Because I insisted we stop to see Jenn at her home. Jenn was up, moving around as though nothing had happened. She was joyful and seemed to have her energy back.

She told us that with the winter break ending, she needed someone to be with her until it came time to deliver her baby. I said, “I know I’d need to be at school for physics and Mrs. Dabber’s Advanced Literature course.” I’d like to be here for you, but I don’t see how.” Mom said she would call my counselor on January 2 to see what could be scheduled and arranged.

When we got home and ready for bed, I had feelings in my groin that I thought felt like I was losing something, but nothing came from my penis, nor did my testes feel sore. Roni heard me moaning in my room, she came in and said stop that, at least calm it down, I don’t want to hear it.

Embarrassed, I told her what was happening. Roni said, “You sound like a young girl getting aroused, who doesn’t understand what your body is saying. Have you ever dreamed and felt like what you’re describing?”

Sami said, “What in the world are you talking about?”

Roni asked, “Would you like to be Jennifer when you aren’t in school?”

In the morning, Mac called asking if Sami or Roni would go shopping with Jenn and Sheri? Without asking either of us, Mother said, “It won’t work for Roni; I will need to be Sami.”

It used to be that I would never mind missing school. But being around Jenn when she was hurting, or the baby might be coming, scared me.

Mom called up to me, “Sami, put on some shopping clothes, you’re going with Jenn to do the last of her Christmas shopping. I’ve asked her to pick out something appropriate for you for Christmas. If you want to do some Christmas shopping, let her help you. Please take your Christmas list for shopping for others.”

With the money I received for helping Ma and Jenn, I finally had enough to get good gifts for others. I felt good about that. I was soon dressed and downstairs waiting for Jenn.

Mom received a call from Dr. Pencraft: “You have an appointment with Dr. Rose Parsons. She knows about you and is looking forward to being your doctor.”

“Thanks, Mom. When is the appointment?” Sami goes on his computer to learn who Dr. Rose is, and is surprised that she has only been a doctor for five years. Her photo shows a young and attractive doctor. But Sami worries about her lack of experience.

Jenn smiled when she saw it was me who would go with her. “Sami, you are dressed nicely. I am glad you agreed to go shopping with me. Mac won’t let me go anywhere without someone with me.”

Sami looked at Jenn and worried that Jenn could go into labor at any moment. Jenn said, “I couldn’t stay cooped up anymore, I need to be out and about. I don’t need to get anything more than what may hit my fancy. You have become dear to me; I hope we can just have a relaxing and fun time out.”

Jenn is tickled that I have a Christmas list in case we go shopping. “This is cute, Sami. You remind me of me at your age. Your eyes have the sparkle of a young girl doing this away from your mother.”

Sami said, “How can that be. I am stumbling trying to be Sami. It’s like being a young girl without her Mommy. I like doing this with you, it’s the first time I can be visible and happy as Sami. Don’t get me wrong, you are special in more ways than I can say, but I want my Mom to be here too.”

Jenn stopped the car; she quickly wrote a text and sent it. Then she turned the car around, and we were going back to my house. When we went inside, we heard my Mom say, “I’m in here getting ready, give me five minutes.”

Sami went to the door of the master bedroom and knocked, “Can I come in and be with you?”

“Yes, Sami, I’d like that.” Sami went in and sat at the edge of the bed. Sami watched her; it was a special Mom/daughter moment. Her Mom had already changed into a pretty dress and was now brushing out her hair. Not knowing it was now to the style Sami liked best. Sami got up and picked up the perfume she liked from her mother’s. Her mom used it and sprayed a little on Sami’s left wrist. She picked up a nice purse, put in what was important, and she was now ready. Amy hugged her daughter, and they went to find Jenn and Sheri.

“Thanks, Jenn, I’m delighted to be part of this time out shopping.” Mom hugged Jenn, and Sheri was now in Sami’s arms.

They drove to the larger mall, some twenty-five miles further away than their usual shopping mall. This was a bigger mall with over 150 stores. Sami asked, “Why haven’t I been to Orchard Grove before?”

Mom said, “Because there aren’t many specialty shops for men and boys. Your sister and I have usually been here.”

When we went in near the north end, one could see numerous stores and many people. We got a stroller for Sheri, and with a small bag of Cheerios and raisins, she was content.

Sami wandered out, looking around, and drifted into a boutique looking at skirts. Mom found me and said that looks nice, but we’re window shopping for now.

We had been looking for over an hour when I saw Leslie Herder look at me and then my mother. I turned away, but in a few minutes I heard Leslie and then her touch on my shoulder. She said, “When I saw Jenn, I began looking around for you. I heard you were the one I saw with Jennifer, but each time I saw Jennifer, she was with a girl I did not recognize. When I saw your mother and Jenn together, I recognized you. Is this how you’ve been spending your summer?”

I said, “Let me explain?”

Jenn spoke up, “Let me explain; he’s been worried about you seeing him as Sami. He’s dressed as Sami, so Sheri would be comfortable with her. Sami has helped me get to the hospital twice. She’s worked hard to be a passible girl for our sake.”

“You should talk to Barb Sterling before you pass judgment on Sami here. Sam has thought a lot about you.”

Leslie said, “Roni has kept giving excuses why I wasn’t seeing him. Part of what attracts me to him is that, despite his being shy, we became good friends before I started to have affection for him. You don’t know how unusual that is for me.”

Jenn giggles and then says, “Yes, I do, I’m married to one.” Leslie and Jenn laugh as they turn to Sami. “Sam said, your friendship is important to him, but I’m afraid you won’t take the time to know this side of him?”

“What? I see a cute girl, who’s not the friend I knew? I heard him talking; it was a girl I saw and heard. What will my taking time help?”

Sami speaks up, “Jenn, let’s go, this is what I was afraid of.” Sami turned to Leslie, “I’m sorry if seeing me as this hurts. I guess this has been bubbling underneath.”

Something Leslie heard touched something inside of her. “Sami, is it? I was wondering if I might shop with you for a while. It sounds crazy, but our friendship is on the line here. That’s been important to be…”

To be continued…