California Dreaming / Transgender / SciFi Magic

California Dreaming by Lina S.

California dreaming

Brad was just your regular 26-year-old guy. Average built hazelnut brown, short hair. You could say he was one of many others. Or so it seems on the outside. But on the inside, Brad was far away from being like many others. And he knew it. He also knew what it was. The only thing that he didn't know was how to resolve this dilemma.

You see, Brad is transgender. He knew since childhood that he wasn't meant to be male. He always felt like a girl and also felt left out as everyone expected him to act like the person he looked on the outside.

But even with those expectations, Brad never had many male friends. Since the early days in Kindergarten, he always had more female friends. They just got along better. No one understood but the children didn't care at all at this time. When he grew older things became different and unfortunately also more difficult.

Puberty turned out to be a real burden. I mean it is for everyone, but it was pure hell for Brad and his emotions. He wasn't keen for a deeper voice; he did not look forward to shaving his face and it felt wrong to grow faster than the girls. It wasn't long and he towered several inches above most girls which painfully reminded him that life, as it is, just feels wrong.

Brad didn't know what to do. He was afraid of more puberty induced changes; he also was afraid that he won't be able to connect to girls so easily anymore.

When he first realized that he was meant to be a girl his mind went through an emotional rollercoaster. He was about 8 years old at this time and was simply overwhelmed and scared. He was scared to hell and back, to be honest. Given the age, he had not the slightest idea how to go. Sure, there were his parents. He could always tell them but on the other hand, he was afraid they would put him into some asylum, and he would be marked as mentally ill. Plus, he was afraid that they told him it was wrong to feel that way when it did feel wrong at all to Brad, he knew he needed information. And being 8 years old and not knowing what to look for, it wasn't an easy task.

That's why it took him so long and made him go through puberty. But he spent a good amount looking on the internet what solutions there might be. It was still his secret; he had never dared to tell anyone. Unfortunately. The anxiety from being marked as crazy just build up over the years, so Brad only got more depressed and tried to hide it. He was interested in acting though because he could be someone else while acting which was a little relief of his depression. But he never went all the way as he once got laughed at by his friends who thought that acting is weird.

After community college, he started a job at a telecommunications shop at a local strip mall. It wasn't the best of jobs, but it paid his bills, and Brad was able to think about other things than his life.

So time went on and Brad spent his time on the internet, looking into transgender forums, posting and writing on Reddit, and berating himself whether to transition or not. He knew that transition was the best solution available, he also knew how he should go about this topic, but on the other hand, was super afraid that the world would perceive him as "freak" and never dared to walk into the next planned parenthood clinic to start a hormone therapy on an informed consent basis. So, he stayed in the closet.

Now as he is 26, still in his job at the telecommunications store he finally thought that he needed a change in life. Given that his job was a dead-end job any way he looked into jobs he could do somewhere else. He needed a fresh start at a place no know knew him. He had hope for himself that, maybe, he would have the guts to finally do something, in the anonymity of a different city. But still with a big maybe.

A couple of months all of his efforts to find a new job somewhere else finally paid off. He scored himself a job not only far away, but in California. He was happy. Which was a weird feeling for him. Happiness is something Brad isn't used to, but he knew it felt good. To be honest, he didn't know if he ever felt like this before. He wanted more of this.

With the help of his new employer, he found a little Studio apartment and it wasn't long until he could finally move. He had all of his belongings in that U-Haul trailer packed away and hauled literally his whole life a thousand miles to California. The goodbyes were exchanged quickly. Since Brad never had many friends and estranged from most of them over time there was just one of his buddies accompanying him on the drive. His parents on the other hand, especially his mother was really sad to see her baby leaving the nest and moving away.

They arrived exhausted from the long drive, but Brad was excited. They unloaded the trailer, and then after ordering pizza from a nearby place the made up a place to sleep and zonked out right away.

Brad had weird dreams which were themed to his fresh start, but he couldn't recall much the next morning except for the dreams being weird.

Brad also liked spending time with his old friend Jonah. Jonah is one of Brad's oldest buddies and his only guy friend. Also, the only one Brad still has contact with. After school and college, he lost track of most of the people he spent time with during the time being there. And deep in his mind, Brad knew that this was on purpose.

As Jonah has his own life now and left their home time for university a couple of years ago both weren't spending much time anymore as well. They knew each other since they were seven and for both, there was no other person who they got along so good. With Brad moving to California they both knew it's going to be a lot harder in the future with even more distance added between their lives.

While Brad always was the shy one and usually secluded himself from others, Jonah was quite the opposite. He had plenty of friends and was athletic. He played football in high school and a few from the people he hung around with made fun of brad and couldn't understand why Jonah was friends with such a crank. But Jonah always had brads back and when someone gave Brad a hard time Jonah was always there. And Brad was thankful for everything Jonah ever did for him.

Jonah was awake too and after both had showered, they were ready to start the day

"How about we get some donuts for breakfast Brad? I think I've seen a donut place right where we picked up the pizza yesterday"

Brad liked the idea and after they got themselves the donuts and some coffee, they started to clear the mess with all the piled-up boxes and other stuff and made Brad's apartment look like an apartment.

It took them both the whole day, but they were finished in the evening by setting up shelves and clearing some of the boxes. Even though they felt exhausted Brad suggested that they should go somewhere to explore the area and grab a bite to eat and making a few plans for the next two days as Jonah had planned to spend some time with Brad before flying back home in two days.

They ended up at the beach where they got some hot dogs and spent some time walking the boardwalk. It was one of those days were Brad felt normal, were things didn't feel so much out of the ordinary. He also didn't spend much time thinking about gender.

At some point at the boardwalk, they came across a weird machine. It was a box, the frame was red with some golden ornaments. Behind the protective glass was an artificial head, looked like an old gypsy witch. On top of that thing was written "Mme Osiris" and below the head was a sign that read "Make a wish"

"Weird thing," Brad thought and was weirdly amazed by that machine. Brad realized that and said "I've seen such a thing on a county fair a while ago, while I doubt that it really grants wishes, it eats your money for sure"

"It's only a quarter for a wish, so it won't make you poor unless you're addicted to it, Jonah" Brad laughed. "You're right," brad said smiling, having a picture of a desperate gambler in front of that thing in mind. "You know what Brad, as you're about to start a life here, here's a quarter, make a wish, it's on me"

"Didn't know you were superstitious?" Brad said wondering. "Me neither, but for a quarter, what should happen?" "You are right, Jonah, you know what I'll do it". Brad took the quarter from Jonah

And inserted into that machine. At first, nothing happened and then they make a wish sign was illuminated. Jonah made his wish and then a rattling noise started. Brad and Jonah looked at each other in confusion, not sure if that machine is about to take off. A little ding sound appeared and a little card came out of that machine, saying "Wish granted" They both laughed and continued on the boardwalk.

Brad hat a little weird feeling deep inside him, he didn't know what exactly it was but it wasn't unpleasant either.

They decided they can go for a beer before going back to Brad's apartment and call it a night.

"So Brad, what have you wished for?" Jonah asked when they were back at the apartment and Brad put the wish granted card on of his shelves

"I don't think I'm supposed to tell, It might not come true if I do" "You're right, you shouldn't tell me, but I'm a little curious, ya know"

"well, I hate to disappoint you Jonah, but I won't tell," a tired Brad said. "But I tell you what, if my wish comes true, you'll be the first person I'll let know" "Deal," Jonah said tiredly.

When they were in bed Brad thought about that machine again and that weird feeling he had since he made the wish. He couldn't help but smile when he thought about his wish. He wished he could finally be a girl and start living his life as it was meant to be. He felt asleep smiling and had dreams about how his life could be as a girl. He also slept pretty well. And even though he awoke early the next morning, he felt refreshed and revived. He also felt that he felt more at ease with himself. Emotionally. He couldn't describe it, but it felt good to him. Jonah was still asleep, and Brad decided it's best to keep him sleeping. After all, he was a huge help the last few days and with the move and he deserved some sleep.

Brad still had to get up, if felt the urge to release his bladder. In the bathroom, he caught a glimpse of his mirror image and got struck. Something was different, so he got back to the mirror. He looked at himself. And then he realized that it seemed that he looked younger, at least his face seemed to appear softer. He also realized that he won't need to shave his face today. `That's weird' he thought. He never had much of a beard, but since he's approaching his late twenties, the beard growth he sported got coarser and as he couldn't stand facial hair on himself, he started shaving his face daily a while ago. But today there was no growth at all. It almost seemed like the facial hair had receded.

Could it be?' Brad started thinking Nah, it doesn't make any sense, does it? It can't be that wish' It's probably just the revived feeling that last night's rest gave me. When he returned to his bed he saw that Jonah was awake too.

"Good morning Brad," Jonah said, "How about we get breakfast at that donut place again, they were really good yesterday" "Sure thing, and after that, we have to drop off that trailer at U-haul, now that everything is unloaded"

After a quick shower, they were on their way. But as soon as they got into the car Brad felt that something was off. He couldn't put his mind around what exactly it was, just something felt off in his car. They got the donuts and coffee and then took off in an industrial part of town to drop the trailer at a U-Haul place. Once that was done at Jonah sat in the car again, he still felt odd. After thinking for a moment, he adjusted his seat in height and brought it closer to the steering wheel. "Everything okay?" a confused Jonah asked an absent-minded Brad"

"Huh? Ah... yes, I'm okay. Just weird that I only realized now that my seat setting is completely off"

Jonah had two more days before he had to fly back, so they started to make plans on how they will spend the time as long as Jonah is still around.

Jonah was still a bit tired to just hit the closest mall to Brad's place, also for Brad to familiarize the area but also to think about other things than the move.

While at the mall Jonah asked Brad if he had lost some weight, as he was also pulling up his pants a lot. "Ah, yes, it seems I have, but I don't really know to be honest" Still, Brad suspected that Jonah already saw that something is up with him. And he was right, Jonah had realized that some weird changes are going on with Brad. The most obvious for Jonah was, that Brad was shrinking. Jonah was always taller than Brad, standing at 6'2" but Brad being 5'9" the difference wasn't that big. Now, however, Jonah could have sworn that Brad was even smaller than he was in the morning. He thought that it's probably best to confront Brad with that issue but also decided that it's better to wait until they're back at Brad's apartment.

