Chapter 8
Marilyn showed up in her security guard clothes. Bille saw her and grabbed her up.
"Marilyn, you got to be more subtle. We don't want to advertise that Dr. Gurber has a security guard. You are probably going to have to dress like one of the patients."
"I ain't wearing a fucking shirt and tie!"
"Oy vay, the language. That is another thing. This guy is a big time doctor. I don't believe I have ever heard him curse. The language has to get cleaned up."
Marilyn frowned and said "I didn't expect a lot of rules on this job."
"Well, get used to operating legit. We operate a class act around here. There are all kinds of patients and dependents around here. There are also real ladies around here. Keep your act clean."
"Ok, I understand."
Billie convinced Marilyn to dress somewhat feminine. It was tough. It was a lot of work for the poor girl because she didn't like too much make-up. I was amazed at the size of this person. I was sure that the new security guard and body guard would be good at helping him get around. I was still a little worried about springing Alice on her. But that would come later. Marilyn was a little rough around the edges. But as a security expert and driver, I couldn't have done any better.
Every time I stepped out the front door of the clinic or my home, there was someone waiting for me. Marilyn had started the very first day by going out and having a friendly chat with the news media. I had no idea what was said, but it was effective. They kept their distance. The private citizens who were there for help were a different matter. I had given instructions that anyone who had a legitimate cancer problem would be admitted for evaluation. But the rules were iron clad. Terminal cancer, and transsexuals with cancer, who had papers saying they were candidates for sexual reassignment surgery and had cancer. No one else would be admitted.
The crazes were also out occasionally. The religious zealots who were asking "at what price life." I was not sympathetic to them at all. I watched as the female bulldozer did her job. God, I hated to do that to people. I am a kind person at heart. These people were causing me a lot of grief.
I saw the harsh side of this large person. But there were moments that I could only describe as priceless. There was a group of religious protesters out front. A potential patient was coming for evaluation and couldn't get through. It was almost like abortion protesters. They would do anything to keep the patients away from the clinic. One of the protesters had grabbed a patient and was shaking him violently. Marilyn came bounding out the front door in this beautiful flower print dress and heels (which was very unusual). The creep had no idea what had hit him. Several witnesses had claimed that the protester was assaulted by clinic security. But too many other witnesses had seen what had happened and by the time all the charges and counter charges were filled, the legal system threw them all out. The protesters finally abandoned their vigil at the front of the clinic. It took a month, but they just faded away. The attorneys I employed were good too.
After the protester incident, I was very respectful of Marilyn. At first, I was very cautious of how I approached this large woman. One day it was very quiet. I decided to have a friendly chat with my security chief.
"Got a minute Marilyn?"
"Sure Doc." She was having a little coffee and was sitting in the staff lounge.
"Doc, how have I been doing?"
"From what I have seen, You have been doing very well. I can move around in the public at last. The vultures and the poor souls who think I can help them still are coming to the door."
"Well, I can't help that. But I can make sure that the nuisance crowd stay away."
"Yes, and you have done a wonderful job. I can't say enough about what you have done."
"You know, it might be just a thought, but you might try to disguise yourself as one of the girls to get out every once and a while. It would totally confuse them." (I was grinning inside.)
"Yes, but what would happen if I was made?"
"That will not happen. They are looking for me. I will confuse them. Then we can keep a close look out for any sneak's."
"What? I don't understand."
"You know, people who are wise to the game and wait you out. They will usually park close by on the street and wait. Then they will follow you. Doc you really need a double."
"Maybe I can get one of the guys to do it for me."
"It would totally confuse them."
"Marilyn, I haven't really had a chance to talk to you about your decision to become a woman."
"Doc, I was born a woman. The body just was wrong."
"Ok, your one of the true transsexuals. A person who knew she was female from the youngest age and the genitals were a mistake."
"You got it. I am glad too. Not many people understand. By the way, thanks for taking Billie's recommendation and hiring me for this job. I will try to do my best."
"Do you think I really need to crossdress to confuse the press?"
"If you can get a change of clothes and clean up where you are going, yes I do. You would have to have such a place or it would pose a problem. If you are going to the airport, make the ticket reservations to a female name and go as a girl. There is enough help here to teach you how to do it."
"I'll consider it next time I have to go somewhere where we are going to have problems." I just smiled to myself. Marilyn wouldn't be a problem for Alice.
