Hey all! This chapter gives a little bit more info into the how Shawn/Sharon transforms. So I spent extra time making sure I got information right and that I was satisfied with what I provided. I actually have the next 2 chapters almost done as well as several sections of other chapters and a vague outline. I apparently can not write short stand-alone stories. (I do have a star trek short story that I can't figure out how to end).

Anyways, enough rambling. Enjoy!

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Chapter 7:

"It's time to wake up, sweetie."

Sharon groaned and mumbled, "Why can't people just let me sleep?!"

"Because Goose, you have been sleeping long enough and need to eat something."

"Mom?" Sharon snapped open her eyes and stared at her mom's smiling face.

"Hey, Goose!"

"Wh-what are you doing here?! I thought you were in St Louis for the week?!"

"I was due to leave this morning and head back to my house. After I heard the news from your father, I changed my flight and took the next two days off. I got in just a few hours ago."

"What time is it now?" Sharon slowly sat up.

"A little after 10am. Your father left before dawn to go fishing, but said he will be back in time to take us to your appointment."

"Okay," Sharon groaned and held her stomach. "Ow. I think I need my medicine."

"I have it right here. Take your time coming downstairs. I already ate breakfast but I have some food waiting for you."

"Thanks Mom."

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After breakfast, Sharon decided to sit out on the porch, with her mom joining her a few minutes later. Madeleine placed an arm around Sharon's shoulders and asked, "So, how are you feeling?"

Sharon huffed, "Is this mom asking or Dr. Spencer?"

"A little bit of both; you know I can't turn either one off completely when I'm with you." Madeleine smiled as she patted Sharon's hand. "Now, stop deflecting! I honestly want to know how you are doing and how I can help."

Sharon sighed and pulled a pillow onto her lap. "I honestly don't know. I guess I'm still in shock right now; and I'm worried about what Lassie will say."

"Lassie? You mean Carlton Lassiter? The detective at the police station?"

"Yeah, mom." Sharon shrugged. "We're sort of dating; and if I am pregnant, then he's the daddy." Sharon groaned and covered her face. "Oh God, I'm gonna be a mommy! I never thought I would be a parent, let alone a mommy!"

Madeleine laughed. "Oh, honey! I admit, I wondered every once in a while if something like this could happen to you; but you will be fine! You have a great support system here, and Carlton, well, he's a perfect gentleman and is bound to stick by your side"

"'Perfect gentleman'? What are we, in a Jane Austen movie?"

"Goose, you know what I mean! He won't shun you."

"I'll settle for him not to shoot me when he finds out that I'm also Shawn."

"You mean that he doesn't know?!"

"Of course not! He hates me! Or Shawn." Sharon shook her head. "Even I get confused at times. We're frenemies at best."

"You two seem to get along well enough, from what I have observed. I would call you two reluctant coworkers who have each other's backs."

"That's still a far cry from dating or raising a child together."

"Goose, you've got to give the man some time to adjust and reassess the situation. You think Henry was prepared to be a father when we found out that I was pregnant? The day after I told him, he signed up for a stake out and wasn't home for 3 nights in a row. Even after you were born, it still took him some time to be comfortable alone with you. People change."

"Yeah, but mom! This is so different! It's like comparing Wishbone's Sherlock to Cumberbatch's Sherlock. There's almost no similarities between them!"

Madeleine laughed, "Well, one is a dog and geared towards children while the other one is geared towards young adults. But they both have the same basic principles. And I don't think your two halves are that different, are they?"

Sharon shrugged, "Either way, he would never see Shawn Spencer as a potential life partner; let alone a co-parent."

"Then maybe you need to show him how much Shawn and Sharon are alike, and get Carlton to be in love with the core of who you are; instead of whichever mask you are showing to the world. I bet you two have more in common than you want to admit."

"You mean besides a baby?"

"Yes! You are both detectives, movie buffs, and fiercely loyal to those closest to you."

Sharon huffed, "I thought you said this was Mom talking, not Doctor Spencer."

"I said a little bit of both! Although, Doctor Spencer would recommend you write down your core traits and strengths and compare them with Carlton's; see how much you really do have in common."

"Maybe some other time, Mom. Can we just take this one day at a time and focus on the appointment I have in a few hours?"

"Of course, honey! Let me go refill your water glass. You don't want to be too dehydrated later when they ask for blood and urine samples." Madeleine squeezed Sharon's shoulder before standing up.

"Mom!" Sharon groaned and covered her face again. "Can you at least pretend you don't know every little thing that will happen?!"

"I thought you Spencers liked knowing all the little details?"

"Doesn't mean I need to acknowledge that you know them as well!"