Brad, on the other hand, had not realized yet that he was considerably smaller. Apart from the changes, he discovered in the morning he was just fed up with his loose-fitting jeans. "Jonah, I need to buy a new pair, that is just weird and annoying," he said pointing at his jeans. "It sure is," Jonah said, still confused.

Brad bought a new pair of jeans and also went for a new pair of sneakers and he realized thy also started to become too big. Brad still asked himself if it was just imagination or stress-induced weight loss. After all the move and everything had been super stressful. But he also was a bit concerned. His mind wandered back to that wish machine from the night before.

Having bought new shoes and a pair of jeans Brad suggested they hit a Walmart, get some essentials and a few beers, and going to prepare dinner at home. Which was fine for Jonah as he was planning a little intervention in his mind while they strolled through the Walmart. Afterward, they put the purchases in the car and when Brad sat down, he had to adjust his seat one more time.

They had a spaghetti and meatball dinner and while they ate Jonah couldn't wait any longer.

"What's up with you"

"huh?" Brad had no idea what Jonah is referring to

"Look, I don't know who you're trying to fool here Brad, but something's up with you. Hey, it's me, you're old buddy. Tell me what's wrong with you.

"What do you mean what's wrong with me?" Brad nervously asked back.

"You're shrinking"

"W...What?"

"Yeah. Haven't you realized? You adjusted your car seat twice today, you had to buy a new pair of jeans because the ones you put on this morning were quite a loose fit. And I don't recall that they were that loose just this morning. And it looks like you're looking younger too."

"Jonah... I...I don't know. I mean, yes, you're right, something is up with me, but I don't know what it is. I'm just as confused as you"

Jonah wasn't convinced that Brad told the whole truth. Which was exactly what it was. Brad still wasn't ready to tell Jonah that he suspected the Madame Osiris thing and his wish might be the cause of his sudden height and weight loss because Brad was still afraid to say what caused him to make his wish in the first place.

"Look, Brad, I'm worried. Are you taking any drugs that might cause such drastic weight loss? I'm your fucking best friend, please, if you are taking drugs please tell me. I won't judge, I will help you"

"You wouldn't judge?" "No, no I don't think so. I mean. I can't tell I haven't tried some stuff myself to get over some weird time in my life"

"What? What weird times?" Brad who was confused as hell now asked?

"Well, I never told anyone as it never got out of hand, but you remember those High School times, where I always had your back when some people started bullying you?

"yes"

"well, when you weren't around, they also bullied me for having your back" That's why I cut them out of my life and what brought me to try some pills, to go through that emotional chaos that those bullies back then caused. You know, I might have pitied myself"

"Jonah.... I had no Idea" Brad was shocked about that news. I always thought of Jonah as a strong guy. And yet here he was, opening up.

"You see Brad, I never told you because you were kind of involved in that and I figured your life is already hard enough with being bullied and that lack of friends of yours. That's why I never told you. I just didn't want to put another burden on you.

"I'm so sorry Jonah. I don't know what to say right now"

"You don't have to. Just tell me what you're taking so I can help you. Many people are going through a dark phase in their life and drugs are an easy way to cope. I understand that"

"I'm not taking anything. Really. Even though I wish sometimes that I do"

"So what? You can sell bullshit to your customers at work, but not me. How should I believe you not taking any drugs when you are going, quite obviously, through drastic weight loss"

Brad didn't know how to react. But he felt that Jonah hat pushed him in the corner and that there wasn't an escape route except for going for the truth.

"Okay, Jonah. You're right. I can't fool anyone, although I tried to fool myself until a few seconds ago. But I must warn you, you're in for a long story"

"Just tell me what's going on"

"I... I... I suspect that wish from yesterday being behind this" stammered Brad.

"Really? That's what are you trying to make me believe?"

"Yes Jonah" Brad was tearing up. With a deep sigh he started:

"You what transgender is right?" and with that Brad told Jonah the whole story with all the gory details about how he always felt. And as difficult as it was at first once it was out Brad started feeling relieved. He even started feeling euphoric. He felt like he never felt before. He started to feel real.

Jonah couldn't believe what he heard. He had no idea how his friend must have felt all these years carrying such a secret. He felt guilty for not realizing how miserable he was all the time and offering his help earlier.

"And you said you suspect that Madame Osiris thing from yesterday is behind this? So tell me, what did you wish for?"

"I wished I could start my life over as a girl here" Brad sighed. "but I had something like finally having the guts to admit to myself that I have to transition, start hormone therapy, you know?

"Yeah, I get that. But you think that that wish is changing you into a girl? Like for real? Without having to deal with special drugs and surgeries. Still sounds quite unbelievable" Jonah was still quite confused.

"But what else should it be? I mean until yesterday everything I was fine, well besides that secret of mine, but as soon as I made that wish I start changing? It must be something like that"

"you're right, it does sound like it. But as far as I am concerned, there is no such thing like magic"

"But tell me, Jonah, if you were a wizard, you wouldn't post notes on the internet about that, would you?" Jonah thought for a moment. "No, I don't think I would. But still, what makes you so sure that it's that wish and not some disease?

"I also haven't had to shave this morning when I got up. And given the fact that I haven't, my face still feels smooth. To be honest smoother than it did that morning" struck by this realization, brad started smiling.

"So, you think you are turning into a girl now? For real? I mean body-wise? From all you just told me I take you've been a girl all your life".

"Thank you, Jonah" Brad teared up with tears of joy and couldn't help and hugged Jonah. "For what?" Jonah asked.

"For being here for me, for understanding and for not making fun of me," a teary Brad said.

"Hey, I always had your back. We're friends. As if gender could change that".

Brad smiled and looked up at Jonah.

"So, about those changes, I assume, that if your body is changing into the female version of you, you don't want to something against it?"

"No, not really" Brad replied. "But I don't know what to do!" How am I going to explain that I've turned into a girl all of a sudden?"

"When are you expected in your new workplace?" "Next Week, Monday."

"Okay, that leaves us some time to figure something out. But for now, I'm still a bit concerned." Jonah said, more or less staring at Brad.

"Me too to be honest. I mean I don't know what is happening to me. But it doesn't hurt, and I feel fine. Even if we would go to an ER, I doubt that they could do something. And, once they see how I am changing, they might call the police or worse. Jonah, I don't want to end up as some kind of Guinea pig for the military" a worried Brad said. "Promise me, Jonah, don't go and tell anyone what's happening right now"

"I won't, you go tell yourself to the people who you would like to know. If you want, I support you. But it's your situation, you decide what to do and when to do"

"Thank you"

Brad was still teary. And couldn't decide if they were tears of joy or not. Probably both. Even if he was scared as hell about the sudden changes, he was happy. No facial hair anymore is a start. And that bulky manly body is gone too. Brad began to wonder what else was in store for him. But he was also super happy about Jonah. Jonah was right they are friends. Nothing can change that. It was still unbelievable for Brad how less Jonah was phased by the transgender issue itself. He was more concerned about the changes that occurred to Brad than about the trans issue.

Jonah brought Brad back into reality. "Ehm, how about a name? I mean Brad is not a feminine sounding name, so I assume you don't want to stick with it?

"No Jonah, not at all"

"Have you come up with a new name yet? Or are you still in the process of finding a name that you like?

"I have" Brad stammered and smiled, almost unable to speak

"So, tell me, girl, what's your name"

"Kate" Kate managed to say. Her smile went from ear to ear.

"that sounds wonderful and suits you well. Welcome, Kate" Jonah surprised Kate again. She never considered Jonah so polite and understanding. She felt bad that she ever thought he would say something like `Man up and grow some balls' because as it stands now, Jonah seemed to be a real gentleman. Kate couldn't help, but for the first time in her life, she saw more in Jonah than just a friend.

Jonah on his part felt bad for never realizing how miserable his friend must have been. How could he not have seen anything like this? How could he have overseen that his friend needed help, not to overcome any drug issues but other life-threatening issues.

"Kate, promise me something!" Jonah sounded almost demanding. Slightly startled Kate replied "yes?"

If you ever feel in a bad place, no matter what, come talk to me. I feel so bad not realizing how much you needed support and help and everything. Damned, I just realize how depressed you must have been, probably still are. And I'm glad we have talked now, I mean before you came into a position were suicide might have been the only solution for you. I could never forgive myself for not preventing something like you killing yourself. Now it was Jonah who hugged Kate. Both with tears in their eyes.

It was then when Jonah realized how much Kate must have shrunken.

"Kate, can you get up" Jonah inquired while getting up himself. When both got up Kates's eyes went big. Her face was about the height Jonahs chest is. "Oh my gosh, I'm tiny," she said taken aback. "How come I'm only realizing now how much shorter I am"

"So am I," Jonah said "But we've been busy," Kate thought for a moment " I've shrunk considerably in such a short amount of time, Maybe something else changed too?"

"So far I can see that you shrunk. And that you look a lot younger, given the fact that your face looks softer. There isn't much masculinity left, but that's probably not a problem for you" Jonah teased.

"No, it's not" spat Kate back at him. "I... I need to go to the bathroom," Kate said and disappeared.

Jonah was amazed. Once Kate opened up to him, she was noticeable more at ease with herself. And despite everything going on right now and not knowing what's happening exactly, Kate seemed calm. Maybe deep inside she knew that there is no need to worry. Jonah was glad that he is staying the next day as well. He felt he needed to support his friend and also thought about making it somehow possible to stay even a bit longer. He was expected to be back at work Thursday, so he thought that maybe he can stay till Sunday or so, to make sure Kate is alright. It just does not feel right to him to leave her on her own in such a situation.

In the Bathroom, Kate went to take a leak before giving herself a physical. She always sat on the toilet, at least at home. She always felt disgusted about peeing while standing up. That's something for gas stations. But not for at home.

