Sami cries, “Yes, yes! Thank you!” Samantha looks up and sees Sheri reaching down to her.

Barb says, “I’m not sure what I’ve walked into, Sami, but I think you are a lucky person to have Jennifer in your life.”

Sami changes expression, “How can it be so wonderful? Are you kidding me? I can’t be a girl. I’m a boy!”

Barb pauses, “Biologically, yes, but I’m seeing the girl inside and who is standing in front of me, and I like what I see.”

“I don’t have any girl friends. Who’s going to like this me?” Sami says as she plops down on a bench in the mall.

Barb sits next to Sami, “I’m a friend, don’t I count? And don’t I see you with Leslie Herder at school?”

“How do you know that?” asks Sami. “We’re science partners. She’s liked me after she got to know me.”

“Well, I know her, and she sees your girl side. She wished she knew how to help you. I know, because she’s my neighbor, and was my little sister at school as a freshman. I’m guessing, you are the one she talked about as her surprising friend.”

Jennifer interrupts, “Sami, what would you say if I said, ‘Your mother asked Mac and me to help this side of you to come to the surface?’ …Your Mom tried to let you know you could talk to her. She says, you always get angry and throw a fit.”

Sami said, “Once, I tried to tell her, but she said that I was sick.”

Jennifer said, “That was five years ago; she didn’t know better. She’s tried to support you since, but you pushed her attempts away. She said, there was a time you were sick with a fever, and you told her, but you got angry again after you were well and wouldn’t trust her.”

Samantha asks, “How do you know that? I was incurable when I was sick; that didn’t really happen!”

Jennifer asks, “Is that what you thought? Your Mom was putting cool, damp cloths on your head to keep you cool and safe. Did you remember she was with you when you woke in the morning? That was about the time you got to know Mac and me. I helped care for you; your Mom was having a rough time as a single parent.”

“We became your Mother’s friends when you were ten. We would take Roni overnight or for a weekend sometimes.” Jenn was interrupted by a phone call from Mac.

Jennifer invited Sami’s mother over after dinner to see Samantha’s new clothes. Sami was in charge of changing Sheri, giving her a bottle, and putting her down for a nap. And Jenn took out some food to prepare dinner.

Sami sat down with a quizzical face; “Were you serious about my fever and how she helped me?” Jennifer didn’t need to answer, “And that was when you first befriended my mother?” Sami shook his head in bewilderment. “You must have thought I was terrible.”

Jennifer said, “It was even before that. You were too young to know all you were struggling with. And we led you to believe that we didn’t know about this side of you. But you’ve always been attracted to my girly things.”

Jennifer asked me, “Would you please get the extra roll of plastic wrap?” And then she asked, “Samantha, please undress to your panties. I want to show you something before we do our aerobics.”

Sami asked, “Are you serious?” With Jennifer’s indication, she was; he slowly undressed. “Now, suck in your stomach and I’ll wrap this around your mid-section.” Sami did, and as Jennifer wrapped it tight and then a little tighter, Samantha’s waist was pulled in, and she appeared thinner. Jenn had a workout outfit for herself. Once Sami put it on, and Jennifer pulled her hair into a high ponytail, she looked like a trim teenager ready for her workout. Jennifer turned on a recording, and the two set off to do some aerobics. It started easily, but got harder and faster. The workout went for forty minutes. Sami was sweating profusely. Originally, it was harder to bend at her waist, as more of the workout required it.

When they paused, Sami asked permission to unwrap her belly, but that was denied. Instead, she was asked to use the exercise bicycle.

Jennifer put the meal on to cook, and then came back. “Bicycle another eight miles; then you can stop. You will have enough time to unwrap yourself, take a shower, and change.”

Sami asked, “What’s the purpose of the plastic wrap?”

“You need to work on your waist and flexibility if you want to look more like a girl.”

Sami blushed and asked, “How did you know? Do you think it will actually help?”

