Laura and her husband, Dan, browsed through the rows of fragrant flowers and graceful exotic plants. They'd only recently moved to the outskirts of the Garden District in the old city of New Orleans. They purchased a shotgun home that was just barely affordable. When they saw the courtyard garden Laura knew she had to have it for her husband to enjoy.

"Good morning. May I help you?" A distinguished looking, tall, older gentlemen had quietly walked up behind the couple.

"Oh!" Laura jumped. "I didn't hear you walk up." The curly haired blonde smiled widely as she gazed up into the bluest eyes she'd ever seen, which were crinkled at the sides with a grin that was never far away.

The older man took an exaggerated look at his 6'4" expanse and chuckled. "Well, that's something I don't hear every day. Now, what can I do for you?"

"We recently bought a home on Laurel." She pulled a folded paper from her purse and held it out. "and would like to have you create a garden something like this."

"You need to speak to my daughter, Maxie. I only help out when she's on location. I'm David Laurel."

"Pleased to meet you. I am Dan MacDaniel and this is my wife Laura." David shook their proffered hands.

"You are welcome to have a seat on the patio and help yourselves to a glass of iced tea. Maxie and her crew should be back shortly. They were just dropping off a few trees for one of our regular clients."

* * *

"Oh Jeesh, what a way to start the day, with back strain and a hernia." Dawn complained as she crawled up into the huge work truck.

"You are such a wimp." Maxie laughed at her friend.

"Am not."

"Are too." Jane ruffled her friend's hair from the back seat. "If you didn't have that spare tire to drag around, you . . .

"Hey, hey, hey. What is this; pick on Dawn day?" The rather stout woman pouted.

"If the girdle fits . . . ?" Maxie cranked up the motor while dodging her friend's swats.

* * *

"Hi, sorry you had to wait. I'm Maxie. My Dad said you have a garden you'd like designed." Maxie held out a long, tanned hand.

'Wow, I'd have known those blue eyes anywhere.' Laura thought as she gazed up into said orbs.

"Yes. Here. We made a rough design for you to look at. I'm Laura and this is my husband Dan."

Maxie took the design. "I will have to actually see the location."

"Do you have time to stop by this morning?" Dan piped up. "We just live over on Laurel Street."

"Everyone thinks that Laurel Garden Designs and Nursery should be on Laurel Street." Maxie explained.

"But, your last name is Laurel. Right?" Dan said.

"Exactly." Maxie shrugged her shoulders. "If you can give me your address, I can meet you there in about an hour. Is that OK?"

"Great. We'll see you soon."

* * *

Laura stood at the kitchen sink, absently washing the breakfast dishes and watching her husband in his glory, digging in the mud, planting variegated juniper ground cover where the small amount of grass had once been. He wore chinos and his ever-present baseball cap. Laura perused her memories, wondering how they had gotten to where they now were.

They met at Bible summer camp when they were only twelve years old. Her Mom and Dad were camp counselors, while Dan's Dad was their Minister and his Mom the choir directress. They all were like one big happy family. The work their parents did truly helped the community and instilled the same values in them. For the next five years, the youngsters' activities revolved around the Church and their small rural community. It just seemed the natural progression of things that they marry and continue on their parents' way of life. They both went to nearby Southeastern University in Hammond Louisiana and earned college degrees in education, returning home to be community leaders and to improve the lives of the less fortunate.

They tried to have a family. Sex was never discussed under their parent's roofs and was not something Laura much enjoyed. She liked the cuddling and the feeling of security she got from her husband but much preferred sharing their work and faith to sharing bodily fluids. Dan was patient with her and having known nothing else was perfectly contented with the life he shared with his wife. After fifteen childless years, the couple's parents began to complain heartily that they wanted grandchildren while they were still young enough to enjoy them. More or less to keep the peace, the couple saw a fertility specialist in New Orleans and fell in love with the architecture and flavor of the Big Easy. But, the results of a battery of tests were not good. Dan had a slow growing, malignant testicular cancer that had metastasized to his bones and liver. The prognosis was poor. Basically, the doctor said to go home and get his affairs in order, take a long vacation and prepare for the end.

