Changes~1

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Reposted from 2009/06/04

Tom never realised that arriving home early would change his life for ever...


Changes

Chapter 1

By Susan Brown


 
 
I arrived home tired, irritable and in need of a drink. Parking the car in the drive next to Olivia’s, my feet crunched up the gravel drive, to the front door.

The journey home had been its normal horrendous stop-start on the M25. I had been doing it for seven years now and things hadn’t improved despite the road widening schemes.

Working eight plus hours in the office for a company that cared little for me or my co-workers, left me jaded at the end of each day and the journey just added to the fun that was now my life.

As I opened the front door, all I wanted was a hug a kiss and a cheery smile from my wife, and then I would go upstairs to change into a dress or something at least a lot more feminine than the shapeless man’s suit I had to wear at the office.

Olivia used to love my dressing; we had great times in and out of bed and we had a network of friends that shared our type of lifestyle. All that gradually ended about a year ago now. Olivia started to go cold on me and stopped going to events; finally withdrawing into herself. We hadn’t had sex in ten months now and we were gradually drifting apart; I didn’t know what to do about it. I loved my wife and I would do almost anything to turn our lives around I tried to discuss things with her, but she refused to talk about it–only saying that living with me was like having a lesbian relationship and she had to think things through. I even said that I would stop dressing, but she gave me a pitying smile, knowing as I do that it wouldn’t work.

Walking up to the front door, I fished the keys out of my pocket. Arriving home early meant that neither of us would be tired. She worked at the local library and was normally home by 4.30 at the latest. Perhaps for once, we could discuss our problems without being too knackered to have a meaningful conversation.
 
 
The reason I had finished a bit early today was that I had some work to do at home prior to a meeting, early tomorrow at a London hotel. Our company liked meetings and I spent large amounts of my time attending them. Nothing was ever done or decided at these meeting. Some of my colleagues really enjoyed going to them–business networking, it’s called. I found nearly all of them boring and the only thing that seemed to happen was the exchange of a large number of business cards with people who wanted to sell themselves and didn’t really listen to what you were saying.

I opened the door and said, ‘Hello?’

It was quiet; maybe she was upstairs somewhere.

I went up the carpeted stairs and had a look in the bathroom, all was quiet. I was just about to shout hello again, when I heard some giggling from the spare bedroom.

Going over to the door quietly with a smile on my face, thinking that I might surprise Olivia, I opened it…

The smile wiped off my face as I saw her naked on the bed with a man astride her. They didn’t realise I was there–being in the throes of energetic and noisy sex. The man was about my age–30, and was slim with blond hair. I could have gone over to them, confronted them and made a hell of a row, but I didn’t. I looked at them for a few moments feeling numb and confused and then quietly closed the door.

Going to our bedroom, I took down two suitcases, I packed a large selection of clothes, shoes and other necessities and then, picking up some personal stuff from the safe, I left the room, passing the spare bedroom as I heard some more giggles and moans–they were oblivious to the world and my presence. I tried not to picture my wife in bed with somebody else, just wondering how long she had been cheating on me. Going downstairs, I picked up my wallet, phone and keys from the kitchen table and went out; closing the door behind me for what I knew would be the last time.

Driving off, I glanced at the house in the rear view mirror. I had tears in my eyes, I loved her but she no longer loved me. It wasn’t fair and life–as far as I was concerned–stank.

Not knowing where to go, I just drove. After about an hour, I found myself on a dual carriageway coming up to a roundabout, I saw a Little Chef restaurant and pulled in.

I sat a table and waited for a coffee and toasted teacake, I wasn’t hungry but hoped that putting something in my stomach might make the sick feeling I had, go away.

My phone rang. Picking it up, I saw that it was Olivia.

‘Hello?’

‘Tom, where are you.’

'On my way to a meeting, I’m going to be away for a few days.’

‘You didn’t tell me.’

And you didn’t tell me you were shagging another bloke in our house.

‘I left a message on the answer machine.’

‘You know that’s playing up. When will you be home?’

‘Not sure yet ’cause it’s a big deal and I’m needed to smooth things over.’

‘Oh…when will you let me know?’

‘Know what?’

‘When you are coming home?’

Does it matter, you have another man now, why don’t you go and make love to him again!

