A little over a week after Eva learned the truth about her father, Frank urged her to invite her mother over for dinner. They were now seated around the dining room table, enjoying the cherry pie Audrey had brought with her, when Frank made a comment that would not have raised an eyebrow anywhere…except among the three of them.
"I spoke with my mother a couple of days ago."
At his words, both Eva and Audrey looked at him with alarm. Eva was the first to voice the fear that had immediately invaded both their minds. "Was it about my father? Did something happen to him?"
Frank smiled and shook his head. "No, no, nothing of the sort. Actually…" he paused a moment, a thoughtful expression on his face, "I'm not exactly sure what it was about. All my mother would say is that she has something she needs to discuss with me…in person."
His words did nothing to dispel Eva and Audrey's concern. This time Audrey spoke up. "What do you mean by in person, dear?"
Frank shrugged. "Just what I said. Whatever she has to say, she wants to tell me to my face."
Eva asked, with more than a bit of trepidation, "Is she coming back to Earth?"
He shook his head. "No. She wants me to return to Transsexual."
Eva felt as if her heart was suddenly placed in an icy vice. In a small voice, she asked, "Do you mean…return forever?"
Frank smiled and took her hands in his. "No, she asked me to return for a visit. And…she asked if you and Audrey – and Faye, of course – would care to accompany me."
Eva and Audrey, in shock, first stared at each other, then at Frank. Finally, Eva said, "You're kidding, right?"
He raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Certainly not. She is aware of Kristoph's relationship to the two of you, and thought it would mean a great deal to you – and to him – to actually see him again. She also feels you should be exposed to an important part of your heritage. The trip will be considerably easier than you realize…given our advanced space transport vehicles, the voyage will take less time than it would take us to get to Australia from here." His voice softened. "I know this proposal sounds – literally – unbelievable to you both. However, I would urge you not to turn down this opportunity without giving it all due consideration. My mother is offering you the chance to be reunited with someone of great importance to you…and to see a truly wonderful, extraordinary place. It would mean a great deal to me to show you where I was born and raised."
For several long moments, Eva and Audrey sat in silent contemplation of Frank's words. At last, Eva broke the silence. "Frank, what if you get back home…and decide you don't want to leave?"
Frank got up and knelt next to her chair. "Eva, my 'home' is wherever you happen to be. I would never…and I mean never…choose a place – any place - over my relationship with you. That being said, I have to go back. My mother wouldn't be making this request of me were it not of vital importance to her. And it would give me so much pleasure if I could bring the three most important women in my life along with me. Please…think about it."
He got up and returned to his seat, while Eva and Audrey considered his plea. After a moment, the two women looked at each other, smiled and nodded. It was Audrey who verbalized their decision.
"Frank, we'd be honored."
And so began the most incredible journey of their lives.