me again.  I have
     ruined someone's life for the last time.

     Good-bye and love
     Sharon"


Shaking, tears freely running down his face, Peter went into the ICU. Taking
Sharon's hand in his, he began to speak, softly.  If anyone were to get
close they would have heard, "Sharon, don't leave me.  I love you and I need
you.  Please come back to me." Peter turned as he felt a hand on his
shoulder.  He turned to see his father standing there.  His mother was off
to one side.  "Peter, we're so sorry.  We came as soon as we heard." With
that Peter's father embraced him.  Then his mother entered the circle and
they kept vigil together.



  Over the next 3 days they took shifts staying with Sharon.  Peter was
touched.  His father never left the hospital.  In all his life he'd never
seen his father stay away from his office for so long, and never for
anything that wasn't planned in advance.  He sensed a fundamental change in
him, and that he really cared.  Peter's relative and friends all came by,
people from the theaters, the hospitals, some of the families that Sharon
had helped all sent cards and flowers.  There were so many that Peter's
mother arranged to have them brought around to patients who had none.  She
felt it was something Sharon would have wanted done.



  One night, Peter was sprawled in the chair by her bed, half asleep.  Her
face was framed by a shaft of moonlight coming from the window.  She'd been
brought out of ICU but hadn't recovered consciousness.  His heart ached to
see her, lying helpless, her face swollen and bruised, the wires and tubes
and bandages seemed abominable on someone as special as her.  He lowered his
head and began to weep, his shoulders shaking.  Then someone was holding his
hand, "there, there, don't cry.  It will be all right." He looked up and saw
Sharon gazing back at him.

"I thought I lost you.  I CAN'T lose you.  Not now, not ever."

"Peter, I ..."

"Hush.  Please let me say this.  Sharon, I love you.  When I thought about
losing you, I couldn't bear it.  No matter what else, I want to spend the
rest of my life with you.  I'll marry you, no matter how that has to be
worked out, if you'll have me.  I talked with my lawyer.  Even if the state
wouldn't recognize our union, I can still provide for you just as if it did.
I want you as my wife, no matter what anyone says.  No matter what else you
decide or how you want to continue, please say we'll be together."

"I love you too, Peter.  Are you sure of what you're saying?"

"I've never been more certain of anything."

"Then I guess I have to say ....  Yes."

"Look you rest now.  I have to tell Mom and Dad the good news.  They been
here the whole time waiting with me."

"How long?"

"You've been gone from us for four days."

"Peter, please, get Dr.  G. I have something I need to discuss with him."



  The next day it was a jubilant Peter that went to the hospital.  Hi mother
and father were with him.  The entire hospital seemed brighter and cheerier.
The good news of Sharon's recovery must have spread overnight.  When they
got to ICU, they were met by Dr.  G. "Sharon's not here.  She's transferred
to a private hospital."

"Not here?  Where is she?"

"We had a long discussion last night.  Sharon needs some rehabilitation for
her injuries.  She also needs some time.  There are things she needs to do,
and I agreed with her.  Oh, Peter, before I forget, you left the ring in my
office the other night."

"Where is it Doc?"

"The last time I saw it, it was on Sharon's left ring finger." The Doc had a
grin that would have done a Cheshire cat proud.  "Mrs.  Hutchinson, since
Sharon has no living relatives, she said you're the closest thing she has to
a mother.  She asked if you'd help plan her wedding.  Seems she accepted
Peter's proposal.  She said she would be taking care of the gown, but is
leaving the rest up to you and Peter.  She drew up a list of her friends
she'd like to invite.  She said you have six months to get things ready.
Then she'll be back."

Mrs.  Hutchinson had always wanted a daughter.  It looked like she was going
to get one.  She couldn't wait to get started.  Try as they might peter and
his father couldn't find out anything from anyone as to where Sharon was or
what she was up to.  It promised to be a long six months for Peter.



  Sharon gazed at her reflection in the long mirror.  She'd recovered from
her injuries.  With the help of the staff here, and Dr.  G, she also
finished the emotional recovery she'd needed for so long.  She marveled as
she slowly ran her hands over her figure.  Her breasts, no longer silicone
and paint, rose perkily.  Full rounded with rosy nipples, she couldn't
believe they were really hers.  They weighed more than she was used to, but
she'd adjusted fairly well.  Thanks to the hormones and the skilled surgeons
Dr.  G had put her in touch with, her waist narrowed a bit more than when
she'd had to corset herself.  Gone was the padded girdle.  Now her own hips
flared nicely, blending from her waist to buttocks in a way no artificial
hips ever could.  Her taut stomach ran down to the tiny patch of pubic hair
she had left, to her new sex.  The doctors had all done a remarkable job.
>From the surgeon for her sexual re-assignment surgery, to the plastic
surgeons who performed her other alterations, to the endocrinologist, all
the nurses, she owed so much to everyone.  Foremost was Dr.  G. because of
the years he'd spend as her psychiatrist, and the time she'd been living as
a woman, Sharon only had to go through the hormones and surgery to complete
what had begun so long ago.



  "Oh dear, you make such a beautiful bride!  I'm sorry I'm weepy, but this
is the happiest day ever!" May Hutchinson had in truth become Sharon's
surrogate mother.  During this last week of wedding preparation they had
become as close as if they were blood.  Peter's father had also been walking
around happy as a clam.  People had been asking him if he'd had a face-lift.
But it was simply that they were so unused to seeing him smile.  He was more
relaxed these days, and he and Peter had spent time together catching up on
so much they'd missed together.

Sharon's dress was understated elegance.  White satin with touches of lace
and pearls, just a few rhinestones.  It was high necked, long-sleeved,
flaring a the top but fitted from the elbows down.  It had a long train and
her veil was a confection of lace and pearls.  Her bouquet was white roses.
Underneath was the naughtiest, sexiest white satin and lace lingerie she
could find.  Peter had been waiting for six long months for his bride.  She
knew it hard been hard on him.  He'd been calling several times a day since
she'd left the clinic, but she'd made him wait until today to see her.  She
intended to see him *VERY* well rewarded.

Her maid of honor was the young man that Peter had been confronted by at the
play "Cats".  Sharon had a lot of friends in the theater, so the reception
was an unusual blend.  Her theatrical and unusual friends, many people from
the hospitals she worked with, the elite and powerful bluebloods who knew
the Hutchinson's, Peter's relatives, all intermingling.  Sid was Peter's
best man.  He kept reminding Peter that he got to kiss the bride, and that
he intended to thoroughly enjoy it.

The church was filled to capacity.  The organist began the wedding march.
Dr.  G escorted Sharon down the aisle, as her surrogate father.  She said
he'd been there all through her painful re-birth.  He felt truly honored to
be able to perform this service for her.  Peter looked thrilled and
terrified, so handsome in his tuxedo.  He was fidgeting like a little boy,
and Sharon had to fight back a giggle.  Soon they all heard those long
awaited words..  "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and
wife!"

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