“You will need to work hard with the aerobics, changing your posture, and eating the right kind of foods.” Jennifer gets Sami’s attention, “You want your body to be in good condition, but you don’t want to build strength in the same way other boys do. Instead, dancing spontaneously and building your endurance, so keep doing it.”

Sami says, “Do you mean like watching after Sheri and not tiring out?”

Jennifer laughs, “Yes, sometimes Sheri keeps going until she tires out. She might fall asleep on the stairs, or lie down to sleep wherever she is… There was a time today you were ready to stop shopping, but we had a lot to get done; so we paused until you were ready to continue…” The doorbell rang. “Now, you’ll need to model the clothes you bought so your mother and Roni can see them.”

Sami went to the room where she was staying and saw the three outfits they had bought. First, she showered. She chose the multicolored dress to wear first. It was the easiest to change into, allowing her to wear a bra, panties, and pantyhose. She hurried out of the room and down the stairs to show herself off. Suddenly, Sami stopped; her cousin Alysa was with Roni. Quickly, Sami was terrified.

Just as quickly, Alysa said, “Sam, you are so cute; you make a pretty girl.”

Roni wasn’t so happy, “Ms. Kincaid took you shopping instead of me.” Alysa said, “Quit it, Roni; you should be encouraging your sister to blossom.”

Jennifer said, “Doesn’t she look like one of the young Larsen women?” Mom steps forward, touches the skirt of the dress, and asks, “Would you turn around once? …I can’t believe how cute you are. You look so comfortable in those clothes; did you pick out this dress?”

Alysa asked, “Can we go up with you and help you change into another outfit?”

Sami strongly said, “No!”

Jennifer spoke up, “Let them go with you; you can change in the closet. Alysa and Roni can help with accessories, your hair, and makeup.” There was a little melodrama until Alysa took Samantha’s hand and started quickly upstairs.

Once upstairs, Roni picked up a burgundy skater skirt and the coordinated top, she said, “This looks like something Jennifer would have picked out.”

“Well she didn’t,” Sami said, “I did, though Jennifer confirmed to me that they looked well together.”

“Please put them on?” Alysa asked.

Sami was out of her skirt before she realized she was changing in front of them.

Roni said, “Keep going, we are all girls here.” Any embarrassment left as soon as Sami heard Roni call her one of the girls.

Mom asked, “Are you comfortable taking off your pantyhose without fully undressing? I think these stockings would look better with your outfit.” Roni and Alysa whispered among themselves about who would do little sister’s hair and who would do her makeup.

Roni asked, “This is how you use a makeup set?” As they were working, Roni asked, “Would you be open to looking through some of my older clothes to add to your wardrobe?”

Alysa giggles, “I can’t believe how my cousin Sam has become this pretty girl, and with a sense of style. I will help you shop for an outfit that my mom said I can get for you.”

Sami wanted to know how she knew about him, wondering about her Aunt and others, but asked none of that. Instead, Sami asks, “Would you two actually do that for me? I like what you’re doing with my hair.”

Alysa says, “I might have something that would look cute on you.”

“Yes, and thanks in that order.”

“I think she’s ready for her mother to see her,” said Alysa. Roni has Samantha stand and turn. Roni smooths out the skirt.

Sis and Cousin go first, Sami had slipped into her ankle boots, and walks smoothly down the steps. She had seen herself in a mirror as she walked down the stairs; she was happy.

Before she left, Jennifer showed all of them a pair of satin pajamas she was giving to Sami to sleep in. When her Mom told her to give them back, Jennifer said, “After she tried them on, we had to buy them.” It was a little white lie, but Sami didn’t say anything until her Mom agreed she could keep them.

“Remember, Samantha, I expect you up bright and early tomorrow.” Jennifer asked, “If Mac doesn’t come home tomorrow, would it be possible for Sami to stay with me until he does?”

Mom Larsen said, “Jennifer, wouldn’t it be better to have Roni help you?”

