The photoshoot went fine since my uniform was tailored to me to hide any flaws and with the help of a pushup bra I made it look really good. I did the whole shoot with those ladies standing their so I had to keep up the lily act the whole time.

Worse yet part of the shoot was to be done at the school so instead of changing I was put on the same bus as Sister Charisa, who it turns out is one of the teachers at the school, and the girls. The whole ride I had to keep up the act and deal with Sister Charisa. I had sore hands and knees by the time the bus parked who knew nuns keep a wooden ruler up their sleeves. Every time my legs drifted apart or I said something unladylike Whack went the ruler. Not hard more of a tap but when you get enough of them well... lets just say I received a bit more makeup from Sally before the shoot. Oh yeah Sally is a wiz with makeup she can make just about anyone look great, she also does some dressmaking/tailoring so she "adjusts" outfits for the agency as well. Ive learned alot from her about how a little bit here and there can make a huge difference on how clothes look. She also isn't to thrilled with my grunge look either.

The unfortunately part of riding in a bus with girls is they..chat.. nonstop. Being the "new girl" I had to fabricate a history for myself which was mostly just saying stuff like when I was a little girl. What dolls I played with that sort of thing. Nothing to far from what I really did, I am not that imaginative, I did get a really awful look from Sister Charisa when I mentioned the fun I had with that frog and the lamp cord. Well it was funny at the time. Ok Mom and Dad weren't too thrilled with it either. Amazingly they actually seemed to like the books I have read. I didn't really think girls were into Sci fi/Fantasy but I guess some authors appeal to both sexes. I tried to pass off the frog thing as testing something from a book I think Sister Charisa bought it.

We got to the school and I have to say the Main building sure is impressive with its turn of the century limestone curves, columns, arches, and French windows. The fact that there is two of these buildings almost side by side, seperated by a wrought iron fence, just adds to it. The more modern buildings are behind these two and stretch out quite a ways behind them. The dorms are off to the side about 400 feet or so across and manicured and sculptured landscape. The sidewalks are done with black marble and are covered. Its really impressive. I got to see quite a bit of it while taking pics here and there some with those same girls, although they got done up in makeup and their uniforms and were thrilled took awhile to calm them down enough for the pics.

Just as we finished the shoot an actual bell rang. Somewhere around here is a real bell tower. At which point the school seemed to explode with girls all in the same uniform. The boys side glimpsed through the fence did the same with boys in the male version of uniform.

Oh yeah the Uniform. Well for girls its a grey pleated skirt knee length with white socks that go mid calf in a grey shoe called a flat. The blouse is a white blouse that breaths well with pearl buttons a peter pan collar and a grey cross tie under the collar. There is a jacket for girls thats again grey and doesnt really do much since it only goes to the waist and has 3/4 sleeves. The blouse sleeves are puffy cinderella short sleeves.

The boys uniform is also grey but its slacks white dress shirt with short sleeves and a clip on tie. Apparently a normal tie was deemed dangerous when caught in stuff. They got black socks and black running shoes that were kinda dressy.

The winter version I am told is a different color and the length of the shirts and jackets are longer. I got dragged along to the girls washroom to freshen up, Ie remove makeup as only minimal mascara and lip gloss were allowed. My painted nails would have to wait but the girls were allowed to have clear varnish. I have no piercings which was good since the girls all complained about the fact they could only wear tiny single studs in each ear and no where else. I should mention that my blouse got a little damp while washing off the makeup, just water and I had to change it. The girls loved my bra as they were not allowed to wear any enhancements of any type. I don't know where the clean blouse came from as it fit as good as the tailored one.

The one thing the girls were allowed was a variety of hair styles as long as it was appropriate. I had to refuse several attempts at "Just a little bit here" before I made good my escape from the washroom. It took 45 minutes just to pee wash and change. No wonder girls take so long half of it is talking about this that interspersed with many questions or comments on the boys side. Honestly half the questions could have been answered with a recorder that said same thing over and over. No I don't have a boyfriend, No I haven't done it with a boy, No I haven't kissed a boy, I haven't had my time yet. This is apparently a really big deal or right of girls.

We all sat down at these huge tables all glossy wood with lace tablecloths, The Mother Superior said grace, one of the longest I have heard, and then some of the girls served us soup with funny spoons, that was followed with warm fresh white bread buns, then a very small portion of potatoes, cooked carrots and some chicken. Desert was a pastry of some type that was apparently a random selection. It tasted ok. I was glad for grannys "lady" lessons for eating otherwise my normal stuff myself silly would probably have not gone over well.

The meal was followed by yet another long prayer and then some sort of duty announcement including introducing me as the new student who graciously modeled for them. I got up curtsied and then sat down, well almost my shin got a nudge and a whisper skirt, I had forgotten to tuck it. I model the things I don't usually sit in them.

After saying goodbye, what is with all the hugging, I was allowed to leave and squeeze into the van with Sally and Bob the photographer and all that equipment, careful to not expose my panties thank you very much. Due to the lateness I was just dropped off at home still in the school girl outfit, which of course, Granny just loved. She made me get changed out of it so she could clean it and iron it. Meh women. I would never wear it again so I didn't see the point then I remembered today was a Lily day for gran. Like I could forget as there on my bed was a stupid green sundress. I just sighed picked up and put it with all the others in the box while grabbing my sweatpants and sweatshirt. After some time in the bathroom cleaning off the nail polish and makeup , yes i know the skin care stuff, I got dressed and sat at my computer to play some good old warcraft for 3 hours or so. Time flies when your questing.

Ever have one of those days that just went sideways?

Ever have a week?

How about a month?

Why do I ask. Well.....

To start with my name, my real name, is Tony Smith...yes smith. Is it the last name of my parents? I have no idea I was an abandoned baby so nobody knows. Raised in an orphanage till age six then multiple foster homes.

Foster home. Now there is a an oxymoron. Most of the foster places were little more than tiny rooms with negligible heat. I had one that was good for awhile but it was a temporary home with a nice older couple. This was after my former foster place got busted for making meth.

I have never done drugs, well tobacco in pipes but that was it. Not wacky tabacy thank you regular pipe stuff. Had to give it up. Too broke.

my first job, if you want to call it that, was going around town fixing peoples broken stuff, lawn mowers, snowblowers, tillers, weedwackers, power saws, etc. I learned by doing, mostly cause my foster parent places i had to. Not much but it got me some cash.

Graduated school but no college or stuff, again too broke. When I turned eighteen, and my care checks didn't come no more, I was tossed out on my own with little more than a bag of clothes. If not for my handyman cash I would have been living on the streets. No real Id at first but child services begrudgingly gave me a birth certificate, ill get to that in a second, but no other id.

You see I was raised around Detroit. I say around because, well Detroit was broke, so places like Flint. Ie sorta but not really part of Detroit. The lead poisoning in Flint didn't help my health any I can assure you of that.

Still since I was in the US and they didn't know where I was really born they gave me a Canadian birth certificate. Gee Thanks..so helpful. I think the do the same in Canada or Mexico. How they do it I have no idea.

I didn't have citizenship in US or Canada at the time, yeah more fun. I found that out when I tried to get social security number so that I could try to get a job at say McDonald's. So I did like some street kids and hung around the loading docks of the still working factories. Got a job as a sleeper. A sleeper is a kid that will move a load around for a trucker that is too lasy to do it himself. We sleep in the trailer, get fed, and a few bucks.

My trucker forgot I was even there and we crossed the border into Canada. Customs didn't like that I was there and somehow thought I had hitched a ride mistakenly, to get in to the US. The bastard, of course, claimed I was a stowaway. So that's pretty much how I ended up in Canada.

Toronto wasn't my thing, it's like expensive to live there, and the prejudice oh my god. I've been told it was just that one area but still. Summer came and I moved west. My funds ran out around Kenora. After a few summer type jobs in the lake area of Manitoba, I got a ride into Winnipeg.

I know I know. There is tons of stuff on the news but it's not that bad. Fairly cheap to live, plenty of work if you know how to fix things on the cheap. All under the table of course as my birth certificate did get me some cheap housing. My social insurance number has been awarded too me. Actually that was easy to get. Phone a number, wade through multiple recordings, talk to live person, give my birth certificate info. She gave me the number over the phone and the card came in about three weeks.

That allowed me to get on welfare. Pays my rent, and that's about it. Any official work I do has to be reported but under the table stuff is allowed up to a certain amount. For the time it worked. My lack of medical history didn't help me but after a few forms filled out after a long walk downtown I got a medical number. Turns out my less than healthy upbringing has caused some problems.

I'm small for a guy, not that small but uhm... Let's see. I weigh hundred and twenty eight pounds, stand at five six, small boned, scraggy beard and moustache. Longish, mostly uncut, brown hair, brown eyes, sorta need glasses but not really. its like -.1 on one eye. Not minus 1 minus point one.

Truthfully my beard and moustache took a year to get this much. I do have facial hair it just grows really slow. This is due to metal poisoning of my gonads. The walk in doctor has prescribed some medicine to "clean " my system but it makes me sick. Being sick = no food. So I work.

I suppose the other reason I stay in Winnipeg is because of her.

Her refers to Arianna Bridgston. She is about my age and height. Red hair. Similar eyes. Little smaller than me in some areas. Larger than me in others if you get my drift. Yes I have some fat on my chest. Not much, doc says it is left over from my teens years when I had gyno something or another.

Still she is quite the looker.