Laura and Dan immediately began their research into experimental treatments. The most recent involved inserting a shunt into his liver where the chemo could be directly injected without damaging his body as a whole. The doctor did not promise a cure, only to postpone the inevitable. So, they prayed, and their families and community prayed too.

The petite, curly haired blonde was shaken from her reverie by the loud engine of a particularly large truck. She watched as the gardener unfolded her tall frame and hopped out of the cab, quickly straightening the baggy overalls she wore that hid any hint of the figure underneath. Laura put down her dishrag and went to join her husband.

* * *

For the next few weeks Laura and Dan worked side by side with Maxie while her partners took over the planting at their other garden jobs. Dan insisted he wanted to "get down and dirty". The joy it gave him warmed his wife's heart. He would be exhausted when the gardener left, so the visits were cut shorter and shorter. Maxie seemed to sense Dan's need for rest and often suggested they stop before Laura even mentioned it. She grew to like the couple very much and was touched by their devotion and camaraderie. Nothing was mentioned about Dan's cancer. The three discussed the garden and the placement of different shrubs, which liked full sun and which preferred partial or full shade. They picked Maxie's brain over what to see in the city and what to avoid. Their gardener seemed to have a very expansive knowledge of the French Quarter and what to do there.

After one particularly productive day, Dan asked Maxie, "We'd like to take you and your boyfriend out to dinner at one of those restaurants you recommended to show you our gratitude. We could never have created such a beautiful garden without you."

Maxie turned a deep red and avoided her new friend's eyes. "That's not necessary, Dan. I enjoy working with you two. And, besides, you pay me well for my services." She grinned.

"But, we want to." Laura chimed in. She hadn't made any new friends since moving to New Orleans. All of her time and energy was devoted to her ailing husband. So, the budding friendship with Maxie was becoming very important to her. "Really we would."

"Well, I don't have a boyfriend. And, even if I did, I wouldn't want you two spending your money on me. Thanks for the invitation, though. I'll see you next Monday. Bye." Maxie nearly ran to her truck, heaving a sigh of relief when she drove out of their view. "Damn."

* * *

"You're awfully quiet this morning." David Laurel told his daughter. "Feeling alright?"

Maxie looked up from the scrambled eggs she'd pushing around on her plate. "Yeah. I'm fine. I just . . . I don't know."

"You don't know what? Come on. Spill it." David urged.
"You know the MacDaniels, the couple I've been working with?"

"Yes. That nice couple over on Laurel, whose garden you've been doing."

"Well, they asked me to dinner."

"Wasn't that nice of them. They seem like very fine people."

"They are."

"So, what's the problem?"

The tall brunette shook her head. "I didn't know what to do, so I turned them down."

"Why on earth did you do that? Don't you like them?"

"Of course I do, Dad. But they don't know me. I mean they don't really know me. You know?"

She heard a horn blow. "That's the girls. Gotta go. I don't want to be late for group."

David grabbed his daughter's arm. "There is more to life than attending support groups. I wish you'd expand your horizons. After all, sweetheart, it's not like you have three eyes or there is something wrong with you that people can see."

Tears sprung to his daughter's blue eyes. "I thought you said there was nothing wrong with me." She sighed and took a steadying breath. "Look, Dad, I appreciate everything you and Mom have done for me. You know I love the business and I love you. But, I'm different. I'll never have anyone to love me like you two had or the MacDaniel's have. At group I'm just another one of the gang. I'm amongst my own kind. We care for and look out for each other. I guess in a lot of ways I'm much better off than most of my peers. At least you and Mom never tried to change me into what you thought I should be. Some of them, Dad, some of those poor people have been mutilated, both physically and emotionally. It's just . . . I can help them. I've been in therapy and going to group all of my unnatural life. I have something to offer there."