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Sharon nervously bounced her leg as she sat between her parents in the waiting room. "I can't believe this is happening to me. Like, this was never even a remote possibility for me. I am a freak who should never have been allowed out into the real world and oh my God Lassie is going to leave me and I will have to move and raise a baby all by myself; assuming that I even survive this pregnancy and poor Gus is either going to follow me or become a sad lonely nerd who only talks to people online and…."

"Sharon, honey." Madeleine said gently as she placed her hands on Sharon's shoulders. "You are about to hyperventilate and need to breathe. Follow me: In two three four. Out two three four. In two three four. Out two three four…."

Sharon followed along before laughing after the fifth repetition. "Did you teach Gus this? Because he seems to use Lamaze breathing a lot."

"No, but if it works for Gus, then hopefully it will work for you too. And you might need it later on."

"I never said it worked for Gus; at least not all of the time." Sharon took another deep breath before hugging her mother's arm. "I don't think I can do this."

"Of course you can, Sharon." Henry spook up as he patted her back. "You're a Spencer and are made of stronger stuff."

"Why can't I just be normal instead?!" Sharon whined.

"Normal is overrated," Madeleine said before whispering, "Besides, those that think they are normal have even worse problems and can be quite boring."

Sharon laughed as a nurse walked out and called for her. Sharon took a deep breath. "Okay, here we go."

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Once the nurse had taken Sharon's vitals and various samples, Sharon was left alone to wait for the doctor. The nurse had offered to let her parents in while she waited, but Sharon decided that would be too awkward. She took out her phone but did not see any new messages. Earlier, she had sent a text to Gus with "Note to self: Sharon's phone needs games on it", but Gus did not take the bait. Gus had confiscated Shawn's Psych phone so that she did not accidentally use the wrong phone or answer if someone from the station called. She had memorized all of the posters on the walls within seconds of entering the room, and wished she could erase some of them from her memory. Some of the graphics seemed a bit too realistic and she was not in the right mindset to think about what her body will eventually go through; assuming of course that she was pregnant. A small part of her was still in denial. Being Sharon for a few days a month, while stressful, was so freeing and exhilarating. Sure, she has had more than her fair share of catcalling and harassment, but she rarely hung out in the same areas, so could easily escape. Now, it looks like she will be stuck as Sharon for at least the next several months. And if Carlton rejected her, she is not sure if she would stay in Santa Barbara.

As Sharon was debating on a backup plan, there was a knock at the door. Clearing her throat, Sharon responded, "Come in."

A young Latina woman opened the door and smiled. "Hello, Sharon. I'm Doctor Jennifer Martinez, you can call me Jen."

"Hi Jen."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. Nana Erma has briefed me on your unique situation, Sharon. I must admit that I am intrigued by some of my Nana's special patients."

Sharon snorted and crossed her arms. "I wouldn't really say special; more like cursed."

"I guess it just depends on your perspective." Dr Jen smiled softly and took a seat. "Genetics is one of my specialties, and I would love to have a look at your DNA. With your permission, of course, and in the strictest of confidence. I don't want you to feel like a science experiment or lab rat; but if we could figure out why your body changes like it does, it could potentially change how we help the transgender community."

Sharon laughed, "Doc, I love your enthusiasm, but I think we should just take this one crisis at a time."

"Of course. It's just so fascinating! I didn't even know about you specifically until yesterday, and I am just so overwhelmed in trying to figure out an action plan."

"Are you sure that you're up for the challenge, Doc? And I don't just mean the medicine side."

The doctor laughed, "Yes. So, I guess the first thing that I should do is confirm that yes, you are pregnant. Nurse Mira provided me the blood results right before I came in. Is it okay if I congratulate you?"

"Oh, um. Sure? I mean, why not?" Sharon shrugged.

"I have found that not everyone is very receptive to the news."

"I mean, I only found out yesterday, so there's still a lot to come to terms with."

"Would you like a moment to yourself?"

"No, I'm good."

"Okay. Before we get to the physical examination, I would like to ask you some questions about your unique situation. Is that alright?"

"Sure." Sharon crossed her arms.

"Can you describe to me your typical transformation? And please let me know if you would prefer a different word."

"Well, I'm kind of like a werewolf in that I change around the full moon, for three nights and two days, usually dusk and dawn. So transformation fits." Sharon grinned.

"Do you ever get any warnings before this happens? Like feeling restless or changes in appetite?"

"Oh yeah. I have to double, sometimes triple my calorie intake in the few days leading up; and then I can be completely wiped out afterwards. Sometimes, I will sleep for over 15 hours, depending on how many naps I get during the change. Also, my dad and Gus are good at reminding me."

"What does the typical transformation feel like?"