Arianna is a self made person. Not rich, not poor, more of the rare middle class. Single, though she has dated on occasion. No family that I know of. Very much a workaholic though. Just about every time I see her ready for work, she is in a skirt suit of some type, very professional, and if I say so, very hot. At home she is in jeans and sweat shirts that hide much of her curves.

I asked her about it once. She says that her success comes from how she feels when she wears the suits. Something about pants making her feel less. I didn't get it. Her place is out in Sage Creek area, uh thats like a new housing developement on the east side of winnipeg.
To say it's a three bedroom home with attached garage is an understatement.

The garage is a 2 1/2 heated garage, in floor heat, that was setup by the original owner as a shop sorta on the side. There is the main part where you fit two cars easy and a second part, all part of the garage, that is separated by a wall with a door to the back yard. It has some workbenches and space for tools on the wall. She mainly does her gardening in it. Attached to the back of that, via door, is a glassed in sunroom/greenhouse/deck.

In the workroom is where the snowblower, lawntractor, weedeater, tilller and stuff is kept. All stuff I fixed up for her that someone in the nieghboorhood threw away. Her house is on a two acre lot, a corner lot. Something about a line running through that one section that prevented a house being built there. It's fenced in, mostly by me, and really the tractor is overkill. Still all that was wrong with it was some blades, a belt, and dirty carb. No biggie. Snowblower was siezed on the drive shaft. Weedeater needed some fuel lines. Tiller I'm not sure about I haven't gotten to that one yet.

She drives around in a green/gray BMW. 2001 series 3 two door. Engine is out of a newer series five...I think. She got it about two years ago with a trade in of her old car. I could have fixed her old car for her but the garage traded her for this one. I don't think it got that many miles on it before she got it. She washes it regularly and I do fluids changes on it about ones every six months or so depending. There is some anti rust dohickey under the hood with a little led light on it. It seems to be working as there is no rust on the car.

I remeber when I met her. She was in my neighboorhood with a flat tire and no idea how to change it. Really she was all done up in her suit with the jacket off and was raring to give it a go. Well to keep it short she didn't have a jack and the tire iron was not for that car, or the wheels lugs one or the other.

As luck would have it I had been on my way home from the store where I bought my supplies of ramen noodles and had found one of those cheap tire pumps that you can buy that plug into the cigarettle lighter socket/ accesory. Something had been dropped across the cord slicing it and I had found the other half in the same bin in the back lane as the pump. Striped the wires with my teeth twisted them together and used some old broken branch to keep the wires apart. Did the job and pumped up her tire enough to get it to my mess of a place.

We chatted a bit while I worked at fixing her tire, it had a nail in it, no biggie, pull nail, put in horsehair plug with goop on it burn it off. Good as new. She had been on her way home and had stopped at a gas station or two to fill her tire. She had stopped at the stop sign near my place and when she tried to accelerate the car hopped once. Flat tire.

No CAA or someone to call. She had thought about it but had never needed them before. As she put it. "Well now I have you now don't I" and that was that.

About once a month or so I got to her place, clean sidewalks and driveway in winter, cut grass in summer, fix stuff I find, I can't help it. I walk down back lanes on the way from bus stop a street or two over. I have a spare set of cheap tools I leave at her place and she doesn't mind if I fix and sell the occasional lawnmower or whatever I find as long as it isn't at her place for more than a week.

We are NOT a couple in any way shape or form. More like good friends or family. I guess in a way since I don't have one and she doesn't seem to we fill the need for the other. It's hard to describe.

She has her rescued cat. Muffins is not exactly your normal cat. She is small and soft furred. Something about antifreeze when she was rescued and touch and go for awhile. It did something to her so that she cannot grow much bigger than what she is. She looks about three months old but is really about seven years. Small as she is she is one fierce protector. Mice and birds do not stand a chance when she gets out, which is often, smart little thing. Any time the door is open long enough she gets out. She stays in the yard though which is good. Doesn't like rain or snow at all.

It was I who drove her to and from the hospital, I do have a license, in her car for the surgery when she had one of her breasts removed, cancer. The subsequent days of assuring her that she was in fact, still a woman, was a bit of a chore. And again a year later to and from the clinic for the implant to give her back a breast, cleared with her doctor of course.

When she goes out of town for awhile she sometimes has muffin put into a kennel place. Or I go over and feed the little one depending on the lenght. So it was no surprise when she called me in late fall to ask if I would mind sleeping over at her place for a few days. This is a plus for me. She has a computer I can use, I don't have one. A projector to watch movies on instead of a tv.

My house is a rental. Aside from my tools and keeping the place looking nice with my little shed shop in the back, it's packed with small engine parts and pieces, my place is pretty bare. Kitchen with a nice table and cheap crappy chairs, salvage of course. A bedroom that is pretty much only used for clothes and a place to put my tools. I live in the living room and sleep on my old couch. Nobody ever visits me except the landlord. So it is not like I have to have the place all that respectable, nor am I free to do much. I get up work when I can, nobody wants to hire someone like me with no real education or work experience. Play my lotto once a week and spend much of my time day dreaming about one day winning said lottery. Eat in kitchen and read a book before going to bed. Yes real books, they are cheap enough now.

I showed up, like normal for me anyways, unshaven, hair in disarray with my bag of tools and a few changes of clothing. Ari offered to let me eat some of her ready meals while she was away. She has a bunch of these frozen meals in packages. You take them out add some water to a spot in tray, Microwave meal or some you put onto a plate and put into her mini oven.

Compared to my usual diet this is gourmet. It's part of her diet plan. She is always on a diet plan.There is even a list on fridge door with which meals you can choose from on a given day. I thanked her of course. Muffin chirped her acknowledgement of change of slaves. Oh yes Muffin is always in charge. We are her slaves as far as she is concerned. If she doesn't get her nununs at precisely the right time she lets you know. If her litter needs changing, she lets you know.

Since Ari only had the one suitcase I was 'safe' in assuming it was only a day or two she would be gone. When I asked for details all she said was that a friend had offered her use of the time share and that she would be gone for a bit. She thanked me and left in a taxi.

For the first day or two I fixed the things on list, taps in the master bathroom. Raked leaves. Worked on changing the fluids in the BMW. Fed Muffin and read some books on her comp. On the third day I moved the tiller around to the bench and took a look.

It's a rear tine tiller, which are nice as they don't kill your arms, not very old. Most people would, like the previous owner, assume that when you pull on the cord and it doesn't turn over that the engine is seized. That is not always the case. It may look that way, and this one was no different till I pulled the cover off. Behind the cover was a nest of some sort directly over the coil. Whatever rodent had made it's home, probably a mouse, had over the winter used the coil as a toilet almost welding the coil, which is bolted to engine block and does not move, to the flywheel which does move.

A bit of white vinegar, some paper towels, and a few hours of letting the vinegar soak away some of the rust while reading a book and the flywheel got free from the coil. I removed the coil, amazingly I didn't snap a bolt, and cleaned that up with more vinegar and paper towels as well as the flywheel.

The next morning I went out and sanded what little rust was left, oiled everything very well, put it back together and checked for spark. I wasn't really hoping for one but I got one. Yeah little victory there as new coils are like $60. I spent the rest of the day cleaning the carb, changing oil, and otherwise servicing the machine before I even tried to get it started. You can buy these magnetic block heaters, Not the best for cars but they work great for a small engine to heat up oil sludge in case without running engine.

With new oil, gas and a few pulls she farted and started. Took me a bit of time to get it properly set up as the mouse had chewed a wire I didn't notice at first, and the lever for the governor for throttle was all bent for some reason. Probably didn't run properly for the previous owner before it 'seized'. It was very late at night and I was very dirty when I came back in. Tomorrow I would try the tiller in that one spot in yard that was very uneven. And if all went well when Ari got back she could tell me where she wanted a real garden so we could till it over before winter.

I grabbed my dirty clothes, went to the basement, loaded up my clothes, all three sets, into washing machine. Buck naked I went upstairs and took a bath in the bathroom next to the guest room I was staying in.

That is when things started to go pear shaped on me. First off I noticed that my beard and mustache had attracted some of the goop. The goop is some stuff I use to seal engines, like the intake to block I did today. Unfortunately once it's dry it doesn't come off easily without a fair soaking of carb cleaner, Not something I wanted to smell for the next day or two. I tried to use some scissors I found but that didn't work.

There was no help for it after the scissor fiasco. I had to shave. It felt like I was invading her private space but in her bathroom under the sink was a package of disposable razors. Her shampoo was like right there and my hair was still wet so I put some of that into my hair as well before I returned to my bath and worked at shaving off my facial hair. It took me a bit longer than I thought as the shampoo in my hair had become thicker.

The second bath got me a fair amount cleaner as the water became dirty, or so I thought. Turns out that shampoo is also a salon type dyed hair thingy, I read it after I saw the result. My hair was not red red but less brown. That combined with a bare face I had not seen in a very long time shocked me. I looked a heck of a lot like Ari. Heck we could be brother and sister for all I knew.

With a towel wrapped around my waist I went back to basement and saw a mess leading from the washing machine to the drain. Now when I say a mess I mean a mess. It was very obviously water mixed with oil. Fearing the worst I opened the machine to find my clothes were now much much dirtier than before as well as the machine. I knew I had to get some of the water out so I left them to air dry while I mopped the floor. Note air drying doesn't mean that the stains will permanently set. There was no way I was going to go out to the garage naked either.

Almost crying at my bad luck I did the only thing I could do. I used the computer and messaged Ari. Her reply was almost instant. She would order a new washer dryer and that I could borrow some of her clothes.

