Coming up from dreamland, I felt somewhat sore. Probably from what Jacobus had done last night. Exactly what he had done was a mystery. I understood the gist of it, and yet what it all meant was up in the air. “Maybe something like Gene Therapy?” If it helped with my dysphoria, that was all that mattered.

Going to the small bathroom in the corner of my room, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I looked the same as I had yesterday, albeit with some imperceptible changes that I doubted anyone else would notice. That only worked if you didn’t look at my eyes.

Still the same mesmerizing emerald green, they now had little flecks of gold around my pupils. You had to look close to see it, so that was a plus, and I was sure no one had looked close enough to notice the change. Nothing I could do about it.

I will not admit that I found my own eyes incredibly beautiful, and I will vehemently deny staring into them for at least five minutes. Never happened.

Choosing a light shirt and some flannel pants, I dressed quickly and moved to the kitchen.

“Morning Uncle Alex. That smells good.”

“Morning little one. You’re up early. Chicken fried steak and eggs sounded good today, what do you think?”

“Mm, sounds really good. Thank you, Uncle Alex.”

“Ha ha, no problem. It’s almost done so go ahead and sit down.”

“Ok.”

Once we were done eating and the dishes were put away Alex asked me if I wanted to walk with him to the new house and take a look. The contractor was ready to finish up and wanted to have Alex do an inspection. They were a few days ahead of schedule which was nice.

I went back to my room and quickly changed into a blue button-up dress that had eyeliner lily prints and reached just below my knees, white hose, and blue shoes.

As we walked up to the new house, an older man with gray hair and a big, bushy gray beard came over to us.“Morning Dennis. How are things going? This is Sasha, Sasha, this is Dennis. He owns the company that built our house.”

Dennis was a cranky old man most of the time, so it took me by surprise when he greeted me with a kind smile. “Mornin’ Alex.” His voice was deep and gravely. “Sasha huh? It’s a pleasure to meet you, little lady.” Dennis’ entire demeanor changed as he spoke to me and the lines on his rugged face softened.

“Good morning Mr. Dennis. Nice to meet you too.”

Talking while we walked toward the house, Dennis gushed about how he had twin granddaughters that were about my age. The way he carried on and the light in his eyes told us that the old man doted on them a lot. Probably too much from how much he all but bragged about them. Huh, didn’t see that coming.

The house was everything I had ever dreamed of. Before you judge, please remember that I’m (well, was) a bachelor and only had a few relationships that didn’t last very long. Combine that with being a total gearhead and avid outdoorsman, you get an interesting combination. I think it’s awesome, your mileage may vary.

“This was definitely an unconventional house for us. We built a couple Shouse’s before, nothin’ quite like this one. There were a few interestin’ challenges to work out, specially with the upstairs rooms, but we managed.” Dennis explained while we looked around.

“It’s really nice Mr. Dennis.” A little praise goes a long way. This crew deserved it as well. From what I could tell, the craftsmanship was excellent.

“Why thanks, little lady.” The smile he gave me lit up his whole face.

“She’s right, Dennis. You guys did an excellent job.” Alex agreed while looking around with a giant smile as well.

Walking in you are greeted with one large room on the ground floor. Thirty feet deep and forty feet wide. The kitchen was on the left and wrapped around the left and back sides. There were double doors to the right of it going into the back.

The cabinets were dark stained wood and the countertops were polished concrete that the top was ground down and stained a dark blue, letting the materials show through. There was a good-sized island in the middle with an industrial-style stainless gas range. All the other appliances were stainless as well. Between the island and the front of the house was a ‘breakfast nook’ with wide double doors leading to the porch on the left side of the house. The ceiling was two stories and peaked in the middle with visible beams while the floors were stone tile over heated concrete.

To the right was a large dining/living room. In between The kitchen and living room was a large set of stairs that was off-center to the right, giving you a straight shot to the doors in the back.

The stairs lead up to a wide balcony that went across the back above the kitchen and then turned right above the living room, giving access to the three upstairs bedrooms, two baths, and a study.

Upstairs on the left was the master bedroom with a large bath between it and the study to the right. One of the other bedrooms was to the right of the study with a shared bath between it and the room at the front of the house. Both of those rooms and bath were over the two-car garage.

