Chrysalis Part 1: Chapter 14
This story is about a young man's quest to fix a major birth defect--he was born without a penis. On his quest he meets his soul mate and many other soon to be friends.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and events are the product of the author's imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any real person is coincidental.
The story depicts procedures and practices common for gender reassignment; however, this story does not claim to be a medical treatise, and information is primarily for the purpose of the story and not medical advice. This story is written for adults with adult themes. If you are underage or live in a location where references to gay relationships or transgender people is forbidden, please log out of the story or move.
This work is copyrighted by Boethiuscell@gmail.com © 2023
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information and retrieval system, without the written permission of the copyright owned to the extent where permitted by law.
Please contribute to Nifty. They do a great job of providing stories that please the senses, titillate the mind, and expand our view of the world.
Chapter 14--Lunch at Macy's
"It should not take me long," Tom said as they entered Macy's, "I have to meet with the marketing department: take a couple of additional photos, and schedule a meeting with Macy's in New York. It should be about an hour. We can meet for lunch at Frontera Fresco at 12:30, but we are dining with Cedrick and Ariel at 4:30 and our flight is at 7, so we can't have a heavy lunch."
"I've heard that Frontera has a killer tacos. I can burn through a couple by the time we meet Cedrick." Chris had other things on his mind than food.
"While I'm busy, why don't you shop? I understand you have some money of your own now. So, indulge. Buy something you always wanted." With that Tom disappeared in the elevator saying, "12:30 Frontera, pro...." The doors closed off the rest.
Chris wandered around Macy's with its ornate interior. He remembered when it was Marshall Fields and his parents would bring him to see the Christmas decorations. Suddenly he felt old, and he was only nineteen. He decided he would find something for Tom first. He spotted a jewelry counter. They had lovely gold rings set with a variety of gems, but he did not know Tom's birthday or birthstone. Besides, everyone gives gold he told the clerk, who rolled her eyes. Then at another counter, he saw wooden rings, perfect. After spending twenty minutes feeling a dozen rings. He found a perfect ring; it felt like Tom. The clerk said it was birch bark woven between bands of African black wood. Size was a problems so Chris asked a strange who was Tom's hand size to be measured. The stranger happily complied, comment on how sweet it was to buy a ring for a friend. The price shocked Chris at over $200 dollars, He handed over the credit card. It rang up and the clerk said thank you. Chris thought he might get used to having money.
Chris passed the electronics section and saw tablets. He had eyed them in people's hands but never thought he could afford one. Now he could. The clerk was very helpful, had him avoid some of the most expensive since this was his first. It was better to start cheap and find what features you need than expensive and overwhelmed at the start. He bought an android and felt happy. He wandered the men's section, saw a few shirts, but didn't like the prices. Browsed through clearance and found a silk tie, of blue and yellow paisley. He didn't know if he would ever need a tie, but he like it so bought it. Again, the price shocked him. On sale at 40% off it was still $35.00. He noticed the time; it was 12:30. He rushed to the seventh floor to meet Tom.
Chris stood at the entrance to Frontera looking around for Tom. The restaurant was a little disappointing because it was a food court, an order counter like most fast food, and no table service. God, Chris thought, I am getting spoiled. Just then he spotted Tom waving a raised arm at him. Chris wound himself around several table getting to Tom. Tom, was not alone at the table, Chris realized. Perhaps one of the marketing people, Tom was always trying to introduce him to people he should know, for future reference. Macy's was heavy into advertising. It might get a chance to do a Macy's TV spot.
"Sorry I'm a little late." Chris sat in an empty chair, "It has been a while since I've actually shopped. But I was good and didn't spend much. I bought you something." Chris looked expectantly at Tom.
"Chris, I think you are being a little rude by ignoring our guest."
"Oh, I am, sorry." Chris turned and looked at the young lady sitting across from Tom. She had a wondrous smile on her face. Chris froze. "Britney?"
"Yes, Chris."
"Really you, Britney, how? How here?"
"Tom called and asked me to join you two. How could I refuse to see my brother?"
Both Chris and Britney rose into a slobbering embrace. Slowly they disentangled and sat, but held hands across the table.
"Tom, you devious SOB. I am so mad and so happy that I could kiss you."
Tom puckered his lips "Ready." So, Chris did to a few stares and a few smiles from other patrons.
Chris looked back at his sister amazed at how she had matured, then he realized it had been three years.
"How'd you get Mom and Dad to agree to let you come downtown by yourself."
"I told them I and some friends were going to the art museum. You know mom's a sucker for culture. They agreed. I am sixteen , soon seventeen, you know."
"So, you lied to them."
"No, I am really with friends at the art museum. I ditched them for a bit and will join them again later. I know better than to lie. I just don't need to say everything."
Chris gave his sister an appraising look. "You've blossomed."
