The night was so tender, and I wished I could stay in his arms, but I knew Van was waiting for me. I showered quickly, kissed Rex on his lips, as he slept on with a smile on his face. In the kitchen were not only Van and Xena waiting for me, but also Vee. Breakfast was healthy and just right before a yoga session.

I had assumed we'd go to Xena's place, but I found the mansion had a dedicated gym as well, not as big, but good enough for a group of ten, and it was just the four of us.

Yes. Mom joined us, barefooted like Vanessa, where Xena and I were in our heels. There were some jokes as we warmed up, about me not needing any after last night's performance. Xena explained that my body had acted as an antenna, broadcasting happy energy around. Twice!

It had actually taken both Vanessa and Xena over the edge as well, and they promised me that at some point in my training I would start to recognize their energy as well. Wait! The two of them slept together? I thought that was just wonderful, they were made for each other.

It was no secret, Mom was very aware of her daughter's choices, and she treated Xena as another daughter. But they all knew that this was not a romance, that they had different paths for the future. It was a sisterly love, a best friend love, a deep need for intimacy that they fulfilled. Similar to the way I slept with Delilah. 

Now, that was news to Mom, and I explained how much Delilah had taught me about being a woman, including the most intimate details, just so I would be ready and capable with Rex. Vee nodded, it wasn't particularly conventional, but she was open minded.

As Xena took Vee through the basics of Tai-chi, Vanessa worked me hard. Harder than Xena had done earlier in the week, but I kept up. And also during yoga she had to agree I was a natural. I still had no idea why I was so good, and why my body could handle it, but again, I never tried something like this when I was still a man. A pity, according to both masters, but they would catch me up to the next levels, as quickly as possible. 

Loaded with energy, Vee kissed us all goodbye, as Xena went to her own place to get ready for her class, and Vanessa would drive me to my mom. I had never seen Vee looking more vibrant, and when I told her so, she made me promise that I would train her as much as possible, as she would teach me her cooking secrets.

In the car I asked Van how much detail they picked up from me and if they could have actually read my mind. She made it clear that mind reading, nor telepathy was part of feeling someone's energy patterns. When I explained about my experience earlier that week, like I could hear Xena's voice in my head, she shook her head. It was probably my own mind trying to interpret the energy patterns she had broadcasted, which meant I was way ahead on my path to becoming a Master.

Vanessa was also pretty clear about wanting to sleep with me once in a while. And Xena wanted the same. Not for sexual desire, although it was a big part of it, but when two masters sleep together, the energy exchange is like a sexual experience in itself. They would be able to monitor my progress better than any training practice.

When I wondered about what Rex would think about that, she told me not to worry. Growing up in an open minded family made you accept some of the less conventional relationships as well. Did he not convince me on anal sex? Old fashioned standards would not approve of that.

Now, would I be just as open minded, if for example Xena would want to check Rex's sexual energy levels? I confessed I had no idea. All of this was so different from how I was raised and in what environment I grew up. But, I had escaped from that as well, and my open minded new family in a way had rescued me. The best I could do for now was promising I would try.

All in all we reached my mom's place in no time, and I knew her well enough that she would be home and out of bed. When we rang the doorbell nerves suddenly hit me, but Vanessa squeezed my hand and I calmed down. When my mother opened the door, she saw us stand hand in hand, and I saw her raise her eyebrows. “Yes?” she said.

It was clear she didn't recognize me. She probably thought we were a religious or political group, and she seemed ready to slam the door in our face. I tried to say “Mom”, but I had long forgotten to lower my voice, so it came out croaked. “Mom”, I tried again, better now, but in a very female voice. “Susan?” she said, stunned, the name of my sister.

“It is me, Jocelyn, I mean Josh.” Nothing came out the way I had planned it. “Josh?” And suddenly she saw it in my eyes, and she said, “Oh my god!”

She urged us inside, probably worried about what the neighbors would say. She looked me up and down in the sundress Van had insisted I wore, because, you know, first impressions are key, even in front of your own mother.

“What happened? You look like a woman. Is this some joke?” We had decided on a simplified version of the truth. “No, not a joke. I guess my body was always more like a girl than a boy.” She nodded, “That's what your father always said.”