I still could not go anywhere. After a while, the news media got to know the big woman that took care of me. She had became a flag. I began to operate a little different kind of plan. Marilyn began going in a separate vehicle to situations where there might be trouble. It seemed that the news media found her first and then looked for me. By then, I was where I wanted to be and they were out of luck. It worked great. But Marilyn always went out of town with them. New Orleans was a different matter. I was going to have to level with my security person.
The clinic had 2 other full time security aids to help the "Hotel guests". The patients were glad that I had done this for them. It was costly. But some of the cost was being supplemented by the drug companies royalty money. They didn't live on the grounds. They worked a shift and worked whole days at a time. I had told the staff and guests that I didn't want anyone to get real chummy with these people. They were there to help Marilyn and work as removed from personalities as possible. Marilyn had to look them over real good also. Too many people were trying to get in. Marilyn could not do it all by her self.
The drug had gone big time. There were 60 clinics all over the country with approximately 50 patients each. There were many people now were on NOL-5. I could not worry to much about what would happen now that other people were administering the drug to patients. Yes there would be problems. It was my drug and any problems would affect me greatly. No one had died yet. I wanted to keep it that way.
It was totally amazing. I was on the cover of so many magazines over the country that everyone knew my face. I was the doctor who had found a cure for the dreaded desease of cancer. My drug was totally infallible. But there were some troubles though. Some of the doctors through out the country were messing with the 4 ingredients in the mix. My original mix was perfect. The doctors in question had almost killed a patient. But putting the patient back on the original formula had saved this person from a horrible death. The word had gotten around. Don't mess with the formula. It worked well. The formula was now in extended use for over a month now.
Lorrie and Frank were now developing vaginas. They had both been on the drug over 8 months. Frank was having trouble with the whole image. Legally, Frank was now female. "She" was having trouble going around trying to stay male. Fran was being mistaken as a "dike". The general public could only now see a female. The change from Frank to Fran was now complete from the outside. Fran had gone down town to get a part for the daycare center and was pulled over by the police. Fran had not changed her drivers license to the big "F". The police officer had decided to take Fran to the police station to identify her. A phone call to the "Hotel" had fixed the problem. But the police asked Fran to change the license. They understood the problem but it was necessary for proper Id.
Fran and Helen had to get a letter from me explaining that this person was now completely female. Those letters and a birth certificate was all Fran needed to get the license changed. Fran wanted to do it without makeup. But Helen was very emphatic about doing the feminine picture. "What are you going to do if you have to present a female image and the picture in the license isn't the same? You have the same problem." Fran was not happy about it. But after prodding, she made herself up and her and Helen went down and had it done. The examiner looked at the license and the letters and asked "You one of the patients down at the clinic?" "Yes."
"So the stuff Dr. Gurber is peddling really works?"
"Well yes. I am still alive. I would be dead now if it wasn't for the stuff Doc made."
"Yea, but look at the price. Man, I couldn't do it. I wish you luck."
"Believe me, I'm going to need it. Being a woman is complicated."
"I bet. Here is your paperwork. I need to take a picture."
When it was all over, Fran had a drivers license with female written on it and a change in the records. "She" wouldn't have that problem again. The policeman who gave the exam was allot more friendly than Fran had expected.
Later that night, Helen was crying at the kitchen table. Fran noticed and asked Helen why she was crying.
"I just realized that the person I know as Frank is gone and I am a lesbian."
"Honey wait. I am still here. I just got a little overhaul. This doesn't change what is in my head."
"Fran, you are now a woman. In the state of Arkansas, it is illegal for 2 women to be married to each other. We now have to get a divorce."
"Helen, I could never leave you. I would die without you. I could not even think of a divorce."
"We may have no choice."
"It's got to be only a technicality. Lets call Billie."
Billie had done some research and had a few answers. It was something she had been working on, come to find out. The social security office had basically said that because the change was involuntary, they would not follow the rule book to the letter. They would however have to change his/her status to female and make a notation that the sex change was involuntary. Yes, the sex change would make the marriage status of the couple a problem. They would have to get a divorce. But it was only a technicality. The IRS would have to evaluate the couple also. It seems that Fran's insurance status Might change also. The problems would have to be handled one at a time.
The three women were changing into men more and more every day. The social transition for them appeared to be easier than for the men to women. It was almost unbelievable how much difference there was between the two groups.