And while she sat on the toilet that her male genitalia had also shrunk. It looked like back in those days when she was twelve. After cleaning herself up and getting ready to go back to Jonah she examined herself a bit. She noticed a puffiness in her chest, but so far, the receding facial hair and her height are the most obvious changes. When she looked into the mirror, she did recognize herself, but she did not look like she did this morning. Her face features softened a lot. Her face did not look manly anymore. Not feminine as well, but androgynous. "I can live with that," she said to herself. "Being an ugly girl is still better than not being a girl" she continued her thought and went back to Jonah in the living room.

"I'm getting Boobs," Kate said standing in the living room, grinning ear to ear. Jonah turned around "That's awesome" and after a short breath he felt to say "For you, awesome for you"

"And my face, it's androgynous, the guy in it left the building" she jokingly said. "You're right" Jonah added. "And given the time those changes occur; I suspect that starting tomorrow people will address you as `Miss'"

Taken aback by that, Kate realized that Jonah was right. Her changes just begun, they were nowhere near to be finished.

"You're right. Do you think you'll be there when that happens? Or would you rather not be seen with an ugly girl like me?"

"Can you stop saying such silly things? You won't be ugly. Hell, you've seen yourself in the Mirror just minutes ago. You never were ugly. You looked handsome as a guy and right now you're starting to look cute. Especially with that puzzled face, you're sporting right now. But tomorrow or the days after, I think you'll look beautiful. And by that, I mean breathtakingly beautiful"

Kate could feel herself blush. She could even feel that blushed like she never did before.

"speaking of the next couple of days" Jonah changed the topic "I try to rebook my flight tomorrow and will talk to my boss to extend my leave till after the weekend. I don't think it's the right thing to leave you right now. And even when I can see how much you are enjoying this, I'm still worried. I want to make sure you're okay and maybe leave Sunday instead."

"wow," Kate stammered "You would do that? For me" "Yes silly, Friends, remember"

Kate walked over to Jonah and hugged him again. She lay her face on his chest and could hear his heart beating. It went fast. She couldn't remember if she felt ever so safe than she does right now. She wished for Jonah never letting her go. It was only then when she realized that her heartbeat just as fast as Jonahs.

"you're okay?" Jonah said as they left the embrace. "yes" a happy Kate answered. "Truth is, I never felt better" "I'm happy to hear that Kate. You know what, how about you're having a seat again and I get us a beer. I mean that's why we bought that six-pack, didn't we?

"Sounds good to me," Kate said.

She sat down, Smiling. And feeling like she was in a fairy tale. After all, that's were the magic happens. She was happy that she made the move to California. One day here and her life did not just turn better, no, it turned for the best. In all her euphoria she thought that she would love to be tired now and could go to sleep. She was looking forward to tomorrow and what it had in store for her.

Jonah came back with a cold beer in his hand "Here, smiley face, your beer" he said teasingly. "It's great to see you so happy" "Yeah" Kate replied " I wonder what will happen the next days.

"It's going to be exciting, that's for sure"

They both kept talking and talking. There were still many things from the past that needed to be sorted out. Jonah finally understood why Brad' was how he' was. And seeing Kate blossom in just such a short time made him realize that he had no idea how fucked someone must feel when the brain is not in sync with the body and you can't do much about it because your anxiety holds you back. He wondered how much of a strong person Kate is just because she went through hell and back. Twice basically.

"Kate, with that weird transformation going on, do you think that goes all the way? Like you are probably facing periods and such. Aren't you afraid of that?"

"No. And yes" she simply replied. "You see, it's like of a package deal. It comes with all sorts of things. Some are pretty cool; some are not that cool. And periods may be a part of the not so cool bunch of things but part of the deal. And yes, I am afraid of them, but probably not more than every girl is. It's something they face in their lives."

"I see you have thought that through already"

"I spent my life thinking about those things. And while it may sound weird for those who are not going through that thought process of a transgender person, they might find it weird. But for me not having periods felt to me like I'm left out, as crazy as that may sound"

"It does sound crazy indeed. But I think I get the point" Jonah replied, realizing that life is full of things cisgender people never think of but meaning the world for you when you're trans.

And with all those explanations from Kate, Jonah also understood why Kate wasn't concerned about those changes while he would be freaked out as freaked someone could be. It was just an adjustment for her, her body lining up with her brain. A mistake corrected, simply said.

It went towards three in the morning when they both decided it's time for some sleep. Once in bed, Kate felt as tired as never before. Maybe because of the changes, they probably also needed a lot of energy. She wasn't properly settled on her pillow when she already drifted off in a really deep slumber.

Jonah was just as tired; his brain was still processing. He was proud of his friend. He drifted off to sleep smiling and happy for Kate.

Kate was the first to be awake. As soon as her brain caught up, she jumped out of her bad and ran to the bathroom. She gave herself another full body examination. The puffiness and tenderness in her chest had increased. She almost jumped when she touched it. "OUCH, that hurts" she expressed but couldn't help smiling. It appeared that she hadn't shrunk much more, she expected herself now at roughly 5'4". Her legs looked way slenderer than they did the night before and her hips had widened. Her genitalia had shrunk more and was already so small, that it was almost nonexistent. When she came to her face, she was felt like she was struck by lightning. What had been a male face yesterday morning and an androgynous-looking face yesterday evening was now definitely a female face. She didn't dare to call herself cute or pretty, but she had a female face. While in the bathroom she also took her the hygiene business, brushed her teeth, and showered.

Once she left the bathroom, Jonah was waiting for her two cups of coffee in his hands. "Want some, smiley face?" he asked and handed one cup to Kate.

"thanks" she chirped and took a sip.

"Oh, my gosh, Kate! Your voice, it sounds higher than last night!"

"It does, right?" an amazed Kate replied

"And your face, really Kate you look stunning and beautiful. I believe now that nothing bad is happening to you and that's just your body readjusting. How do you feel today?"

"never been better. So far at least. Although my chest is sore, I just touched it and hurt.

"Well, that's just what my sister complained about once she had a visit from the boob fairy back then" Jonah laughed. "And given the fact you're doing your second puberty now in high speed, I can only imagine that that soreness must be even worse than with my sister back then"

"yeah probably" "but it probably means that I will be through to that in no time as well"

"Amen to that sister," Jonah said and made Kate both, blushing and smiling.

They had a little breakfast even though it was already approaching noon as they both slept quite long. Jonah called his both and asked for Thursday and Friday off, but unfortunately, his boss said no as they had an important meeting on Thursday afternoon which he should attend as well.

"Shit," he said. I shouldn't have asked to get their days but should have called in sick. No that doesn't work either. And I wanted to be there for you"

"You are now" Kate Replied "And I'm a big girl, I think I can handle myself" She teased him

While Jonah sad in the Kitchen and, despite what Kate said, tried to rebook his flight from noon to the late evening, so he could spend some more time with his friend.

When Kate wanted to get dressed, she realized that she had basically nothing to wear. Even the pair of jeans she just bought the day before was such a loose fit that she could only walk in them when she tied up a belt in them. Which made it super weird looking.

"We need to go the mall again," She said to Jonah standing in her weird tied jeans in front of him.

Jonah couldn't help and started laughing

"Jonah! That's not funny" she said almost angry but then laughed herself when she looked down herself.

"I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at you, rather with you. And you're right. We need to get you something to wear. But your body isn't done changing yet, so you should take it slow for now."

"Yes, you're absolutely right. I probably will have to do some more shopping the next days"

Back in the mall, Kate was able to trade in the sneakers she also bought the day before into another pair that fit her new dainty feet. She also went for a pair of jeans. Which she proudly bought in the female department of the store this time and went for a couple of t-shirts as well. Once the purchase went through Kate wen immediately for the changing rooms and got rid of her ill-fitting clothes. After that little shopping spree, they both went to the malls Starbucks and had a coffee. Jonah couldn't help but detected a little nervousness in Kate.

"You feel okay? You seem a bit nervous and tense?" Jonah asked Kate.

"Yeah... you are right, I'm not exactly comfortable right now"

"How come? What's wrong?" a worried Jonah inquired.

"Well, look at me, right now I'm a freak. I look like something in between. The short hair I'm sporting is still that old, uncreative boyish cut. People probably pity you for having such an ugly girlfriend"

"Hey, don' dare talking like that about yourself. First of all, you look at everything but a freak. You, my lady, look lovely. And you might not have noticed but your hair grew a bit and looks more like a short pixie cut right now. But not boyish. And third if, but I seriously doubt it, if someone in this mall pities me for being with you, then, I'm afraid, I have to pity them because being with you is great. You are a lovely person to hang out with. You always were. But since you started blossoming into the person you are, you even more fun to be around"

"Really? That's how you think about me" A still saddened Kate asked while looking with big eyes at Jonah.

"Yeah silly, I do. I do. I mean, look, we have been friends now for roughly twenty years. We went through so much trouble together. I mean look at us, we're soulmates, we are meant to be friends and I'm honored to go through this transformation with you"

Stunned by what Jonah just said she decided that it was time for a bathroom break. Once she reached the bathrooms, she went straight to the female one. She smiled but also was afraid that as soon as she went in someone will bat an eye at her. But no one did. No one batted an eye at her or questioned her presence in the female washroom. Before she went to one of the stalls, she looked at herself in the mirror. Jonah was right, her hair was noticeably longer than in the morning. And it did not look like a boyish haircut either. Although it could use a stylist's hand, it didn't look bad at all.

Once she went into the stall she was greeted with a vagina. Her former genitalia receded completely. Kate couldn't believe it. And just now she realized how relieved she was that her male genitalia was gone. She never liked it anyway and although she never gave much thought about surgery in that part, she was now super happy that this burden has been taken from her. The first-time bathroom as an anatomically correct female was a bit of an adventure though. She couldn't bring herself to completely sit down on this public toilet and hovered her bottom above the toilet. She also noticed that the muscles to hold in felt different and it took her a moment to get the relief. `I would have never thought that it is so much more different taking a leak as a girl' she thought to herself.

Weirdly proud of herself she went back to Jonah. "What took you so long?" He asked.