Britney laughed and patted her breasts, "I've gained what you have lost." Her smile turned serious. "I assume that you are proceeding with the change?" Chris nodded warily. "Good, I always saw you as a boy. It was not until junior high I realized that your body was a girl. And after that horrible night, I researched and understood why it is important. I am so sorry what happened. I felt so helpless. And after you left and didn't come crawling back like Dad expected, I hide in my room, Mom cried constantly and Dad sulked in the basement workshop. We have numerous bird houses now. They were not and are not able to discuss the real reason you left and have not returned."
"I'm sorry that you had to endure my back flow. I just could not return. Couldn't."
"I know and I love you for you and the courage you showed. It has made me stronger with them. And now they are more cautious because they do not want me walking out too, which I have a couple of times. You know how protective Dad can be."
"Actually, I don't. Our relationship was never that way."
"You're right, I just never realized it. Things have settled; Christmas is still tough but tolerable." Britney sighed, "What happened after you left, I know you spent a month or so at your friends then disappeared."
"I lived on the street." Britney gasped horrified at the thought. "Until a few days ago when I met Tom."
"It would crush Mom if she knew. Dad is still angry."
"He feels responsible and guilty for my wanting to change gender. Rather than facing the false guilt and accepting that he is not responsible, it is easier to blame me. I don't know that he will ever change." Chris smiled weakly at his sister. "It is not my burden."
"How did you ever get so wise?" Britney asked as she clasped Chris's hand tighter.
"Hunger helps one face reality."
Britney did not know how to respond. "Tom," deciding to divert attention from the silence, "you and Chris are an item?"
"Yes," Tom flashlighted a smile to Chris.
"After a week? Isn't that fast? I mean even by gay standards."
Tom gave a short laugh, "By most standards, but Chris is in no way standard. He is an amazing man. I knew that when he asked me for a light."
Britney looked funny at Chris, "When did you take up smoking."
"Didn't." Chris looked at Tom. "It was a cheesy pickup line. I saw Tom in Macy's and I knew that I had to meet him. It was an impulse that I could not shake."
"It worked." Tom smiled back at Chris.
"Aw that is so romantic. And here you are flying off to New York with a boyfriend starting a fantastic career. I am so happy for you." She kissed Chris's hand. "You know I always got the birthday cards you sent."
She paused while Chris looked up surprised. "I wasn't sure you would get them, but I want you to know I was thinking about you and to say thank you for your help that night. You do know how special you are to me. I could not call, for obvious reason."
Britney looked at Tom, "Every year on my birthday a card would arrive, no signature, no return address, no note. Just the card. My Dad was suspicious that I had a boyfriend. I think Mom was suspicious it was Chris by the handwriting on the envelope. She never said, but she kept the envelope for days after."
Silence fell and everyone directed attention to the tacos Tom had brought to the table. Gentle, benign comments about how tasty the food was punctuated the silence like nails. "I'm sorry Chris, I need to get back to my friends. I don't want to be a total liar when I get home. I miss you so." She wiped a tear away. "Here's my email address and phone number. I think Mom reads my email. She has not however mastered texting. DO NOT lose me again. I love you." She stood and gave Tom a big hug and kiss. "Take care of my bro, please."
"One always cares for one's heart." Tom pulled Chris and Britney into a three-way hug. "Both of you are now my heart."
"You're going to make me cry some more. I don't want to explain puffy eyes." She gave Chris another kiss and left.
Tom and Chris sat at the table silent for several minutes after the elevator doors closed on Chris's sister. "Are you ready to go?" Tom asked
"Yeah ready?" Tom asked.
The ride to the hotel was quiet. Chris said nothing and Tom did not push. Now that they were back in the room, Tom thought it time to talk. "How you doing?"
"I'm doing." Chris tugged Tom toward the sofa and sat. "I'm doing--better. Thank you for this afternoon. I did not realize how much I miss my sister. How much I missed her growing. How much I miss home." Tom sat quite holding and supporting. "But that is a past that cannot be reclaimed. And I have so much more now with a job and more importantly you." Chris sobbed a little. "Look I'm blubbering. I've done more of that this week than ever. When I was first on the street, I didn't cry once. I was tough and strong and men don't cry." Another sob had Chris coughing. "I think I and my sister will be texting often now. That is good, I know it doesn't look like it now, me, Weeping Myrtle, but I am deeply happy about today." Tom got up to get Chris some water.
"You have an admirer," Tom returned carrying a bottle of wine. Tom showed Chris the bottle and handed him a card.
Chris,
This gift may be illegal since you are not 21, but in a hotel, who will know.
I met with Mr. Greenwood and he offered me a job once I finish school.
This would not have happened if I had not met you.
You are an amazing person, and never let anyone tell you otherwise.
Thanks for everything
Blaine Bottom
"Should I open it?" Tom asked.
"No," Chris replied, "we'll take it to Cedrick's for all to share. More than one glass and you would need to carry me on the plane. I would not be pretty."
"You are always pretty, even when your head is in the porcelain god."
"I'm going to take a shower and change. I don't think we will have time to change from Cedrick's till the airport."
"I'll join you" Tom smacked Chris's butt, who was now heading toward the bedroom, "Save time and water." Chris giggled and wagged his ass.