David shook his head. "Don't . . . Please don't talk about yourself like that. You are a strong, creative and beautiful young woman."

"Am I, Dad?"

"Yes, you are."

"Hey! What's keeping ya. We're gonna be late." Jane plowed through the kitchen door. "Hi, Mr. Laurel."

"Hi, Janie." David pulled his daughter down to kiss her cheek. "I love you, Princess."

Maxie hugged her father tight. "Love you too, Dad."

* * *

After group as many as could fit climbed into Janie's truck and headed for the French Market for coffee and beignets.

Maxie looked around at her companions. There were young people with multiple piercings, older folk in conservative attire and her girlfriends whom she'd known since they met in a group much like the one they'd just attended over twenty years ago. Their parents had disowned them after they rebelled at the brutal treatment they continued to suffer. If it weren't for Max and her parents they'd have had to live on the street and may have fallen prey to any manner of predator. The hard times made them close. They were devoted to each other and to making life easier for others like themselves. 'It's not a home and family, but it makes life worth the effort.'

* * *

The tall brunette was surprised when she arrived at the house on Laurel Street and found the courtyard empty. Dan had never failed to greet her in his signature baseball cap and chinos. She walked to the kitchen door and hesitated before knocking. The sound of a woman's crying wafted through the window. Not sure what to do, she stepped back and called out to give her friend the opportunity to compose herself. Moments later, Laura opened the door.

Max tried not to stare. "Um, is this a bad time? I could come back another day."

Laura stepped out into the courtyard. "Hi. Sorry. I meant to call you. Dan is in the hospital. He. . . he has cancer."

"I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do?" Max touched the distraught woman's hand.

Laura had no family in the city. Max was truly the only friend she had other than her husband. She'd never felt so alone. "I could use a hug." Laura flew into her friend's outstretched arms, reveling in the comfort they offered. "I can't lose him, Maxie. He's my whole world."

Maxie rubbed her friend's back and let her cry out her fear and pain. She didn't usually let people touch her unless it was her Dad or her girlfriends, but she somehow didn't mind the closeness of this tiny woman.

Laura pulled back from the comfort of a broad shoulder. "I'm sorry. I just feel so alone in all this. He's been sick for such a long time. We've been blessed so far, but he was working in his garden Sunday and just toppled over. I called an ambulance and now he's in a coma and the doctors say not to expect him to wake up. Just like that. Sorry, lady, but your life as you've known it since you were twelve years old is coming to a screeching halt."

Maxie's heart bled for the petite woman. She reached back out and pulled Laura into her strong arms. "I'm your friend and I'm not going anywhere. Have you eaten anything today?"

Laura shook her head.

"Let's get you fed." Maxie helped her friend back into the kitchen and sat her down at the dinette table. "Let's see what we have." She looked in the cupboards and found a can of vegetable soup, which she warmed and encouraged the little blonde to eat.

Laura ate what was offered as she waited for the phone to ring. "They said they'd call if there was any change. Our parents are staying with him. They made me come home to get some sleep, but I'm afraid if I fall asleep he'll die and I won't get to say good bye." The tears fell again.

"Do you want me to take you back to the hospital?" Max ran her fingers through curly hair, offering the comfort of her touch.

"Would you do that? I could wait for my Mother-in-law."

"No. I don't mind. Why don't you take a hot shower. I'll unload the plants off the truck, then drive you over."

Laura hugged the tall beauty tightly. "Thank you."

* * *

"How is Mr. MacDaniels doing?" David asked his daughter over their morning coffee.

"It doesn't sound good, Dad. He's been in a coma for over a week now. Laura calls me every day. She's under so much stress. Her in-laws are living with her. They're taking turns staying at the hospital. She's not sleeping and I don't believe she's eating either. The girls and I are going over to their house today to finish the planting. I wish to God Dan was gonna be there to see it done. He worked just as hard as we have. If I had only known how sick he was, I'd have made sure to get it done earlier, but I . . ."