"Well, for starters, I had to relearn using a bathroom" she whispered in his ear while sitting down again.

"Huh?... Oh...."

"Yes. Oh," she grinned.

"So, I take it you're not sad it's gone?"

"Not a tiny bit. Sure, without going into much detail, it was adventurous. But it also felt and feels right"

"Well, don't want to be the buzzkill here, but that's enough information about your bathroom visit" Jonah laughed, and Kate joined him.

"But while you were gone, I was finally able to rebook my flight tomorrow. Instead noon-ish the flight leaves at 10 pm from LAX. I know, you can handle yourself, and I don't question your emancipation here, but I'm still happy to spend some more time with you, Kate"

"Well, I can't deny that I kinda like having you around too" Kate admitted

"So, what do you want to do now? It's already late afternoon? We got up so late, I don't feel like it's almost dinner time" Jonah said.

Kate, who absent-minded stirred in her empty coffee cup looked at Jonah. "No, it feels too early to eat o think about eating. Honestly, I would like to have a walk at that boardwalk from the other evening again, you know, where that machine was and drop a thank you or something"

"That sounds like a fine idea" Jonah agreed. "Well then, let's go"

Even though it was evening, the traffic wasn't that bad, and they arrived relatively quickly at the parking lot right by the boardwalk.

The sun was about to set, and Kate saw that many couples were around, some hand in hand, some girls hanging at the arms of their boyfriends. And for the first in her life, she felt what it is like to long for a relationship. She went through some relationships in her life before. Always with girls. But they never were long. Because they just felt wrong to Kate in her male life and because of that she never could fulfill the carnal need of her partners they usually broke up after a couple of weeks. The few girls she's been with usually also asked if he was gay. Well, right now it all made sense. At least kind of. No, it wasn't that Kate was gay, no, she was just as heterosexual as the girls she went to have sex with, it just didn't look like that to them back then.

Jonah saw that Kate was thinking about something. But she was smiling so he thought it might be best to let her think. After all, there was a lot to process for her.

When they reached the place were that Madame Osiris Machine was the other night, they found nothing. Not a trace. From the looks of it, there never has been anything. Both were confused and sure that they were in the right spot. Despite the absence of the machine, Kate still said a thank you. And just from the ring of her voice Jonah could tell, this was the most honest Thank you ever said.

When they walked back and watched to the sun had almost set at the horizon, Kate hooked her arm into Jonah's, and they continued their walk just like any other couple.

But Kate also thought that she has to be careful. With all the emotions which were set free with coming out to Jonah, and so many dark thoughts fleeing from her mind, she was about to crush on Jonah. No, not about, she already had. She didn't want to destroy anything or make the relationship between her and Jonah weird, after all, in his eyes she had been a guy just two days ago, so she just hushed about her feelings.

Jonah on his side though, was surprised when Kate hooked into his arm. It made him happy that from what he could see, she seemed free. No bad demons in her head. He thought back to the afternoon when he said that she is a really fun person to be around. She certainly is he thought. Oh my gosh' he suddenly realized The person who I thought is my best buddy for those years, she is my crush'

On their way back to Kates's apartment they got themselves some hot dogs as neither of them both felt particularly hungry. While they ate their hotdogs, Kate had to constantly brush a strand of hair from hair face, also to prevent it from getting ditched into the ketchup and mustard from the hotdog.

"it grew quite a bit, huh?" Jonah said.

She looked up and used her pinky to that strand of hair behind her ear.

"it did. Its weird hair can grow that fast"

"Well it seems there are some more things which aren't quite the norm happening to you"

"You are right, this is quite a ride and it's happening so fast, I have trouble keeping track of what's happening" Kate's face got serious

"Jonah, I have to thank you for being the way you are. I know what I said this morning, about being a big girl and such. But truth is, I'm glad you're here and going through all this with me. I mean I can handle the changes, but you help me process them. I mean, look at my hair, this morning I had a weirdo boyish cut and now I'm trying to tame a strand of the relatively long hair. I mean that's hard work for my brain. And that's why I'm happy you're here to help me with"

"Kate, I don't know what to say" Jonah was seriously lost for words "I mean, yes, you are right that the changes happen so fast, but are sure I help you process them. I do nothing but making a few compliments"

"Yes, silly, that's exactly what I meant. You are here. You look at me. You see me while I don't. Like this afternoon with my hair. I had no idea it grew. It was you who pointed that out to me so I could go check myself to keep up with the changes. I mean honestly the whole transformation, as cool as it is, is also super weird. I took a selfie earlier with my phone and compared it to an older selfie I took. Honestly, while I don't see that in the mirror just yet, those pictures were two different persons. Yes, new me looks familiar to old me, but more like siblings you know"

"Kate, you're right. I haven't thought about this whole thing from your perspective. I have just seen you being happy about everything but haven't thought about how much of a mindfuck it must be going through such drastic changes. But you still like them, aren't you?

"I do yes" Kate smiled "I just need to get used to it and my new face looking back at me. But that's a matter of time and won't be too long hopefully"

"No, it won't. I'm sure about this. Because you look amazing. And you will like looking at you in no time"

"Okay, now I have to go to the mirror at look at myself again, gosh I see it coming and everyone will think of me as the world's biggest narcissist," She said laughingly as she left for the mirror in the bathroom.

Kate looked at her reflection. She couldn't believe it. From this morning to the afternoon was an amazing change, but since then the changes occurred to her face were just as amazing. There was certainly a girl looking back at her, no traces of Brad left whatsoever. There was only Kate. And if ever anyone could make her connection between her old looks and her new looks, than that she would be Brad's sister. Nothing else.

The moment she left the bathroom she bumped one of her boobs into the door frame. "OUCH," she shrieked, "gosh that hurts" she felt for her breast and felt that they also grew quite an amount throughout the day. No wonder it hurt like hell when she there herself into the door frame.

"Everything okay?" Jonah asked a bit worried as he heard her painful shriek.

"Yes, I'm okay. Little Miss clumsy just don't know the difference between the air in a doorframe and the doorframe itself" she said, laughing about herself. She just hoped that this clumsy part wouldn't be a new personality trait of hers.

"Now that you're back on track with your changes in the looks department, have you noticed how much your voice has changed throughout the day? I mean this morning you already sounded different, but now you sound like the girl you look. All traces of your former voice are gone. Seriously I glad I could witness this. If I wouldn't have seen it with my own eyes and you would show up on my doorstep, I wouldn't recognize you. Really"

"Well, thank you, I guess" Kate answered overwhelmed. "As I said to you earlier. Thank you for being here".

They sat down on Kates's couch and looked at the eyes of each other. And even though that did that many times before, it never felt like this time. For both of them. They both kept it to themselves as they were afraid to make it super awkward between them.

Jonah was the first to speak. "When I'm back home, we start skyping okay? I think that's the best solution for me to still support you and be there for you."

"I'd love to that!" Kate exclaimed. "It probably prevents me from loneliness. I mean, I'm here on my own, knowing no one at all as of yet" It never really bothered me as Brad, but I think Kate is different in that regard".

"Okay, Deal," Jonah said. "Starting Thursday, we start our evening skype dates"

"Dates?" Kate asked curios

"Dates! As in appointments" Jonah stated unromantically, hating himself for saying something the second he said it.

"Okay," Kate wondered about that weird sentence Jonah said but thought it would be better to change the topic in to make it less awkward.

"Do you have any plans for tomorrow yet, given it's the day of your departure?"

"No, not yet. But I see us going to the mall again. By the rate your changes going on, I'm sure you're not happy with your clothes selection tomorrow."

"You know what, you're right about that. While I love the jeans I bought today, I already regret going just with a few T-Shirts. So, I need some more clothes. And shoes and a purse"

"So, Kate, is there a little possibility you became a shopaholic?" As far as Jonah could recall, Brad was never much into shopping and wore jeans year-round and T-shirts in summer and hoodies in winter.

"Well, truth to be told, I did not become one. I always was. I just didn't dare to buy the ones I liked. You know, society kinda expected me to wear other things" "so you're telling me it wasn't that you didn't want to express yourself, you simply couldn't."

"That sounds about right," Kate said. Jonah laughed

They started teasing themselves a bit, but it wasn't long until Kate felt that incredible tiredness, she already felt the night before and asked Jonah if they could call it a night and sleep. While Kate drifted off to sleep immediately Jonah couldn't sleep right away. He thought about what Kate said about helping him process her changes. While that might be true, especially for Kate. The intension he had when he made her compliments was simply that he wanted to make compliments.

Kate looked cute to him the moment he saw her yesterday morning. And while her transformation wasn't yet completed, he knew one thing for sure. That girl, which slept a few feet away from him, was one beautiful lady. And she had the character of a best friend. Hell, she was his best friend. She's looking just different. But that's the outside, from the inside she still the same old person Jonah knew for years. He eventually fell asleep but it was an unsettled sleep with very weird dreams.

Just as on the other days, Kate awoke first and immediately went to the bathroom to check herself. She was stunned. What had been Brad had been more or less dissolved in roughly 48 hours. It wasn't a stranger looking back at her, she recognized herself, but she certainly was a different person compared to a couple of days ago. But she wasn't shocked or concerned. No. She was happy and smiled at herself, she almost couldn't believe how pretty she became. Overnight her hair had grown past her shoulders and she decided that she need to find a hair salon in the next days to get the unruliness out of her hair. Mentally she also added hair care products and brushes to her shopping list.

Her chest nubs also had grown overnight and she stood there roughly between an A and B cup. They also seemed less tender and sore, but more sensitive. `I have to look for a bra later as well' she thought before taking care of her morning routine.

Once finished she came back refreshed and ready for the to find Jonah in the kitchen, preparing a little breakfast for the two of them.

"Good Morning smiley face," he said. "I must say, you are really beautiful today. Your face looks angelic" was added by Jonah.

Kate blushed "Ah come on," she said blushing even more. All those compliments weren't helping not her not crushing hard on Jonah.

"So, today" Kate changed the topic. "Besides the clothes from the mall, I need some hair care stuff, so we might go to a CVS or Walgreens too. Jonah agreed that there is still plenty of stuff to take care of.

