Jeff
It was so cold I had to wear an extra jacket but I didn't fancy my other jackets. I didn't fancy a lot of my clothes. Fashion is pain and I'm willing to bear the mild cold from the early snow outside.
"Hey Jeff, going out already?", I heard Jess say.
"Yes, I'd rather be with you but a man's got to do what a man's got to do." Catch you later. That's what mom yaps about all day to me. I pick up my car keys from my drawer ready to leave for work. I snatch a toast from the kitchen table on my way out just because mom prepares the best toast ever.
It's quite snowy outside but not enough for a 'no school' day. I'm quite excited today because I get to see my pupils after the term break and then I got my doctor's appointment after work. The walls of Crenshaw Community Primary school are a haven to me, the only place I'd rather be when I'm not with Jess. These little ones are so innocent and carefree and mirror the life I could only hope to have.
It's time for my doctor's appointment and I waltzed in the doctor's office with the gait my mom dislikes so much ready for my first consultation. Doctor Shelly, one of the most beautiful women I ever saw was sitted at her desk, glasses almost reaching the bridge of her perfectly structured nose reading a book. I had first seen her in the Health Tech magazine three years ago and had since been fascinated by her entirety. She embodied perfection and looked like an older version of Jess. Speaking of Jess, I needed to get her a gift for her big day.
"Have a great day Mr. Chessnut", said the red haired clinic receptionist as I bid her goodbye. I noted that Jess would totally love colored hair and added 'hair color' to my mental list.
"That would be $395", the grumpy looking cashier said. She looked at me with an unease I was ever so used to. Crenshaw was a small community where everybody knew everybody and I wasn't a favorite for most of the older Christian folks. I packed my shopping bags and headed home.
My mom was just in the driveway as I made to park. She looked apprehensive with her hand lodged on her waist and waited as I came out the car.
"What was all that spending for Jeff? I got a call from Suzy at the department store, you really spent all that money? First you pay for that procedure now this?"
She was furious as usual with my decisions and I couldn't be bothered at this point. "I told you mom, I'll do whatever makes me happy"
"You're losing your mind Jeff! You're losing it." I moved past her into the house and packed the shopping bags in my closet out of Jess' sight.
Jess
I open my eyes and couldn't feel a thing, I was numb for a while, one, two hours? I don't know. The pain started kicking in and I wished it would end. I could see the nurses now, they smiled at me reassuringly and Doctor Shelly gave me a thumbs up.
"You'd only be here a few days Ms. Chessnut, you're doing just fine already"
That was some good news. Soon I'd be home in time for the big day.
12 weeks later
There's a note in one of the shopping bags I found in the closet.
Dear Jess,
You're the most beautiful woman I have ever known. Your heart is pure and filled with love, a love that deserves to be reciprocated. You have merely being a figment of yourself all these years, always pleasing others and seeking validation for your very existence. You looked beautiful yet didn't feel beautiful. You have always been beautiful in my eyes Jess. I've been a huge part of your life and you, mine. It's time to be your own person and glow like the rainbow you are.
For the last time, yours,
Jeff.
I turn to look at myself in the mirror, the same mirror Jeff always looked into every morning just before he left for work. He used to see me and wish to be me. I was just his reflection then, the woman he longed to be until the sex reassignment surgery. Now I was here in full glory, Jeff is gone and would be proud. I am proud. I pick up one of the dresses from the shopping bag and put it on to my amazement. Dr Shelly did a good job, my feminine features had a semblance to hers finally. Goodbye Jeff. Hello Jess Chessnut.