“Right. And recently my mind caught up. Vanessa here, and her sister helped me in my transformation and I have lived as a woman since. And I have never been happier in my life.”

She was quiet for a long time. “Does your father know?” I laughed, “No. I haven't talked to him since the divorce, so like four years.”

“Does Susan know?”

“I'm planning to talk with her soon. I wanted you to know first.”

She nodded. “Thanks. And you're happy now? Is this like a temporary thing? Or permanent?”

“It's permanent mom. I'm happy, yes. You have two daughters now.”

“But how is this possible? Look at you. You're beautiful! Susan will be jealous.”

“I doubt that. But thanks for the compliment, it was the real me coming out.”

She started laughing now. “Oh, your father is going to have a heart attack. I love it!”

I wasn't sure if that was the reaction I expected, but then she hugged me, and suddenly tears ran from my eyes. "You're not mad?”

“Mad? Honey, how could I? You're still my child, son or daughter. I remember Susie painting your nails when you were little, and you cried your tears out. But you would not let me clean them. I guess it was a sign.”

I didn't remember any of that, but it sounded like my sister. Maybe she won't be surprised. As a matter of fact, it just hit me, my own mother was okay with it, as Mom had predicted. Or she had given her the benefit of doubt, something I hadn't. I was glad I was wrong, this felt much better.

Then my mother asked, “So, is this your girlfriend? I take it you're still into girls?”

I smiled. “She's my boyfriend's sister. And yes, I love her. Like a sister.” I saw Van smile, and nod.

“Interesting.” I could almost see the wheels turn in her head. Was having a boyfriend bad? Or was it good? She couldn't make up her mind, then she said, “When can I meet him?” Now, that was good for sure. “We'll find some time. I just wanted to make sure you knew about me, before I'd bring him. You know…”

By now we started chatting like girls, and mom made coffee for us. The good stuff, as she shares my passion in that area. Or better, I took after her on this. She made pictures of me and Vanessa and asked if she could tell Susie. And everyone else. I guess it would make life much easier.

As we left, she hugged and kissed me, and Vanessa as well. We were both sitting with a big smile on our face as we drove off. I looked at Van, saying “And?”

“Oh, she was genuine alright. Shocked at first, but surprisingly happy. I have the feeling you'll see much more of her, now that you're a girl.” I nodded, surprisingly happy myself.

Back home Rex and his dad were wrapping things up as well. He loved me in my sundress, and soon after we left for “an afternoon of fun.” We drove north along the beach highway, until we stopped at a tiny little shack. The sandwiches there were out of this world. Different kind of meats, veggies, fries, and sauces, loaded on oven fresh buns, every bite a new experience. If this was any indication of what the afternoon would be like, we were in for serious fun.

Twenty minutes later I found out that the fun was a roller-coaster park. And I was scared to death of being in one. But Rex pushed me, and the first one was “for beginners”, as he stated. I had my eyes closed almost the whole ride, tightly tucked against his chest, with his arm across me. When I felt we were slowing down, I was aware of the last thirty seconds, which wasn't too bad.

The next one I started with my eyes open, but hanging tight onto Rex still. I closed my eyes however when we plunged almost vertically to the ground. Number three I had my eyes open all the way, and by four I had an arm in the air, as I screamed along with the rest.

The fifth coaster I had both my arms in the air the whole way, enjoying the way the wind hit my face. In number six Rex and I were kissing the whole way. Number seven I sat by myself, as Rex was in the cart in front of me, filming my face the whole way.

Number eight was the longest, the highest and the meanest, and I couldn't wait to get on it. We were in the first cart and the speed was enormous, but when I saw the impossible loop we were heading for, my scream was truly scared. Thank God for Rex, who held my hand all the way through the upside-down part.

When we were almost through the loop, someone at the end of the train dropped his milkshake, and somehow, like an old-fashioned math problem, the cup sailed down, and we raced straight through it, the cup exploding into my chest. Thank God again, this time for fake breasts that took most of the hit, but my dress was a total mess.

Obviously, nobody was allowed to have any beverages or anything loose on them, and management was looking into video footage to find the culprit. They took us to an office, and I tried to make the best of my dress in the bathroom.