"Jonah" Kate was suddenly concerned "I... I don't know what to tell my parents" a deep sigh followed

"And the workplace. No one knows anything and they are expecting Brad on Monday and someone looking like a Brad too. And what my parents, I can't go until forever just sending them texts. And they probably want to see my apartment, at least on photos while I already think about rearranging some stuff"

Jonah listened to Kate and her worries. He could relate; he would be freaked out too in such a situation. But luckily, while she had been in the bathroom something happened that might help to calm Kate down. At least a little.

"Well, maybe you don't have to tell anyone"

"Huh.... What do you mean? You do realize that I changed, don't you?"

"I'm well aware of that. But you're looking might not be the only thing that changed"

Kate was lost now; she had no idea what Jonah was referring to.

"Jonah, please, don't be so cryptic. Get to the point before I'm losing it completely"

"Okay, as it isn't my intention to be mean to you, here's what happened while you've been in the bathroom. My mum texted me, asking if I would be around for dinner tonight as I forget to tell her about my rebooked flight. And then look what she asked"

Jonah took his phone and showed it to Kate. "Look at the text"

Kate couldn't believe what she saw. The Text clearly said, `how's Kate?'

"You told your mum?" Kate was startled, about to get angry.

"No Kate, I didn't. I promised not to, remember?"

"But how come she's asking for Kate and not for Brad?" a still suspicious Kate inquired from her friend.

"I don't know, but I think that this wish of yours had a much bigger effect than we thought."

"You mean reality shifted as well? That's ridiculous"

"says the one who went from a male body to anatomically correct female within a few days"

"point taken," Kate admittingly said.

"Jonah, answer your mom, let's see what she says, maybe we can find out if reality shifted.

"Okay, I let her know you're fine and start getting settled" which Brad did.

A few minutes later Jonah's moms' reply came in. Jonah took his phone, read the message, and blushed.

Kate, curious and eager to know what the text says spat "What? What did she say? Why are you blushing" "Jonah, blushing, even more, when he realized that Kate was well aware of his red face silently pushed the phone over the table to show Kate the message"

`that's great, I'm happy for her. The two of you haven't finally realized that you are meant for each other by any chance?"

"Wait what?" Kate was puzzled "Is your mum suggesting that we should be a couple?"

"That's how it appears to me as well," Jonah said.

Kate couldn't help but started laughing hard, for two reasons. She thought it was funny and the second one, she wanted to downplay the fact she was thrilled by the idea.

Once she recovered from her laughter, she got up to get her driver's license.

And returned grinning from ear to ear. She sat down again and showed it to Jonah.

The picture on it showed Kate. It clearly showed Kate.

Jonah was stunned.

"look at the name" she demanded him.

Jonah smiled. "It says Kate Ellie Harper" He looked in her eyes, they were as sparkly as ever, but he detected some tears forming as well

"Wait, are you crying?" "Because of joy. Jonah, it seems you were right. Everything has changed. It seems the world perceives me as if I were born the girl I am now. "You were, just a little bit different on the outside"

"Yeah, but as it stands now, that little birth defect of mine seems to be corrected. My middle name went from Eric to Ellie. I must admit I never have thought of that"

"You never went by your middle name. It only existed on paper"

Kate checked all her other paperwork; everything had her new name on it. Even the letter her parents gave her when she went to California had changed.

"you can imagine how relieved I am right now Jonah. I thought the next couple of days are going to be the most awkward days of all times" It was obvious to Jonah how much Kate had calmed down. I fact, she was the same smiley and life-affirming person she had been yesterday afternoon and evening.

Once that was sorted, they made their way to the mall were Kate once more bought some tops, she opted for a way more feminine style than with the t-shirts the other day. Another pair of Jeans and also a skirt she liked. Jonah stated that she will look wonderful in that skirt. On top of that, she bought a purse as she needs some space to store her phone, keys, and probably some makeup too, which she still had to buy. Once there were done at the mall the headed over to a CVS was Kate bought several items she would need. Body lotion, Haircare products, some basic makeup, hairbrushes.

It took them until the late afternoon when Kate finally decided she is done shopping and they returned to her apartment.

"might get my stuff in order as well" Jonah sadly said "Not that much time left"

Kate, sad about Jonah's leaving too tried to act upbeat "Hey, it won't be that bad, currently you're still here and tomorrow we'll skype. And in a couple of there will be thanksgiving. You can bet your ass I'm coming home for the holidays and shortly after is Christmas and new year's. You'll see it won't be long" she forced a smile knowing damned well how hard it will be to wait for thanksgiving.

"You're right Kate" Jonah chimed in. "You know what, how about we are going to have dinner somewhere before you drop me off at the airport? How does Steak sound to you? My treat!"

Kate smiled "that sounds good, can't wait" she replied dreamily.

While Jonah packed his stuff, Kate saw that some of all ger clothes had changed along with her. But some haven't. Everything was still weird to her. Apparently only Jonah had memories of her ever being Brad. She wondered how on earth something like this is even possible. Everything which she came in contact with during the transformation hasn't changed, like Brad's memories, the clothes she wore while changing.

On the plus side, she doesn't have to spend a fortune on a new wardrobe. She had a fairly well-stocked wardrobe right now, also a good choice of shoes. For the evening, especially with Jonah's Dinner invitation, she thought that she wanted to dress properly. She took one of the new tops, her new skirt and went to the bathroom, while Jonah finished packing.

Once she stepped outside Jonah's jaw dropped. She had applied a bit of makeup for the occasion and made a swirl in front of him. "What do you think? Going out with me looking like this?"

"Kate... I... You look gorgeous. I knew you are pretty, but with those accentuated eyes you're a real stunner"

"Thank you, I guess?" she replied.

It was a couple of minutes past 6 when Jonah heaved his bag into Kates's car and they took off to an Outback Steakhouse for their dinner.

They both tried their best to act like they weren't so sad that they had to part soon. It was a weird vibe that hovered over both of them while they ate. When it came to the dessert, Kate had to admit she was stuffed and is not able to eat anything while Jonah went for cheesecake.

After dinner, they went to the airport. They both did not say much on the drive. They were upset about the fact they need to part now. The traffic towards the airport was horrible. Unbelievable how many cars are headed to the airport this time of the day. Once at Terminal 1 at LAX, Kate stopped at the curbside and both got out of the car. Jonah took his back from the trunk.

Kate escaped a deep sigh and then Jonah hugged her.

`Gosh, that feels so good, please, hold me forever!' she thought

"I need to go," Jonah said, sadness swinging in his voice.

"I know," she said. Still embracing each other Kate felt Jonah moving and thought that he's about losing the embrace. Instead, he looked at and said her name. When she looked up at him, he kissed her on the forehead before he let go from the embrace.

"I will miss you, Kate. A lot. Take care. We'll skype tomorrow".

Kate just stood there. Tears filling her eyes all she could manage to say was a whispered "bye".

Jonah turned around. The world seemed at a standstill. Kate only stood there, almost as if she were rooted to the ground, only watching Jonah walking through the airport's door when he turned around and waved at her gain. Big tears rolling over her cheeks. She watched Jonah until he completely disappeared inside the terminal building.

She hated herself this very moment. Why is she standing there motionless? Why isn't she running after him?

"Miss" it took Kate a moment that someone was referring to her

"huh?" she sobbed

"Sorry Miss, but you can't park here. I'm afraid you need to relocate to one of the parking lots if you're planning on staying here"

That snapped her back into reality. "I'm sorry" she replied and got into her car and made her way back home.

Once she was home her apartment felt empty now that she's alone in it. While she tidied up a pit, clearing the blankets Jonah had used while sleeping on the couch she started berating herself.

"How stupid are you? She asked herself" Do you believe you're crushing on Jonah. The hell you are" Tears started "You are in love with him. Deeply" She felt her forehead. She could still feel Jonah's lips there.

"I should have kissed him! Or shouldn't I?" She didn't know what to think or feel. She had no idea what would have been best.

"You'd probably feel even more miserable if you would have kissed him" She fell on her bed and started crying.

Jonah walked through the Airport door, hoping to see Kate already in her car and driving away he turned around only to see her still standing there, a tear rolling down her cheek. He waved at her. What am I doing?' he said to himself. there is his best friend for over 20 years, also being the most beautiful girl, he'd ever seen, and instead of turning around running towards her and embracing her you are leaving her' Jonah was confused. He had met many girls over the years. But he never felt like this. `I mean it would be awkward kissing her. I don't know how she feels. Maybe it would have destroyed more than it did good' he lied to himself.

Kate awoke exhausted the next morning. Her eyes still stinging from all the crying. She cried herself to sleep and felt like she runs out of tears. Although the crying was quite cathartic and even though was not even close to feeling happy, she felt better than last night.

`Jonah!' her mind exclaimed when she remembered haven't heard anything from him last night. She grabbed her phone. There were several texts from him. Telling her that he arrived well in Seattle and then back at his apartment in Olympia. She must have fallen asleep before he deplaned. She smiled at the thought of him. And wrote a long text as a reply. Also apologizing for not answering last night.

She thought about her apartment. Even though she just moved in, she thought about rearranging everything. It certainly missed a feminine touch. Doing so she started to feel a bit better. She started to look forward to the evening when she was supposed to skype with Jonah.

A buzzing noise distraught her in her thoughts. It was her Phone, someone called. She was a little disappointed that it was her mom and not Jonah but answered regardless.

"Hey Sweetie, just wanted to know, everything worked out with the move? Have you settled so far? You weren't much talkative since you left"

"well yeah Mom, I'm sorry. I was just busy unpacking and everything"

"And busy with Jonah?"

"Mom!"

"Come on sweetie, you know the two of you are meant to be together. Ever since you met."

"But Mom, we're just friends. He helped with moving. And I'm thankful he did. I couldn't

"If you say so, I'm just saying, the way you look at each other in the eyes. And he's a real handsome guy.

Her mom was right. Jonah is handsome. Now that she thought about and even with those feelings being completely new to her, she couldn't remember ever meeting or even seeing a better-looking guy than Jonah.

