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Eve Chapter 29     By Topsy

It was still raining in the morning and the roads were awash, it was a blessing that mum had the car back on the road. I had an appointment at the hospital, yeah it's Wednesday again, so we parked there just after nine and grabbed our brollies for the dash across the carpark to the out-patients department.

We checked in and were told our appointment had been moved to ten o'clock. Mum looked fit to burst when the receptionist added, reluctantly, that the Chief Exec wanted to see us. I don't think she was impressed, she ended up spitting the words out. I guess she wasn't our favourite member of staff at the hospital, unfortunately her immediate manager was stood behind her.

"Good morning Mrs Jones, Miss Jones. Please come this way." He turned to the receptionist, "arrange someone to cover for you. I want you in my office in ten minutes."

He walked round to where we were stood and headed off with us in tow.

"I'm sorry about that. I'll be having a word with my team member about her attitude problem."

"Thank you." Mum was becoming less impressed with the hospital every time we came here, it may have been evident from her voice.

The Chief Exec was waiting for us and arranged for his PA to get some coffee.

"Good morning, please take a seat. I'm sorry I took the liberty of moving your appointment so I could talk to you. Your solicitor Mr Dixon can't be here but says if you feel uncomfortable then I can call him and put him on the conference phone."

The coffee arrived and the PA sat with a notepad. I looked at the Chief Exec, scanning the security badge around his neck.

"Mr Allen, please excuse me, but why is your PA taking notes?"

"Sorry Miss Jones, I should have explained. Miss Smith will take notes and will send you, and your solicitor, a copy. If you have a problem with the minutes, let me know. That way we have a true record of this meeting, this is our normal practice."

"Right." I wasn't convinced but mum seemed to accept it.

He continued, "given the seriousness of the issue I have taken personal charge. As you will know, we have positively identified one member of staff as having made the phone call cancelling your appointment last Wednesday. We have interviewed other staff who were on duty on the days you said you encountered him and we found he was making enquiries about you, Miss Jones. I understand he also made some disparaging comments about you, we are obtaining written testimony from several staff."

"That confirms my original suspicions." Mum was quite serious, and Mr Allen could see it.

"Having read my deputy's report, I'd have to agree that this is more than circumstantial. As you may be aware, we have had difficulty persuading him to report here for interview. We eventually found Mr Stevens last night in his local pub and served a dismissal notice on him. I can't say that he was impressed, according to our solicitor. Whilst I can't go into any detail, he has had two previous warnings, so our options were limited. He has the right to an employment tribunal but we have sufficient evidence to take him to court for fraud if necessary so we expect him to go quietly."

"I'd like to protect my daughter from further court action if possible. We already have to deal with his son."

"Believe me, we will use every sensible legal approach to deal with this quietly, I obviously do not want to have the good name of the hospital ruined my one man." Mum coughed as he said 'good name'."Jill?" he looked at the PA, "scratch that last sentence."

"Now, Mrs Jones, Miss Jones, I would like to make amends for the hurt that has happened here. My deputy has made an offer which I believe you have turned down. I'd like to make an alternative offer. We will write a cheque  for £7,500 plus I will give you a written guarantee that will mean that any further surgery or hospitalisation in the next ten years will be fully funded if you choose to have it done here privately, instead of on the NHS. That includes any plastic surgery or even surgery to correct your little problem." He looked straight at me, making me blush.

"Could my daughter and I have a few moments alone?"

"Certainly, would you like to use my side room?"

We went into the room, which turned out to be the boardroom, and sat at the large table.

"Eve, do you know what this means?"

"I think I do. I've done some research on the net about people like me, that's if there is anyone else exactly like me."

"So what do you think?"

"I'll have to talk to the shrink on Friday but I don't reckon they'll do anything before my 18th birthday and there's a wait on the NHS."

"That's ok dear. You don't need to worry yet, but your 18th is only just over a year, remember? Now, let's think. What he's offered is a reasonable sum plus ten years of free medical insurance, queue jumping it used to be called. It won't affect the normal stuff of course, the NHS covers that."

"So do we take it?"

"I'll give a tentative yes, then we have a few days to think it over. Wait until after your appointment on Friday."

"That's reasonable."

We walked back in, Mr Allen was just coming off the phone.

"Ladies, have you come to a decision?"

"Mr Allen, my daughter and I feel that the private surgery guarantee is very generous. But I'm afraid that if your former employee, Mr Stevens, continues harassing my daughter as a result of his dismissal, my legal bills will be high. Our distress could continue for some time."

"Mrs Jones, I fully understand, I sometimes balk at what the Trust's solicitor charges." He laughed, "how about I give you £10,000 and cover all your current or related legal costs?"

"That is reasonable."

Mr Allen stood and mum shook hands with him, then it was my turn.

"I'll write to you and I'll send the cheque to Mr Dixon."

"Thank you."

Mum and I walked down to the cafe, I was now half an hour late for my delayed appointment but needed to talk to mum, urgently. We didn't even bother going to the counter to get a drink.

I asked an open question, guessing that mum would work out what I meant, "why?"

"Sorry dear, as we walked back into his office I just had an idea and I didn't have time to discuss it."

