You offer to go with your mom to Stephanie's place.

As you stood there trying to think of something to say, your temper began to rise. "What the hell is wrong with Dad?" you asked yourself. "He acts like he's the only one going through this! It's hard on all of us, especially Mom." Your anger at your father's behavior and concern for your mother pushed aside the worries and awkward feelings you'd had since the 'change', leaving you with a sense of determination to help your mom.

She was just standing in the kitchen looking down at the floor, lost in thought. You walked over to her, took her hand and said softly "Let's get out of here, Mom. I'll take you over to her house and help you go through stuff."

She looked up at you, her eyes glistening with tears. "That's okay, Tim. You don't have to do that. I need to make dinner. And your father will take me..." she trailed off, unable to finish.

"No, we can go now," you said in a firm tone. "Dad can handle dinner - get a pizza or something. But you need to get out of here. You've been shut inside here for a week - it's time to face the world, even if it's just a trip to Stephanie's place." You added more gently "Besides, you DO need her ID & clothes & other stuff. And I'm not ashamed of you - and you shouldn't be either. You always told us it didn't matter what we looked like or how other people judged us. It's what we are inside that counts!"

Hearing her own advice directed back at her - and the love and concern in your voice - seemed to bring your mom back from the edge of despair. She gave you a half-smile and squeezed your hand. "Thank you, Tim. I don't know what I did to deserve such a wonderful son, but thank you." She wiped the tears from her eyes and said "You're right. Now is as good a time as any. And if I don't get out of here for awhile, I may go crazy." She chuckled, then looked down at herself. "I guess I should change but I really don't have anything better to put on."

You shook your head. "Don't worry about it. We're just going to my car and then into her place. You can find something there to wear, I'm sure," you said confidently.

You left a brief not for your family and then led her out to your car. Your mom gave you the address to Stephanie Burke's house for your GPS and within minutes you were headed across town.

You engaged in some small talk on the ride over, wondering aloud what kind of place you were headed to. Your mom was clearly nervous about what she might find there so you tried to focus on the 'cool' stuff Stephanie might have had - expensive clothes or a big-screen tv, etc.

It was strange. With your mom dressed like this and no makeup, she didn't look so much like 'Amber the pornstar.' On the other hand, it was hard to see your mother inside this woman despite you affection and love for her. You weren't sure you would ever really be able to think of her as the woman you raised you - but maybe you could mentally define a new relationship, like an aunt or cousin. After all, you wouldn't ever be able to call her 'Mom' in public anymore.

You hesitated to bring it up but decided this was as good a time as any - you certainly didn't want to bring it up around your dad or siblings. "Mom, I've got a question," you started.

She looked at you quizzically. "Yes, Tim?"

You took a breath and plowed ahead. "I hate to say this but, you know, we're going to have to stop calling you 'Mom', aren't we?"

She sighed. "That's one of the many things I've been thinking about." She gave a short, bitter laugh. "Not that I've had much else to do except think."

You reached over to pat her arm.

She smiled in appreciation at your gesture. "I guess you and the others will need to start calling me Stephanie. I've been putting that off, given the way your father has been. But we need to get used to it before I'm 'introduced' to any of our friends or relatives. A slip-up there would make things feel even more awkward." She looked resigned. "I suppose we might as well start practicing. It seems an appropriate time as we're going to 'my' house."

"Okay, then...'Stephanie'," you said a little awkwardly. "It feels weird, though."

"For me as well, Tim," she agreed. "But it's just a name - compared to the other changes I'm having to deal with, it's minor. After all, no matter what you call me, I'll always be your mother. You kids are the most important thing in the world to me and that will never change!"

At that point the GPS announced your arrival so you pulled in and parked the car. With some trepidation you and your mom walked up to the house.

You were shocked and your mom very much intrigued when Stephanie's place turned out to be...