They talked for a while, her mum wanted to know everything about her new place if the area is safe enough for her precious daughter.

Kate went grocery shopping at Walmart when she got a text from Jonah, saying he would be ready for their skype date at around 8 pm. She looked forward to it. She missed him so much. Her mom was right, they were meant to be together. After all, Jonah had been there for her not only the last few days but also ever. It was certainly different from what she knew about other friendships she knew or had heard of between guys. There was always a deeper connection.

She was home and ready for her skype date with Jonah long before 8 pm and was relieved that Jonah texted he would be ready a bit earlier as well. It wasn't long after that he called.

"Hey Jonah" Kate chirped. She was happy to see his face and smile, even though it was just through a monitor.

"Hey" replied in a similar upbeat manner

"How was your flight? Sorry, I didn't reply last night, I felt tired when I got home and fell asleep and therefore just saw your text this morning" she rambled.

"It was okay," he said "Though I would have preferred to stay with you. How are you today? Any more things changed?"

"Well, my boobs got bigger," she said blushing "Probably reached a c cup now. And my hair got even longer" She turned her head showing her hair had reached her midback.

"You look great," he said smiling. "And I'm proud of you. You're handling this well."

"Thank you," Kate said. "I need to tell you something, my mom called me this morning... and you know what's weird? She made mentions like you and I should be a couple and are meant for each other. I mean can you imagine"

"I can. I mean I showed you text from my mom the other day. And today I heard similar things along those lines from my mom"

"but isn't that weird?" she asked full curiosity

"Well, our parents only remember you being Kate all your life. It's not weird for them. All they see is a girl and a guy getting along really really well"

"And is it weird for you?" Kate couldn't fight her curiosity.

"To be honest, no" Jonah said, leaving a stunned Kate on the other end of the screen.

"oh," she said "How come? I mean let's face it they are suggesting having someone as your girlfriend who was a guy"

"No Kate, they don't. You have never been a guy. Granted you might have looked like one until a couple of days ago but after all, you have told me, you never wear a guy. And now that you look the way you are looking, I can't help it, but even in my memories you kind of appear as Kate. I mean I remember you as Brad and everything, but not in a guy way, you know.

"yeah, I think I understand. I mean yes, the whole thing is super complicated"

"Yes, you're right about That's not an easy task to process"

Both went on with their talking for quite a while and into the night. Jonah vented about his boss. As the meeting he had to attend today would have gone just as smooth and good for the company if he wouldn't have been there.

They kept their promises and skyped every day throughout the weekend with Jonah asking if Kate had changed any further, but it seemed that her transformation had finished on Thursday.

When Monday morning came Kate went nervously to start her new job. She wasn't nervous about the job itself but more so about herself. After all, she applied as Brad, they hired Brad. And here was Kate to take over. But as with her parents, no one remember ever talking to Brad, they only knew Kate. The line of work was the same she did back at home, so she acclimated easily and started enjoying the work. Also, because she felt so much more at ease with herself. She also became friends with one of her coworkers, Jessica. She was a local and was a great help for Kate to become familiar with the area. Jessica showed Kate her favorite nail salon, Hairdresser, and made it fairly for Kate to get settled into her new life.

Jonah and Kate continued skyping on an almost daily basis making it hard for out standers to believe that both aren't a couple.

4 Weeks after the transformation Kate woke up, she felt really bad and crampy. Shit' she thought, I forgot about that' She knew that she had to face this on her own, she couldn't ask her mom or Jessica, as both thoughts that her first period had been ages ago. Although she talked about it with Jonah once she wasn't unprepared. She had all the necessary paraphernalia handy as well prepared herself with YouTube tutorials on how to use everything and what to expect.

Despite everything, she thought she handled it quite well. But she knew, her period wouldn't becoming her best friend. But she felt confirmed as a member of a certain club she thought she never could join.

"Do you hate your monthly visitor?" Jonah asked during one of their skype calls shortly after her first period.

"I do. And I don't. I mean sure. I never met any woman who liked their period and I'm no exception either, but I guess it's still different somehow. I still appreciate it as it confirms me as the woman I am"

"You are probably the only woman in the world appreciating your period" Jonah laughed which caused Kate to laugh as well.

The weeks went on and on. Kate was really happy in general. Jessica was a huge help with everything. But especially with making the time go by. Kate was looking forward to thanksgiving. She missed home. And she missed Jonah. She couldn't help but she missed him so much it hurt. That was another thing Jessica helped Kate a lot with. Without her, Kate would have felt desperately lonely. With Jessica Kate felt okay, she enjoyed herself and became good at her job. So good that she was promoted to Assistant Manager beginning the first of October. Her celebration was Jonah via skype, which felt not real for both of them as there was such a huge distance between them.

It was nearing the end of October when Kate came home from work and saw a familiar face sitting at the front steps of her apartment building.

"JONAH!" she ran towards him and both hugged each other for minutes.

"What are you doing here?" she said

"Well, you talked so much about the nice weather down here and while it's all rainy and cold up in Washington, I thought I can spend a weekend with you. And to be honest, I missed you"

"Aww, you're cute" Kate couldn't hide her blushing. " `you hungry?" She asked " I can prepare my famous spaghetti and meatballs"

"Sounds wonderful to me," He said while they both went inside.

Kate started prepping the food right away as she was really hungry. She had to skip her lunchbreak at work. Luckily, it's easy to prepare and they had dinner in no time.

While they ate Jonah had to compliment how the apartment changed since he helped her move in. It went from a functional bachelor's apartment to cozy and feminine and Jonah liked it a lot.

After dinner, they cleared the dishes and while Kate was finishing up everything in the kitchen, Jonah hugged her from behind. Taken aback from the sudden embrace for a second she turned herself around without losing the embrace and put her arms around Jonah's neck. "I missed you," she said, smiling and looking deep into his eyes. "Kiss me," she said and when his face came closer, she closed her eyes.

The kiss was the best feeling she had ever had. All the pain from missing Jonah so much was gone and forgotten. Here she was. On cloud nine. And she intended to never leave cloud 9.

But, after what seemed like an eternity and also like no time had passed at their lips parted and they looked at each other. Both smiling. They went to Kates couch and finally, they started talking about their feelings.

"Kate, I'm afraid I'm in love with you. I was already crushing while I was here the last time, but once I was on that plane, I realized that I'm deeply in love with you. You're the most amazing person I ever met"

Kate who had her head on Jonah's shoulder looked at him.

"when you left for your plane, I was standing outside, kind of waiting for you to return and kiss me. I'm in love with you since that day I started changing. When you didn't return, I became so sad, realizing you left for real. Once I was home, I cried my eyes out because it hurt so much that you weren't here".

They kissed each other again.

"Maybe our parents were right after all" Kate stated.

"They were," Jonah said laughing and reached for his bag. "Look what I've found" and handed Kate a book.

"our Highschool yearbook?"

"Yes, have a look," he told her.

Kate browsed the pages, no trace of Brad, only Kate.

"Jonah, I kind of figured that there won't be any trace of my old self left in there"

"Look at the prom pictures".

"We've been to prom together?" Kate was stunned. "but I stayed at home as I haven't had a date and didn't feel like going anyway. And wasn't your date Cindy someone?" Kate felt jealous

"Cindy Walker, right. I also thought I went with her. But one evening while I was at my parents, they made another remark about you and me should be together and that still don't understand why we didn't make prom queen and king as we looked so great together" Jonah grinned.

"Well, my dress looks good indeed. And you look awesome in those pictures. Maybe a tiny bit too young for my tastes now, you know"

"Hey, you have been a teenager yourself"

"Okay, granted we matured a bit since then" Kate laughed.

They went talking and kissing and enjoying being close to each until late in the night when Kate suggested they change over to her bed.

Once in bed, they started kissing again and it wasn't long before they set each other on fire. Jonah was an amazing lover, finding all her erogenous zones and bringing Kate to the verge of orgasm just by kissing and stroking those parts of her body.

"Jonah," she whispered, "I want you" He kissed her on the lips, got some condoms on obliged her wish.

After two rounds of wild sex, the two were exhausted and started cuddling. Kate felt safe being so close to Jonah. And, after all this, she needed being close to him. They fell asleep in each other's arms. Both as happy as they could be.

The next morning was icky though. Kate awoke when Jonah got up to get a shower and got up too and followed him to shower together. It got wild again under the shower and they both enjoyed themselves.

"We acted like teenagers you know?" Kate, keen to start a conversation.

"With that wild sex, we had?" Jonah queried.

"no... yes. The way we acted in general. Like not confessing to our feelings. We haven't exactly done ourselves a favor. You know that, right?"

"Yes, I know. And to be honest that's why I'm here. I couldn't stand it anymore and I didn't want to tell it via skype. That would have been weird" "You're right, that would have been super weird. And you know why? We couldn't have kissed."

"We could have licked the webcams though" Jonah laughed.

"Silly you" Kate couldn't help but laugh herself. "So, it's Saturday, we have to a whole day for ourselves and since you're the tourist here, what do you want to do"

"I've heard the most wonderful sight in town is right here in the apartment," He said and started to kiss Kate again.

They haven't done much that day and stayed in until the late afternoon. But for Dinner, they went out Jonah made a reservation beforehand in a fine dining restaurant and said they have to go on a proper date together. To celebrate Kates promotion but also their love. They both enjoyed the time they had together. During the move and her transformation, Kate already got a glimpse of how much a gentlemen Jonah is, but now, if she wouldn't be already in love with him, she would probably have fallen in love head over heels with him tonight.

The following night was pretty much a carbon copy of the night before and so was the next morning. Unfortunately, there was a nasty vibe swinging in the air. That was because Jonah had a flight back home for the late afternoon. Which meant their time together was already coming to end.

Trying to be upbeat, Kate said that int won't be long until thanksgiving and with that, her turn to visit Jonah.

"Just three more weeks and I'm on my way," she said smiling. "And after that, we should try to see each other every two weeks. One time I'm visiting, the time it's your turn. But I can't stand not knowing when to see you again. That was hard enough before we came to terms with us." Jonah agreed to that.

