Apple Strudel Talk
…2 months later
It smelled like serenity and warmth in the Nichols-Parker kitchen. There were no scented
candles lighted or a deodorizer sprayed around the premises. It came the old fashioned
way with the smell of freshly cut Granny Smith apples and cinnamon sticks that came
from the spice aisle and not the ones in the cheap jars on the spice rack. Audrey was
not really the baker in the family and her idea of making something was cutting logs of
cookie dough and placing them on a cookie sheet.
It certainly made the place seem homey and attractive to any potential buyers if Audrey
and Walter were going to sell the place.
"She's going to be so happy to see you." Audrey said putting two cups of English blend
tea on the counter.
Grammy cut her Caribbean vacation short to see her grandDAUGHTER and she also
wanted to slap the ignorance off Walter.
The latter she knew was not going to do a damn bit of good and Drakey. She thought he
was good kid after all. The older woman was disillusioned in him and was this close to
calling Uncle Richard's house in Washington to yell at him long distance.
What a disappointment he turned out to be. Grammy's first instincts were right, he was a
lazy punk after all.
"And the same goes for me. Do you have a micro plane grater for the FRESH nutmeg,
dear?"
"Yes," Audrey just had to remember where she put it last, "I think it's in this drawer…."
"Thanks. And how is Dina's job at the cinema?"
"Great. I'm very impressed with Helen Du'Bois. If anyone tries to start trouble she's
ready with her baseball bat."
Legal, ethical, or not Audrey was grateful that someone else was looking after her
daughter.
It also helped that everyone wore the same black pants, blue button down shirt, red vest,
and comfortable sneakers uniform so apart from some small gold stud ball earrings,
slight make up, and perfume there was no one to cat call, "Hey, Queer Boy! Why are you
wearing a dress?"
"I'm glad to hear that." How noticeable that for the most part it was the women who were
most supportive. Were the men in this family really that threatened? They weren't all like
that, but they certainly gave the opposite gender a bad name.
"She's going to love the apple strudel. Sometimes Dina is so upset by a particular event
or person I can barely get her to eat."
"I'll take care of that." Grammy was always there for Josh and would continue to be an
integral part of Dina's life. It was really that simple.
3 hours later:
"How was your shift at work?" Asked Audrey when Dina came through the door. The
corset making the red vest curvy and the bra worn inside of the built in bra an attempt at
what he/she hoped surgery would accomplish.
"All right."
"Sit down. I have a surprise for you."
"Something smells good…did you make Grammy's apple strudel?"
"No! I made it." Grammy came in from the swinging door holding the clear baking dish.
"Grammy!"
She put down the dish so she could get the biggest hug ever.
"Let me look at you!"
"I'll look better."
"You're beautiful."
A kiss placed on both cheeks made his/her heart race over the feelings of acceptance.
"I hope you're hungry for a piece of apple strudel?" Audrey opened the refrigerator to
take out a carton of milk.
"Of course. It means a great deal to me that you are here, Grammy. You cut your
vacation short."
"You're just more important. I'm going to stay here for as long you need me." She cut
three pieces of the strudel and placed them on light blue dessert plates.
He/She touched her hand. "Thank you. The women in this family rock."
Grammy wouldn't bring up Drake or Walter not after seeing the earnest smile on Dina's
face.
Megan came in without any words or fanfare. She liked Grammy Nichols. Audrey gave
her some strudel and a glass of milk as well.
"We do. Now, while you eat that let me get you a present."
"Grammy you already purchased me several nice sweaters…."
"And it's the Grandmother's Rule Book that I can purchase my grandchildren whatever I
desire," She opened up her purse and took out a rectangular shaped slim box, "And I
love to see you smile…"
"Oh my—it's the Finding Your Female Voice DVD's!"
There wasn't an approved surgery for this and many people came out sounding worse
or no difference and it was generally frowned upon in the transgender universe.
"Your mom told me you were having trouble doing this on your own."
"I can't whisper in real life situations." That was the only way He/She felt that the natural
voice sounded feminine at all. This would be a big help. These DVDs were highly
recommended.
"No, you are a woman," Grammy held up her tea cup, "And I want to hear you roar!"
They toasted their respective tea and milk glasses.
The men in this family be damned.