To say I was nervous would be an understatement. I had never once thought about putting on women's clothing. It felt like I was violating some rule as I entered her room once again. Muffin looked up from her spot in the middle of Ari's bed, did that typical yawn meow cats do and watched me while resettling herself onto her paws.

I had to look through a few drawers of her dresser to even find socks. I also settled on the least feminine looking panty for underwear. That is not saying much as all of Ari's panty's looked to be very feminine. I didn't go searching like crasy either. If there was something even plainer underneath the top layer I didn't know. These looked to be simple at first glance.

Putting them on they seemed to go up and up till they sat much higher than I was used to. Normally underwear sits across your hip, these went over my hip bones. And the waist seemed higher too. Like to my belly button high. My thing, for some reason it felt wrong to call it a penis at that point, looked out of place. I ignored it.

The socks i found only came up to my ankles. Finding a sweater wasn't a problem. Jean's on the other hand were not in the dresser. That meant I would have to invade her closet. I felt so wrong doing so.

Opening the doors to the first closet, there was two, I saw a sea of suit jackets with a separate hanger for a matching skirt, some of them had dresses instead of skirts. All very professional looking and not a jean in sight. Next closet.

This closet had a few more fancy dresses, a number of blouses in different colors that looked , I don't know, delicate. Two pants and finally some jeans. I chose a pair that looked less new than the others. I mean I was borrowing some clothes I didn't want to use the like new ones.

Getting the jeans on was a bit of a chore. They fit but were tighter than I was used too and I had to move my thing out of the way underneath me as it kept getting squished in the zipper. Not an experience I wanted to repeat any time soon. Strangely my nuts just popped up inside me.

I had to suck in my gut a bit to get the button done but not that much and it didn't strain the waist as far as I could tell. I also noticed that there was room to put my hand into the pockets on the front. An experience I had never been able to do before. Men's jeans seemed to not have room up front for anything but thumbs. Which never bothered me as you kept your wallet in your rear pocket. That is also why most men's jeans wear around the back pocket.

I was pulling the sweatshirt down as I passed the mirror.

"Jeesss Ari you scared the hell out of me when did..."

It wasn't Ari in the mirror unless she got a flat chest suddenly. That was me. What the....

You have to remember I had not seen my bare face in a few years. My hair was drying out a bit, Not a red color but still not brown either. Almost like it was red but the color was washing out. Combined with the clothes. It was too eerie to describe. Were we somehow really related? I didn't know my parents so I suppose it was possible..sorta...in fiction.

Was I a bit freaked out? Of course! Who wouldn't be.

Then I did something really stupid. I went to the guest room where I was staying and took down the box I saw in the closet on the shelf.

Maybe I was thinking I wanted to see what I would look like. Maybe curious? I don't know. Of course this was after I helped myself to the bottle of wine that was also in the closet. Liquid courage?

You see I remember taking the box down and reading the instructions. The adhesive allowed one to place them on and move, if necessary, them for about five minutes or so. It took apparently two hours for the adhesive to cure. I guess I thought I could try them on see what I looked like then take them off with no one the wiser.

Well as you can guess that didn't work out to plan. I passed out on the bed and woke up with a hangover. When I pulled myself upright and found my chest wanted to keep going I well I freaked a bit. I tried to pull them off, duh of course, nope didn't want to move. The smart thing would have been to go get remover and take them off.

Smart things and hangovers are not one in the same. I took a piss. Then went to get some water from kitchen, water not juice. Lots of water is best thing for hangover.

The doorbell rang, thinking it was the guys with washer and dryer that Ari had called I answered it. Note slightly damp bed hair, sweater with no obvious bra underneath, not even a hint of beard shadow or redness.

Can I really blame Louise for what happened next? Okay I actually do, but that is beside the point.

Louise is Ari's hairdresser/stylist/manicurist/makeup artist/ hyperactive personality on sugar overdose non stop talker.

You have to remember my life experience for hair involved sheers. If I was really lucky the sheers were handled by a barber. Having my head tipped back and massaged was a new and I dare say pleasurable experience. Especially when you have a hangover headache. I went into a sorta sleep but not really asleep mode. She went on and on about everything that had happened to her since the last time Ari had seen her. My hair was washed, dyed to Ari's red, eyebrows waxed, nails done both finger and toes, and some makeup put on before I could even say boo. And yes my hair was trimmed, curled as well.

I tried, really tried, to tell her I wasn't Ari but I could not get a word in edgewise. She was gone for about five minutes before I even came fully too. When I did I ran to the door and raised my hand to tell her of her mistake only to see her car take off. Apparently she drives like she talks. The hands on the end of my arms did not belong to me. Instead of my constantly stained fingers and somewhat chewed nails was a girl's hand. Looking very clean, neat and soft.

I closed the door and leaned against it thinking this stuff doesn't happen to normal people. Ever. However the mirror placed beside the entrance told me it had somehow happened to me. In the mirror was someone that could very very easily pass as Arianna. I had her hair, her face, mostly, I think there is a difference in the nose but we would have to be side by side to tell.

I went and sat down at the computer in the living room and tried to gather my thoughts as to how I would explain this to Ari. Nothing came to mind. I grabbed the headphones and slipped them on before bringing up a program that had not been used for about eight months.

Back when Ari lost her breast the doctors found a lump in her throat. Thinking it might be cancer, it wasn't, they removed it but the scarring had changed her voice a bit. She thought that she sounded like a guy and was obsessing over it. So she got this program that helps one to train their voice. I think it is designed for transsexuals but not sure.

When she first got the program we had played with it doing the exact opposite of what your supposed to do and had a really good laugh. It was kind of a mute point as two weeks later her voice returned to normal. Still the program was there and she had recorded her voice print on it. I do not know why but I played with the program for awhile. My voice was never all that deep, deeper than Ari's and so far, clearly male.

I was playing with the program for a few hours petting Muffin on my lap when the doorbell rang again. This time I looked out the window and sure enough there was the delivery van offloading a machine. So naturally I opened the door.

"Hi Arianna. Are you ready for our appointment or did I catch you at a bad time?" I think I know what a camel feels like as I inhaled fast and sharp. Not perhaps the best idea as it caused me to start coughing a bit, dry thoat from all that practicing I had been doing. So I pointed at the guys delivering the washer and dryer.

"Oh I see. Well everyone should be at the club soon. Perhaps I can assist while you get ready then?" Before I could say boo he walked off to help the guys with the washer. I didn't know him. He was dressed well. Now when I say dressed well I mean that his clothes, while obviously tailored to himself, he was not dressed for lets say a night on the town. A bit more than your normal office, unless you were... Oh my god. This must be one of her good executive clients.

I closed the door and went upstairs knowing that if I screwed this up Ari would kill me. I entered her room and went to the closet with the business suits and pulled out a brown one, I hung that on the knob of the closet and then went to the other closet and pulled out what I thought would be a nice blouse to go with it, It was an off white color with a bit of embroidery on it. I put that next the the suit and thought it would look like something she would wear. In the first closet I found some shoes that seemed to match the suit with a pointed toe and short heel.

Being in a bit of a panic I took off the sweater and shimmied out of the jeans and socks and saw the hair on my arms and legs. That had to go Ari would never have hair in those places. Some soap and yet another razor got me clean of hair on both places. I used some lotion on both that had a bit of smell to it and ran back into the bedroom. I knew a bra would be a good idea and opened one of her drawers too look for one.

That is when I stopped and realized what I was doing. Leaving the drawer still open I stumbled backwards and sort of fell to the floor at the foot of the bed. All that had happened to me so far just caught up with me, I guess, and it somehow seemed right that I should just let it all out.

I didn't even hear the bedroom door open as I sobbed into my knees. Nor did I hear the bag drop. The only time it registered that someone was in the room at all was when I felt someone sit down beside me. I turned and put my forehead onto the shoulder of whoever it was and bawled as they made comfort noises and rubbed my back. It took me a bit to cry out and get a hold of myself.

Of course when I did and realized it was Ari I cried more and tried to explain. She stopped me with her hand and let me cry out first. Once I more or less stopped sobbing I did my best to explain what had happened so far. She didn't bat an eye but she did smirk a few times. While I was talking about how I thought I could maybe do something dressed somewhat like her she turned to me after examining the outfit I had chosen.

"You chose this?"

Sniffle" Well yeah isn't it something you would wear?" When she nodded I continued." Well it doesn't matter now your here and.."

"For this blouse and skirt you will need some hose and a full slip. We will also have to sort your boobs out as they are crooked."

"since your here you can wear it to your meetin...uh...Ari I don't need to pass as you or..."

"Oh no missy. Your coming with me Leanna."

"But but...wait what? Who is Leanna?"

"Would you prefer Antoinette?" I just made a face.

"Exactly. My sister, if I had had one, would have been named Leanna. So your Leanna."

"But why do I have to go? Can't I just put the jeans and sweater back on and do my laundry when the machines are done?"

"Well first off Greg saw you and me. If we don't show up it would look weird." Okay I could sorta get that.

"Second, I have always wanted a sister, since we look so much alike and now sound alike, " I blushed I didn't think I was that close to her." I can get my wish."

"But... mostly I am curious as hell to see just how close you can look to me. I mean your face is a mess and all at the moment so I kind of want to see the whole picture."