‘I’m not sure; I’ll let you know as soon as I do.’

‘It’s funny, I thought I heard your car in the drive but when I got to the window, nothing was there.’

‘Look, I’ve got to go now; I’ll contact you when I can.’

‘Tom, are you all right, you sound a bit funny.’

Not half as funny as you did as he screwed you!

‘I…I’m fine; just tired. I have to go now, bye.’

‘Okay, drive safely, Bye.’

As if you care!

I switched the phone off, not wanting to have any more calls and ate my tea cake. After finishing that and my drink, I paid my bill and was soon back in the car.

I sat there for ages, unable to decide what to do. My marriage was finished and I was in a job that I hated. Still in shock, numb at the events of the last few hours, I was probably not in the best frame of mind to make any sort of decision about my life–but I did, anyway.

I was a bit old fashioned and didn’t have a satnav, just a good old road atlas. I opened it at the page that showed the whole of the UK mainland, shut my eyes and jabbed my finger down on the page. Opening my eyes I smiled because my finger had landed in the middle of the North Sea.

Trying again, I looked where my finger had landed this time and smiled, South Devon, near the Cornish border, Penmarris Cove. It looked like a small fishing village–that would be where I would try to rebuild my life.

‘That’ll do.’ I said, starting the car and following the signposts that said West Country.


 
To Be Continued...

Please leave comments...thanks!
My thanks also go out to the brilliant and lovely Gabi for editing and pulling the story into shape!
~Sue

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Comments

So Sad For Tom

I can only hope that he finds true happiness, and she realizes her mistake. By the way, Sue. I like the pic.Is that you?

    Stanman
May Your Light Forever Shine
    Stanman
May Your Light Forever Shine

Me!!!!

I wish!
Thanks Stan

How utterly sad.

This story hits too close to home for me, so of course I am already emotionally involved. One thing I am curious about, not that it makes any difference because it's a good story, but there is a label for "Wishes" Is this going to be a 'Magic' story, or is it a general 'I wish" thing? Just curious, so I can get in the right frame of mind.

Great start, Sue. I can't wait for more!

Lili

http://lilithlangtree.tglibrary.com/

~Lili

Write the story that you most desperately want to read.

Changes ~ 1

Hi Lili,

Thanks for the nice comment.
This isn't a magic story, just wishes for the future :)
Hugs
Sue

more please

more please I really like your stories

Samantha

TY

Thanks for your comments Samantha!
Hugs
Sue

You've done it again Sue,

You've done it again Sue, with another story that grabs the reader and makes them feel the character's emotions. I love the joyful picture - I hope all the hearts on it mean that Tom will have a happier future.

I lived in south Devon for several years and have some very pleasant memories of visiting the small towns and villages along the coastline. Looking forward to reading the next episode.

Pleione

Devon!

Hi Pleione,

Thanks for the nice thoughts. I love Devon and it's lovely beaches, not as wild as Cornwall, but more genteel, just like me ;)

Hugs
Sue

PS I do love Cornwall too and have very happy memories of Polperro.

I LOVE stories set in the UK!

I have a friend who had the same thing happen to him. He also left his wife and work behind and is up in the mountains of New York trying to get over it. Perhaps your story will give me some ideas to pass along to him!
I do love your stories so much!
Diane.

Poor guy...

How horrible for Tom! Olivia's a real bitch, especially for acting like nothing's going on! I'm looking forward to seeing how you turn his life around.

Good stuff, keep it up!

Saless

"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America


"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America

Nice Start! There are many

Nice Start! There are many paths you can go with this. I look forward to reading more.

A rather nice beginning...

Sue,
This was a rather nice beginning to what looks to be yet another great series from you. I'll be looking forward to the next chapter!

Jenny

Jenny

Echo... echo...

I'm going to echo the above comments. Your teaser line and title illustration have me in a very positive frame of mind about what's to come. If it wasn't for that, I'd be somewhat depressed at how Tom just handled that phone call. I found the lack of confrontation somewhat at odds with what he was doing (unless he's got some plans to follow up things through divorce channels as a wronged spouse, or transfer any joint assets the next morning to a new account of his own. By rights, her infidelity would give him the upper hand in any divorce settlement.)