They were very professional about it, although it was not really their fault, though they claimed they should have noticed the milkshake during boarding. They gave us five hundred dollars to cover the ruined dress, and two annual tickets, that would allow us to come any day throughout the year, to cover our ruined experience. They needed to see my ID though, and I told “Rex honey, please take care of it, I didn't bring my license.” And Rex used his driver's license and signed a document that Mr and Mrs Ferguson would not sue the park for any inconvenience. 

I left in one of their plastic ponchos and wanted to get out of there. Rex drove us straight to a clothing shop, not as high end as Delilah’s, but they had a nice black cocktail dress on display and I wanted it. As I was in the fitting room, I realized that my bra and panties were messed up as well, and Rex left to find me a new set.

It was no surprise, to me at least, that the fabric of the lingerie was soft leather, and he got my size exactly right. Interesting. Add some fishnet stockings and strappy sandals, and I was ready again for a night out.

The night out was a theater where a Broadway show was put up, while the audience had dinner. The food was good, not great, but the show was wonderful and the whole experience was so romantic. In the dark, sitting next to Rex, as we watched the show, his hand was on my leg, slowly rubbing my fishnet nylons. My hand was rubbing his crotch, and I giggled from his reaction.

Afterwards, in the dark, we walked the beach, and I was the happiest girl in the world. I remembered, only a few weeks ago, I was a beach bum, turned into a beach princess, and my life had been magical since.

It was Rex who saw a quiet spot between some sand dunes, and we had “sex on the beach.” I couldn't believe that I went along, but what a thrill it was, even though I made him wear a condom, so as not to ruin my new dress. I had no idea I had so much love inside me, for another person. 

When we walked back to the car, I confessed that I would love to live in a house, right at the beach. Having sex at our own beach. And he suddenly asked how many kids I wanted. The girl me said two, maybe three, before I realized I could have none. Rex didn't notice my sudden mood change, as he kissed me, and told me he loved me.

I was quiet on our way back, and this time Rex did notice. He tried to lighten my mood, by telling some funny stories from his childhood, and it worked somehow. By the time we got back at the mansion I was all okay again, and when we found the whole family around a fire pit in the back, making smores, they were all cheering us.

Xena was back, and Del had brought a friend, a pretty girl named Lucy, who made some of the metal jewelry in her shop. I had seen her work, and I knew how talented she had to be. They loved my dress and of course I had to tell them the milkshake story. And how Mr and Mrs Ferguson had free entry to roller-coasters for a year. They all had a blast.

I could see in Mom's eyes that Vanessa had brought her up to speed on the visit to my own mother, and I gave her a warm thank-you smile that she acknowledged with a wink.

I'd love to brag how wonderful sex was that night, but both Rex and I were exhausted and also a bit tipsy from the wine that was served with the smores, and we both fell asleep the moment we hit the sheets. Waking up Sunday morning in his arms was something I treasured, but I started worrying again. Today would be the day I would tell him that I was born a boy. Would I still wake up in his arms the next day?

Isn't it awkward that when you look forward to something time seems to drag on. Likewise, when you have to do something that you really don't want, time seems to speed up. And just like that, in no time, extended family was arriving, kids filling the pool again, the grill was fired up, and I knew I had to talk to Rex before alcohol started to flow.

I was searching around for help, but I saw no one. No Delilah to tell me I looked perfect and tell me I could do this. No Vee to give me her “not to worry” smile, knowing that her son would do the right thing. No Vanessa nor Xena to at least monitor Rex's reaction as I told him. Not even Lucy to just give me a high five. I was all alone in this family I had come to love. 

As Rex was moving toward his father, to help him at the grill, I had to act. I intercepted him just in time, warning Max that I needed Rex for a few minutes. As Max nodded, I pulled Rex to the only place I knew where we'd find some privacy, the pond in the woods. He was surprised, but happy to put his arm around my hips, resting on my leather miniskirt that Delilah had brought for me. I needed all the points I could get.

My throat started blocking and I had trouble saying anything sensible, as Rex tried small talk, but soon my serious mood stopped him as well. When we finally broke the last bush around the pond, I realized we were not alone.

Vee was there, with her all-knowing smile, as she winked at me. Delilah was there, with Lucy, both giving me a thumbs up. And Vanessa was there with Xena, both with a serious look on their face, but I could feel their energy flow towards me.

