Jimmy’s world is changing fast now that Bree sees her child as Juliette. The day after the big reveal is a wild ride for Julie, and she is not in control. Unsure about where things are going, she is overwhelmed and worried. Mom trying to make up for lost time and Rachel trying to be a good best friend are a force Julie can't slow down. The day's adventures bring her clothes shopping, two photo shoots, and to a Girl Scout meeting. Is it too much for Julie to handle, or meeting her every dream? Could it be both? New questions, nervous moments, and a few truths that can’t stay hidden forever all happen in one day. A day that Juliette will never forget.

Right inside Macy’s, Bree handed her daughter a shopping basket. The two girls followed her into the girls’ department. Once there, Bree turned down the aisle with the socks and panties. “Juliette, grab some panties in size ten and socks for a ten-year-old.”

Juliette picked out mostly cute, girly designs.

Bree quietly added variety packs with solid colors for both the socks and panties. Before leaving the aisle, she also selected white socks, both with and without ruffles, along with tights in several colors to match dresses already purchased and others she planned to buy.

“Okay, what now, Mommie?”

Bree flagged down a sales assistant while gently resting a hand on Julie’s head. “I would like my daughter measured for a training bra.”

“I’d be happy to help. Young lady, go ahead and take off your top in that changing booth when you’re ready. I’ll be right back to measure you.”

“M-Mommie! Wh-what are you… d-doing?!?!” Julie whispered.

“Don’t argue. Go follow her instructions.”

Very nervously, Julie slipped into the changing room and quickly removed her sweatshirt and top. She was sure this wouldn’t end well. Uneasily, she looked at herself in the mirror. For just a moment, she thought she could see Jimmy staring back at her. Would this lady throw them out if she realized a boy was in the girls’ department?

“Knock, knock. Can I come in?”

“Y-yes, you m-may, M-Ma’am.”

“It isn't that bad, Sweetie. What's your name?”

The measuring tape slipped around Julie, snug just under her chest. Not knowing where else to look, she stared at the wall instead. “J-Juliette.”

Julie heard the sales assistant writing something down. The tape moved again, cool this time across the middle of her chest.

“That's a pretty name.”

“Th-Thanky, M-Ma'am.”

“Okay, Sweetie. You may get dressed and join me and your Mommie.”

Fully dressed again, Juliette rejoined Rachel and her Mommie.

“With a 28-inch bust, Juliette would wear a medium training bra. In regular bra sizing, she’s close to a 28 AAA, which is very hard to find. She probably won’t stay that size for long, so a 28 AA or even an A would be more practical.”

“Thank you for your help…” Bree glanced at the name tag. “Lisa. Please grab one of those multi-packs of training bras in medium, Juliette.”

Juliette obeyed and placed the package into the basket. She blinked in surprise when Mommie added another package beside it.

‘Pack of Five Padded Training Bras.’

Julie's cheeks warmed slightly.

“Lisa, we’re ready to check out.”

“Mrs. Bowen, don’t forget the Girl Scouts are having a Christmas party today, and Julie needs to bring a gift to the meeting.”

“Thanks for reminding me, Rachel.” Bree thought for a moment. “Well, we’re not going to a toy store, so we’ll have to make do with whatever Macy’s has.”
“How about these knitted gloves, Mommie?”

“Take them to the counter, Sweetie.”

Back at Mrs. Claus’s Closet, Mommie took the Macy’s bag from Juliette’s hands.

“Welcome back to Mrs. Claus’s Closet.” Christina glanced at the clock. “Thank you for being early. Mrs. Claus should be ready for you in five minutes.”

“Ring ring.”

Christina groaned softly. “Again? It’s been ringing off the hook all day. Why do people wait until the last minute to book Christmas photo shoots?” …

“Thank you for calling Mrs. Claus's Closet, Christina speaking.” …

“Sorry, we’re fully booked until January fourth.” …

“You have a nice day yourself.”

Christina blushed slightly when she realized she had just complained in front of a family who had also booked late.

A door opened, and someone dressed as Mrs. Claus stepped out. “Greetings! I have an appointment for Juliette and Rachel in my closet. First, we need to sprinkle you two girls with Christmas magic so the closet will accept you.”

Mrs. Claus waved the glowing snowflake wand she carried, pretending to dust the two best friends with magic. “Now, please bring your Mommie with you as you come inside.”

Julie stepped into the room and stared. One side was lined with row after row of costumes. Props filled the opposite wall, while a photography area had been set up straight ahead.