All of the bedrooms were the same size and the bathrooms were identical. Each bathroom had a large walk-in shower, a large deep bathtub made from a steel stock tank surrounded by stained wood, and two sinks. I know it sounds weird, but don’t judge the bathtub idea, I promise they look awesome.

Walking out the back door beside the kitchen, you were under the master bedroom and bath, the study, and one of the other bedrooms. They made a covered patio with a bar and rec area for parties. There was a large laundry room/half bath to your right that connected to the living/dining room and the ‘patio’. The rest of the space in the back was one large shop. The shouse was a sixty by one hundred twenty foot, two-story steel building.

It was awesome. One dream fulfilled.

“This is amazing Mr. Dennis. I can’t believe you and your crew were able to make this.” I wasn’t trying to flatter him either. They really did an amazing job.

“My guys’ll be glad to hear you say that.” Dennis had another huge grin on his face and scratched his left cheek. I think I embarrassed him.

We thanked the rest of the crew for their work after the tour and everyone was all smiles when Dennis told them what I had said. That made me blush and the guys laugh.

Ugh, can I please at least not blush so easily?

“Why don’t we have a barbecue to thank them, Uncle Alex? ” I asked Alex as we walked back to the RV. “The house is really nice so they must have worked hard. We can also celebrate the house being finished and invite Mr. Kennith and Mrs. Rebecca too.”

“That’s a good idea, Sasha. I think Saturday would be a good time. We can also celebrate you getting into Plumb Valley, how’s that sound?” Alex agreed while looking at me with a smile.

“Umm.”

“Don’t worry Sasha, I’m sure you will be accepted. Besides, you’re too young to think about stuff like that. Enjoy yourself a little more and lighten up.”

“I’m not sure hearing that from you is a good thing, Uncle Alex.” Looking up at him I smiled.

‘cough cough cough’ “Err… Ahem.” Alex stumbled, then cleared his throat and whined back. “You didn’t have to say it like that. I’m not that bad.”

“…”

“Seriously, I’m not.” His voice was still a little higher than usual while he complained with his eyebrows raised.

“Ok Uncle Alex.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose, closed his eyes, and mumbled something incoherent. That was a habit I had when I was at a loss for words.

I never realized how funny it looked.

That made me think. I haven’t been doing many of my old habits lately, and on top of that, I haven’t felt my eye twitch for a while either. Interesting.

After a moment Alex brought me out of my musings. “Anyway. Why don’t you go inside and I will run back to tell Dennis about this weekend.”

“Ok.” I agreed with a teasing smile. Alex only shook his head and jogged back to Dennis. Before I closed the door I heard cheers. Huh, wonder why they cheered.

It was only about ten o’clock by this point, so we had some time to kill. Alex brought up the fact that he needed to do laundry so we gathered it all together and headed into town, as the washer and dryer hadn’t been delivered yet.

On the way into town, Alex called Rebecca and asked if he could buy her lunch as thanks for yesterday, explaining why we would be in town so early.

Now we are on our way to Kennith and Rebecca’s house so I can learn how to wash my clothes the ‘right way’. We didn’t argue. She was adamant that we come over.

Arriving at Kennith’s, we were ushered in by a smiling Rebecca. “Good morning Alex, Sasha. Come in and bring your clothes. The washer and dryer are over here.”

“Thanks, Becca. We appreciate you letting us wash our clothes here, you didn’t have to.”

“It’s fine Alex. This is a good chance to make sure you don’t ruin some of Sasha’s new clothes. I’m sure you just throw everything in together and add detergent, right?”

“I do know how to separate my clothes, Becca. I even know how to use the settings.” Alex wouldn’t look at Rebecca while he said that, somewhat looking like a sad puppy. I don’t make that kind of face… Right?

Rebecca laughed at Alex’s reaction and patted him on the shoulder. “Calm down Alex. I’m not making fun of you. It sounds like you know more than my husband or sons at least. Sasha’s clothes will need a little more attention than that though. Here let me show you what can and can’t go together.”

Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

The next two hours were spent with Rebecca showing us when to use delicate and when we could use normal and other things. She didn’t even spare Alex when it came to my hose and other delicate clothes, making him wash one of my pairs of hose by hand along with me, commenting he needed to ‘know how’. I thought he would pass out from embarrassment.

