CHAPTER THREE

The next morning bright and early, Jean woke me up by throwing back the shade and letting the morning sun pour down on the bed. I rolled over slowly, rubbed my eyes, and said, “Hi!”

"Hi there sleepy head. You better start getting in gear, its moving day this morning!"

"I leaned over the side of the bed and supporting myself, staggered off to the bathroom, bow legged from the bandages, around my middle. After I had brushed my teeth and washed my face, Jean came in and shaved me as I sat on the toilet seat.

"Ouch," I said as she pulled on a spot. “At least after this thing is all over I won't have to worry about this little ritual each morning."

"Ah, starting to appreciate the benefits already?" Jean said laugh- ing.

I joined her, and to keep the conversation going, I asked how my name selection was coming along.

"What's the matter didn't you like Henrietta," she said poker faced.

"If I could run, I'd catch you and spank you!"

"Well, even if my old aunt won't be remembered, I guess I'll just have to find another one, just to please you."

"Yes, please do.”

We finished up, laughing at our mutual joke, and I started to realize that the closeness with this girl wouldn't be too bad. And at the same time, we weren't talking quite like men and women usually did, but just as two people, two friends.

She had already assembled my things and a wheel chair was brought up to make my trip downstairs easier. I hopped in and we were brought to the entrance. A staff car was brought around and after the transfer was effected we were whisked off to the clinic.

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