Dawn of a New Era

As if on cue you hear noise from the direction of Fiona's room. Her door opens and she heads to the washroom.

"She's up early." You say. Damn, you were hoping for one more good morning surprise. It would have to wait.

You and El continue to snuggle. It felt so nice being together like this. Eventually you hear Fiona vacate the washroom and head downstairs. You give El one final smooch then get up yourself. You wanted to be sure to share all this news with Fiona before she left for the day. First things first, you go brush your teeth and gargle with some mouthwash. You check in on your Mom and she smiles at you, she wasn't going back to sleep but she was taking her time getting out of bed.

You finally head down stairs and catch Fiona just finishing her breakfast. She was fully dressed and ready to go.

"Fiona." You say. "I'm glad I caught you. Damn, you are up early today."

She nods. "I've got some stuff to do today." She grins. "Bring that little tushy over here and give your big sister a kiss."

You smile and scamper over to her. As you get to her she grabs you in a very dominant, one might even say masculine, sort of way and plants a kiss on your lips. She gives your ass a little squeeze as you part. "Listen Jesse, I gotta go. I hope you have a better day today. I think you will."

"Wait!" You plead. "I have so much to tell you."

"We'll talk tonight, okay?" She leans in and gives you another kiss. She strokes your hair and says. "I love ya Sis."

You were a bit stunned by this. "I love you too Fiona. We have to talk as soon as you have a chance though. Have a good day Fiona."

She gives you a crooked wicked grin and that familiar evil glint twinkles in her eye. "Oh, I will!"

And with that she is gone. What was that all about? Where was she going so early in the morning? You get the coffee pot brewing then sit down at the kitchen table and rest your chin on your hand. The annoying little prickle of stubble could be felt, you hated that feel on your own chin. You start daydreaming about what Aunt Peg might be able to do for you. Before too long your mother and Elsie come down the stairs chatting with one another.

As they enter the kitchen your mother says. "There is our good morning girl." She chuckles. She was in a fine spirit, there wasn't a hint of anger or annoyance toward you. In fact, she was down right chipper! She gives you a kiss on the cheek then hums happily as she goes about fixing breakfast. You and El go to help but she waves you away, instead you both sit side by side at the table. Your hands slip together and grip almost without thought.

Without looking back your mom says. "You two want to share a room don't you?"

You look at El, both of you were a bit perplexed, then back again. "Um...yeah. We sure do."

She nods. "Okay. Well you guys do that if you want." Your mother stops and turns toward you. "I've been thinking...things are going to change around here. It's time we stopped denying ourselves things. It's time we stopped being ashamed of who and what we are. It's time we stopped with all the judgment and secrets." You could tell she was talking far more to herself than to you and El. "It's not healthy. If we..." Her voice cracks a bit. "...if we have another one on the way. I don't want her growing up in a house of lies. It's time we made peace with who we are." You couldn't help but note her assumption on gender.

You and El get up and go to embrace your mother. She turns and takes you each in an arm, she rests her head on yours. "I think we should keep the big secret from outsiders still." Both you and El nod in agreement, it was none of the world's business who you were. The term outsider seemed so right, more than ever it felt like it was the Baileys vs the world. "But maybe we don't have to be so vigilant about it. No more locked doors and all that either. No more secrets from each other." She takes a deep breath. "I'm, um, I'm going to talk to Peggy today. I'm going to tell her...how I really feel." Tears roll down her plump cheeks despite the fact she had a big joyous smile on her face. These were tears of release, tears of happiness. You and your sister hold her tight. "Things are going to change around here." She says again.

The three of you eventually enjoy your breakfast together. There was so much love and joy flooding the house right now. Your mom tells you that she'll talk to Peggy about you when she sees her today. You and El, as soon as breakfast is over, move a few of your things over to her room. Really you just bring the girl things over. You get dressed together and help each other look good for the day ahead. El wore her usual t shirt and skirt combo while you went for a cute little knee length skirt with a button up short sleeve shirt and wool cap. You borrow a delicate silver necklace from Elsie, it added a nice accent. You looked amazing, none of the damage from the day before could be seen.

When it was time for El to go you stand at the front door holding both her hands in yours down low, your faces were nose to nose. "I'll miss you El." You say.

"I'll miss you Jesse." She says back.

You both smile and you give her a tender kiss to her sweet lips. You sigh happily as you watch her leave. You then get ready to leave yourself. As you think about the challenges in front of you images of the dream from the night before come back to you, it gives you courage for some reason. Your mother hugs you. A big deep hug, holding you tight into her big soft body for a long long time.

She says in your ear. "I'm so proud of you Jesse. I'm so very proud of you. I love you so much."

You are smiling from ear to ear. Everything seemed so wonderful. "Thank you Mom. And again, I'm sorry about this morning."

She pulls you back and looks you in the eye. "Don't you ever apologize for that, okay? It's done."

You kiss her on the lips. "Love you Mom."

She stands at the door and watches you go. You wave to old man Frazier who was already out puttering around in his yard. He gives you a befuddled look and you just smile. You get in your car, wave goodbye to your mother, and head to college.

(Most of this thread will likely be as sappy sweet as this chapter, be warned. This is kind of my 'feel good' thread right now.)