“Guess what Rebecca, our new house is finished!” I was excited so I brought it up while we were sitting at the table, waiting on a load of wash. “Alex and I are going to have a party, and we hoped you could come!”

As I said, I was excited that my dream home was finally done. Was I going to bring up the fact that I was acting like a kid? Nope. Never happened.

Rebecca laughed softly while she watched me bounce around in my chair. (as I said, that never happened. I don’t know what you’re talking about… Crap.)

“What Sasha should have said, is that we wanted to invite You, Kennith, and your family. We were also going to invite the crew as well. That’s assuming everyone is free this Saturday.” Alex clarified, softly shaking his head and chuckling while he set down his iced tea. He started laughing harder when I crossed my arms and glared at him. Rebecca covered her mouth, eyes scrunching while trying not to laugh as well.

I know Jacobus said I needed to stop fighting these reactions and that they could help me, somehow. It was hard though, and somewhat confusing as well. After all, my mind was that of a thirty-seven-year-old deep down.

“I think that would be an excellent idea. We could help out and bring some side dishes as well.” Rebecca had composed herself after taking a drink of her tea. “If you are inviting your old crew, would you mind if they brought their families? Kennith and I could help with buying the food, as I assume that you were going to grill? Kennith mentioned you brought grilled meat for lunch a lot.”

Alex looked down at his glass of tea that he was fidgeting with. “Well, ya… I like to grill. I wouldn’t say I’m the best at it so don’t get your hopes up. You don’t need to help out though…” Alex looked a little embarrassed while he spoke.

“Nonsense Alex.” Rebecca interrupted. “I know that it’s for your new house, but if you wouldn’t mind, would you be willing to let us consider it as a company party? I know your property is in a beautiful area, and we did just complete a large contract. That’s why I offered to help with the food.”

I think Rebecca was only making an excuse and Alex seemed to know it as well. We both opted to ignore that. “I would appreciate the help, Rebecca. Might as well invite the office staff if you are going to call it a company party.”

You could tell Rebecca knew that we (well, Alex) were able to read between the lines of her ‘excuse’. “Thank you, Alex, I’m sure Kennith will be happy to hear it. I know Kennith would mention how good your grilled food was whenever you would give some to him.”

“Huh? I don’t remember giving him any… Wait. That old geezer! He was the reason why some of my lunch would go missing!” Alex rubbed his temples, took a deep breath, and sighed. “I’m going to get you back old man…” He mumbled, leaning back in his chair and looking at the ceiling.

Rebecca chuckled behind her hand again. “While I fully support you doing that, I would ask that you make sure I’m there when it happens. I want to see his reaction and would like to give him my opinion on that as well.”

You’re scaring me, Rebecca. I think a chill just went up my spine. Please, for the love of everything that is holy… I pray you never look at me like that…

Alex flinched at her words and looked shocked. “Ah, umm. Ya, no problem Rebecca. Oh, ah, I should call and see if the cleaners can come early, and call the furniture store. Maybe they can send our stuff over early as well. I’ll just step outside for a second, be right back Sasha.” Alex stood abruptly and was taking long strides toward the door before he finished.

He left me… Dang it. Really Alex?!… CHICKEN!

Rebecca and I stared with blank faces at the door Alex had quickly walked through. We looked at each other and then busted out laughing. “I don’t… Don’t think I have ever seen Alex… So flustered… Before.” Rebecca tried to speak through her laughter, making me laugh even harder, tears forming in my eyes.

Not in a million years did I think I would ever see Rebecca like that.

Getting ourselves under control took a few minutes, and the buzzer for the drier helped to bring us back down to earth. “Alright, Sasha. Let’s finish up with your clothes.” Rebecca stood and wiped the tears from her eyes. “How about when we are done we go grab some lunch? There is a good diner down the street.”

“K. Food sounds good. Should I go get Alex?” I stood up as well and looked towards the door.

“Let him finish his phone calls. You hang your clothes so it won’t take long.” Talking over her shoulder while she walked towards the laundry room, Rebecca motioned me to follow.

“Ok.”

Rebecca and I were laying my clothes across the back of the couch when Alex walked in. “Sasha and I agreed that we should go to the diner down the street for lunch.” Dang, talk about taking charge… I really feel sorry for Kennith… Well, I would have before I found out he was the one stealing part of my lunch.