For the next half hour or so she fixed my makeup and hair, while she also did her own, fixed my boobs and while they dried took a very quick shower. She didn't just do this she explained as she was doing this and that. The boobs went on lower and more off to the side so that my natural cleavage would show over the v of the blouse. When she came out of the shower she chose a suit in a darker brown she called mahogany with a dark blue blouse to go with it and much higher heels. She showed me how to put on pantyhose, I got a run in the first pair, and surprisingly the shoes I had chosen were ones that were a size to big for her but fit me a little too well.

The full slip, as she called it went over the bra, it was an off white, she called it ivory, had small straps and lace at the top across where my boobs, sorry she insisted I call them breasts, were. The bottom called a hem sat about halfway between my knees and my crotch. I should also mention she made me put on something called a spanks. It hid my uhm lower assets while pulling in my waist a little. The blouse went on next and I did have trouble with the buttons and she helped me with the skirt. It was more restrictive that I would have thought.

Just having the blouse and skirt on changed me somehow. I felt more... well I guess feminine would be the word. The heels and skirt made walking a bit of a chore till she had me copy how she walked. I didn't get it and it took me a few tries to get something close enough.

I did not have pierced ears so she put on these magnetic studs, a simple gold necklace, a watch that is rather useless on the wrong wrist and couldn't fit a ring onto my fingers.She gave me the jacket and a purse to put over my shoulder, again I didn't get it at first and had to be showed what and how to use it. While she finished getting dressed herself she had be go to my room and transfer my stuff from my wallet to the new wallet that she insisted I use. I thought it silly as a wallet is a wallet but did as I was told.

I had just come out of my room when Greg stomped up the stairs.

"Ah Arianna are you ready to go now?" he asked. I opened my mouth but before I could say a thing Ari opened her door and stepped out looking very professional.

"Yes I am. Do you mind if my sister Leanna comes with? She is visiting."

"Oh ... Well yes I can see the resemblance. Standing so close I can just tell. But at first glace most will think your twins." That I can relate too. I had experience with that.

"Yeah but mom always blamed me for her mistakes." I shoulda I shoulda. Why did I just say that...

"Well it was your fault most of the time."

"Was not."

Our sibling bather caused Greg to laugh.

"Girls peace peace. Anyways I came up to see if you lovely ladies were ready and to tell you that the repairmen said that your old machines were defective and under warranty so you don't have to worry about it. Those rags were used to clean the floor and they took them in a garbage bag since they used some chemical to clean the floor with them."

Those rags? "My clothes!" I spoke out.

"Were they? I'm sorry dear but the machine ruined them so they used them as rags." he looked me up and down." Besides I think you look quite lovely like this. I'm sure uh...better yet. How about you give me your sizes and I'll get my assistant to get you some replacements. Had I known I would have asked you first."

"No Greg. We can't ask you to do that. I can borrow Lee a few clothes as we are almost the same size."

"Oh it's no trouble Arianna. I can use the write off to tell the truth. So your of similar size? I think we have your sizes, ah hmmm." With that Greg pulled out his phone and called someone and asked if Arianna's info was still at the store. It was, he looked me over and something about a cup size up. And yes the same but a few more of those denims and maybe a few khaki that they hadn't sold.

I put up my hand to object but Ari put hers on top of mine and shook her head. She mouthed "later" out of sight of Greg.

To hell with that. "Mr. Greg.." I started.

"It's just Greg my dear. It's no trouble these are just one offs the stores didn't want so we are glad to have them be used instead of some landfill."

One offs? Landfill? What they never heard of thrift stores? I do most of my clothes shopping there except my boots. Well I got some shoes there once but they didn't last long.

"Greg..." Ari gave me a look. Gulp. " Thank you. That would be uh nice." I smiled. I don't think I did it well as he looked a little shocked.

"Oh wow...Uhm ..right. It's a help and all to .." he shook himself to gather his thoughts. "Right lets be off ladies. My car?"

"Too kind Greg but we will take mine if that is alright with you."

"Oh no problem. I'd best be off then see you in a few." and with that he left.

Ari explained , as we got downstairs, that Greg imports a lot of clothing for various companies to look over and either buy in bulk or make special orders for. Some, she said, was very high end quality, others were more casual. It was a bit of a deal that she got some of her suits from him. In return she had helped to promote some of the clothing lines with different ideas leading to increased sales and revenue for him.

This was the first I had heard of what she did. She is, for lack of a proper term, an image consultant for major firms. She went over the businesses, how they dressed, worked, how the place looked for it's area. Things like that. So that when someone came into their businesses their first impression was of importance, confidence, and quality. Something that many stores severely lack. Giant tiger and winners came to mind.

While other stores such as princess auto, Canadian tire, were minor examples of what to do right. When you walk into the store you see what you expect to see and get help when you need it or ask for it. This is verses say places like Walmart where you have to search to find an employee and half the time they have no idea what you are talking about.

I found out that getting into a car while in a skirt was not nearly as easy as it seems. First you have to sit and move inwards a bit then pull your legs up and in. Getting them to come together was not easy. Getting out was a reverse of that.

The car ride to the club was female movements and talking/eating what to do and not to do. Nibble on food instead of shovel it in was mentioned. I told her she was nuts. Apparently it's a habit to keep one somewhat slim. Oh and drink lots of water while eating. I was told if asked to order anything I was to say "Ill take what she is having." She made me repeat it. Privately I doubted I would be able to eat anything as I was so nervous. The glances into the car mirror to pucker up and refresh my lipstick didn't help me any. The face in the mirror was...not....mine.

When we pulled into a long drive, paved, sided by lush green grass with holes I figure a private golf course. Well that is half true. The club is a country club, exclusive and by invitation only. One of those places that having a million or two wont get you in. I have never been to a place like this and probably never will again so I want to describe this as best as I can.

At first all you see is some trees on the side of the road and a cemetery type fence. You have probably driven by a number of places like this and never thought twice. As you get to the entrance, which is just off the road, well the side road, you come upon the fence coming up to a curved stone with carved lions heads on either side and little lions on the top where the curve goes up. connected to both of these is two wrought iron gates that require a pass to get into. Greg was there with his car on other side of gate.

The BMW was not totally out of place here. It was by far the cheapest car there though. The grey stretched Rolls Royce limo being the best example. I think even the people that work there have more expensive cars. The cars were all in a cull de sac. Or small round bay with a fountain in the middle. An expensive working fountain. The club was huge, at least two floors maybe more, all made of stone. If you have ever watched those movies where you see someone on the granite steps infront of a french mansion. Well that is what the clubhouse looked like except there was this large roof that came over and you got out of car, helped by red coated valets, and that led to steps made of a black stone with gold veins in them and fancy as hell polished brass handrails that were all poured in one shot and not round but more of a carved curved I beam look.

The entrance was separated by two sets of double doors, made with curves and stained glass panels. As soon as you entered on one side was a women's section, I guess powder room, lockers, showers, whatever. Ari led me there. I was shocked by the brass sink taps, marble counter tops in white, and little stools you could pull up to counter and sit on. I could tell that each was handmade. Red cushions surrounded by carved wood. There was a ceiling to counter mirror that had light sconces in the middle of the mirrors about halfway down.

The bathroom portion looked dim but actually wasn't. There was a number of marble stalls with doors that one would go into to do their business. In the middle of the room was this island couch with a stand in the middle that went to the ceiling, ceiling that had to be twelve feet up. Ivory cushions with those carved legs you see on tv for the ritsy places.

Ari had me freshen up. Which is a good way of saying I peed while sitting down, very strange way of doing that and messy. Getting the slip and skirt down again was a chore. And, apparently, I didn't pull the hose up right. Arianna had me fix this by hiking up the skirt and slip again, pulling them down and using my fingers, slide each side of hose up to knees, tightly, then to thighs and finally up into place. Then I had to pull the slip down first then the underskirt lining and finally the skirt itself, smoothing out any creases as I did so. I was to make sure that the blouse was tucked in all around nicely then pull it out a bit so that the blouse just rested outside of the waist of the skirt.

After that was putting on the blazer and getting the collar of the blouse over the collar of the blazer. Thoroughly wash hands and pat dry on real towels not paper. There was even little logos on the towels. She led me to the mirror and first she put on some fresh lipstick then had me do it, three times as I messed up the first two. Patting my face with powder after each mistake. Not sure what the powder was for. I also had to use the blasted wand to refresh my mascara. Nuff said about that infernal device.

A dab of perfume at the point of my cleavage and she said we were done. Although we were only in there for seven minutes it felt a lot longer. I had no opportunity to see the men's side. But I can assume it was similar in some way. Probably marble and gold urinals. I have no idea what the bath/shower area was like either. I was told that there was saunas and masseuses. I could see on the far end of the foyer a door that led into a room, all in white, with machines. A gym of some type at a guess. There was the club room, where we went, that was both large, and comfy. There was a round bar coming out from the wall. From the bar to the wall of windows, all that old style with small panes connected to other small panes. I'm sure there is a name for it.

Every thing in that room was wood, Walnut I think, with high gloss surfaces on the tables, and those being used had lacy tablecloths in intricate patterns. Very comfy well padded chairs, leather of course. That the men helped us into at the table. I followed what Ari did and put the napkin, heavy one in silk or satin, on my lap. There was no cutlery on the table, no condiments, not even a salt shaker. The menus were padded books with hand written calligraphy listings of food, and no prices. Arianna did some small talk while I tried to even figure out the wording of the menu. I think most of it was in french or latin. I could not understand a thing and put the menu down, gently as per instruction.

