Chrysalis Part 3-Chapter 18
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 challenges, 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
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Chapter 18--Second Thoughts
While the family meeting was going on, Chaz, Boyd and Chris's family spent the day in Shrewsbury. The crew from Dreamweavers had returned to London. Louis was in the kitchen all day working with Mavis. Both were as happy as a polar bear on an iceberg. That night Mavis and Louis again prepared an elegant dinner for thirty in honor of Tom and Chris and to say farewell to the grooms' families, who were leaving in the morning with Chris and Tom to spend a few days in London before the Dreamweavers plane left.
Early that morning Chris and Tom said goodbye to Owen, who begged to return with them, but he had school to finish. It was part of the deal when they hired him. Hank decided to stay a few more days; he and Grandda were developing a strong friendship. Clarke wanted to know when they would return. Tom was not sure because of Chris's surgery, likely March. Clarke was disappointed but understood. "Think Clarke has a soft spot for us," Chris commented as they left Thistledown with Tracey and Britney in the back seat excited about going to the "Nutcracker" ballet with the English National Ballet at the London Coliseum. Tom had tickets for the entire family with dinner reservations before the show. Both Chris and Tom wanted to thank their families for their love and support and update them on Chris's impending surgery, which Chris knew his mother would overreact.
After the ballet Tom took them back to the same restaurant, which served decadent desserts they eyed during supper. Helen monopolized the conversation about the ballet and the fine supper and the wedding and how regal Seymour was. "Mom...Mom." Helen stopped talking to give Chris the floor. "Tom and I want to thank each of you for being our family. You have been supportive and loving; you have given Tom and I an anchor in our chaotic world. For the next couple of months we are limiting our work schedule and travel."
"That is wonderful Chris. You work too hard."
"That is not why we are limiting our travel, Mom." Chris smiled at his mother as she tensed. "You know about my gender dysphoria, but I don't think you understand how it affects me psychologically. To help reduce my anxiety, I will be having my surgery the end of January."
"What surgery, what is wrong. You don't have cancer do you?"
"No Mom, no cancer or other illness. Last year I had a radical mastectomy. I will continue the process with either metoidioplasty or phalloplasty. Which will be decided when I speak to the surgeon next week."
"I don't know what those words mean Chris. It sounds very serious and dangerous. Are you sure you want to do this?"
Chris breathed deep hiding a chuckle. "What it means is that I'm going to be a real boy." Hellen blinked several times then covered her mouth with her hand in shock of understanding what Chris said. "I will have a penis and scrotum and not need to wear a plastic prosthetic to look male."
"That is wonderful Chris that you are taking this step to be who you are. You will have our total support." Anda's smiling response was more for Chris's mother than Chris.
Chris Sr. looked like he might stand and leave the table. He stopped and looked at Chris. "Son, I don't know what you have been going through all these years, but if it will make your life more complete, you have my support." He squeezed Chris's hand. "And I'll try to make your mother less anxious and less clingy."
Chris laughed, "Good luck."
"I'll arrange for family medical leave when I get home so I can be there with you for the surgery and recovery." Helen was fully supportive of her son now.
"My recovery is about four weeks, which will be mostly bedrest. There is little that you can do for us."
"I have already arranged for a nurse to visit as needed." Tom helpfully added.
"No nurse can replace a mother's love." Helen shot back.
"I still need to talk to my surgeon and finalize plans. It is tentative for the end of January. How about I let you know when surgery is, and then you can plan a visit."
Helen was still ready to pack her backs and fly directly to L.A., but Chris Sr. said that Chris needs time to work with his physician for details. She reluctantly agreed. Her distress kept her quiet the rest of the evening.
And the next day as they toured the Tate and British Museums and then an early night to reset their biological clocks for the trip home in the morning.
Chris and Tom disembarked the plane in New York along with Adam and Cynthia. Since it would be a few months before they returned to New York, they planned on celebrating New Years at Jazzabel's and then host a post New Year's party at their condo.
Jazzabel's was packed with revelers, taking advantage of a four day weekend. Only Juan and Zack joined Chris and Tom: Chaz and Boyd were home with the baby, and Louis and Ollie were catering a private event. Chris spent most of the evening on stage with Jazzabel. Tom thought Chris should have found performing grueling, but on the contrary, it energized and centered Chris. They left a little after one.
On New Year's day, they stayed home to prepare for Sunday's party. Louis was too busy to cater, so Tom hired people that Louis recommended. The chef and event planner stopped by to finalize details. Members of the co-op popped in to wish them a Happy New Year. Chet and Hector stopped by with Chet's parents. Cordelia was "in the neighborhood" and gave hugs and good wishes. She somehow knew about Chris's coming surgery; she was very supportive. Several people from Dreamweavers-East stopped by to chat. Diedra pumped Tom about Dreamweavers--Europe; she hinted that she might like to relocate. Diedra's exotic looks would do well in the European market. Millie almost moved in for the day. Chris told her about his upcoming surgery. She was anxious more about Chris being away from New York for so long than about the surgery. Chris was almost like her adopted grandson; she had become dependent on him visiting regularly. Chris calmed her by saying they could do video chatting. By 10:30, Chris and Tom were able to tuck themselves into bed, exhausted.