But, we must bear in mind the "Sweet/Sentimental" tag, so I suppose we shouldn't be expecting "The War of The Roses."

Confrontation?

I think it's rather fitting (though also disappointing) that he doesn't say anything during the phone conversation about what he saw. If he were inclined to be confrontational, he would have done so at the house instead of quietly packing up and leaving. That's my take on it, anyway.

Saless

"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America


"But it is also tradition that times *must* and always do change, my friend." - Eddie Murphy, Coming To America

It will get better

Thanks again for the positive comments on the story.

I promise that after a bit of a wobble, things will lighten up a bit.

Sue

Silent witness

Been there done that.
The eventuality was different - I walked in on them and chucked her out and sold the house.
It is truly hard to see your love with another.
30 years later it still stirs bad emotions.
I transitioned after another 20 years married to a different lady.
I'm still with her.
Keep that story going it is worth investigating the reality of the emotions.
My first wife knew about my dressing though she thought it was homosexuality and not transsexuality which proved to be the case
Jenny XX

Stories set in England

Sue, I am looking forward to reading more, (more, more, more). I am in love with England, and stories set there are my favorites. I am eagerly awaiting the next chapters.
Hugs, Wendy Marie

Wendy Marie

Ouch!

laika's picture

Poor Tom......A solid beginning, wreminds me of the start of a lot of t.g. stories, but I'm guessing the magic Sue works with characters (tho' I seldom comment on it I'm a big fan of Football Girl!) will make this an engaging tale of personal transformation. I hope "Tom's" life turns out just like the picture!
~~~hugs, Laika
.

(And where'd you find that picture of me anyway?)

.
The closest approximation to what it's like in my brain:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u08E7c-FRbU&t=4s

A new story.

Robyn B's picture

A new story showing great promise and many possibilities albeit from a brief opening chapter.

Keep on keeping on, Sue.

:)

Robyn B
Sydney

Robyn B
Sydney

Well !

It's a Sue Brown story.... That's a good enough for me ,Like all your work Sue it just grabs you from the start, Poor Tom deserves so much better than Olivia was offering him, Placed in an impossible situation he did the only thing he could and walked out.

At least he's chosen one of my favourite parts of England for his new life lovely scenery&lovely people make it a great place to live....Just so long as he does not eat too many Devon cream tea's, After all he still wants to fit in all his nice dresses!!!

Hope to read more soon

Hugs Kirri

Really a clueless human being.

RAMI

Oliva has to be too much into herself, if she did not realize that Tom saw her with the other man. She heard the car and by now after the paramour left must have gone into their bedroom to change or take a shower and have seen that Tom had taken some clothes and suit cases. If she believes his story she is really sad. When will she realize what is happening?

He may hate his job, but is he really willing to chuck it all so quickly.

Unless there is some unexpected twist to the story, Tom should try and obtain some retribution from her. She probably feels that since she did not do it in their bedroom it was okay.

RAMI

RAMI

still in shock

I came here for some light entertainment, I love Sue's stories. I'd been in Tom's shoes several times, I think my ex was happy I'd transitioned and was out of the way, but the shock part was from earlier today... I just found out she died a year ago. Talk about mixed emotions.

Changes to Changes

terrynaut's picture

I like the story so far. It can only get better for Tom from this point, and I like where it seems to be going.

There's only one thing I would've done differently were I in Tom's shoes. I would've told Olivia that I had been home, and I would've told her that I wouldn't be coming home again. Then I would've abruptly ended the call and turned the phone off.

Thanks for the story. I look forward to seeing how it plays out.

- Terry

I agree with Stan that I

I agree with Stan that I hope our hero(ine) can make a new start as the woman she really is. But I don't know about South Devon though. But one never knows...does she? A very nice start and very emotional too. Thank you for sharing.

"With confidence and forbearance, we will have the strength to move forward."

Love & hugs,
Barbara

"If I have to be this girl in me, Then I have the right to be."

"With confidence and forbearance, we will have the strength to move forward."

Love & hugs,
Barbara

"If I have to be this girl in me, Then I have the right to be."

Well written so far.

Juat not enough of the story to know how much I like it. Dang.

I love your stuff Sue. Can you post a comment telling us when
there will be more posted?? Pretty please?

sarah

Changes

Thanks for all the nice comments, For Sarah and those interested, the next chapter is up tomorrow.