The waiter had stayed there and took our orders on a pad, I have no idea if it was electronic or not. When they got to me, last of course, I just blushed and Ari giggled and ordered for me. I didn't know it at the time but my blush made me look 'cute'. The men at the table, who I was told were Charles, Evan, Micheal, and Hanz. No last names. They had their wives of course, Mary, Ellen, and Pen. Not sure if Pen was short of Penelope or Penny or something else. I got compliments on my outfit and had to tell a little about myself.

Arianna and I had talked about this on the ride over. I said I was her sister, just visiting and looking after her house. When asked what it was I did I went way off script. Instead of saying I was a teacher, Ari's idea not mine, I just told the truth. I fixed machines, lawnmowers, small engines cars etc. I guess I made it sound like I did this more as a charity than a job. Arianna broke in and said I was between jobs at the moment. Hanz was the owner of the club and asked me more about how good I was with engines. We got into a bit of a discussion of motors, lawn equipment, and stuff. I did answer that I had worked on a gas cart once but with many courses using electric I didn't think it would be useful.

I should mention that those commercials that say, strong enough for men, lie. My armpits were soaking my blouse for sure. Hanz seemed very interested in me and my background. To say I lied my ass off about how I grew up would be a bit of the truth. I did color it with some truth though. To them I had grown up in my sisters shadow. No we were not twins she was two years older. A few school girl twin stories were mentioned and Arianna had to act embarrassed at one point.

Arianna said I was the proverbial tomboy growing up. Always taking things apart, frustrating our dad in the process. Fixed the old lawn tractor after dad had bought a new one got everyone chuckling. Our first dishes arrived with spoons. It was a thick cream of something soup and no crackers. I bent down and followed Arianna's careful spooning and not slurping of the soap in the tiny bowl. I think I did okay with that. The tiny salad, a house salad made with fresh greens, was spicy but nice. A pain to eat while nibbling like the women did. The men of course finished much faster.

That was followed by a small coleslaw with reddish stuff in it. Instead of the usual white. The sauce was rich and thick. A palate cleanse I was told in a whisper by Ellen who was off to my left. The main dish I was given was a fish of some type on a bed of rice that looked a crime to even touch. I nibbled at it and drank sips of water, mimicking Ellen as much as I could but not making it look like I was. It was not a large dish by any means but very very good and rich. The rice was the best rice I have ever tasted. And that is coming from someone who actually hates rice.

I was surprised that I actually felt somewhat full. Not the so full you have to undo your pants kind. But the not hungry full that a person should feel. There was a white wine for us ladies and a red for the men who had dishes I can't even figure out. One might, might have been veal. The only one I did recognize, somewhat, was the liver and onions that Hanz had. The liver was not big but not exactly cooked either. Steamed I think. The onions were caramelized in something that left them soft and flexible but noticeably cooked at the same time.

In a place like this I doubt anything was in any way unhealthy. The final piece was a fancy bit of ice cream in a tiny round, and I mean round, bowl. This is what real ice cream tastes like. Not the frozen sugar stuff, but like real cream chilled and then turned up. I had read about this once. Trust me what you read does not do it justice. You have an orgasm just from one scoop in the tiny spoons. And it was both cold cold and soft at the same time. Any bigger spoons and you would have a major headache. I did like the others and savored the taste as long as possible. I surprised myself when I could not finish the bowl. I wanted too but couldn't. I was not the only one most of us at that table couldn't. At one point when you eat like that there is just a point you have to stop and .. gestate, settle, savoir..

We all settled back with a glass of wine. A very good wine. I had never liked wine before, too much like vinegar. But this stuff tasted like tart strawberries with a tiny bit of sour. The men got up to do whatever it was they normally did. I got up as well. Arianna, Ellen, and Pen all said good idea. I had no idea what they meant till they went back to entry. I followed figuring we were leaving. Nope it was a trip to the ladies..again.

Just like last time I peed, fixed myself properly this time before leaving cubical, touched up my lipstick without being asked. Then I found out what the couch was really for. I got grilled by Ellen and Pen. Mostly about how I was too much of a tomboy, their words, and that I should really be much more ladylike. There was a few other comments that are best left unsaid. I had no idea what I had done, I even said so, but said whatever it was I was sorry.

Three mouths opened and closed at those words. Did I break a taboo for women? Arianna laughed and said she got it. Something about flirting with Hanz. All I did was talk to the guy. I didn't get it. Ellen and Pen then apologized. It seems that Hanz was a good friend and recently had broken up with the tenth hopeful. Whatever that meant. They were looking out for him and had assumed I was going to dig for gold or something. I just looked at Ari and she giggled before saying she would explain it later.

I got thanked for being so innocent and we left the ladies room. More wine followed back at the table as Arianna went over how they could improve some of their businesses that she had visited. truthfully I was getting bored and left the table to look at some of the paintings on the walls. Yes paintings. Real honest to goodness paintings..as part of the wall. I mean some were unreal and showed a different version of this club. It showed a history, something of a hobby of mine, and I could almost get a picture of the days when guys would sit in this very room smoking cigars and drinking brandy after a game of golf with strange looking clubs.

"That actually never happened." I jumped as I hadn't heard a thing.

'You scared me!"

"Sorry you just looked so into that picture." Hanz said to me." It was based on a time at a very different club than this one. This one was built in the late sixties so they would have had steel clubs with wooden heads. Not the wooden clubs in that picture. I still thought it was wonderful and had the artist redo it here using much of the eight and ninth hole as background."

"It's very good. I like history. I like to think back to those times and try to put myself in the time of the makers. Not the movers like you guys but the makers. The people who would build the road, plant the trees, make the carts, or the steam engine, or the boiler, or the sawmill."

"Have you ever seen a working steam sawmill?" he asked.

"Well no we don't have any here."

"They do in the states. I would enjoy showing one to you sometime." Ok I get the flirting thing now.

"Sometime maybe we could pull up youtube and watch a video of that." He roared with laughter at that. They table noticed.

"Good one. There is something about you Leanna."

"Oh is my deodorant that bad. I knew that commercial was a lie." He laughed again.

"You are a delight and such a change. None of the girls I have met are like you."

"I hope not." that got him to laugh, not sure why I was speaking the truth. I did want to someday get married and have kids.

"Let me show you the grounds and tell you about a proposal I have."

"Uh...okay..."

Thus we did. The grounds as he put it, even in late fall and the evening were quite nice. Breathtaking during the summer I was sure. But stilll very nice in the fall. Walking for prolonged periods in heels and a skirt. Not the best idea for my feet. There was a bench, I pointed it out as I wanted to sit for a bit. Before he would allow me to sit he swept the bench with his hand and took mine before lowering me to it. I could tell that a girl would be quite swept off her feet at this point. Since I am not one well..

"So this proposal?"

"Marry me?"

"Get serious!"

"Leanna I think I am."

"This is very uncomfortable."

"Sorry." he took a breath or two and sort of shifted a bit.

"Our last head groundskeeper retired last year. I had thought one of the other groundskeepers could keep things up to par but it is sadly not working out. This year alone has been the worst for machines not working when our summer hires come around. While I have given bonuses to our returned caddys for making the lack of carts a good exercise, which between you and me some of our members really needed, it still is no excuse."

"And?"

"Well I had to let our new groundskeeper go. Our best mowers chewed up some of the grasses, the tree lines were not kept up, and well our custom carts, all propane if you wonder, don't work they way they should. I actually caught him using some coathanger and tape to fix one of them."

"That sounds like a recipe for disaster."

"That is ...actually quite an app description."

"And I come in how? You want me to help fix a few machines? I supposed I could get them going for you...on second thought no bad idea."

"Why not you would solve two problems for me quite easily I believe."

"How so?"

"Well I need a mechanic and to satisfy the equal labor laws having a female mechanic would be perfect."

My eyes went wide as he said that. I had forgot for a second about that. He didn't know that Leanna didn't exist and couldn't work for him. I hated that. As myself I would jump at a chance to work in a place like this. Even more so after he showed me the nicely hidden but well equiped repair shop. There was even and old lathe and mill in there. Dated for sure, but still in fair shape..If I could but do a few things. It looked like the handle on the mill was broken for the table and it had been used as a drill press for awhile.

The lathe had a broken belt and was piled over with well junk. There was machines half apart and a pile of parts half on floor and half on benches for the machines, I hoped. I was so ready to get my hands dirty. I mean I was just itching to get in there. It was like those poor older machines were begging for me to help them. Well lit shop, if you replaced the burnt out bulbs anyway. I saw all this from the door and it was tearing me up that I was stuck there in Ari's suit that I would not get dirty.

"You want to get in there don't you?"

"Oh yeah! But I can't."

"Why not? It's not like I can't pay you for your time."

"I just can't okay. Please drop it for now."

"Alright for now. But I'll warn you. I'm a very stubborn man. I know you would be the best woman for this job."

"Please...just bring be back to Ari."

"Alright." He went to grab my hand. I pulled it away. "I'm not holding hands with you!"

"Peace" he held his up." I just wanted to pull you out of the shop door so I could lock up"

"Oh! Right. My bad."I blushed as I moved out of said doorway.

"Though now that you brought it up. Would holding my hand really be so bad?"

"Buster you have no idea." he laughed. But he did lead me back to the clubhouse.

As luck would have it Ari had just finished her presentation to the rest. However I could tell that she had had a bit too much wine as well. Not that anyone else there wasn't just as tipsy. Not drunk but you could tell it was enough to make some cops very happy if they could fill their quotas. You know the quotas they don't have but seem to have anyways.