“What is this? asked Rex, and he joked, “a witches cove?” But everyone stayed quiet. So I started speaking, the little speech I had practiced totally forgotten.

“I think they're here for me, to support me, as I have something to tell you that you may not like.” I saw Rex's face move from confusion to worry.

“You see, the past week, is it only just one week? The past week has been the best of my life. All these people, your family, embraced me in their midst, but my biggest highlight, the center of my universe right now, has been you. Never in my life did I experience such camaraderie, such dedication, such love as you have given so freely to me. I love you back, with all my heart, but there is something you need to know, before we can continue in our relationship.”

“What is it baby?” Rex whispered, nodding for me to go on.

“You see… I wasn't born a girl. Under all this is a guy like…” My voice simply stopped as I choked on my words and tears started rolling down my face.

Through my hazy eyes I saw Rex starting to laugh, as he realized what a fool he had been. He made a move with his hand, and I thought he was going to hit me, right in front of all his family.

But the hand wrapped around me, and pulled me closer into him, and I felt him kiss the top of my head. “Oh baby”, he said, “I figured something like that was going on already most of the week.”

“You're not mad?” I whispered.

“Mad? I love you! You're my soulmate. I don't care if you're a woman or a man or an alien from Mars. I'm the happiest man on Earth, and on Mars. My only worry was that you were too perfect, and maybe I couldn't match that. A simple problem if you're a real girl or not is something we can work on together.”

Now my mind was in a haze. He didn't mind. He still loved me. He wanted me. And as my whole support group started clapping, Rex suddenly said “With this perfect audience, I might as well…”

And he sat down on one knee and pulled a box from his pocket. As he opened the box, he said, “Jocelyn, love of my life. I know we'll have to deal with some roller-coasters in our life, but please be my Mrs Ferguson as we ride them together for free. Please be my wife.”

I was completely stunned. Not only did he not drop me, he loved me, wanted me to marry him. I had prepared for everything but that. But I looked at the ring and it was unlike everything I had ever seen. It was not just a band with a diamond set on it. It was a diamond, a huge diamond, with a platinum band set around it. It was organic like my leather ring, and just as much a piece of art. That diamond would not scratch anyone or anything, yet it was so visible like it was floating in air.

I knew that if I wanted it, all I had to say was “Yes”, and he would put it on my finger forever. But it wouldn't be right. He simply didn't get it. I could not give him the kids he wanted, the heir he needed. I looked in his face and saw the love in it, and I said, “Rex, are you sure? I can't give you the children you want. That we want.”

He just smiled. “Honey. It's just a problem that needs solving. I'm a problem solver. And with you on my side I can do anything. We will have the kids we want, I promise. I know we only know each other for a short time. And you needed more, to officially date. But all I see is every week of dating is a week less of being married. Please don't make us wait!”

I looked again at the gorgeous ring, then I said, trying a mock voice, “Well… are you going to give it to me?” and I held out my left hand. It took him only three seconds, and it was a perfect fit. Of course!

He held his fingers on the ring though, and mocked back “I take that as a yes?” and I could feel him pull back the ring. “Yes! Yes!” I yelled, trying to stop him from taking it back, but he was content with my reaction and shifted the ring back where it belonged. Everybody started yelling and screaming and clapping. 

Suddenly there was commotion on the other side of the pond. And through a bush with sharp thorns came Max, in his shorts, but his legs bleeding from the effort. “Am I too late? Did you ask her?”

My legs suddenly started running, around the pond, and I jumped in his arms. “He did! Daddy!” He put his arms around me, and he hugged me hard. “I take it you said yes?” and he looked at the ring on my finger, as he guided me back to the group.

He had actually brought a bottle of champagne and a stack of plastic glasses, saying “I couldn't find anyone anymore, and I couldn't find this damn pond. Thank God you guys started screaming or I would have never found you.”

And he started pouring champagne in glasses, after popping the top off. Jokingly he said, “Anyone else want to call me daddy?” I laughed out loud, loving how silly my new dad was. But then Xena said, “Well… Since you're asking. Vanessa and I want to tie the knot. As soon as she graduates. Daddy!” I looked in disbelief at Vanessa and she said, “It was something Josie said. About Xena and I looking perfect together. We never considered the two of us having a future together, other than being best friends. But when she said that, we knew it to be right. So yes!”

