Fresh Start Chapter 75

Alexis sat in her cottage thinking about what Jirra had told her. It had to be true; why would someone make up something like that? she thought. Alexis sat there until long after sunset. She finally got up and turned on a light.

She headed down to the bathhouse and was relieved to see that Tara was still in her office.

"Hi, Tara. Can we talk?"

"I was just getting ready to leave. Can it wait until the morning?" asked Tara.

Alexis shook her head. "It concerns Jirra."

"Oh. Come on in."

Alexis walked into Tara's office and closed the door behind her.

"Jirra told me the most incredible story this afternoon. She said that she used to be a boy named Josh."

Tara nodded. "It's all true. I saw her right afterwards."

"It's not possible."

Tara shrugged her shoulders. "Possible or not, it happened. Jirra must have thought it was very important to tell you."

"How many people know?"

"Around twenty-five. We all swore an oath to protect her secret."

"Don't worry. The last thing I want to do is hurt her... again."

Tara smiled. "I know that. She really likes you."

Alexis stared back.

"Don't worry, Alexis, I know how to protect a secret too. I'm a lesbian, and it was my decision to be out about it. It's your right to protect your privacy. You have nothing to worry about. Jirra hasn't told anyone else. Jirra and I have developed a bit of a bond, sort of like I'm her older sister."

"She's very lucky to have you. I wish I had someone like you in my life."

"Jirra's a good person."

Alexis nodded. "I know. It makes so much sense now. I just don't know what to do about it."

"I don't have all the answers. However, it would be unfair for you to leave here without seeking some sort of closure with Jirra."

Tara's advice was more like an order. Alexis knew that Tara was right.

"You're leaving Sunday, right?"

Alexis nodded.

"Tomorrow's Friday. Do you meditate?"

"Yes."

"Good, I suggest that you find a good place to meditate tomorrow and the answer will come to you. It may not result in a happy ending, but you need to do something."

"Thanks, Tara."

"You're welcome. By the way, a lot of my friends suspected that you were one of us," replied Tara with a wink.

Alexis nodded. "Thanks."

Tara watched Alexis walk away. She's a nice girl, she thought. She could understand why Jirra was so smitten with Alexis. Jirra had to be, in order to tell her about the transformation.