They were now flat chested and were growing appendages that were looking like male equipment. The biggest complaint they had was the facial hair and the thickening of their leg hair. The women would now have to be addressed as "he" from now on. They also would have to go and have their drivers license and social security status changed. If one of them was stopped and checked by law enforcement, they would differently have trouble.
Nine months into the program, life was very different from what it was in the beginning. The men had changed into women and the women were on their way into being men. I had made a commitment to everyone there that they would be the only patients under my care for one year. They had 3 more months of care before they would go "home". The dirary's each kept on the computer had filled up the disks each was given and well into another disk.
Maureen was taking the change very well. A male name had not been chosen. But I had told each of them that they would have to assume a male name and go down and have all their information changed. They would now be legally men. Maureen had picked "Dean".
Jerri had picked the obvious "Jerry". Jerry would have no problems in the male world. "He" would continue to drive tractor trailer rigs.
Kate would be come "Keith". "He" would go back to the corporate position that Kate had left when she had become ill. This would be the fun case to follow.
Dean would go back to the school that Maureen had left as a woman and take an administrative position instead of a teaching position. The high school administrator had given Maureen assurances that she would be rehired if she could be cured. She had been very wise in getting this in writing. She had totally distrusted the slime ball that ran the school. He was a classic male chauvinist pig. He had no choice but to take "Dean" back. This would also be very interesting.
The "hotel" had been a place of teaching and practice for all the "guests". Lorrie and Fran had been taught makeup and proper mannerisms by the other patients. They in turn were showing the female to male patients how to be men. Fran had proved to be the best teacher for this. Keith had been the best teacher for the men to women patients. Helen had also been a good source of information. Marilyn had also gotten in on the classes. She was staying in the hotel also and had found life there very fulfilling. I had been watching and checking their blood work and found that everything was well. I was also sitting in on the makeup and lifestyle classes held by each of the groups. (The information I picked up there could be used later.)
The entire group had gone full time. Everyone at the hotel had assumed the opposite role and were going out in public dressed all the time. All of the group were passing. (Passing is the term used to define not being questioned weather or not they were a man or a woman.) The magic bullet (NOL-5) was totally effective in its original form. The patients in my care would soon be out of the hotel and would be going back to their lives. It would be very quiet in the big office.
It was time for another trip to New Orleans. Marilyn still didn't know about Alice. I had not told any of the other patients other than Lorrie. It was a big decision, but he decided to tell everyone in the hotel about Alice. I gathered everyone around after their dinner.
"I need to talk to everyone tonight. Now that you all know me and how I feel about you all, I need to tell you all the full story of the drug you now are taking and how I got the original form." There was a questioned look from almost everyone.
"You all have heard me talk of Mary. What I didn't tell you was what we had to do to get the drug. I had to dress like a woman and become a Queen in the French Quarter. I did this for a week. Mary taught me well and so well in fact that I still do this. I have become what you call a transvestite. I do this only in New Orleans. The main reason is because the people in the quarter protect me while I am there. They all know who I am and if I am out as Alice, the locals help me. Billie, tell them the rest of the story." Billie stood up and smiled.
"I didn't think you would do this Doc. But I am glad. I don't like too many secrets here in the hotel. You all have heard me talk about my friend Robert. Had it not been for Alice, I would not be standing here now. I would be a victim of the cancer that was killing me. Robert stopped what he thought was a hooker in the lobby of the hotel where he works. It turned out to be Alice. Word was out about the Doctor in Drag and what he was doing in the city. So when Robert identified her, he made a phone call to me. Here I am now. Thanks to Dr. Allen Gurber, I am a new person. I am having the time of my life. I don't care if he puts on a cow suit and moos in public." Frank spoke up.
"You mean that you dressed as a woman to get the rough form of the drug we take and liked it. So you just kept doing it. Right?"
"Yes, that is right."
"It didn't affect your judgment with us did it?"
"No, it never was allowed to. I have had to keep a very secret existence away from this group. I would not do anything to jeopardize this work. So I only do this in New Orleans. It is the safest place in the world to do Drag. By the way, I brought some pictures of Alice. This to break the shock. I look completely different made up and padded out."
They all looked at the pictures and just shook their heads in amazement.
"You pad yourself and do all the special makeup just to look like a woman?" Helen asked.