"And maybe when I'm home over thanksgiving I might look for a job back home? I mean I want to be close to you. And honestly, I also miss my parents. I mean I came here to kind of start over and I feel that mission is accomplished.

"If you ask me, that mission was accomplished on your fourth day here"

"You could be right on that" she laughed. The spend the remainder of the afternoon talking on how they master their long-distance relationship.

Exchanging their goodbyes at the Airport was painful for Kate. It stung in her heart. She felt awfully reminded of the last time they were here and said goodbye. Although it felt better now hugging and Jonah gave her a real kiss on her lips instead of only her forehead. What wasn't different were the big tears she had rolling down her cheeks. Jonah felt heartbroken leaving Kate like this. He went back and gave her another kiss. It didn't stop her tears but made her smile. Even though it looked forced. Kate was stunned and watched him turning towards the doors again and disappearing into the crowd in the Terminal. Kate went home. Happy and sad at the same time.

She thought about calling her mom, telling her she was right along, and that Jonah and she finally came to their senses and realized what they meant for each other. But she felt it would be a bigger surprise if she let her parents see her and Jonah together. She laughed at the thought of kissing Jonah in front of her mother and making her drop her jaw. She made a note to herself to let Jonah know not telling his parents either just yet. They had thanksgiving for that and then their families could go and ask their questions. Then she would have Jonah at her side. She just didn't feel ready to master that on her own.

Monday morning at work Jessica looked in Kates's face and knew what she had been up to on the weekend.

"So, what happened this weekend given the fact you bailed out on me on such a short notice and being all smiley right now I want to know all the gory details, but first, what's his name?"

"Jonah" Kate replied nonchalantly

"Wait, Jonah as in your skype friend, the one everyone thinks is your boyfriend but you're always denying it?" "I'm not denying it. Anymore"

"So he is your boyfriend?"

"Yes, he is. Now. You see, we've been friends all our lives. It took us some time to see that we're in love with each other. He showed as a surprise on Friday evening. And from thereon... well, let's leave it at we didn't get that much sleep" Kate grinned at Jessica.

Jessica continued teasing Kate for a while, and Kate teased back

While Kate skyped with Jonah that evening, she told him that she wanted to go about their parents with him as a team.

"Look I know my parents I want you with me when I tell them about us, so you can pull out of there when it gets too awkward"

"My parents aren't any different, so just promise you'll do the same for me"

The time until Thanksgiving flew. On her last working day before her trip back home Kate told Jessica about her plans looking for a job back home.

Jessica wasn't thrilled with the idea of Kate leaving but could understand. She had seen her friend in the last few weeks and how happy she was. She could understand that she wanted to be close to him.

The next morning, Kate was all ready to leave. She was so excited to go home; she could hardly sleep.

She took an Uber to the airport. Once there she walked past the places where she dropped off Jonah, where she stood, tears rolling down her face. Today she felt no sadness. She felt happy and was glad that this airport is not entirely a sad place. When she walked inside, she imagined how Jonah walked here, probably just as she was back then. And now she's walking in here being upbeat and happy about going home and just a 2 hours flight time away from seeing Jonah.

For Kate, it felt like ages until the gate crew announced board and she was allowed on the plane. Once on the plane, it took ages until the plane finally pushed back from the gate.

When the plane finally landed at Sea-Tac she looked out of the window. She imagined Jonah being there somewhere as he promised to pick her up from the airport. It would be long they both would be in each other's arms again.

Jonah was impatient. He couldn't wait to see Kate again. He was waiting at the baggage carousel where, according to the display, the bags from the LA flight will soon appear. And also, Kate.

The plane has landed already and should be about docking at the gate. Jonah was lost in thought when the carousel started moving and the first bags arrived. He felt his heart started beating faster. It won't be long now.

Kate walked towards the baggage claim area. She was excited. She had made it to Jonah, at least almost. Looking up the carousel number where her baggage should be expected and soon after she could see Jonah. She stopped for a second. He stood there scanning the crowd for her. She smiled, she felt oddly calm all of the sudden.

"Hey there" Jonah heard a familiar voice say

"You can't give me a ride home by any chance?"

"Well, too bad, I'm waiting for my girlfriend" Jonah played along with Kate.

"Well, you have no idea what you're missing out," She said and started laughing and embraced him deeply, slinging her arms around his neck.

"where's your Bag?" he asked once their lips parted again.

"probably making its rounds on the carousel. I took care of the more important things first" Kate said, turning around and looking for her bag on the carousel.

"there it is," she said and reached for and Jonah stopped her and grabbed the bag for her.

"Thank you," she said, tiptoed and kissed him on the cheek "let's get out of here, this airport is just as awfully crowded as LAX"

"Thanksgiving Weekend ahead. The whole country is on the move" he said while they made their way to Jonah's car.

They had about an hour's drive ahead of them, but Kate didn't mind. Her impatience from earlier was flown away. She sat next to Jonah, that was everything that mattered to her right now.

"How does it feel being back home?" Jonah asked, seeing that Kate watched dreamily at the landscape.

"Good. I never felt this much at home like today. And I'm looking forward to the next couple of days. I'm also glad to see my parents again. I mean I haven't seen since I left for Cali"

True. And it had been a long time since then"

"Yes. They also haven't seen me in person. I mean as Kate. They only thing they have."

"True. How do you feel about it?"

"Okay, I guess. I mean it's probably awkward the first few seconds, but only for me. So it should be fine"

Anything else bothering you?" Jonah asked, seeing that Kate was a little uncomfortable thinking about that.

"Yeah, actually there is. I've been thinking about this whole reality shift thing. I mean it's great, it is. But for my parents, I don't know. I mean they love me. They always did. No matter what and I think it's not fair messing with their memories"

"You want to tell them the truth about you?"

"Yes, I don't know if they are believing me, I mean it's a hell of a story. I have trouble believing it sometimes"

Jonah couldn't agree more.

"Jonah?" Will you be there when I tell my parents?" Kate asked concerned.

"Of course, I will. I mean I have been there, in case they are not believing their one and only daughter, they might if I have your back and tell them."

Kate smiled at him.

"But before we do that, we give them that little satisfaction in admitting we're finally a couple."

They were almost there when Jonah asked where he should head first. As they already agreed that Kate would be staying with Jonah but haven't told any of their parents yet.

"Let's go to my parents first, I want to get over with that news" Kate forced a smile.

"Kate!" her mother exclaimed full of joy from the front porch of their house when she saw her daughter had Jonah came around the car and Kate took his hand when they walked towards Kates's mother.

"My my, did the two of you finally admitted you were deeply in love with each other?"

"yes mom, we did you were right all along, it just took us a while to see it ourselves"

You two were always such a cute couple, no one could understand" Kates's mother said while she hugged her daughter.

"but come on in, you want some coffee?" We'd love to, mom?"

"I've prepared your old room for you to sleep in, but I think you stay with Jonah

Now?" Kates's mother said, smiling at the two. She was visibly happy that they admitted their love for each other.

"Is dad around too? There is something important I need to tell you."

Kates mom knew immediately that something was up, with the serious vibe Kate had around her

"Are you pregnant?" She asked "Your dad should be here any second, he's in the basement"

"Mom! No, I'm not pregnant!"

"As I don't see any ring on your fingers either. Wait, I'll go and get your dad"

When Kates mother was out of sight and earshot Kate looked at Jonah.

"Well, good thing is, it can't get any more awkward then it already is"

Kates's mother came back, with her father following her. He was happy to see his daughter and gave her a fatherly hug.

"Kate wants to tell us something important, but she claims she's not pregnant"

"yet" her father added.

Both, Kate and Jonah blushed.

"So, sweetie, what's up?" Kates's mother requested once they sat at the kitchen table.

"Mom, Dad you love me right, no matter what?" Kate was visibly nervous

"Yes, sweetie," both of her parents said in unison.

"Okay, what I have to tell you might be hard to process and will be probably the weirdest story you have ever heard"

Her parents, especially her mother started to be concerned

"You know, I haven't been always your daughter. I know I started life out as your son. Brad"

"That's..... ridiculous... "her dad stammered; both her parents had a weird look on their face.

"Mom, Dad! What's wrong with you, are you both having a stroke?"

Kate looked concerned at Jonah, who was just as lost as Kate. Both became worried

"Brad?" her mom said, still looking quite startled, but at least Kate wasn't suspecting them having a stroke anymore.

"Brad. You... How? Why?" Her mom was lost

"Mom, do you remember me as Brad?"

"Yes. Yes I do"

"so do I" her Father chimed in

"Sweetie, what happened, how come you're our daughter now"

Kate told them the whole story, about being transgender about growing up always feeling wrong her decision to move down to California and that she wanted to transition there and about that Madame Osiris machine that granted the wish, paid by Jonah and made by Kate.

"And I felt bad messing with your memories, that why I had to tell you. Are you mad at me?"

"Mad? No, sweetie, not at all. I had no idea what you went through. But tell me, that transformation, did it hurt?" It was obvious that her mum was worried

"No Mom, don't worry, it didn't hurt at all. Just my breast was sore a couple of days"

"And you witnessed the transformation?" Kates mum asked Jonah

"Yes, I was with Kate all the time" Jonah assured them

"Thank you for having an eye on our daughter." It was Kates father who finally found some words as well.

Kates's mother was still pretty stunned, but her facial expression started to change. It went from puzzled to proud.

"Why aren't you two go somewhere, do guy stuff," Kates mum said to Jonah and her husband. "I need to have a little mother-daughter talk".

Kates father laughed and got up. "Come on kiddo, let's leave the girls alone" when both went towards the basement.

Kates's mother was super curious. She wanted to know everything.

"Mom?"

"Yes, my dear?" "I'm sorry I never told you. You know, while I knew exactly what was up with me, I also denied the fact. That's why I moved. Give or take, but you can say I ran away."

Her mother hugged her

"Sweetie, I understand. Tell me, are you feeling better now? You know, about yourself?"