Hugs
Sue

Nice start

This looks like it may go somewhere.

Great so far, bring it on!

LoL

rita

Age is an issue of mind over matter.
If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!
(Mark Twain)

LoL
Rita

A Powerful Beginning!

What a dreadful (in the sense of 'full of dread') beginning to this story. I don't think it is all just because I can say "Been there, done that, have the T-shirt", that I have experienced that sinking feeling, as one sees everything go wrong and one loses all that one had, when one's loving life partner looks for love outside the marriage, first hand. I think it is because you are a very skilled writer.

Briar

Briar

I just tuned in to this

I just tuned in to this serialized story, and it's off to a great start. I am sure that it will get better and better!

I can resist everything...

You know the quote :)

OK, I've seen regular updates of "Changes" for a while now, and oodles of people are commenting on each episode...

...so, I've decided to make this my latest "catch up" project (especially as several other stories I'm reading are on a temporary hiatus at the moment)...

Promising intro there, now to read on and see what happens next...

 
 
--Ben


This space intentionally left blank.

As the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then only left-handers are in their right mind!

I was about to say, This looks like fun...

Ole Ulfson's picture

But it doesn't really, does it: What with the cheating bitch of a wife and Tom's whole life tumbling down around him? But the writing and dialog are good, and I want to read more.

Fun, no. But lots of potential. I think it will be an entertaining read.

I look forward to it,

Ole

We are each exactly as God made us. God does not make mistakes!

Gender rights are the new civil rights!

On my fourth time through...

...this story I found that on previous occasions I had not left a kudo.
And it is one of my favorites...
So, this time I will leave a trail of kudos reading this story.
Once again, it is one of my favorites!

‘That’ll do.’

interesting. I wonder why he didnt tell her he was leaving when he was on the phone with her?

DogSig.png

Very highly recommended

Rhona McCloud's picture

I was lucky enough to buy this introduction to the Penmarris Universe when it was on sale as an Amazon book under the name Susanne Brown (no longer available). This re-post on the BC list is a welcome reminder of both Susan as a writer and the world she created in a Cornish village setting. Please do try it if you have an taste for heartwarming romance.

Rhona McCloud

Re: Very highly recommended

Rhona,

I am also glad to see that Sue is reposting this delightful story so that newer members of this site can discover it and those of us who enjoyed it in the past can reconnect with an old friend!

Thanks a million, Sue!

Jenny

oooh! scaryily close to reality

MMMM! close to my situation but without the interloper! I did love "Cherries" looking forward to a further visit to Penmarris

So sad

reminds me of when I caught my ex cheating with the widower of what had been supposed to be her best friend, dead two months at that point. I feel for your protagonist. I am eager to find how he will rebuild his life.

I am a Proud mostly Native American woman. I am bi-polar. I am married, and mother to three boys. I hope we can be friends.

I liked it the first time around.

I liked this story when I found it a while back.

I have to say, though, I like "get a life" even better.

How Times Fly

I was surprised to see the title again, so I did have a quick look at the first page and saw that it was like the earlier publication. Then I just looked at the date of the first publication here. It was really something special as I thought it was just a couple of years since I followed the original. That shows just how well it was told back then that it stayed so fresh in my memory. I wish all "new" readers the best reading. It will bring you to tears and laugh, as any good story should do. And to Susan : Thanks for letting a new generation follow the main person through the developing life.
Ginnie

GinnieG

I am reading this

I am reading this story for the fourth time. I come back to it every couple years. It has so many aspects of the life I have lived and has so many I have not. It is like a fairy tale come true in my mind. It is so well written and has so many twists and turns I believe it to be the best I have seen on BC. Love it. I also love the sequels involving new inhabitants to the Cove. My niece visits the Isles every year and once posted a picture on Facebook that took my breathe away. It was exactly as I pictured Penmarris Cove. I go back and look at it from time to time. It even had the rescue boat.

Kudos

WillowD's picture

Over 26,000 views and only 265 kudos? What's going on? This looks like it's the start of a great story.

Changes

Hi Susan,
Just wondering if you used the village of Port Isaac in Cornwall, the location for the Doc Martin tv series, as the location for Penmarris.? The similarities are extraordinary.