“Uh… Sure. Sounds good to me. I will hang our clothes in the pickup Sasha. Is it alright if we ride with you, Becca?” Alex was carefully picking up my clothes by the hanger while he was speaking.

Rebecca sighed and shook her head. " You don’t need to treat them like glass Alex. They won’t tear that easily. Yes, you can ride with me. Here, give me those and you take the baskets.” Rebecca shook her head again and grabbed my shirts from Alex. “Men, I swear. They only have two gears, break stuff or fumble about trying not to break stuff.”

Alex froze and I giggled. Neither of us could believe Rebecca could say something like that. She was always so eloquent. Didn’t see that coming either.

I was seeing a whole other side to Rebecca. Maybe there was hope for me yet…

It was a little past twelve thirty when we arrived at the diner so the lunch rush was winding down. It was a stainless building with neon lights and signs and looked like the diners from the fifties. The waitresses were even wearing poodle skirts and blouses with an apron like in the movies.

“Welcome to Murries Diner. Would you prefer a booth or the counter?” The hostess gave the impression she was extremely happy-go-lucky. All smiles and an excitable attitude.

“A booth works, Thanks.” Alex and I usually had a hard time dealing with people like that, making his reply a little curt. We were good around Natalie though. I wonder why?

She either didn’t mind or notice… nope, she winked at me. “Right this way please.” Some people are just unperturbed I guess.

I’m simply glad Natalie isn’t here. I’m positive she would say something like “Sasha would look so cute in that outfit!”

Crap. I felt another chill go up my spine.

Rebecca guided me inside the booth and sat beside me before Alex and I could react. “You’re too big Alex. Sasha will be more comfortable with me.”

That smile on your face makes me think you had other reasons as well Rebecca…

“That’s probably true Becca.” Alex let it go at that. Not like it was a big deal in the first place, and these booths were kind of small.

“How did your phone calls go?” Rebecca opened a menu and placed it between us. “You haven’t said anything about it yet.”

“Well, The cleaners had an opening for tomorrow.” Alex furrowed his brows and looked up from his own menu. “The Furniture store can’t make it until Thursday, which is fine. We can put most of the furniture in the shop and at least get the beds set up before the home visit on Friday.”

“That’s good to hear.” Rebecca then looked at Alex again and jabbed a finger at his chest. “Make sure you don’t hurt yourself trying to move everything on your own.”

“Yes ma’am. I promise.” Alex caved quickly at Rebecca’s admonition. How do you do that Rebecca?

We relaxed and ate leisurely, chatting about the house and planning the party. The diner served iconic American food like burgers and sandwiches that were really good. I loved burger joints like this.

Alex wouldn’t let Rebecca pick up the tab when she tried to, reminding her that this was thanks for yesterday and she eventually relented.

After asking for a to-go box, (I barely ate half of my club sandwich) one of the waitresses came by our table, bringing the box and a chocolate malt with a cherry on top. “Here you go, sweetie.”

“Umm.” I looked between Alex, Rebecca, and the waitress, confused. “Did you order this for me?”

“It’s on the house sweetie.” The waitress beamed at me and bounced on her toes. Something else bounced as well, making Alex quickly look away and cough.

“Oh, ah. Thanks. Can I ask why?” My voice trailed off as I spoke. First, she calls me sweetie, then smiles like the cat that caught the canary, and now this. Please tell me I don’t actually have ‘charm’. I’m so confused as to why these things keep happening.

“The other girls and I think you are just too cute. We all wish we could have a little sister like you!” Really?! That’s the reason?! Please stop looking at me like I’m a desert…

Wait, wait, wait… Did she say, little sister? Could it be I don’t have a charm skill, but something like ‘little sister’ pow… Nope!… No such thing! Don’t think about it!

“…” What do I say to that? Come on brain, grab a gear already. “Thanks, miss. I appreciate it. It looks really good!” There. That’s what someone around my age would say… I think?

“You’re welcome. Enjoy!” With those last words, she practically skipped back to the counter and started excitedly talking to a couple of the other waitresses who kept looking at me and giggling…

Crap.

“Hahaha. I have to text Natalie about this. She’ll love it.” Rebecca pulled her phone out of her purse. “We should see about getting an outfit like that for Sasha as well, she would look so cute in it!” She mumbled to herself so quietly that I almost didn’t hear it.

…Almost.