Hanz surprised us when he offered us the use of his limo, that stretched silver rolls, to go home. A valet would follow in her car. It was a comforting idea as I was sure that driving in heels was not something I could do. And yeah I had had some wine too so best not to risk it. Greg said that my clothes were in the trunk of the car. I figure a bag or two at most.

Arianna hugged the girls, thus I had to follow suit, the guys she let kiss her cheek. I did not. I gave a handshake instead. Hanz took my hand and turned it over before giving it a kiss. And then in front of everybody clearly said. "I do not give up so easily." I tilted my head back to hide my blush before replying. "Give it a rest Romeo." He did however hold my hand a touch too long as he helped me into the limo. I just shook my head.

The car had not moved more than ten feet when Arianna turned to me.

"I have known Hanz for a few years. Usually it's the girls chasing him. I think that is the first time ever that I have seen him chase any girl."

"Arianna In case you forgot....This is not the place to talk about this." I said with a shake of my head towards the driver.

"Alright but you are gonna dish when we get home girl."

As we drove away one thought came to me. 'But it's not my home'

So the next morning...

Oh wait you want to hear about the night before?

Fine....

The ride in the car was silent as Arianna glared at me. Not that I was surprised. I didn't say anything more and couldn't wait to get out of the suit. I would have taken off the blazer, however with it being fall, I knew it was already quite cool outside and would freeze in the thin blouse just going from the car to the house. While I wouldn't say I was comfortable in the suit and blouse. It was not as uncomfortable as I thought it would be, except the shoes. My feet felt wet and clammy in the shoes. They may look nice but they don't breathe much, if at all. I couldn't help but think of how society pressures women into wearing such shoes.

Who knows maybe some women get used to it, or like it or something. All I knew is I couldn't wait to take them off and the blazer. Which is exactly what I did when we got into the house. The valet, Kieth I think his name was, asked if we wanted the bags brought in. I said sure as I didn't want to put those shoes on again. Ari and I were sitting on her couch as Kieth brought in three suitcases, large suitcases. Then he went out for more, I think my jaw dropped. Ari just looked with wide eyes.

There was another two smaller cases and a large garment bag when he was done. Ari gave him a tip before he left with the Limo.

"What is all that stuff. What happened to a bag, like a shopping bag with some jeans, tshirt, socks and gotch?"

"Well for one thing, Leanna, your a woman, so it's lingerie not gotch."

"But but I'm not! This was just a one day thing cause of a mistake!"

"Well apparently Greg felt bad. Oh heres a note."

'Dear Ms. Bridgston.

I know you wanted some pants and blouses but unfortunately all we have for pants wouldn't fit you. Please accept our sincerest apologies.
Before you was what was left of two of our lines that were not of interest to the boutiques. I know that you will enjoy them.

P.S. I also included some shoes to go with most of the outfits. The cosmetics and accessories are a gift from me personally.

Thankfully yours

A Peterson

Assistant to Greg Fritz.'

It was a hand written note. Actually very good penmanship. Mine sucks so bad even printing carefully it's hard to make out some words. As I was reading this Ari started to bring the bags upstairs.

"Hey let me help you with that." I grabbed two of the suitcases and struggled up the stairs one step at a time because of the blasted skirt. I had figured that she would want them in her room but she went to the room that I was staying in.

"Ari.." Okay I whined sue me.

"What it's not like I have any room. Even if I wanted some of your clothes."

I dropped a suitcase onto the bed,"What do you mean my clothes?"

"Greg gave them do you. And probably most of them wouldn't fit me quite right. The shoes are probably too big for me for one."

"But Ari..." I was trying to get her to see reason...Yes I whined again.

"Lets get a move on Leanna I don't have all night to get you settled in."

For some reason I went back downstairs for the rest. It took me two trips as that garment bag was bloody heavy. Ari was of course unpacking and putting stuff away into the dresser and closet as I got the last of it into the room. I figured it's her house she can put her clothes wherever she wants. They defiantly were not my clothes. What guy wants a heck of a lot of girl clothes? She seemed to be having fun. I turned around and started to unbutton the blouse.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm gonna take a bath to get this crap off my face and stuff."

"Oh" she rummaged through the dresser and the one bag on top of the dresser. "Here take these with you."

"Uh why?"

"Leanna you have just had a semi perm and color!"

"And?"

"Unless you want green hair wear the shower cap." it was the thing that looked like a pink diving cap you see those divers wear on tv.

"whatever" I didn't care. I went into the bathroom and started to fill the bathtub after putting the stuff onto the counter. It took me a bit to get out of the skirt, blouse, slip, bra, and stuff. When I did the tub was mostly full. I pulled the shower cap out of the package and read how to put it on, the instructions were printed on the inside. The clothes I wore I put into the laundry basket by the door and settled into the tub for a good soak before I washed. It felt good, really good, as kinks I didn't know I had relaxed.

It was only when I felt a little cool that I shook myself awake. I had sorta started to fall asleep in the tub. I hurried up and washed all over with the soap I found there. It was a different soap than I had used the day before. Then again so was the small pile of tubes and stuff that I was sure was not there when I first got into the tub. As I washed I noticed a slight odor, not unpleasant, that occurred. When I got out there was a note on the counter.

"You shouldn't just pile your clothes on the counter. They might get creases. Use the tube on the right." It was marked makeup remover, which made sense. Not sure about the funny round pads beside it. I read directions. Oh that's is what they are for. I was surprised how much makeup came off with the stuff, even after a nice soaking bath. Mind you I didn't dunk my head under the water so that might have something to do with it.

In the pile was a pair of panties, big surprise, a long white satiny nightie with embroidery at the top and a blue silk looking Chinese style house coat. On the floor was some sort of shoe that fit around my feet. I did notice that the blouse and skirt were missing from the laundry basket, the rest was there though, I think.

I called out to Ari as I opened the door of the bathroom. She was in her room and told me to go to my room. So I did. Now I don't think I was gone that long but it looked like a woman had invaded my room. The dresser top was covered in makeup and some small jewellery box. The dresser, when I looked into it, looked somewhat full. I couldn't tell you what half of the stuff was. Curious I went and looked into the closet. it was not nearly as packed as Ari's were but it was still fairly full.

Unfortantly none of it was stuff I could wear. There was a number of dresses, from summery things, to more formal looking things. There was even this one dress that took up a heck of a lot of room on it's own. With a special hanger as there was no top to the dress. It was redish with lots of satin and some goldish lines at the top. I groaned when I saw the number of skirt suits and blouses, that Ari seemed to have matched together.

Hey it was just one closet, a large closet, but still one. She had two packed full in her room. On the floor was a heck of a lot more shoes than I thought there would be. Unfortunately the only practical ones was a pair of bright white with pink shoes. I still had no idea where my ratty pair of shoes was. I may have left them on the step. I didn't recall seeing them at all that day. Might be that the one dog came and used them as a chew toy again. I don't think they would survive a second time.

I just sighed closed the doors and went downstairs. I played a bit more with the program waiting for Ari. The last test showed a 68% match, whatever that meant. There was this little smiley face on the program whenever you did something right. An angry face if you did something wrong. It was like playing a game, and just like earlier I got lost in it.

It was only the hug from behind and something that sounded like sis that alerted me to Ari. I took off the headphones.

"What did you say?"

"I said we should probably put your hair up for the night like mine. Trust me it will look like a rat's nest tomorrow morning if you don't"

"Uh ok I guess but can we take these things off?" I pointed at my chest.

"Why?"

"What do you mean why?" Like from crying out loud Ari, come on, I'm a guy.

"We would just have to put them on tomorrow so why not leave them on."

"Why would I need them tomorrow?"

"Leanna I don't remember seeing anything but skirts in your clothes, you girlie girl."She said with a smirk.

"Ari..." I whined again.

"Look I have to work tomorrow morning to get the stuff done for the guys at the club. We can go shopping for some jeans for you later."

"Why can't I wear a pair of yours?" seemed reasonable to me.

"Well, for one you have your own clothes, two the only other pair of jeans that would fit you are the ones I am wearing tomorrow. Just wear one of your denim skirts."

"Ari..." this time I sighed heavily.

"Come here" and she pulled on my hand and lead me to the couch where she had me sit with my back to her. She brushed out my hair, which in truth felt rather nice.

"I know what your going to say. And... It might be selfish of me to ask this of you." she paused.

"What..." I had a strange feeling I wasn't going to be too happy.

"I ... Well you see... How do I put this.... I really liked having my little sister around today."

"I think I know where your going with this. Arianna I do like you like a sister but this...I'm not a girl, I do not want to be a girl."

"Do you have someplace you have to be soon? Any appointments or anything." I didn't have to think about that.

"No not really. I can pay my rent through the phone."

She turned me to face her and I saw that her eyes were close to tears."Please Leanna. Can you like stay with me for a while. I. I really would like to have my sister around." she choked out.

Oh gods how can you say no to something like that. I wanted too. I knew I should say no and maybe call a cab or something. But....

When you think of it objectively all it really is is just clothes in the end and maybe a bit of makeup or something. I mean today didn't kill me, probably raised my blood pressure for awhile. But it wasn't like it was horrible. I sat in silence weighing the good and the bad. I guess I took a bit to long.

"Look you don't have to decide right now or anything. Just please think about it tonight and maybe in the morning..." I cut her off.

"No Ari.."

"But...

"No I have to make this decision now. And I am going to."