David took his daughter's hand. "Don't do that to yourself, sweetheart. There was no way for you to know what they didn't want you to know."

"Yeah, well, I'll see you after work this evening."

"See you later."

* * *

"Oh, it's beautiful. I wish Dan could be here to see this. It would make him so happy." Laura gushed as tears spilled onto her cheeks. "You've all worked so hard and I can't tell you how much it means to us. Can I hold your final check hostage until I can feed you all the best pizza in New Orleans?" The petite woman offered.

Before her partners could decline Maxie accepted her friend's hospitality. "We could eat. Right girls?"

"Great!" Laura loved spending time with her new friend and was very curious to learn all she could about her life.

* * *

Laura and Max looked on with unveiled amusement as Jane and Dawn wolfed down their pizza and a pitcher of beer.

Laura had never spent much time with Maxie's business partners and was just becoming aware of something different about them than most of the women she new. There was a roughness about their features, a broadness to their build. She decided it was due to the very physical work that they did. Yet, Maxie was tall and slim. Though broad in the shoulder, she had a definite femininity about her from her firm full breasts to the upturn of her nose when she smiled that toothy grin. 'She looks like the cat who ate the canary when she grins like that. She definitely should smile more often.'

"So Maxie, tell me why a beautiful woman like you, with a successful business that you obviously enjoy, hasn't been swept up by some lucky fella." Laura queried.

The tall beauty nearly swallowed her tongue. She'd been having such a good time and now it was spoiled.

Her two friends stared at Max wondering how she was going to handle this one.

"I was never interested. I guess some women are like that. I have enough in my life to keep me busy. I've never needed a man to make me feel like a woman."

"But what about children? Haven't you ever wanted a family of your own?" Laura could have kicked herself when she saw the hurt in her friend's blue eyes. "Gosh, I'm sorry. That was way out of line, Max. I apologize. It's none of my business."

"It's OK. I guess I would seem odd to a woman like you. I guess all three of us would." Max paused to take in a breath. "Hey, thanks for the pizza. It was really great. We have to go now so could we have our check, please?"

"Of course. Look, I'm really sorry for prying. I hope you're not mad at me." Laura blabbered as she fished the check out of her purse.

"No problem. Don't worry about it." Max gave her friends the eye and they both excused themselves. "It's been great working with you and Dan. I hope he makes it."

"That sounds like good bye. Aren't we gonna stay friends? I could really use a friend right now."
The little blonde looked up with longing in her sea green eyes.

'My God she is so cute. What could it hurt.' "Of course we are. Come give me a hug." Max pulled her friend into strong arms, enjoying the fresh scent of her hair. "Call me and let me know how Dan is doing or if you just want the company."

Laura didn't want to let go. "Thanks for everything and I'm sorry for being so nosy. . . Forgiven?"

"Forgiven. There are just some areas of my life I don't talk about. OK?"

The curly head nodded. "OK"

* * *

For the next three weeks Max spent every waking moment that she wasn't either at work, or attending a support group, with Laura. They ate pizza, discussed gardening, and shared funny childhood anecdotes. Laura felt compelled to share her memories of Dan with her beautiful friend. It made it seem like he'd walk in on them at any moment, in baseball cap and chinos, looking to "get down and dirty" in his garden.

Laura had never wanted sex much with Dan, but found her interest peaked in recent weeks. She took matters in her own hands on several occasions as visions of a tall, beautiful brunette came unbidden in her fantasies. She tried to explain away the unusual behavior, then decided she just needed to release the pent up tensions of the many months of caring for her ailing spouse and that the presence of her friend just made her feel safe and warm.

* * *

"You don't like to talk about yourself much, do you?" Laura said as she snuggled closer in Max's arms.