Sharon bounced her leg as she glanced around the room. "Luckily Erma provides me with drugs that include a sedative, so the effects are numbed a bit. It kind of starts as goosebumps and then that weird tingling sensation after your foot falls asleep, but like all over my body. Recently, it's been a lot more painful, like my whole body is fighting the change."

"What are some of the physical changes?"

"Mostly my, um, private parts change; which can be very uncomfortable if I'm not wearing loose enough clothing. As you can see my boobs-I mean breasts are barely a cup B, I can easily hide them if needed. My facial hair tends to stop growing a few days before, but I still might have to shave. My hair usually grows to about shoulder length and my voice gets an octave higher."

"When was your first transformation?"

"When I hit puberty, so like 13 and a half. Haha, that was so awkward. Gus, my best friend, and I were supposed to have a movie night, but I was feeling run down so I took a nap. When I woke up, I had changed and thought that I was in some Freaky Friday or body snatcher movie. Gus had stopped by to check up on me and we were both screaming about aliens until my dad came into the room and had to explain things."

"How many people know about your transformations?"

"Just my parents and Gus know the truth; I've had some ex's who accused me of cross dressing or being transgender, but I usually left before explaining the situation."

"What about the father of your baby?"

Sharon shook her head. "No, I'm too scared to tell him. He's known Shawn for a few years and we are not on the friendliest of terms, mostly because I do his job for him, usually in more fun ways."

"Hmm. We'll come back to that. Do you experience menstruation?"

"No." Sharon blushed.

"Are you able to recall the exact dates that you may have engaged in sexual activity? Usually the due date is calculated based on when you would have ovulated, but since that is unknown, we will only be able to estimate your conception and due date."

"Yeah, um. Let me think." Sharon pulled out her phone and started scrolling through her messages. "Okay, so January 2nd, no the first. January 29th? And 30th. February 27th. March 1st. And March 28."

"We can rule out last week and the beginning of January. Based on your symptoms, you most likely conceived about a month ago, which would put you at about 6 weeks pregnant."

"Wow, that's it?"

"Yes, we have a long road in front of us. A typical pregnancy usually lasts 40 weeks, but we may induce you a week or two early, depending on how the pregnancy goes. So we're looking at a due date of late November."

Sharon took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay, a Thanksgiving baby."

"As I assume Nana Erma explained to you, she has not had this happen to any of her patients; although there is a record of one from a few decades ago in another country."

"Did they survive?"

"Yes, although the records are hard to come by. So, we are in uncharted territory and I would like to do a more thorough exam than usual; since I want to make sure that you have all the correct parts. We want to be prepared for any eventuality."

Sharon laughed nervously, "Are you sure I won't be a lab rat?"

"I will not share any information with anyone besides Nana Erma; unless there is a medical emergency. Nothing will go into the chart that you don't approve of; not even my nurses will suspect anything unusual. I mean it when I say you will have the strictest of all doctor-patient confidentiality. Okay?"

"Okay."

"Good. Now, let's move on to the physical examination, starting with the pelvic exam. This is one of the most uncomfortable parts of being a woman. I'm going to ask for a nurse to stand in the room to make sure I do everything by the book, okay?"

"Yeah, sure." Sharon blushed and looked away.

"I'll be right back."

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Once the examination was over and Sharon was dressed, a nurse led her to the doctor's private office. She found her parents waiting inside. "Hey Goose!" Madeleine greeted softly as she stood up to give Sharon a hug.

"Mom, I was only gone an hour." Sharon mumbled and ducked her head.

"I know, but I can only imagine what you just went through for the first time."

"Can we not talk about that now?"

"Sure." Madeleine stepped back and gestured for Sharon to take a seat between herself and Henry.

"Hey kiddo," Henry greeted as he patted Sharon's knee.

The doctor entered and took her seat. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Spencer."

"Not Mrs. anymore." Madeleine smiled. "Although if you want to be formal, Dr. Spencer will suffice. You can also just call me Madeleine."

"And you can call me Jen." The doctor nodded. "Now, I explained a little to Sharon, and she agreed that I can let the two of you in as well. Sharon is about 6 weeks pregnant with a due date of late November. I am labeling Sharon as a high-risk pregnancy due to genetic disorders. We need to monitor her body closely, making sure that the appropriate changes are happening. So, I want her back here every 3 weeks, possibly more often if I notice an abnormality. Sharon, I want you to keep your stress levels down, low impact exercise, and cut out unnecessary junk food. It's okay to occasionally satisfy food cravings since it usually means that you are missing key nutrients; but try not to overindulge. I will have this all written down for you, but do you have any questions right now?"

Sharon raised her head. "Do you honestly think that my baby and I will survive this?"

Jen smiled softly, "Yes. The human body is an incredible thing. The fact that you got pregnant without any medical intervention, is a miracle all by itself. I don't think your body would go through all this work and not be successful."