She left me in silence with those sort of tears in her eyes. I knew she was ready to cry if I said no.

"There is no identification for Leanna you know."

"Actually there is sorta. I have a birth certificate. I really did have a little sister for two months. I was told it was a crib death."

"Well I guess that would help." I sighed deeply"Somehow I just know this is going to go pear shaped somehow but...." She held her breath. So why did I come to visit you, I know what we talked about in the murfff..." she had tackled me in a tight hug.

"Breathe..." I choked out..

"Sorry sorry..." She had tears on her face but it was the happiest I had ever seen her face." I'm just so happy!" She got up off the couch and was gone a minute or two before she returned with a photo album.

The rest of the night was spent going over some of her memories growing up. At one point more wine got consumed. Actually a fair amount. Things got a bit fussy after ten at night. I know we were up late after we found out that there was not record of death, via internet, for her sister and that you could order a social insurance number. Having prior experience with the site it probably didn't take me long. I remember there being something about a credit card used for some history of some sort but it was all really vague.

For the second morning in a row I woke up with boobs and a bad headache. I really had to stop with the wine. As I got downstairs I found Ari looking just as sour as I did. I also noticed a few bottles on the living room table, some empty bowls of either popcorn or dip. The kitchen counter had a knife and a dried pile of something beside an empty bag.

"Hey sis." she whispered.

"Ugg morning" i said back. She winced, got up poured some juice into a cup and pointed.

"You sound terrible this morning go play your game." slow me, nah...

"Huh.." It was then that my brain realized I was speaking in my normal voice again. I sighed really really lightly. I did agree to be her sister for a bit. I went to the computer that she was pointed at and played the game till my head cleared up, ie I was there for awhile before she hugged me from behind again.

"Feeling better yet?"

"Yeah I guess."

"Much better."

"What is?"

"Your voice."

"Oh right."

"We should get ready."

"huh?"

"For the day, duh."

"I don't follow you."

"you have much to learn sister mine." she smiled at me.

Much to learn is a bit vague. I soon found out what she meant. She assisted me in getting dressed, I had to remind myself a few times I had agreed to this. First was makeup, there was the powder thing, which I learned was called a combo. Foundation and powder in one. Next was a bit of eyeliner, it was tougher than you think. Then mascara, still hate that wand. Then I had to choose a lip color, after getting an explanation on what was for what. Same for eye shadow. The end result was that I didn't look like I really had any on but my face was clearly that of a woman's now. The eyebrow pencil for my overly plucked eyebrows was stupid. I even told her so. The reply of "price we pay for looking good" really didn't help.

She then instructed me on choosing an outfit. Apparently, I didn't really have any suitable 'tops' to go with the denim skirts, which by the way were called distressed. To me they looked well used. And not one of them reached my knees. She said it was fine as I had killer legs. Just what I wanted to hear, not.

After going through a few options, no shorts either, and in case your wondering Ari isn't a fan of them. She, or I should say, we decided that I would wear this thing called a khaki skirt with a top that looks to be part tshirt with an over shirt called a cami but was all one shirt. the outer was was about the same light green as the skirt, which had these wide pleats, and the undershirt was a light 'baby' blue.

"I don't know. Maybe you have a shirt I can borrow to use with the denim."

"It's top, not shirt, and I might but..."

"But what?" I sighed I knew there was another agenda at this point.

"You look so cute in that. You should wear it anyways."

"ARI!" frustrated? Me ...no... forty minutes and I still wasn't in my underwear yet...

"Now for that you can go with white or beige lingerie."

"Is it really that complicated?"

"Well ya.. You don't want the boys to see them through your clothes. Besides it looks tacky."

"Fine whatever."

Of course I had to choose the frigging panties, and bra. Which after a few tries met with her approval, along with an explanation of what was best to wear with what. Demi cup, strapless, convertible, sounded more like car terms that something you would think was a bra. Even though the skirt was lined, and short, I still had to wear a slip, a small slip but a slip none the less. Then I got lessons in how to pick things up after I bent over to get some shoes, shoes I was told to skip the socks on.

It was closer to an hour when she said I was ready. I went downstairs to the kitchen to make some breakfast of sorts while she got ready. She was done in less than ten minutes it felt so unfair. I told her so as well as complain a little about wearing a skirt. She said I needed the practice to help me get out of my tomboy ways. I just groaned while she laughed. The fruit cup breakfast left a little to be desired to tell the truth.

While Ari worked in the kitchen/living room I went outside and looked around. The sun was in the front of the garage and not the back. I didn't want to run it inside the garage so I dragged the tiller out to the front before starting it up. I was wearing a smock that Ari said to use from her gardening stuff. It covered my clothes enough and held a few tools so I thought it was okay. I pulled a few times before she coughed and fired. A bit of adjustment on the carb and the tiller ran...sorta.

The idle was up and down and if you tried to put it in gear, it has a separate clutch for driving and tilling, it would sputter and die. I checked a few things before pulling the plug. Spark was good so I put my finger into the hole and pulled it over once or twice. Sharp but weak pressure.
I had an idea of what it was but I needed to take it apart to be sure. From one of the scavenge runs near my place I had found two of those cheap ass folding tables. Putting parts from one to the other got me a working if small table. I used that over here sometimes to work on stuff outside.

I grabbed that and some old flyers from the recycle bin and put that beside the tiller just outside the front door of the garage in the warm sun. My bag of tools and some paper towels I was ready. I had been working at taking off the housings to get at the head bolts for a few minutes when I looked up and noticed that one of the neighbors was watching me from the sidewalk out front. Shrugging I kept working. Sure enough this was one of those engines.

Back in the eighties and nineties there was a run or two of engines where the head bolts didn't get torqued properly causing premature gasket leakage. Leakage not blow out. I used a black marker to check for head warpage, you never knew it could happen, and found none. A bit of carb cleaner, some paper towels, and a bit of metallic paint to help reseal the gasket. Was all it would take. I didn't have a torque wrench but using my little finger to pull on the ratchet handle worked close enough on a small engine.

It was then a matter of putting all the shrouds, gas tank and stuff back on. I cleaned a few things that were dirty in the process. Since I had the one shroud off I checked the gap on the magneto. It was off a bit so I readjusted it with the feeler gauges I had.

Of course I was oblivious to the small gathering of people from the block watching me as I fixed this. Once I get into something I have been know to ignore rain. People after working outside in the city all the time was nothing new.

With the housings back on I gave it a pull and it coughed on the first try. Setting the choke I gave it another pull and it started right up. Let it run for a minute and then released the choke. I tried it with throttle up and down. At the high end it was a little rich, minor adjustment. She ran good and when I put it into gear she took off on me. With the clutch released it stopped on it's own. No sputtering at all. I killed the engine as I was going to put away my tools and go test it out back in that patch when I heard some clapping.

It was then I noticed the small crowd of like ten people. One of them being, of all things, the previous owner of said tiller. He told me that his dad had bought it new but had never used it. When he moved to his new house he tried to use it a few times but gave up and left it in the corner of garage before putting out for the trash. He was nice enough to pull it into the garage, after I put away my tools. I guessed he wanted to try it out.

I guessed right. I showed him the spot in the back I wanted to try it on, explained how to use the tiller on unbroken dirt. This one had a reverse lever as well as forward. I explained that for unbroken ground you put it into the reverse position but didn't pull the clutch. Just let the tiller dig itself down. Then put into forward and let it pull itself to next spot and repeat. He seemed to be having fun so I left him too it and went back to clean up my table.

Well I was sure surprised to find a few people with push mowers out front needing some help. I set up some of those cheap folding plastic sawhorses. Ari had gotten them for some reason. I had one guy lift a mower into position on the sawhorses as I pulled the drain plug and blade off the bottom. I would sharpen the blade as the oil drained. It really doesn't take long, then put plug and blade back in and refilled the mower with oil. Then I checked things like the cables, most of them needed oiling. One person needed a new cable. I gave the the directions too the parts place and then went to get the cable while I worked on another mower.

I had done about five mowers when David, the tiller guy, said he was done in the back. I told him what the general plan was for back there and he was happy to help rake it flat. I was kind of busy out front fixing lawnmowers. I guess word had got around the neighborhood as I was busy for most of the day. I had to explain more than once , that I wasn't Arianna, but her sister.

Being thanked as Leanna was a new experience. Funny thing was people were paying me for fixing their mowers and were quite generous about it. One guy brought a larger riding mower. It had a dirty carb which took me a few minutes to clean. Another guy had a snowblower with no spark. I looked at it and told him to go get a coil. I ran out of oil quick but someone went to the local gas station and got me a few liters of oil.

I had started around ten that morning on the tiller. By six that evening I had done around eight or nine machines beside the tiller. There was a few people that wanted me to come around to their place or a place of their friend to fix this or that machine. I called off saying I was getting hungry and maybe another day. I had just finished putting stuff away in the garage and was thanking people for coming by when the Humvee drove up. Not a Humvee two or three, one of the real and somewhat expensive Humvee's. I didn't really register it as people were leaving with their now running smoothing lawnmowers, snowblower, and the guy was driving the riding mower. And I guess in a way they didn't want to leave.

I should mention that most of them were all men. It did not dawn on me how that I was dressed, as a cute woman, working and fixing their stuff. And that they were men. I was very new to the whole being a woman thing. It was when I removed my apron that the guys got a good look at me. From the looks on their faces I finally got why they were reluctant to leave. I had no idea what I should do at this point. I had dirty hands and arms, but was amazing clean for clothes. My one leg was a bit dirty.