"That's not good enough."

"Not even for two and a half thousand reasons?"

That stumped me, temporarily. "That's irrelevant. This is my character that was being assassinated. You could have taken me back into that boardroom."

"Eve, I'm your mum and you're under eighteen. That means I get to make all the decisions for you, regardless."

Mum has never spoken to me like that before.

"I'm not a little girl any more!" I got up and stormed out.

I was stood outside, staring into space, when mum found me.

"Eve, let's have this discussion later. I've been to see Doctor Roberts and he is now waiting for us. Did you know he's a genitourinary specialist? He's barely tolerated the Chief Exec's disruption to your appointment and wants to get moving, he says it's important."

Mum led me back inside and to an examination room marked obstetrics. I recognised the word, but couldn't remember its meaning.

"Good morning Eve. I'm glad you made it. Please sit down. I'd like to have a word before I examine you."

He was smiling through white teeth that slightly unsettled me. Mum however was smiling back. Did she fancy him? Oh, he wasnt wearing a wedding ring.

"Eve, I've read your file and understand that your body is awash with female hormones. We have suspected until now that it was down to the pituitary gland but I can't believe that's the whole story here."

He waited a few seconds before continuing, "now, was it ever your intention to have children?"

What a question.

"I hadn't considered it. I'm only sixteen, nearly seventeen, and haven't discussed that with my girlfriend."

"That's alright, I didn't need a full answer now in any case. What I do have to say however is that you may not be able to have children after all. It is entirely possible that your sperm have died, or are dying, because your testes may be permanently damaged. That is one of the things I hope to establish today."

Despite his ominous words, somehow I was reassured, perhaps it was his bedside manner?

Eve Chapter 30

Dr Roberts asked me to move across to the table and had me lay down, because of the weather I'd worn a pair of jeans today. He asked me to drop my jeans and remove my knickers, all whilst laying on my back.

He put on a pair of gloves and picked up a pot, spreading a cold gel across my abdomen. I jumped, he could have warned me. Mum obviously knew what was going on and a smile was starting. Next he picked up something I didn't recognise.

"Eve, this is an ultrasound scanner. It will let me see under your skin. Normally we'd use this on pregnant ladies, promise me you're not pregnant."

Mum laughed at the poor joke, she really was smitten.

He moved the scanner's head around my abdomen, stopping at various times and pressed a button, he was obviously looking at a screen but it was turned away from me. He started going back over areas he'd already covered, then asked me to roll onto my front so he could scan from my rear.

His humour had gone and a very business-like approach took over. He obviously now decided that he'd finished and gave me some paper towels to wipe myself. I was now desperate for a wee and took myself into a small loo just off the examination room. I tidied myself up as best I could and fixed my makeup, I'd probably need a shower when we got home.

Apparently mum and Dr Roberts had been talking whilst I was in the loo and neither was smiling.

"Sit down Eve."

No please or thank you then.

"I had hoped we'd get a better idea if there are any problems there," he looked down at my crotch, "but the scans are inconclusive. I'm going to have to organise an MRI, there's a waiting list of several weeks however as you're now an out-patient."

Mum suggested he phone the Chief Exec's office.

"Why?"

"We have private cover for this, arrange it and send the bill to the Chief Exec."

"This sounds very strange."

He picked up the phone and spoke to the Chief Exec's PA, looking even more confused, he put the phone down.

"I'll book you in for Friday morning, can you be here at nine?"

"I have an appointment at nine with my GP. How about 10?" I was beginning to think this private deal might be useful.

"Right, I'll arrange that."

We left for the car. We'd been in there so long that the parking ticket had run out and we had a notice on the car charging us an extra fifty quid for thirty minutes excess parking. Mum looked about to blow a fuse. I took the notice and walked back to the out-patients reception. The lady from earlier this morning was back on the desk.

"Hello, oh it's you."

"Yes, we have a parking ticket thanks to the hospital."

"What do you expect me to do? Pay it?"

"No, you are to contact the Chief Exec's office and tell them to cancel it."

"You're kidding?"

"No, Brenda." Her ID card was hiding in her blouse, apparently she didn't want her name known. It had however chosen that moment to dislodge itself. She shoved it back quickly.

By now there was a queue behind me so I tried again.

"Be a dear Brenda and sort this out for me. I'll see you tomorrow, you can let me know then how you've done." My next appointment was Friday, but she wouldn't know.

I walked away with a smile on my face, I reached the car just before it started raining again. Thankfully the rain had cleared when we got to the supermarket.

Mum was slowly pushing a trolley down an aisle when her mobile rang.

"Yes, er, yes we were. You have, right. Two? Okay. Bye."

"That was Mr Dixon. He has a cheque from the Chief Exec and wants to see us later today."

We finished off the shopping and headed home for lunch. We'd picked up some hot chicken, it was a regular favourite, and had that before we put most of the food away. There was also a selection of toiletries and some new packs of knickers and tights for both of us.

At one thirty we drove into town and walked to the solicitor's office, Mr Dixon looked quite pleased.

"I don't know how you did it."

"Did what?" Mum was teasing him.