Kate looked at her mom, she started smiling

"Yes Mom, I do. I finally feel at peace with myself. Everything feels right. I feel right. And there's something new. Love. What I feel for Jonah is something I never felt before"

They went on for quite a while. Kates's mother was proud of her daughter when she heard how she tackled her first period and how much more settled in life she appeared to be compared to the time when she, as Brad, left for California.

"Tell me, Kate, I do understand why it took you so long for you and him to get together, but honestly, the two of you are meant to be together, you always were. You are soulmates and when you arrived earlier, I could see it and your eyes. He's the love of your life. And I'm pretty sure he feels the same about you. So, even if you don't wear a ring yet, but are the two of you engaged?"

"No mom, we are not. I mean even though I knew since I changed that I'm in love with him, we haven't told each other until three weeks ago when he surprised me in Cali. But should he ask, I'd happily say yes.

"You should," she said and hugged her daughter, smiling. "but we need to do something about that long-distance relationship first"

"Sweetie, are you saying that you want to come home?"

"Yes mom, I feel I accomplished everything that made me go in the first place"

"That would be great Kate, now that I gained a wonderful daughter, it would be nice to have you around more often".

Is become very late afternoon already, her mom invited Kate and Jonah to stay for Dinner. As both haven't thought of any plans as of yet, they gladly accepted.

While shocked at first about Kates' big reveal it quickly became quite fast a topic of the past and both parents treated Kate as the daughter she is, and for Kates's mom concern, she always was.

On their way to Jonah's place, Kate got curios about how Jonah's time with her father went. She wanted to know if her father was sad that he lost his "little boy".

"As far as I'm concerned Kate, he is not. He loves you. Plus, you always did your own thing, he hasn't lost a fishing buddy or someone to give his tools too. I mean it was given that you never acted the way most other boys did"

"Yes, that is true" She laughed "Can you imagine me, with a huge toolbox, repairing things in the house? I mean not now, back then, as Brad?"

Jonah had to laugh too. "No, Brad with a toolbox, that would have looked way out of place"

In Jonah's apartment, they both got ready for bed immediately, although, sleeping wasn't exactly what they had in mind.

The next morning Kate slept in. Jonah was up first and prepared a lovely breakfast with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh orange juice and served it to Kate in bed who loved to get pampered. After breakfast they both got ready, Kate wanted to check for jobs. She wanted to be back rather sooner than later.

In the afternoon they went to visit Jonah's parents. They weren't surprised either that Kate and Jonah finally discovered that they were in love. And while they wanted to know everything why it took them both so long to realize, Kate and Jonah kept their mouth shout about Kates past. They also made it clear to Kates's parents, that they only told them because Kate felt it is important for to tell her parents, that no one else ever should know that part of Kates's life. Of course, they promised to keep the secret as all they wanted was their daughter's well-being.

Kate and Jonah maneuvered around those questions from his parents like a breeze. Although, it was a bit awkward for them both as they were constantly asked about marriage and Kate being pregnant.

They went through with their Thanksgiving duties visiting the families, ate way too much and Kate insisted on some black Friday shopping and dragged Jonah through the crowded mall. They both had such an amazing time, but as much as they both dreaded the day of Kates return flight to LA, it came none the less.

Kate booked a flight for the afternoon. She didn't want to leave to early but also didn't want to be back at home to late. She was also scheduled to work the next day as she maxed out the time at home.

Jonah drove Kate to the airport, just as she did when he was visiting her. And even if it was her who's leaving this time. There wasn't much else of a difference. It was as sad and heartbreaking for them both as always. Jonah, also trying to cheer Kate up, saying it'll be only two weeks until they could see each other again as he had his flights to LA booked already.

Kate replied she had hers for in 4 weeks and also Christmas as well. She already looked forward to that as there will be only a couple of days between leaving for LA and coming back for Christmas.

And so, it went on, with both traveling back and forth every two weeks. And even though it was quite painful for them both to split up afterward, they became used to it. For now, it was part of their lives and they had to deal with it. Kate never gave up looking for a job back home, but so far, there wasn't much in her field.

It was February already and Kate was still dwelling a bit over the fact she couldn't spend valentine's day with Jonah. Before her transformation, there was no other day she hated more. But now, even without having changed her mind about being not about love but for the commercial aspect, she would have loved to spend that day with Jonah. She was on her lunch break when her phone buzzed. She didn't know the number, but it was an area code from back home.

Turned out her old company is opening a new branch, bigger and nicer than the old one she had worked in before she went to Cali. And they were offering her a manager's position starting mid of march with a store opening planned for the first of April.

Kate couldn't believe it. There it was. The opportunity to go back home and finally turning that long-distance relationship into a proper one. She called Jonah.

"Jonah!" She shrieked through the phone "Guess what just happened" She told him everything and that despite telling them to think about the offer already had made up her mind. She wanted to go home as soon as possible. Jonah already knew, kind of at least. He was in that old store that very morning and heard about the vacant managers' position and told them that Kate was looking for something to come back home.

Kate gave notice the next day. Jessica was sad to see Kate go, they both became very good friends over time. And Kate was thankful for everything Jessica had done for her when she felt so alone in the time after her transformation.

Early in March was a déjà vu experience for Kate and Jonah. The got the U-Haul trailer again and were packing up her belongings and clearing that studio apartment she moved in less than a year ago. That evening they went out for a nice dinner and afterward they went for a walk on that boardwalk were everything started when Kate moved here. They both stopped when they saw that the Madame Osiris Machine was there. In the same spot as was on that evening.

"You want to change something?" Jonah asked looking at Kate.

"No! Not a single thing. I've never been happier. You?"

"Nah, I love things like they are. And I love you" He said. And they walked on, none of them looked back at Madame Osiris.

They got early the next morning. Putting the last things, they needed during the night in the trailer and dropped the keys with the landlord and hit the road north.

After around two hours' drive, they stopped at Ihop for breakfast.

"Are you sad?" Jonah asked Kate who absent-minded stirred in her coffee mug.

"Maybe a little. I mean I'm happy as someone can be to be finally at home. And with you. But after all, it was where everything started and without LA, I, no we, wouldn't be where we are now. And I'm grateful for that. And I think leaving that behind makes me a bit sad. But I'm looking forward to this new chapter in our life. And, I'm happy I can be with you all the time now. I grew tired of those super sad goodbyes we exchanged at the airports all the time." She smiled and kissed him.

"I'm looking forward too. And yes. I'm happy too that we don't have to worry about our great time together is coming to end while it felt we were just coming from the airport.

"We were. Friday to Sunday, that's way too short"

They followed I5 North and when they crossed from California to Oregon Kate smiled. It was official now, she left Cali to start a new life, again.

After a short night in a motel on the road, they left early. Both wanted to be home by the afternoon.

When they arrived at Jonah's apartment Kate couldn't believe her eyes, there were welcome banners and both her parents as well as Jonah's parents waited for them. They all hugged, and Kate teared up. It was because she felt truly happy and home. Home never felt more like home than it did right there at that very moment.

The next couple was exhausting. Although they got rid of some stuff, they wouldn't need any more now that Kate and Jonah moving in together, but they still had plenty to do arranging their lives together into one. But they both were happy, laughed a lot together.

By the time Kate started her new job and opened that new branch they had settled everything and enjoyed every second of their life.

It was June and it was exactly one year ago that they both had been on that boardwalk back in LA, Jonah took Kate out for an excellent dinner and later that night they walked hand in hand along the shores close to their hometown. When they stopped to look in the night sky to watch the stars, Jonah reached for his pocket and pulled a little jewelry case out and got down on his knee. "Kate" her eyes went big

"Would you give me the honor and become my wife?"

Kate overwhelmed with emotions, put her arms around his neck they locked their lips. After a long kiss, which felt like the most intense kiss they ever shared she said: "Yes. Yes, I would love to be your wife" and kissed him again.

They both went to visit Kates's parents next. Kates's mother could hold her joy when she spotted the ring on Kates's left hand. She embraced her daughter so hard, that Kate wasn't able to breathe for a moment. The Kates mom embraced Jonah, while her father hugged her as well. They were both very happy for Kate and Jonah and couldn't wait for the wedding which should Kate and Jonah wanted to take place in early September.

Jonah's parents were just as happy as Kates and soon after the whole extended families of the couple knew about the great news.

A venue was found, and the big day came closer and closer. A week before the wedding Kate was surprised to see Jessica at her door. When Kate told her about the wedding and asked her to be her maid of honor, she started organizing a bachelorette party with a few of the female coworkers from the shop she had worked for in California.

Given the fact that Kate never was a social person before, she had the time of her life. Even though there was plenty of alcohol involved, she enjoyed the time she could spend with the other girls.

Jonah had a bachelor's party with his old high school buddies. And they had just as much alcohol.

When they met the next day at home they were badly hungover. But Jonah could see in Kates's eyes how much fun she had.

"Enjoyed yourself last night," he asked while they were sitting at the kitchen table having coffee

"Oh yes... I did" Kate said groggily. "But remember me to never drink that much again" "Only if you do the same with me" "Deal!" she laughed through her headache.

The weather at the wedding was just lovely. Just as you wish for any late summer day.

And even though They didn't opt for a big wedding, there were quite a few people gathered around with the extended families of Kate and Jonah.

When the music started, and everyone looked for Kates's great entrance they saw one of the happiest brides ever. She looked breathtakingly beautiful in her gown.

Jonah smiled, he was just as happy as his bride and had no single doubt that he isn't marrying the right woman.

Kates's father who led her down the aisle was visibly touched by emotions when he gave his daughter away. But he knew she was doing the right thing and Jonah will always take care of his little girl.

When they had their dance at the reception Kate whispered in Jonah's ear.

"I'm amazed, look at all the people gathered around for us. And they all look as happy as I feel"

She smiled. She would never have imagined that her life would be like this one day. She felt like she was in a fairy tale.

3 Weeks after the wedding Jonah came home from work, finding a happily smiling Kate coming from the bathroom. He got big eyes and a huge smile himself when he saw the pregnancy test in her hands.

The end