The next day, Randall is all dressed and ready to go.

Allison hung around your place for awhile after you got home. You appreciated her company - it helped keep your from worrying about Randall. He was the major topic of conversation at dinner. Your dad and siblings wanted to know how he was doing and your mom gave a detailed rundown.

"I think he's doing amazing well considering what he must be going through!" your mom said before correcting herself. "Well, I guess that should be 'she' now. We're all going to need to get used to referring to 'her' by her new name and gender. It may be a little awkward at first, but Ran...LAURA must get accustomed to it. Everyone else is going to see her as Laura Card and we need to help her adapt. Especially with the way that woman (that's how your mother referred to Randall's step-mom) is acting. Randall was always like family - now we need to step it up and really be family for her. "

"And Tim," she added, speaking pointedly to you, "you and Randall are very close so I know you'll do your best. I don't want you to forget that it's your best friend inside of Laura but you will need to help him adapt. You can still hang around together - we'll say we're having her do additional tutoring or something - but the two of you will need to watch how you act in public. Laura can't goof around like a teenage boy without drawing unwanted attention. You have to help her change her behavior and habits - or at least support my efforts. Understand?"

"Sure, mom," you muttered, uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. You didn't like to think about the implications for Randall, all the changes in his life. Today in the room you were almost able to forget when the two of you fell into old habits of joking and goofing off. Your mom's comments made you realize that those days were past, at least in public. Maybe the two of you could still act the same when alone, but no more would you girl watch at the mall or skateboard in the park together.

You were a little down the rest of the evening. Although the hospital had given you a clean bill of health, you were banged up for the accident and were starting to feel battered & bruised. Thankfully they gave you some pain meds for the next few days, so you took a couple and quickly fell into a dreamless sleep.

The next morning you woke up late. It took some time for the aftereffects of the **** to wear off, so you were slow to shower and dress. By the time you were ready, it was almost noon. Your mom was already gone - to the hospital, you guessed - so you had your dad drive you.

You were fully awake and feeling impatient by the time you arrived. Your dad pulled up and you hopped out of the car and rushed up to Randall's room. You pushed open the door to find your mom and Allison hovering over Randall while he sat in front of a mirror with a makeup brush in his hand.

"There!" Allison said as he brushed across his cheek. "That's very close to Miss Card's normal look. Practice what I showed you and you'll get it. But I can come over for to your new place tomorrow to go over it again. Honestly, Randall, I don't think you'll have any problem with this part. You seemed it pick it up pretty fast."

Randall blushed a little at her comments, clearly embarrassed at being told that he was good at makeup.

"Ahem," you said, clearing your throat. "Are you ready to get out of here?" you asked.

Randall jerked his head around and gave a small smile. "Wondered if you were ever going to get here," he teased. He stood up from the chair and you got a good look at him. His hair was pulled back on his head, but it had obviously been brushed through, no longer looking quite as wild and untamed. He was wearing a simple pink blouse, nice jeans, and flats - the type of casual clothing you'd seen Miss Card wear to basketball games and other school events.

He tugged at the bottom of his shirt, showing his breasts even more, and smiled a bit sheepishly. "I can't do much about these things," he said, indicating his prominent nipples. "Allison couldn't find anything that would could fit me other than a sports bra. She said Ms. Card should have something better at home I can use."

Yesterday it had been a little easier to forget that he was now Miss Card (though you couldn't ignore the fact that he was a woman). But Allison was right - with the makeup and clothes, he looked just like your teacher. It made you feel a little odd, just like when you would randomly run into a teacher at a store or restaurant - especially when the teacher was so hot, with her breasts so noticeable.

"Uh, yeah," you struggled, "I, uh, kinda overslept. Must have been the pain meds."

Your mom interrupted. "It's fine, Tim. This gave Allison and I more time to go over things with Laura."

Randall gave a you a pained look at that.

"So, can you go now?" you asked, trying to give Randall an out. "Has your dad already been by?"

Your mom's expression darkened and Randall gave a short "yes. I don't want to talk about it."

You started to press but your mom shook her head 'no', and signalled with her eyes for you to drop it.

"Okay, then," you said, trying to sound cheerful. "Let's bail! I'm sure you're sick of this place."

Randall desperately latched on to your attempt to lighten the mood. "Absolutely!" he said, "let's go find my car and checkout my new place."

Allison gave you a quick kiss. "Be supportive. It's harder on him than it looks, " she whispered to you. Then she hugged Randall and told him "Call me if you need anything, okay?"

Your mom told him "I understand you want some time alone to settle in, but remember we're here for you, dear." She gave him a kiss on the cheek and added "I'll call you this evening to see about dinner. You're welcome at our place or I can bring something over. We can even try going out if you feel up to it."

You glanced at Randall to see his reaction, having no idea what he might be up to trying. He just shrugged and said "Sure, Mrs. C. Feel free to call. Not sure what I'll be up to but we can see."

You said your goodbyes and they left. Before walking out of the room, Randall picked up Miss Card's purse. "Guess this is mine," he said half-jokingly. "And hey," he added holding up a smartphone as you walked to the parking garage, "looks like I finally got an Iphone!"