"No. Not really. There's not much to tell."

"I don't believe that. What do you do on the nights when you're not babysitting me, for instance?"

"I thought we agreed you weren't going to pry?"

"Is it prying to want to know what makes your best friend tick?"

"Best friend? Is that what I am to you?" Maxie grinned and blushed.

"Yep. You're my best friend. Dan was, but I don't think he's ever coming home." Laura's chin quivered as tears sprung to her eyes.

"Hey." Max placed a golden head onto her shoulder. "It's OK. You can cry all you want. I'm here."

Laura cried until there were no tears left. Then noticed something strange. "Do you ever where anything other than baggy overalls?"

"Nope. I like'em." Max looked down self-consciously and rearranged herself.

"But, you're so pretty. Don't you ever want to wear something, I don't know, a little more girly."

"Girly? I can't believe you said that. Whatta you care how I'm dressed?"

"Don't get upset. I just thought you'd want to dress up a bit now and then. What if I wanted to go to a nice restaurant or something? You can't wear that get up."

"Did you ever think that there is a reason why I always wear the same thing? Huh?" Maxie stood up and paced the floor trying to get her anger and frustration under control.

"Gosh, we sound like a couple. Maybe that's the problem. Maybe I am relating to you more and more like Dan. And, that's so unfair. I'm sorry." Laura felt confusion at her own behavior.

"Well, I'm not Dan. I'm me. And, what's so damn wrong with that." Maxie's emotions were bouncing off the walls now and she was having a hard time reeling them in.

"Nothing. Nothing at all. I love you just the way you are." Laura hugged her friend.

She allowed herself to be held. "You love me?" Maxie's heart stopped for a minute.

"Of course I do. You're my best friend. You've been my rock through all of this. I'm so sorry if I hurt you, Max. I didn't mean to. I wouldn't hurt you for anything."

At that moment the phone rang and two women knew their lives would never be the same.

* * *

The week drug by. Maxie missed her best friend something fierce. She longed to be by her side, but Laura's parents and in-laws were at the house, making funeral arrangements and offering their spiritual guidance and support. She felt like odd-man-out and kept her distance.

The days passed filled with work and the support group. There was always a newcomer who could use her experience. There was never a lack of need in the world. She new that to be a fact for the need she felt for her little blonde haired friend was causing a constant ache in her heart and regions further South. She needed to hold her, to comfort her, and to love her. She'd never let herself fall in love before, but she feared that was just what happened. The future held pain and rejection, but she couldn't walk away. The need for Laura was far too great.

The dream was vivid and erotic. Laura was nude as she climbed upon Maxie's trembling body. They rocked in rhythm together, dark nipples aching in their need for Laura's warm mouth. The tall beauty cupped her lover's arse in her hands, pulling her closer in to her need. Laura's hands replaced her lips as she kneaded and caressed Maxie's breasts. Both women moaned as their ardor rose. "I gotta come. I can't hold back anymore." Maxie gasped out.

"Come for me, baby. I want it. I want all you have to give." Laura purred as she gazed deeply into her lover's blue eyes.

"Oooh, Laura!!!"

"Shit!" Maxie awoke in a sweat. "That was so real." Maxie lifted her sheet. "I need a shower. Maybe a cold one."

* * *

"Hi." Laura stood like an angel surrounded by a dozen differently colored roses.

"Hi." Maxie finally was able to speak.

"I've missed you."

"I've missed you too."

"May I have a hug?" Laura held out her arms inviting Maxie into their comfort. "Gosh, I've missed this."

"Me too. How are you holding up?" I would have hung around but there were so many people around already." Maxie babbled.

"It's OK. I understand. I'm doing much better. My folks want me to move back home, but I need time."

"Move? I never thought that you'd want to move away, I mean from the garden and all." Maxie was terror-stricken.