No no no no no… You didn’t actually say that did you? I heard that wrong. I have to believe you didn’t just say that Rebecca… Please?

I took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

‘Might as well eat at least a little of the malt I guess. No sense in letting it go to waste.’ My mind was still a little hazy. ‘Does this really happen, or is it only me?’

After finally making it back to Rebecca’s house, I was mentally exhausted and wanted to relax and gather myself again….

“SAAASHAAA!!!”

Oh no… I jinxed myself, didn’t I….

Natalie virtually tackled me from behind before I could turn around.

“Oof.”

“I missed you so much!” She wrapped me in a bear hug and pressed her cheek against my head while twisting side to side.

“Natalie! Why aren’t you at school? You should still be in class.” Rebecca placed her hands on her hips and glared at her daughter.

“It’s fine mom. Class was done for the day. It was only a study session by that point anyway. Other kids left to so you don’t need to worry!” Natalie replied, not even looking at her mom or letting me go. “I needed to see my little sister.”

Rebecca sighed. “You better not be lying. Come on, let Sasha go and get changed. Since you’re here already, we might as well get going as soon as you’re ready.”

‘It’s not helping Rebecca… She’s not letting go… Uncle, Uncle! …Can’t breathe…’

“Hey, Sasha.” Natalie had finally let go and had just got back from changing. She tried to drag me with her, though Rebecca was at least able to stop her from that. “You should get two piercings in each ear. It would look really cute.”

“I don’t know. Are you sure it would look good? Shouldn’t I wait until I’m older?” One piercing was fine, two might not look right on a ten-year-old.

“I’m sure. You will like it, I promise. If you don’t, you can always let two of them close up.”

“Ok, I can try it.” Meh. It couldn’t be too bad. It’s not like getting your ears pierced hurt. “What is this?” I asked as Natalie handed me a small white bag that when I looked, had two pairs of earrings in it.

“These are for you. When we spotted them at the jewelry store, Mom and I knew they would be perfect for you, so we returned and bought them after dropping you off with Alex.”

One pair was a small quarter-inch long, elongated teardrop shape, with a slight s curve in silver. They had a purple gem set into the round end, with the stud at the point.

“Those have a spinel set in them. That’s your birthstone.” Rebecca pointed to the small stone.

“It’s pretty. I thought August’s birthstone was green though?”

Natalie nodded at my question. “Each month can have a few different stones. We thought this one would be better because it was prettier.”

“Oh, ok.” Come on brain. Work with me here…

The other pair was a simple Celtic knot in white gold. It was about three-quarters the size of a dime and had an emerald set in the middle.

After seeing both pairs, I was at a loss. “I can’t take these. It’s too much.” Tears started forming in my eyes. Jacobus had told me not to fight what was happening and that it would be good for me. I reluctantly chose to trust him. Hopefully, he was right.

“They’re yours, Sasha. From Natalie, Kennith and me. Think of them as a welcome and late birthday gift.” Rebecca set her hand on my shoulder and looked at me with a soft smile.

“You’ve given me so much already. The coats, and helping Alex and I out…”

“Mom’s right Sasha. We got those to welcome you to the family.” Natalie knelt down and hugged me. “We might not be related, but we think of Alex as family and now you are too.”

I broke down and started crying. I wasn’t going to complain about it either. All the stress, all the fear of the past couple of days washed through me. I was so lucky to have met and worked with Kennith and Rebecca. I hated myself for not realizing it. I came to understand that all the times they had invited me over to eat had been them reaching out to me.

Now though… Now I had a chance to accept their proffered hand. I, as the new me, and Alex (I couldn’t see him as a construct anymore.) could return their kindness.

“Thank you, Rebecca, Natalie. I don’t know what to say.” Alex squeezed my shoulder and smiled at me. He had realized it as well and had tears in his eyes too.

“You don’t need to say anything Alex. Kennith and I knew you were having a hard time the last couple of years. We’re sorry we couldn’t help sooner.” Rebecca reached up and patted Alex’s back. “We’re just glad you came to us now. We will be here for you and Sasha.”

Alex, Natalie, and I were crying by that point, and Rebecca’s eyes were wet. Though she didn’t cry, she had a soft smile while she looked at Alex and me kindly.

There are still good people in this crazy world. Sometimes you just have to open your eyes and look a little harder.