“So, Bree,” Mrs. Claus asked cheerfully, “are the girls deciding on outfits, or are you?”

“Myself. We have time for multiple outfits, right?”

“We should have enough time for at least two each, probably more. If the girls are very good at following directions, we might even fit in four or five outfits apiece.”

“Then, is it possible to make the girls look like toddlers or kindergarteners in a photo?”

“Mommie!”

“Mrs. Bowen!”

Laughing, “Yes, it is. Let me understand. You want a photo that looks like people in it are toddlers.”

Mrs. Claus continued, “What sizes are the girls?”

“We’re both ten-twelve,” Rachel answered.

“And shoes?”

“Big girls’ two,” Julie replied quietly.

Rachel added, “Three for me.”

“Those are big kids’ sizes, right?”

“Yes, Ma'am.”

“Mommie, are you trying to embarrass us?”

Mrs. Claus told the girls, “It will be fun. You are not the first children that have dressed younger than their real age. It will be fun for everyone.”

Still smiling, Mrs. Claus expertly moved along one of the costume racks. “Rachel? Juliette? Pink, red, white, lavender, or purple?” … She paused. “Actually, Mommie, Christmas-themed or not?”

Juliette answered hopefully, “Pink.”

“Yellow?” Rachel suggested.

But Bree overruled them both. “Christmas dresses.”

Mrs. Claus pulled out two red dresses. “Sorry, girls. Your Mommie outvoted you.”

She placed both dresses into a changing room, then added two pairs of white tights. “Bree, you are aware the tights are an additional cost since we can’t reuse them, right? They’ll be yours to keep.”

“I am now. That’s perfectly fine.”

Two pairs of shoes joined the growing pile in the changing room. “Hop to it, girls, while I set up the photography area.”

Shaking her head, Julie followed Rachel into the changing room.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Claus dragged over an oversized rocking chair and positioned two “Christmas trees” nearby. Wrapped gifts were added around the chair to complete the setup.

“How would you like the pictures done, Mommie?” Mrs. Claus asked.

“Together and separately, if possible.”

“Of course.”

A few minutes later, Julie emerged first. She wore a red Christmas toddler dress with white tights and black Mary Janes. Rachel, dressed almost identically, followed behind her.

Mrs. Claus directed Julie toward a small table. “Sit here for me, Sweetie.”

Julie obeyed as Mrs. Claus quickly freshened her makeup and gathered her hair into pigtails. As she worked, Holly Anderson, the owner of Mrs. Claus’s Closet, noticed that Julie appeared to be wearing an exceptionally well-made wig. There were very few reasons a little girl this age would need one. Her expression softened as the stress of the last few days seemed less important. Moments like this were exactly why Holly loved running Mrs. Claus’s Closet. Every child who stepped through the door deserved to feel special for a little while. Smiling gently, Holly tied off the pigtails with red ribbons before giving Rachel the same treatment.

As the girls were then led into the photography area, Julie quickly realized the Christmas trees in front of her were actually only the bottom halves of larger trees, cleverly designed to appear much larger than they actually were.

A ladder leaned against the oversized rocking chair. Standing beside it, Rachel blinked in surprise when she realized the chair’s seat was nearly chest-high on her. Using the ladder, she carefully climbed into the chair.

Once the ladder had been moved out of sight, Mrs. Claus frowned thoughtfully. “That won’t do. Rachel, please scoot back in the chair all the way so your legs stick straight out. Good, that gives more of that toddler sitting in a grown-up chair look.”

The ladder returned while Holly adjusted Rachel’s skirt and pose. Once satisfied, she removed the ladder again. “Smile for the birdie, Rachel!”

Three flashes followed.

Rachel was then repositioned toward the front of the chair. Again, the ladder returned so Holly could perfectly arrange the dress and tights before stepping away.

Three more flashes.

The ladder appeared once more. “Okay, Juliette, go join your sister up there.”

Rachel only shrugged at the mistake, while Julie, barely audible, whispered in surprise, “My sister?”

“Just go with it, Sis,” Rachel whispered back with a grin. “Apparently, she thinks we’re twin sisters. I'll admit, though, my little girl does look cute like that.”

Julie blushed up redder than Rudolph's nose.

After carefully adjusting both girls and hiding the ladder again, Holly grabbed a teddy bear and began making it dance just above the camera while pulling exaggerated silly faces.

Neither girl could hold back their laughter.

The camera flashed repeatedly.

“Now, girls, each of you hold this present like it belongs to both of you.”

After several more photos, the gift was removed. The girls were encouraged to sit together on the back of the rocking chair while Holly adjusted every little detail until she was satisfied.