“She’s a senior; she has many more interests than wasting time babysitting. Plus, I’ve taught Sami a few things where she needs more practice.” Jenn has the habit of hugging women, but kissed Sami on the cheek.
=^_^=
Jennifer hoped she’d soon be welcoming her husband home. She wasn’t fully surprised by his call that he had to take the train from D.C. to NYC to close a deal. Not only did that mean another night for Samantha, but maybe two.

Come, the next evening, Jenn was preparing supper when she stepped back and stepped on one of Sheri’s plastic blocks. Her foot went up and to the left, and she fell backwards. Jenn cried out in pain; her ankle was hurt. Sami was soon there with Sheri on her hip, who was also crying.

Sami used her cell phone to call her Mom to come and help. Maybe they should have called the Ambulance, but Jenn swore against that option. They used Jennifer’s SUV with Mom Larsen driving, Jennifer buckled in, and Sami secured Sheri in her car seat. Sami rode between Sheri and Jenn. Jenn gave Samantha her purse with all her insurance information.

It seemed like a circus with Sami, a boy dressed as a girl, a minor, not a relative, presenting Jennifer’s information. The receptionist said, I need Jennifer to give me the information. That started a hassle that was disturbing to Jennifer, who was anxious to be seen by a doctor. Sami was worried why she hurt so much, yet frustrated by the receptionist. It took some time before the Receptionist accepted Jennifer gave the information to Sami. Finally, Samantha said, “Let me use her information to get Mrs. Jennifer Kincaid signed in. I will still be here, and you can drill me and my mother and me about any questions you may have.”

After all that was said and done, the receptionist commented, “Thank you Sami, most, young women couldn’t have done any better, or looked cuter doing it. Now, please explain about your being dressed as a girl, and calling yourself Samantha.”

Using Samantha’s voice, “I’ve been staying and helping Jenn while her husband is away. Jenn was sensitive to the looks of having a young male staying with her. I’ve been using my sister Roni’s old clothes. I have my mother’s permission.”

“Tonight, I was watching Sheri, Jenn’s daughter, when Jenn tripped on a baby toy and hurt herself. I’ve called Jennifer’s sister, Marcy, and she’ll be coming, but she lives hours away.”

The receptionist and the Supervising Nurse were amused by Samantha’s story. They checked to make sure Sam wasn’t being forced, and learned how he’s come to like being Samantha. During Samantha’s interview, Mom Larsen came in to get Sheri’s bag from her. But Samantha instead took Sheri and changed her in front of the others.

“We’re impressed that you know how to clean a toddler.”

Sami informed them, “Jennifer wouldn’t let me care for her daughter without her instructing me. I’ve grown up since Jennifer has been helping me to be Sami.”

Jennifer would be going home, under the care of her sister, Marcy. Marcy wasn’t surprised that her sister had a boy helping her as a girl. Marcy asked, “Sami is it okay if you stay and help me by watching Sheri? She still needs to be fed, changed and put to sleep, when she’s ready.”

After Sami had finally put Sheri to bed, Marcy brought a pretty nightie of Jenn’s for Sami to wear. Sami informed her that she already had one and showed her.

Sami had showered, and changed into her nightie, and soon went to bed; he had a restless sleep feeling guilty about wearing the nightie. Sami woke early in the night and paced about. Jenn gently called, “Samantha is that you?”

Sami entered her room and told her about her predicament. Jenn pulled back a portion of her sheet and asked Sami to lay next to her. And as she did Jenn pulled Sami next to her, “Now rest.” Sami felt Jenn’s soft warmth. She was soon Samantha's body and spirit. She felt Jenn mentoring her, and soon both fell asleep.

Jenn tussled Sami’s hair, as Sami dreamed she was being woven into, no, she was now the weaver of a tapestry. She liked the idea that she could craft a beautiful tapestry.

Morning had come early enough that she didn’t get to finish her tapestry. Sami had told about her dream. “You are lucky, my sister Marcy can set up a small loom and teach you.”