"I don't want to move away at all. I'd miss you. Would you like to come over for dinner and a movie tonight? I could sure use the company."

"Sure. I'd like that. I'll see you later."

"Later.""

* * *

The friends cuddled as they watched Charlie's Angels. "I wish I could do all that Kung Fu stuff. It would be so nifty to be such a strong, successful woman."

"Not to mention young and sexy."

"You don't think I'm sexy?" Laura pouted.

"I think you are very sexy." Max wiggled her eyebrows and gave her best lascivious grin.

"You do?" Laura asked with all kidding aside.

"Yes, I do." Max replied with sincerity.

"I think you are, too."

"Why, thank you, ma'am." Max tried to lighten the tone. She found her body responding to her desires.

"No, I mean it." Laura turned so she could better face her friend. She laid a hand haphazardly on the other woman's thigh, running it up and down. "You are the most beautiful, sexy creature I've ever known. Does it bother you that I feel that way?"

Max was aware of a stirring in her groin. "I love that you feel that way because I feel the same way about you."

"You do?" The small hand began painting small circles on the other woman's abdomen.

"I do." She swallowed deeply.

"Then, would you kiss me, Maxie. I so want to feel you kiss me." Laura's heart stopped beating as she waited for soft lips to cover her own.

"Oh, God yes." Maxie lowered her mouth to the smaller woman's and trembled with anticipation as they met, gently at first, and then felt a warm tongue enter her mouth and shoot her heartbeat into triple time. She groaned her arousal and deepened the kiss.

"Wait." Laura pulled away, confusion and desire in her eyes. "I'm so sorry for taking advantage of you like this. I just don't understand what I am feeling anymore." She took a calming breath. "Max, you're all I can think about. I lay in bed wondering what it would feel like to be touched by you, to touch you. I don't know what's happening to me." The smaller woman pulled back from her friend.

"Please don't pull away. I've wanted this, wanted you. You're all I can think about, too. I need you, to touch you. Please don't be afraid." Max couldn't believe her ears. She'd never let anyone go any further than light petting. She was always afraid. But, now, her desire far out-weighed her fears.

Laura ran her hands through thick dark tresses and kissed Maxie with all the pent up passion she possessed. Maxie pulled at her lover's blouse until it slipped over blonde curls and was lost on the floor. The tall woman stared in wonder at the perfectly formed breasts with their pink areola and taut nipples. "God, you are so beautiful, Laura. May I touch you?"

"Please Maxie . . ." Was all the smaller woman was able to say before her breasts were reverently cupped and a thumb rubbed against each nipple.

Laura began to tremble as her need increased with each loving touch. She almost came when she felt Maxie's warm mouth suckling on her right breast and her left nipple was pinched in sympathy.

"Max, take off your clothes. I need to see you, to feel you too." Laura reached for the snap on her lover's overalls. But was shocked and disappointed when the object of her lust jumped out of reach.

"No. Just let me love you, baby. Please just let me love you." Max fell to her knees between her lover's legs and unzipped her jeans, pulling them down and off. Before Laura could protest, a large hand slid through the heat and moisture found there, gently rubbing and driving Laura crazy with lust. "That feels so good, Laura. You are beautiful my love." Max leaned forward and sucked a puckered nipple into her mouth, lathing it with her tongue.

"Oh yeah! I've never felt this way before. Don't stop. Oh my God Max." Laura's orgasm stole her breath away as wave after wave of ecstacy pounded at her core.

When Max felt her partner's spasms subside she took her into strong arms, whispering sweet words of love and endless devotion.

"I have to go now, my love. I'll call you in the morning." Maxie kissed her lover one last time, then rose to her feet and headed for the front door.

"No. Max. Don't leave. Where are you going?" The door closed on her words and Laura sat dumfounded and distressed.

As Max approached her car, she unsnapped her overalls and shoved her trembling hand inside. She leaned against the cold metal, hips pumping and tears streaming down her beautiful face. She grunted and shivered and it was done.