Three more flashes later, the ladder returned so Rachel could climb back down.

Julie then received the same solo treatment Rachel had earlier.

Finally, Holly stepped back and looked over the setup thoughtfully.

“Let’s see, Mommie. I do have an oversized rocking horse…” She tapped her chin dramatically. “Or should we change outfits?”

“I think we’ve gotten enough little-girl pictures,” Bree answered. “Do you have elf costumes?”

“Of course. This wouldn’t be a proper North Pole closet without elf costumes.” Mrs. Claus helped Julie down from the oversized chair as she spoke. “Go ahead to the changing room, but don’t undress just yet. Let me bring your new outfits first.”

Julie followed Rachel into the changing room and stared at the reflection in the mirror. An oversized toddler stared back at her. ‘I bet even Lily wouldn’t want to look this young,’ Julie thought. She didn’t exactly hate the image staring back at her, but pigs would fly before she willingly encouraged Mommie or Rachel to dress her like this again.

A moment later, the curtain opened slightly.

“Here you go, girls. One red elf outfit with green-and-white tights, and one green outfit with red-and-white tights. Just keep the Mary Janes on and use the elf shoe covers.”

When Mrs. Claus closed the curtain again, the girls quickly began changing outfits, helping each other with stubborn buttons as they worked.

Meanwhile, Holly cleared away most of the earlier props. One oversized Christmas tree remained behind. A North Pole sign was brought out, along with a toy workbench. Soon, three separate photography scenes had been arranged across the photography area.

A few minutes later, two elves stepped out from the changing room.

“Ma'am, what do we do with the previous dresses?” Rachel asked.

“I’ll collect them when I bring your next outfits. Rachel, you’re first for the makeover this time.”

Rachel sat down while Holly quickly adjusted her hairstyle and pinned the elf hat securely into place. Once that was finished, Holly touched up the girl’s makeup to better match the costume.

Soon Julie matched her best friend, right down to the elf hat.

“Juliette, you’re first. Go stand by the North Pole sign.” Mrs. Claus tilted her head thoughtfully. “Hmm… let’s move your hands like this. Perfect. Now look over there.”

Mrs. Claus hurried back behind the camera. “Say Christmas presents!”

Three flashes followed.

Next, Julie was guided over to the oversized Christmas tree, where Holly carefully posed her again before taking several more pictures. After that came the toy workbench, where Julie pretended to build toys while the camera repeatedly flashed.

“Rachel, come join your sister at the workbench.”

Rachel only shrugged before stepping beside Julie. Leaning closer, she whispered teasingly, “Move over, sister, so I can fit on the bench too.”

Julie’s cheeks warmed slightly.

The girls were expertly posed together for several more photos. Afterward, the same pairings were repeated at both the Christmas tree and the North Pole sign.

Once the duo shots were complete, Rachel received her own turn posing alone.
Finally, Holly lowered the camera and smiled toward Bree.

“Now then, Mommie, what would you like next?”

“I want Juliette as the Sugar Plum Fairy.”

“And Rachel?”

“That’s the problem. Rachel doesn’t take ballet, and she probably wouldn’t enjoy wearing a ballet costume. I’m not sure what to do for her.”

“Can I choose?” Mrs. Claus smiled.

Bree laughed softly. “I think I’d enjoy seeing that.”

The girls headed back toward the changing area, with Holly following close behind. Soon, she handed Julie a purple ballet costume.

“Use the white tights with that, Julie.” …

Then she turned toward Rachel with another outfit draped over her arm.

“And for you, Rachel, Belle’s Christmas dress.”

Mrs. Claus collected the toddler dresses before closing the curtain behind the girls. Meanwhile, Holly cleared away the remaining Christmas props from the photography area to prepare for the next set.

A few minutes later, Rachel stepped out first with a huge smile on her face. The gold and red velvet Christmas dress made her look like a storybook princess. Julie followed behind her in the purple ballet costume.

Patting the chair beside the makeup table, Holly motioned Rachel over. “Belle first.”

Before beginning Rachel’s makeover, Holly handed Juliette a pair of ballet slippers. “Those should fit well enough.”

A few minutes later, the girls swapped places.

As Holly carefully worked Julie’s hair into a ballet bun, she took extra care not to disturb the wig or make it obvious Juliette was wearing one. The quality alone told Holly it definitely wasn’t cheap.

“Mrs. Claus,” Mommie instructed, “individual photos only in these outfits, please.”

“Of course, Mommie.” Holly smiled toward Rachel. “You’re first this time.”