"Yes, since I am not taking any kind of hormone or doing any kind of body altering, I have to use the stage tricks that the female impersonators use. I think you will see that its quite effective."
"Allen, you go through a lot of trouble to look female. It seems a lot of work."
"Yes, it is and you have to remember I want to pass in public. I will do the slut costume for the quarter, but that is just for the quarter. I dress a lot nicer when going out in the straight community."
Marilyn spoke up. "Doc, you should have told me earlier. The things we could have done to confuse the news media."
"The only problem with that is, what would I do to change back when I get to where I am going?"
"You are very right Doc."
"I am glad you agree. But I am going full out in New Orleans. I have decided to invite you all to the City for the weekend. I will disappear after we get there and reappear just before we leave to come back. Do any of you wish to go?" Everyone shook their heads yes. Even Fran and Helen. That surprised him. But Helen spoke up when she saw him look at her.
"We don't care Allen. It is your business how you run your life. All we care about is your discretion. It is obvious that you are very careful and so we have nothing to worry about." It was settled. It would be a wild weekend for all.
The "guys" would go to see if they could pass in a sports bar. The "girls" were going all over. I was going to take Lorrie and Billie back to the good old Round-up. There were a few other places where they were going. Fran and Helen were going site seeing and to dinner in the Quarter. They were not interested in whoreing.
It was a sight to see. The three of them were decked out to kill. "Alice" was wearing her expensive breasts and no bra. The pink lace top made it impossible to tell that there was anything fake about what you saw. She had promised total slut and that is what was standing there. Lorrie had gone very tight mini and a back-less top. Billie was the most outrageous. She was in a very tight leather jumpsuit. You could see a pimple on her ass if it was there.
Robert greeted them at the elevator. "You guys are giving the hotel a bad name. We have been getting complaints about all the HOOKERS running around the hotel. I have had to personally assure the management that you are not what you appear to be and are going out in the quarter to a theme party. Please don't be too roughly."
There was a laugh from the "girls". "Do I need to go and talk to the manager?"
"Dressed like that?"
"Why not?"
"OK, if you wish, but do you have any ideal what you look like?"
"As a matter of fact, I do."
The manager's face turned completely red. It was everything Robert and the other girls could do to keep from bursting out in laughter. I told the manager that they were not hookers and were registered guests of the hotel. They were going out to a costume party and were dressing like loose women. The manager just smiled and looked at Robert.
"You know these people, right?"
"Yep, and they might be depraved but they are not hookers. You will not have any problems with them."
About that time, Marilyn came down the elevator. "Can I come with you girls tonight?" Marilyn looked pretty good considering that her physical size made her stand out.
"Sure, come along. You ever been in the French quarter?"
"No, I haven't. I've heard a lot of stories."
"What ever you have heard, its all true." Marilyn was still looking at Alice with complete amazement.
"I cannot believe that you are the person I came to work for."
"I know, sometimes I am amazed at the change too." Tell you what, Marilyn, you need to sleaze out a little more. Do you have anything that you brought with you that you can't get the courage to wear in public?"
"Uh, yes I do."
"How long will it take for you to change?"
"About 5 minutes."
"Why don't you go for it. Tonight is the total letting loose. We have been cooped up in the Hotel for a bunch of months. We let our hair out tonight and have some fun."
Marilyn came back in 5 minutes wearing a halter top and stirrup pants. Both bright pink. She had changed her shoes and makeup to reflect the color change. It was astounding. Alice smiled and asked, "How do you feel now?"
"Nervous as a cat."
"Don't worry. You look absolutely convincing and totally sexy. You are going to have some fun tonight!"
I don't think the quarter will ever be the same. I would meet people tonight that would change my life just as much as the night I meet Billie. Tonight would be a turning point.
We came into one of my favorite restaurants and there were several "girls" sitting drinking coffee . Some of them were obviously men, but there were a few that I had no Idea.
I settled down beside this nice lady and said "Hi". The voice that came back told me instantly that this was a man. Some of us cannot have everything. . "How are you girls doing tonight?"
"Just fine. I'm Alice."
"I'm Leslie. You girls are new around here aren't you?"
"Not really, just that we don't get down here too often."
"Oh, out of towners."
"Yes we are."
"Well can I help you get around in the quarter?"
"That would be very nice. We mostly know our way around. Want to tag along?"
"Well great. I was by myself tonight and its not good for a girl to be out by herself in the quarter. Where do you want to go?"