When Marcy found Sami with her sister, she was amused by Sami’s dream and her opportunity to teach a girly-boy to create a tapestry. Marcy talked her into beginning with a needlepoint of fairies and flowers that interested Sami. Marcy said, “If you want, I will stay around until Mac gets back. I will teach you enough to get started and to see your fairies take shape.”

Something new for Sami was that Samantha was not aroused by being around Jenn or Marcy. Marcy found an old disc of Jenn’s and asked Samantha, “Have you been taking any of these? Jenn swears she had them replaced, because she lost them.”

Sami looked down before she confessed. “Yes, but I read they don’t have enough to affect me.”

“They may not have enough to transform you, but they can affect your testosterone production,” Marcy told her.

Jenn came over to Samantha, “I’m upset you did that without my knowing.”

“But I like being a girl,” Sami says, “I like imagining what it would be like being a girl. Please don’t be angry with me.”

Jenn said, “I’m working to help you experience being a girl. I think you need to see if this is to your liking. Do you think you are ready for anything like that?”

Marcy gave Jennifer and Sami big hugs. “Sam, maybe it’s time for you to go home.”

“But I promised Jenn and Mac that I’ll be here until he’s home. I promise I won’t take any more pills. Unless you force me, and I’m staying as Sami.” She goes to find Sheri, hoping she is awake and needs feeding.

Sheri is up in her bed, needing to sit on the potty chair and be fed. Sami’s thankful for the distraction. Sheri is soon on the floor with a dolly and tugs on Sami to play with her.

They play away in the morning, and they hear Jennifer loudly say, “Oh, no!” Sami lifts Sheri in her arms they go to see what has upset,

“What’s the matter? Does your ankle hurt?”

Jenn smiles at the two, “No, Mac called saying he not only needs another day, but storms might ground his flight another day.”

Sami shakes her head, “I’ll need to wash some of my panties.”

“Go shower, there are new panties in your top drawer in our guest room. And then get ready to go out. I need to get out, so we’re going out for dinner.”

It took an added effort to help Jennifer as Sheri get ready to go out to the Straw Hat, a pub with good food. They were talking, and Jennifer referred to Sam as Sami Larsen. They were about finished with their meals when Bill Hartley, another high school scholar, came asking Sami her name and if she’d dance with him.

Not wanting to identify himself, Sami agreed to one dance. The dance was fast enough that they danced a part. When a slow dance followed, Sami finds herself snuggled in his arms, dancing. And when he whispers in her ear, she turns to look at him, and they kiss. Surprised, she is transfixed for the moment, and their kiss lingered. Bill began to apologize, but all Sami wanted was for it to be over and forgotten.

When asked her last name, she says, “Larsen.”

Bill asks, “Roni’s little sister? I was hoping so!”

Sami wants to run back to her table and leave, but Bill holds her hand. “Don’t run, you make an attractive girl, and I’m not offended.” He walks her casually back to her table. “Thanks for the dances, Samantha. I enjoyed dancing with you.”

Jenn had figured out that Bill knew Sami. Jenn’s hand goes on top of Sami’s, and for the moment, nothing is said. Jenn asks, “Should we go home?”

Sami picks up Sheri’s bag and her purse and heads to the women’s room. She checks Sheri’s onesie and sets Sheri on a toilet. It was the first time Sheri peed in a toilet for Sami. Sami had Sheri wipe herself, and then Sami made sure she was wiped properly before helping pull up her onesie. Sami claps, and Sheri gives a big smile. Back at the sink counter, Sami refreshes her makeup and puts a touch of makeup on Sheri’s cheek. They both wash their hands and walk back to Jenn.

Jenn tells Sami, “I talked to Bill, and he promises not to tell anyone. Here’s his number. You can call him when you are ready.” Samantha had no thought of calling Bill, but she did take the phone number and put it in her purse.

Samantha says, “I have no desire to call him. It confuses me that we kissed. I was a little embarrassed. What I can’t understand is that we are friends. Why didn’t I get angry at him?”

To be continued…