* * *

"What happened last night? Why did you leave me like that? I don't understand. Did I do something wrong?" Laura asked over the phone as she wiped fresh tears from her eyes.

"No. You did nothing wrong. I love you, Laura. I just have this problem and I don't know what to do about it."

"What is it, Maxie? Whatever it is we can solve it together."

"It's not that easy, honey. You see, I'm different from other women."

"How are you different? Do you mean you're a lesbian. Apparently, so am I. Good Lord, my folks are going to freak."

"I'd say that is an understatement." Maxie chuckled with dismay. "But, that's not what I meant."

"Oh. Can you not orgasm?" Laura queried with dread.

"Oh no. I can have an orgasm. You have no idea."

"Then, what is the problem?" Laura demanded an answer.

"Laura, I look different. You know, down there."

"You mean a scar or something? I don't care about that, Maxie. I just want to make you feel good."

"I mean I look really different, Laura. I think more so than you can imagine."

"Honey, let's not discuss this on the phone. Please come over and we'll get everything straightened out."

"OK."

* * *

Maxie showered and dressed, but this time she dressed in a pair of her mother's slacks and a silk blouse. She wanted to look good for her lover, but she also wanted her lover to really know why she is like she is.

'Well here goes nothing.'

* * *

"Wow, you look gorgeous." Laura ogled her lover.

"You don't look too bad yourself. May I come in?"

"Sure. Sorry. I just can't get over the makeover."

"Come here." Maxie kissed her lover and felt a small hand run through her hair as another one wrapped around her back. When that same hand strayed to her behind and pulled her close she escaped its grasp.

"Not yet. We need to talk."

"OK. Let's talk. I want you. You want me. We love each other. So, what could be so damning, other than the fact that we are two women and my family will never accept this, that you won't let me see you nude?"

"Come sit with me on the couch and I'll try to explain." Maxie took a small hand in hers and led her lover to sit beside her.

"When I was born. I had this condition. The doctors used to perform surgery to "correct" it, in most cases, but my parents decided it should be my decision, so I'm different than you."

"Maxie, I have no idea what you are talking about. What condition? Different than me how?"
Laura was completely puzzled.

The tall beauty took in a cleansing breath. "They use to call children like me hermaphrodites."

Laura shook her head, trying to remember where she'd heard the term before. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be dense but what does that mean?"

Maxie couldn't believe she'd finally told her and her lover had no clue what she'd just said.

"Today, we like to call ourselves transgendered. I was born with both male and female genitalia."

"You have what?" The concept just wouldn't sink in.

"You want me to show you?" Maxie asked.

Laura nodded slowly, still trying to take it all in.

Max stood and walked across the room where the fireplace embers popped and sizzled. She turned away from her confused lover and removed her shoes and socks, then her slacks and panties. The glow of the fire made her skin shine with an unearthly glow. She slowly turned towards the woman she loved and prayed that she would not see revulsion on her face.

Laura's eyes grew wide with wonder as standing before her was the most exquisitely beautiful and wild looking creature she'd ever seen. "Come closer. Please, don't be afraid. I want to see you more clearly."

Max took a deep breath and tried to hold her tears at bay. She slowly walked closer to her lover.

"You are incredibly beautiful. So beautiful." Laura whispered in awe. Her lover's shoulders were broad and her dark nippled breasts high and full, below her tapering waist hung a small penis laying in a bed of dark straight hair. "Does is work?" The look of sincerity on her face made Maxie grin at the situation.

"Yes it works. I pee through it and umm, ejaculate through it."

"You ejaculate? What else can you do. I mean do you have a vagina?" She wanted to reach out and touch it.

"Yes, I have a vagina, ovaries, but no uterus, no testicles and no chance of having children."

"May I touch it?"

At the thought of her lover touching her sex, Maxie's nipples became painfully hard and her member began to grow.

