"But why am I a woman? I left no such instructions before I was frozen. And why don't I remember any of the past three years? Is this some kind of a Gamechamp simulation?"
"Gamechamp? I think you told me about that once. An old sim program, wasn't it? No, I don't think I'm a computer construct. Why are you a woman? To please me! No, sorry, you're hurting. Listen, I'm no scientist, but from what I've read, and what you've told me, the female body is more adaptable to brain implants. Something about a hormone called AMH being absent, whatever that means. Anyway, it's safer, so in the absence of instructions, and you left none, SoCal Cryo grew you a nice woman's body. Now, why you don't remember any of the last three years, that worries me."
Jamie suddenly stopped crying. It wasn't like her to cry. The expression on her face gave away her next question.
"Yes, dear, even though you still have mostly your old male brain, you've got a new set of hormones. And there's ample reason to cry, considering what you are going through. But I am here for you, not to worry. We'll get it all sorted out."
Jamie felt a nice little glow from that. It calmed her down enough to ask, "There must have been some kind of re-hab program when I was, er, reborn. They couldn't just pop your brain into a new body and say 'Have a nice day', could they?"
"That's right. All reincarnates are acclimated. Sometimes it takes weeks, sometimes years. Depends on the person. You told me it took you a month or more."
Jamie jumped up from the couch. "Well, let's go back there. Whatever has happened to me, they will know about. Is Dr. Bayer still there? He must have retired by now. I'll throw some clothes on…"
"Whoa, hold on girl! You're not a guy anymore, you can't just 'throw some clothes on' and run out. Some preparation is required, and I better supervise. To the bathroom, dear!"
While Patty called SoCal Cryo's rehab unit Jamie took her first shower in 70 years. The warm water and scented soap made it a joyous experience. It also was an opportunity to familiarize herself with her new body. So, so different, being on the inside looking out.
Her long hair was dried in a device that removed moisture without heat, leaving her mane clean and fluffy. Patty had chosen some clothes for her and helped her with some makeup; evidently this was a female bonding thing, but Jamie found this too to be enjoyable, not the chore she had always imagined. Grooming was more than just vanity, she realized. She and Patty shared thoughts and secrets, spoken and unspoken. And there was honest affection in her touch.
When Patty declared her presentable, Jamie looked at the young woman in the mirror and was startled. She was quite attractive, and also strangely familiar, like someone she had known a century and a half ago.
The two women locked up the house and jumped into Patty's sleek-looking electric car. Evidently fuel cells had been perfected. Patty drove onto the freeway and raced along at 25kph. With the top down and the wind blowing in their hair there was at least the illusion of speed.
It was a glorious Southern California day. Eventually they connected to the same freeway that Jamie had taken half a century ago, although this time they were in the manual lanes. I guess Patty can't afford an automatic car; I'll have to do something about that. Those same tract mansions on their postage-stamp plots looked older now, and all those sticks had grown into impressive trees.
Patty said tentatively, "You know, I'm of two minds about this visit. I want you to get better and remember your life from your rebirth, but I'm scared that you'll find that I'm not in the picture. You may not even know me when you get out!" She looked teary. "Let's turn around; I'm sure I can help you myself without all those doctors probing your mind."
"Patty dear, whatever happens, we'll be friends, I promise. I know how I used to hate that 'let's be friends' bit when I was interested in more than a platonic relationship. But it's all I can say right now. And I do appreciate all your help. If only it was that easy, a little pillow talk and a memory jog. But I think I need professional help. This whole rebirth process-it's pretty scientific."
"Yes, I know, and I'm just a dumb girl"
"Dear, you know I didn't mean it that way. You know what told I my students who said they felt dumb, all those years ago? I said, 'How can you know something if you've never been taught?' You've never been trained in rehab, have you? That doesn't make you dumb!"
"I guess you're right, but I'm still scared."
Jamie reached over and held Patty's hand for the rest of the trip. How can I comfort her when I barely know what's going on myself? Patty's hand was soft and warm, and holding it seemed to relax both women.
SoCal Cryo had grown! Now there were several wings, an airstrip, and a heliport on top of the main building. I guess business has been brisk for the last half century, Jamie thought. Big shade trees and fountains lined the drive up to the rehab facility, and they drove into a large parking structure.