Chris and Tom rose early Sunday so that they could have breakfast at Stella's deli. Zack and Juan were already in their booth when they arrived. Both men received Momma Bear hugs from Stella. Chris noticed a few people taking pictures of him and Tom but didn't care since it would be good advertising for the deli. Once Chris settled into the booth, placed his order, and had his first taste of coffee, he looked around the deli. It was packed, in fact people were waiting for a seat. "I've never seen this place so busy." Chris casually mentioned.
"It's the Chris effect." laughed Juan.
"People somehow know that you frequent this place, so now it is very trendy." Zack added. "Stella saves us a booth every Sunday, which we appreciated. They've added a second cook and Benjie is a full-time cashier. You didn't look at the new menu, did you?"
"No, why should I. I always order the same thing. I know boring." Chris pulled the menu still sitting on the table and perused it. He didn't know if he should be angry or laugh. He waved Stella over. "I see you are capitalizing on my name--Chris's Usual. Did you ask permission? What about royalties?"
"Oh my God. We're so sorry Chris. I didn't even think to ask. Somehow people learned that you liked to eat here, so they started to ask what does Chris have? To save constant questions, we just put it on the menu." Stella was absolutely horrified that she offended Chris.
He was more concerned about how much his name and obvious fame affected other people's lives. So far he had only seen the good effects: Louis and Ollies catering business, Chaz's design company, the sex life of Britney's friends. All good. But there had to be negatives too. "It is fine Stella. No harm done. But you should have asked."
"You are right Chris." She looked around the deli. "We have been so busy since word got out that you are a regular here that we never thought. Your friend Louis was very helpful in redesigning our menu. Our food, while always good, now has a little extra umph. We upped our prices, not that you will ever need to pay." She hastily added.
Benjie delivered Chris and Tom's food, then slid in next to Juan. "Good to see you again. How long are you in town."
"We fly back to L.A. tomorrow," Chris said. "We will not be back to New York for a few months." Both Stella and Benjie tilted their heads at the same angle; no doubt about being related. "I will be having my surgery at the end of January and then about four five weeks to recuperate."
"Urinals. You can stand up to piss?" Benjie asked with a wide grin. Chris said yes. "That is awesome bro. If there is still snow on the ground when you return here, we'll write our names in the snow with our piss. It's a rite of passage for every dude."
"Heard talk of it, so it is a must." Chris liked how easy Benjie took Chris's gender change.
"Yeah, good call on that Benjie. We can go upstate for a few days to a cabin. It can be a male bonding trip. Once Chris has a dick, he also needs to learn how to fart like a man." Tom gleefully said. Both Benjie and Zack cracked up.
"Tom, that is a must. Fart contests are de rigueur for masculinity. Zack and I want to be included."
"Done deal. I'll let you know when." Tom said, and then started eating. "God this is good."
The party was to run from 2:00 to 4:00, but Tom and Chris knew people would show up early and stay late. By noon, the caterer was set up, a bartender in position, and Chris and Tom ready for a nap. "You doing Okay?" Tom asked Chris as he hugged him
"Yes and no. I was very hyped about having this party and having friends over, but now that it is here. I wish it were over and we were home in L.A.."
"Getting anxious about the surgery?"
"Yes, I think some. I do not not want the surgery. It is something I have dreamed about for years. But I am making major changes to my body. If I don't like it? I am stuck. It is not like selecting a shirt."
"I'm scared too. Not for the same reason; I, however, will love you no matter what. But the surgery has risks. I cannot lose you. I do not know what I would do if I lost you." Tom hugged Chris closer. Chris kissed Tom on the lips, exploring the man he loved with his tongue. "You can always say no to the surgery. But deep down I know that it is something that you need. And I am behind you one hundred percent."
"I know. I think I have read too much on the topic preparing myself that I am failing to see the positive side." Chris pinched Tom in his thigh. "Peeing in the snow." The doorbell rang. Beach announced Millie, forty-five minutes early.
"Hi boys, just came early to see if you need any help." Millie looked at Chris and Tom snuggled close on a sofa. "You two OK? Is there a problem?"
"No," Chris said brightly, "just feeling a little butterflies over my impending surgery."
"I'd be fucking worried if you were not nervous. It is a big step for you and for Tom. I have not known you long, but having or not having a penis does not make you more or less a man. You are one of the most masculine, sexy men I have ever met. If I were sixty years younger, and you weren't gay, I'd make a major play for you." Chris smiled at that, feeling better. "However, it is also important to have the body that matches the image. You need a fucking cock to look at each morning, even if it doesn't work. I truly do not understand gender dysphoria. Can't wrap my mind around it since I've never wanted to be a man or felt I was anything but a woman. But I can see the pain in your eyes every time you look in a mirror. I want that pain gone for you."
Chris rushed over to Millie and pulled her into so tight a hug that she was lifted off the floor. "Thanks Millie. I needed that pep talk. Tom is good, but he loves me too much to always be honest." Beach announced the arrival of Juan and Zack, and then Boyd, Chaz and baby C.T. Soon others filled the room with companionship and love. Chris banished all his apprehensions to enjoy his and Tom's friends.