"Please, touch me, Laura."

The small woman knelt on the carpet and sat back upon her heels. She ran her hand down her lover's belly and into the soft hair of her pubis.

"Oh God." Maxie moaned as her penis twitched and her vagina began to lubricate.

"It is getting hard." Laura said in wonder.

"Your touch excites me. I want to touch you too, Laura." Maxie bent over to pull her lover to her feet, but she swatted her hands away.

"Not on your life. It's my turn, my love." Laura turned her Max around and pushed her back onto the sofa cushions. "And I'm gonna enjoy every moment of it." Small hands probed until she found the warm wet vagina. "Wow, you have the best of both worlds. Do you have vaginal orgasms too?"

Maxie's face was flushed and her breath was becoming ragged. "Yes, but not from vaginal stimulation alone. You have to play with my penis." Max reached down and took her lover's hand and placed it on her member. She closed her hand over Laura's smaller one and began to run it up and down and over the tip of her rapidly engorging penis.

"Wow, you're not so small."

"It gets much bigger when I am aroused. For the love of God Laura you're killing me."

Laura took the hint and began to pump her lover's penis in earnest as she reached up and pinched dark, rock hard nipples. Maxie's hips began to pump and her face contort in ecstacy.

"Oh, Laura. I'm gonna come."

Thick white cream ejaculated from the head of her penis and over her lover's hand. It wasn't much, not like Dan use to make, and it smelled a little different too. More like herself when she orgasmed.

She realized that Max was crying. Laura lay over her in an effort to comfort her lover.

"Sh, sh, don't cry, my love."

"You aren't repulsed by me?" Max hid her face in Laura's blonde curls.

"Not at all. I think you are magnificent and I love you more than ever. Now, make love to me before I have to hurt you."

Maxie smiled and kissed Laura deeply and passionately. Her mouth wondered down to suckle Laura's breasts as her hand slid down into moist warmth. "Oh yeah. I'll never get tired of feeling you wet and wanting me."

"I want you inside me, Maxie."

Max slipped her fingers into Laura's vagina.

"No, I want your penis." Laura admonished, reaching down to pump Max's already turgid member.

"Are you sure?" Max asked, begging that her answer would be yes. Her present state of arousal was nearly painful.

"Oh yes."

Maxie quickly turned on her back and pulled her lover over and onto her sex. The feeling of being wrapped in warm slick walls was incredible. She'd never felt anything so good before and never wanted to leave, but Laura began to pump her hips, milking the shaft of her overly sensitive member. Knowing she wouldn't last long Maxie moved her hands down between her lover's clit and her shaft, offering more direct stimulation. The results were instantaneous. Laura bucked wildly as her orgasm washed over her. The sight of her lover's ecstasy brought Max's orgasm upon her swift and hard.

The lovers fell asleep in each other's arms.

* * *

"It must have been difficult for you keeping such a secret all of your life." Laura said as she buttered their toast at the kitchen table.

"I had it easy. Some of the people at group have lived a hellish existence. Doctors used to cut us to make us look more "normal". The surgery takes away the ability to feel arousal. You become basically sexless. It's horrible. At least my parents let me make my own choices. That's why they named me Maxie, just in case I decided to be a boy.

"My girl friends weren't so fortunate. The Doctors cut them and then kept them on "hormone therapy" for years. After they both suffered through cancers and a host of misery, they decided to get off the hormones and try to accept themselves, while suing their doctors. They hope their actions will make other doctors wait and let their patients grow up to decide what's right for them.
Dawn and Jane will never experience what we shared last night."

"How sad. I never realized what people like that suffer. Thank God your Mom and Dad left the choice up to you." Laura blinked tears away.

"And, thank God I found you." Maxie walked around the table and pulled Laura into her arms for a passionate kiss.

"I want to learn more about the transgendered, but later, much later." Laura said as she took her lover's hand and led her toward the bedroom.

The End

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