"Well," Sharon smirked, "it takes 2 to tango so Lassie must have some pretty magical sp…." .

"Sharon!" Henry reprimanded.

The doctor laughed. "Speaking of the father-to-be, I would like to have his medical history as well as a blood sample. I want to make sure that we're not missing anything."

"Um, yeah, sure." Sharon started to bounce her knee. "Wh-when would you need it by?"

"As soon as possible; although if you want to bring him to your next appointment, that would be fine."

"Oh, um. Well, do I have to tell him? I told you it's, um, complicated."

"Doctor-patient confidentiality means I will not tell him anything that he does not need to know without your permission. He does not even have to be in the exam room with us; he can just give us his medical history and a blood sample, and stay in the waiting room. Although it would be pretty hard to give a reason why they are needed besides the fact that you are pregnant."

"Okay." Sharon nodded.

"Excuse me," Madeleine interrupted. "We were wondering if it is okay for Sharon to travel right now? You see, I'm a psychiatrist and live in Vancouver, and I thought it would be a good idea for Sharon to get away for a bit while she adjusts to her new realities. Where she can focus on herself instead of worrying about her two lives intersecting."

"Mom!" Sharon groaned.

Jen smiled softly, "I am a little uncomfortable with you being so far, but will let you go, provided that you attend all of your appointments with me and keep me updated on any changes. During the last trimester, you will need weekly appointments and I would prefer you don't travel during that time."

Madeleine nodded. "Besides the more frequent appointments, do you expect her pregnancy to follow a typical pregnancy?"

"Yes. I am little worried about her hormone levels and whether or not her uterus will properly expand; but for the most part, Sharon will be given the same information I give all my pregnant patients." Jen handed the packet to Sharon who immediately passed it to her mom. "There's a week by week guide on the development of the fetus and physical changes of the pregnant person. There is also recommended calorie intake, nutrients, exercise routines, and weight gain."

"Is Sharon expected to give birth?"

"A natural vaginal birth is always preferred, but I can make no guarantees at this time. We might either induce or schedule a cesarean delivery so that it is in a controlled environment and we can be prepared for any possible complications." Jen's desk phone rang. "Excuse me."

Madeleine leaned closer to Sharon. "Do you have any questions, Goose?"

"Honestly mom, I've been uncomfortable and queasy for the last 10 minutes. I just want to take a nap."

"Henry?"

Henry nodded, "Ditto. Although I have some fish to prepare for dinner."

"No fish for me please." Sharon whispered.

"Wasn't planning on it, kiddo." Henry patted her knee.

Jen cleared her throat and waited for the Spencers to look at her. "I hate to cut this short, but my next patient is here. As for your next appointment Sharon, I have some openings in three weeks on Friday April 23rd at either 8am or 11am."

"11am, please." Sharon replied quickly.

Jen laughed, "Okay. I will also give you my emergency cell number. Feel free to call me or Nana Erma. Although don't be afraid to go to the hospital if it's urgent; we can smooth details over afterwards."

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They had just started the drive back to Henry's house when Henry asked, "When were you planning on telling me that you were leaving?!"

"Do we have to do this now?" Sharon mumbled as she crossed her arms.

"Yes, before you find an excuse to avoid the conversation."

"Henry!" Madeleine reprimanded.

Sharon shook her head. "I just need a break, okay? You and Gus have already taken both my motorcycle keys and helmets, so this is the next best thing! You and Gus get a break, I get away for a bit, yet you still know where I am."

"What about Carlton?" Henry asked. "Are you planning on telling him anytime soon?"

"I'm only 6 weeks pregnant, I have plenty of time to tell him."

"You're not seriously going to wait months before telling him, are you?"

"I don't know! I have so much on my plate right now, I don't need to add anything else. I am still dealing with the fact that I am pregnant and am creating life and will be stuck as a woman while that life is being created! I do not need the added stress of any possible negative reactions from Lassie or your reaction to his reaction!"

"My reaction?!"

"Yes! You tend to overreact and become over protective. Take right now, for example."

"That's because you are not thinking clearly and are acting childish!"

"Really?! Because both mom and Gus agree that I need some time to think. Also, I'm not the one yelling in the truck. Plus, the light just turned green."

Henry took a deep breath and focused on the road. Madeleine reached an arm around Sharon's shoulders and said, "Henry, we know you mean well; but I think a change in environment would be good for her. Also, it gives me a chance to psychoanalyze her."

Sharon groaned, "Mom, I said you can do no more than two shrink sessions a week!"

"That doesn't mean I won't be noting everything else you do. Your father and I care about you a lot; and show it in our own ways. Making sure that you are emotionally and mentally prepared for the next journey of your life is a high priority for me; especially since I don't get to see you often."