It was me screaming now, as I jumped them both, pulling them against me in the best hug I had. Everything got better and better. Then Max said, “How about you, Lucy?” It got quiet again, everyone feeling he put her on the spot. But she laughed. “Okay. Okay. Me too. Daddy!”

Then she continued. “I've been in love with Delilah for years. Every time I dropped some of my work off, she would be so thrilled. I just love her laugh, her beauty, her business sense. But I knew I had no chance with her, being trans, and not a real girl. And then yesterday, Miss Vee, Mom, was there to help her out. And I dropped off some work, and I overheard them talking about Jocelyn, and how she had made Delilah realize she needed a transgender woman in her life.”

“And it was like magic. My feet started moving and I stood right in front of her and I said, why did you never tell me? I have loved you for years! Did you not know I'm trans?”

And Del continued. “I didn't. I really didn't. I saw her as a good friend and we've gone out plenty of times. But I didn't want to lose her, as a friend, or as a business partner. So, I never made a move. And suddenly everything I ever wanted stood right before me. Right mom? It was indeed some magic doing this to us. And that magic helped us in bed as well, the first time around, right here in my parents house. So yes, why wait?”

It was crazy suddenly. Vee stood there crying happy tears, Max's arms around her. All three of their children were getting married. And, as Max stated, they suddenly had three more daughters. 

Then Delilah asked everyone to be quiet, as she had more news. She talked straight to me and Rex, who was standing behind me, his arms around me.

“Yes. So I may have a solution for your kid problem as well. I'm pregnant. Only for a few days, no test will even show it, but I've been feeling off, and then both Vanessa and Xena confirmed it. They could see a change in my energy stream or something. This is your child Jocelyn, so it's only fair I give it up to you and Rex. Can't think of a better couple to take care of it.”

Oh my god! I figured she'd been trying to get pregnant. But only now did I realize she did it for me. And Rex. What if things had gone bad between Rex and me? “No doubt” was all she said.

But then she asked for a second child. For her and Lucy, from me, as Lucy had been transitioning so long, she was ninety-nine percent infertile. It was the easiest to agree to.

“What about me?” It was Vanessa. “I'll take that deal Josie. One for you, one for me.”

“Same for me, Rex. One for you, one for me!” That was Xena, dead serious.

“Oh, by the way, I tracked your sister down, Jocelyn. She'll give you one, if Rex fathers it.” Vanessa said it so matter of factly. How could she have known it would come to this? “No doubt”, she said with a wink.

It was Max who suddenly put his arms around Lucy, who stood there with tears in her eyes. “Don't you worry darling. I own a complete hospital, we'll pull that one percent out of you. I want as many grand babies as possible in this family.”

I took her from him, kissing him on the cheek, and hugged her as well. “You and I have a lot to talk about, I so need your help.” She nodded, knowing exactly what I meant. As she wiped the tears from her eyes, she said, “I made your ring.”

Sometimes you just have to believe in magic, accept the way it is, circles are eternal. She had made the ring a few months ago, after a hot evening out with Delilah that took them almost to bed together, but it hadn't happened. Sexual frustration had triggered a brilliant moment in her and she finished the masterpiece in the morning. She sold it to the jewelry store where Rex bought it, just a few days ago, after explaining how to mount a diamond inside. And now we were going to be sisters.

I softly asked Delilah if she wanted my leather ring back for her lover. But she wanted me to keep it, to remember our bond. She and Lucy were already working on matching rings, made from leather and gold, unbreakably twisted together.

It was Max, Dad, who rounded us all up. He said his plan had been to rename this spot as Jocelyn’s pond, but he felt it was more fitting now to call it Lover’s Circle. I fully agreed.

“Oh by the way”, Max said to Rex, as we started moving back to the mansion. “They took your offer. They called just before I started looking for you all.”

Rex suddenly started laughing, as he lifted me off the ground. “I have another surprise babe. We have a new house to raise our four kids. Right at the beach where we first met. We'll bulldoze all these boulders out of the way, to create our own private beach.”