Rachel was posed elegantly in front of the backdrop while Holly snapped photo after photo. Once Rachel finished, it was Juliette’s turn.

Holly positioned the ballerina in the center of the photography area.

“Fifth position.”

Several flashes followed.

“Passé.”

More flashes.

Then Holly smiled mischievously. “Pirouette.”

Bree looked at her daughter, not sure if she knew how to do a pirouette. Juliette’s recital yesterday hadn’t included pirouettes.

Julie quietly tested the softness of the floor beneath her slippers. Samantha had only recently started teaching her pirouettes, and her form was still shaky. Taking a deep breath, Julie spun.

The pirouette wobbled badly, but she stayed upright.

The camera fired rapidly while she turned, yet Julie barely noticed.

She hadn’t fallen.

Relieved, Julie immediately tried again, hoping for one she was satisfied with. This pirouette was steadier. When she finished, applause broke out from everyone in the room.

Rachel rushed over and hugged Julie tightly.

“Sis, you’re suffocating me.”

“Oops.”

Laughing, Rachel loosened her grip.

Mrs. Claus glanced at the clock, then toward the little girl who needed a wig. “We still have time for a fourth outfit.”

Bree laughed softly. “I’m officially out of ideas.”

“May I choose?” Mrs. Claus’s smile widened immediately.

“Yes, you may.”

“Into the changing area, girls. I’ll bring your outfits in just a minute.”

Holly expertly moved down one of the costume aisles before selecting two outfits from the racks. A moment later, she stepped into the changing area and handed them over. “Rachel, keep your hoop skirt on. Juliette, here’s yours.”

Once the girls had what they needed, Holly gathered up the elf costumes and returned to the makeup station to wait.

Several minutes later, two Victorian girls stepped out from behind the curtain. The dresses were elegant and old-fashioned, complete with lace trim, ribbons, and layered skirts. Rachel looked delighted by the outfit, while Julie nervously smoothed her skirt before following her best friend forward.

After touching up their makeup and adjusting their hairstyles one final time, Holly handed each girl a Christmas songbook.
“Perfect,” she said warmly. “Now hold them like you’re singing Christmas carols.”

The girls posed separately first while Holly snapped photo after photo. Once the solo pictures were finished, Rachel’s songbook was removed so the girls could share one together. Holly carefully positioned them shoulder to shoulder around the book. “Closer, girls. Sisters don’t stand six feet apart.”

Rachel grinned immediately and scooted closer.

Julie blushed but allowed herself to be moved beside her friend.

Several final flashes filled the room.

At last, Holly lowered the camera and checked the clock.

“We have about ten minutes left,” Mrs. Claus announced thoughtfully. She picked up the glowing snowflake wand from the nearby table and waved it dramatically at the girls. “That should give two ten-year-old girls enough time to get back into 2015 fashions before my Christmas Magic runs out and turns those magically created dresses back into Cinderella’s torn, tattered rags.”

Holding back a giggle, Rachel immediately grabbed Julie’s hand and dragged her toward the changing room. Together, the girls helped each other out of the Victorian costumes and back into the jeans, T-shirts, and sweatshirts they had worn into the studio earlier that afternoon.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Claus handed Bree a stack of paperwork. “You’ll find a web link on this sheet,” Holly explained. “Because of the Christmas rush, the finished photos with backgrounds might not be ready until Tuesday evening. However, you can already view the unprocessed images with watermarks. Once the final versions are finished, you’ll also be able to order prints and digital copies through the same link.”

“Mrs. Claus?” Rachel asked as the girls stepped out from the changing room. “Do we leave the outfits in there?”

“Yes, Sweetheart. Now come sit at the makeup table.”

Rachel climbed onto the chair, and for the fourth time that afternoon, Holly carefully scrubbed away the makeup. For a brief moment, Holly was tempted to put the girl's hair in pigtails with ribbons. Instead, smiling faintly to herself, Mrs. Claus removed the ribbons and pins from Rachel’s Victorian hairstyle, to restore the girl’s hair back into a more natural style she arrived with.

Once Rachel finished, Julie quietly took her place. Holly gently removed the pins holding Julie’s Victorian curls in place before cleaning away the remaining makeup from her face. Again, she worked carefully around the wig.

When both girls were finally back to normal, Mrs. Claus handed each of them a small wrapped present. She also passed Bree the worn tights.

“It has been wonderful working with you girls,” Mrs. Claus said warmly. “Merry Christmas to all of you. Please settle the bill with my receptionist on your way out.”