"We want to get something to eat and just people watch."
"O.K. I know just the place." She took us to La Pinech. It is a little restaurant just on the edge of the quarter. I was being very evasive about who I was and what I did. Then I think Leslie figured out who "I" was.
"You're the cancer doctor, aren't you?"
"Uh, well, you got me."
"Don't worry, I have a similar problem. I have a job where if they saw me dressed like this, I probably would be laid off the next day. I work in hospitals too. I am a bio-medical electronics engineer. Diagnostic Imaging."
"Well my specialty is plastic surgery, but I do the cancer research too."
"You folks want to stay low profile or do you want to live dangerously?"
"We need a little excitement."
"You don't mind being propositioned like a hooker or hustler, do you?"
"We aren't really interested in that kind of thing."
"Good, I am glad. I was a bit worried. We can go down to one of the floor show clubs and see some good drag."
"Sounds good to me."
"I think they will let queens in free to."
"That is even better. We gona be part of the show?"
"We are always part of the show."
She took us girls down to Criss Owens and showed us a very good time. I even invited Leslie to the hotel for coffee before the evening was over.
"Alice, I got a problem. I don't want to talk business with you. I know you are on vacation. But I hear all the stuff on the street here and you got a lot of rumors about who you take in your program. I have thyroid cancer. It doesn't look like its operable because it has spread to the rest of my body."
"What have your doctors said about prognosis?"
"They say it could be retarded by kemo, but all of them offer little hope. Why do you think I come to the quarter as much as I do now? I am going to get as much fun out of life as I can get."
"How long?"
"Less than a year."
"You married?"
"No. I've been single all my life."
"Good. I could possibly put you on the program. But before I could do that, I would need some letters from your doctors. I need to evaluate you in the lab too."
"Do I have to move to Arkansas?"
"Not for the full year. I am going to stop requiring the one year clause after this "class" graduates. Only long enough to see if you have any negative reaction to the drug. Then you could come back home."
"That is great. I already have those letters and can type up what you need in a few minutes."
"When do you want to come up?"
"I have to take a leave of absence with my job. I am amazed that I still have it."
"Will you have a job when this is all over?"
"The company I work for has a policy of no sexual discrimination. If they mess with me, then I have grounds for good a law suit. They probably will have nothing to say."
"O.K. then, I will see you in a couple of weeks."
That is how I met Leslie and accepted her into the GEMS program. This started a long involvement between Leslie and Me and my staff.
The "men" were having a very interesting night also. They were going to straight places and just hanging around. Jerry had no problems with the other guys. He was accepted. But poor Dean was having trouble. He was being treated as a gay man. The straight community is very rough on gays in the wrong side of town. Double standard if I ever heard of one.
"I am not gay."
"Then your a moma's boy" came a yell from one of the drunks at the bar. "Probably still wet nursing." Jerry got up from the table where they were sitting and walked over to the drunk in question.
"Are you trying to insult my friend?"
"You mean your fagot lover?"
"No, that little guy who is as innocent as they come. You had better apologize or I'm going to beat your head in."
"Fucking fagots stick together don't they?" That was the last straw. Jerry picked up the particular man and tossed him over the bar and into the bottles of booze. The brawl started and it was a big fight. Keith got in a few jabs and Jerry was sweeping the floor with drunks. Dean got out of the booth and took a few shots from the barkeep. He managed to pick up a chair and hit the guy. They heard sirens. Jerry spoke up.
"Time to leave." They got out just in time. They all went to a restaurant and sat down.
"I can't believe it, my first fight as a man." Jerry gasped.
"Is this what being a man is about?" Dean asked.
"No" Jerry said. "Its about knowing when to take shit and when to stop taking shit."
"I don't think I can fight very well as a man."
"Don't worry, if you need to learn, I can teach you. But the big thing you need to know is, being a man requires being smart enough to learn to not insult other folks when you can't back it up. That guy back there started the fight, but I finished it. I wasn't doing it for you, I was doing it for all of us. God, I have had the best time of my life tonight. I have always wanted to kick some asshole bastard's butt as an equal. Tonight I did it. Tonight I am a man." Jerry was right. It was now emotionally "He", not she.
Dean still had to learn how to be a man. He was very nerd like. He had to get the body language down. It was still lacking. But Keith seemed to have it down. Dean was the project.