"Screwed the Trust for ten grand and settled my bill without worrying what it was. Then getting private treatment too."

"Practice, I had been negotiating contracts for ten years until they laid me off."

"Then, this morning, the school sent over a cheque for £8250. Don't ask me how they came up with that figure. I'd suggest you accept it and draw a line under the issue."

"The money is fine, but what about the court case?"

"That depends on the magistrates. In any case the £18,250 is yours to use as you wish. Do you know which bank account to pay it into?"

I could see mum reaching for her purse, but as Mr Dixon had addressed me I quickly rattled off my new account number. I'd remembered the number since Monday when the card arrived.

Mr Dixon typed the number in as I said it and hit a final key which some force.

"Its transferred, I've authorised overnight clearance."

Mum finally finished fishing around in her bag. "I have that account number for you."

"Your daughter has already supplied me with an account."

"She did?"

"Yes, I transferred the funds a minute ago."

"I see." I saw her put a card back in her purse.

"I'll keep in touch about the court, if that's all?"

So we were shown out the building and I was slightly richer than when I went into his office, but I couldn't spend it yet.

"Eve, why did you give him your account number?"

"Because he asked for it. Is there a problem?"

"No, not as such, but you can't tell anyone about the money, right?"

"Even Claire?"

"Not yet. I hope you're not making a shopping list?"

"Oh, new bike, laptop, go away at half term? That sort of thing."

"A few days away sounds like an idea."

"I want Claire there. "

"We'll see."

On the ride home I thought about what was happening. I'm going back to school, soon. I've settled with the school and the hospital and all three of my personal problems, Ms Holts and both David Stevens are out of the way already, or at least very soon?

That leaves me, I think mum has meant well but this has taken on a life off its own. I thought I'd accepted my fate but was I doing this simply to keep Claire? Am I thinking straight?

The sudden stop outside the front door jolted me. My self-questioning ended for now. The rain was coming down hard, it looked like a storm had taken up residence over the town.

I headed upstairs and took my damp jeans off, intending to change into a skirt. I then felt where some of the hospital's gell was still on my belly and in my knickers, a shower was definitely needed.

While washing I considered that no-one still knew for sure why these changes were happening to me, but, even allowing for mum's interference, I felt these changes were so natural. The question remained however, why?

Once clean I dressed very simply in some sweats, after all I wasn't planning on going out in that rain. I almost put on some sports socks but it wasn't cold indoors so left them off. Using the power of the internet I decided that some retail therapy was in order. Whilst I didn't yet have a PIN to use my new card in an ATM or a shop, I could at least use it online.

I looked first for a laptop, realising that they came in different colours now, was that more important than performance? The online prices weren't that much different from the major stores so I held back. Bikes were a different story, I found a snazzy all terrain bike in lurid pink for £200, half the price in the local bike specialist store, and ordered it before I could change my mind. Unfortunately the transaction failed, then I remembered that the money wouldn't be in my account until tomorrow. Damn.

I checked my emails, Jenny had a little more information and said that our mums were going to look for paint, wallpaper - it looked like someone was getting a room makeover. Claire had now replied, she was busy on Saturday so wouldn't be able to join us in town.

I'd always previously avoided going shopping with Jenny so this would be a new experience. She had a slight dark edge to her fashion sense, maybe she was a part-time goth? Is that the right description?

I went downstairs, mum was in the lounge talking with her sister on the phone, she went very quiet the moment I appeared. I went into the kitchen, closed the door behind me and made certain that no cooking was already in progress.

A quick check of  the fridge revealed enough ingredients for a homemade chilli. Although it was only four, a good chilli takes longer than 20 minutes so I started straight away. By the time mum came off the phone there was a lovely smell in the kitchen.

"Eve, you've tempted me, could we have this now?"

"No, you can wait until after six. By the way, do we have a bottle of red?"

"Yes, why?"

"Remember when we were in France? That chef showed me how to use wine in cooking. I believe a Shiraz would be good for this."

"But, opening a bottle of wine just for the cooking pot is wasteful."

"I think we can find a second use for the bottle? Especially as we have had a mostly productive day."

"Remember miss, you're only sixteen."

"Virtually seventeen, and you let me drink when we were in France, also I just got given eighteen thousand quid because of everyone else's damn hassle with me so we can forget your holier than thou attitude for tonight." I don't know where that came from.

"Eve! How dare you!"

"Mum, first calm down. Second I've accepted most things you've said until now but I've grown alot stronger this past month. Third, yes it came out a bit strong so I'll apologise for the words but not the sentiment. As I said to the tutor this week, I'm not a little kid any more."

"Eve, I will not take that attitude from you! Also, you had no right to that money!"

"Attitude? You deliberately withheld information from me, including my real name. You lied to me about my father and then manipulated me to suit your needs. What did you expect to achieve? Who gave you those rights? Maybe I'm not the one who needs a shrink? As for the money, it was my character that's been destroyed, not yours!"

"You bitch! You bitch! You bitch!"

I think she was about to slap me but I turned and walked, in bare feet, straight out of the kitchen door and into the heavy rain, slamming the door behind me. There might have been a thud behind me, or was it the thunder?