Imagine my surprise when Hanz waltzes in like he owns the place. He walked right up to me and gave me a peck on my shocked cheek.

"Ready to go babe?" he asked. I fish mouthed while the guys out front took the not so subtle hint and left like poor puppies with their heads between their legs.

When I could gather my thoughts I gave him a glare that could kill.

"What gives you the right to come in her and kiss my cheek?"

"You looked like you needed the help." was his defense. He was right, of course.

"That is beside the point! No kissing. No anything. I thought I made it clear last night."

"You look great by the way and yes your welcome."

"Okay fine, Thanks for sending them away." I blushed. I hated that I blushed. Figuring he would take the hint and also leave I went to the house. I was not all that worried about leaving the garage door open for a few minutes in this nice neighborhood.

Having very dirty hands I went directly to the kitchen and used the dishsoap and a scrub brush to get my hands and arms clean. I washed quite well. I even brought my knee up to get the dirt off of that. I hadn't noticed Hanz right behind me. Arianna and I apparently shared a similar trait. We both got really focused on what we were doing.

"Wow." was all he said.

Well that cause a few things all at once. I just about fell backwards, he caught me the fool. But Arianna and I both screeched at the same time.

"Ow" he said in response to our combined screeches.

"Whaaa ... "was what I said or tried too.

"What are you doing here Hanz?" Arianna completed for me.

"You sure your not twins?"

"HANZ" I said somewhat louder. He was still holding me. I had got his attention to let me up with my soap covered hands and leg.

"Yes my love?"

"Quit the horsing around. Why are you here and would you please let me finishing washing up?"

"Do I have too?" he pleaded. I just grunted and he let me up.

"Have the two of you noticed the time or eaten." I wasn't sure who's stomach chose that moment to growl first. Mine or Ari's." I'll take that as a no."

"Before you ask, we have plans." I cut him off before he asked something stupid like.

"Can I take you lovely ladies out to dinner anyways?"

... that.

" I just said..."

"Actually that doesn't sound bad as long as it's nothing too fancy."

"WHY ARE YOU HERE!" I almost screamed. Ari gave me a look like I was the one being rude.

"Actually Greg, Ellen and the others had a few points they had raised that I wanted to bring up with Arianna. It also gave me a good excuse to see you Leanna. I did mention about being stubborn." I put my wet hand to my head like I had a headache to give me a moment to not try to do something I would regret.

"Okay look. Last night I said no. I don't really have much in the way of identification so I can't really work for you."

"She lost her purse or it got stolen at the airport, we are not sure which."

"Surely you ordered new ones."

"Well yeah I guess."

"Should be in the mail in a few weeks."

I turned and growled out to Air. "Not helping here..."

"Shall I let you too get ready? I'll go wait in my car you don't need to take yours."

"Sure ten minutes."

"Well I have to close up the garage. You two go.."

"Just hit the button by the door Hanz. Lets go Lee" and Arianna actually did pull me off my feet. I had to stumble a bit to catch up as she raced up the stairs.

"Ari I can't go out with a guy." I hissed at her as she dragged me along. Hanz had left by the door and I could just hear the garage closing.

"Just put on some hose and your LBD and some red lippy. Let down your hair and put a side comb in it. You'll be fine."

"Ari.. I can't go out with a guy." I stated again.

"Why not? He has money and seems to be nice."

"He is a guy!"

"And" she stopped to look at me like I was crazy.

"I am , you know, under this.."

"Look Leanna. There is not a girl around that would refuse to let a guy like Hanz treat her to dinner. And that goes double since it is also a working dinner for me at the same time. Just be a good girl, get dressed like I said so we don't leave him wait too long." And with that she closed the door to her room in my face.

I wanted to scream as I marched into my room and went to the closet to get out the stupid dress. I checked my leg and hands. I stomped into the bathroom and washed my hands with some of that makeup remover to remove the last few stains as well as my leg. Worked surprisingly very well. After this mornings instruction I knew I had to put on some dark lingerie to wear the black dress, which had some weird neckline that was on my shoulder but exposed quite a bit of my upper chest at the same time making wearing a strapless bra a must. It was a pain to put on as it also pulled in my gut a bit. The stockings and stupid belt, I didn't have dark hose, were just as much a pain.

I put the panties on after, making sure to tuck myself so as to give me a flat front, something else we worked out this morning. The dress had a back zip I couldn't reach. And getting the open toed black straped heels one took me a few choice words to get on. While not high high they were still higher than last night and I had to walk a bit to figure out how to wear them without breaking an ankle or something.

Arianna, finished before me, big surprise came in to help me put the comb into my hair and zip me up. She quickly packed a purse for me, tiny little thing with a gold chain for a strap.

"Close your eyes and step forward." I did without asking and smelled as the perfume settled on me.

"Don't you think this is a little overboard for dinner? What about my jeans?"

"Huh what about them?"

"We were supposed to go buy some."

"Oh well do that after I'm sure he wont mind." She handed me the purse while she looked me over." You can do your mascara and lippy in the car. Let's go. Not a good Idea to keep him waiting too long."

"I can't go shopping like this."

"Why not I've done it before."

"I . I..." I just hung my head and followed. Arianna had already made up her mind. One way or another we were going, dressed up, to dinner, no matter what. In a way I knew she had to for her work and all. I would have rather have stayed home and dived into a good book. But as her 'sister' it would look out of place. I knew it was a bad idea agreeing to all of this.

I don't think she had realized just what we would have to get in and out of when it came to Hanz car. Her eyes were as wide as mine as we looked at the height of the thing. It was not jacked up they are just that tall normally. Hanz came around and hoisted Arianna up into the back seat. He then closed that door and opened the front for me.

He grabbed me around my waist and lifted me up like I was made of glass. I am not that light, not that heavy either dang it. He made it seem so easy. The guy must work out and have some muscle under that shirt and coat. Yeah he was wearing something similar to yesterday. No tie but a nice shirt , pants, and matching jacket. Here we were in skimpy dresses, alright I was fairly warm in mine plus the wrap thingys that Ari handed me before we went out the door. But still he must be more than a bit warm.

Or being rich most of his life, I had to assume that as I really didn't know much about him, he was used to it. I guess I was pouting as he got in.

"You look so lovely when you pout. Penny for your thoughts." I rolled my eyes, which made him chuckle.

"I was just thinking it's so unfair. I struggle to lift a push mower onto some sawhorses and you lift both Arianna and I like we weight nothing." He laughed, a good hearty laugh, not a chuckle.

"It's not funny!"

"Yes it is. Priceless actually." I growled. Or was it my stomach?

"Lovely as you and your sister are Leanna. You are a woman." He just stated it like that explained everything.

"And?"

"And what? You want me to do the 'ugg me man you woman' and thump my chest to show how men are stronger? I can if you really want me too but that might not be a good idea since I am driving." Ari just giggle from the back seat.

"Not helping Ari."

"Give it a rest Lee."

"Gods!" I just rolled my eyes and tried to use the very well lighted mirror to poke my eye out putting on that blasted mascara. Humvee's have a stiff suspension. I think the bouncing actually helped me put the blasted stuff on well. The lip gunk would have to wait.

The ride was, thankfully, short. We had parked near the front of a restaurant I had never heard of. Tagatelli's kinda gave the impression it was an Italian restaurant. I couldn't help but imagine that there was a fat Italian eating scores of food with slicked back hair and a pair or two of goons. You know the mafia? Oh come on didn't you ever watch The Godfather movies?

I opened the door of the truck, I can't exactly call it a car, and had no idea how I could get down without hurting myself in a dress with a loose flarey skirt and heels that were little more than straps and sticks on my feet. Swinging sideways, as Ari had taught me last night, didn't seem to help much. Hanz came around just as I finished turning and held up his arms.

"What do you think you are doing?"

"Helping you down of course."

"Well too bad...Oh hey..stop..." my protest meant nothing as he just lifted me down to where I could try and steady myself. He wasn't letting go of my waist and I had to look up at him.

"Uh you can let go now"

"Your beautiful."

"We talked about this..."

"You talked I didn't agree" I looked down, I was so not blushing.

"My sister.." I whispered.. this was harder than I thought it would be. He did let go and help Arianna out, who had a tight skirt to her dress and much shorter. Still she had the curves to pull it off. My curves were not me, well they were but they weren't. Oh whatever you get the idea.

Hanz looped his arm into Arianna's and reached to do the same to me. However I shuffled sideways away from him and kept my arms close in. I needed... I needed... I don't know what I needed but I needed something..

I turned away from them both and looked up at the sky for some sort of inspiration. They call it partly cloudy. It being fall and getting late, not late late but I guess one would call it predusk. The sun was in the process of starting to set as I looked up there in the sky, which doesn't happen very often you could see the moon, or well part of the moon. I just looked at it and watched it as the clouds lazily moved across the sky slowly but surely obscuring the moon from my view. It was also a bit chilly for being dressed so light.

I guess I had shivered a bit or something. Before I knew it I felt a warmth envelope me in arms that was gentle but also very strong.

"I'm sorry if I am moving too fast. I'm not used to being the one who chases. All my life one woman or another has tried, too often, to make me fall in love with them. Yes even your sister tried once. But you. You don't, Your not like that and I have no idea why but. " he whispered to me quietly.

"But?" I was curious.

"Something about you makes me want to be around you. I don't know what it is. It's driving me crazy." He was being so open so honest I couldn't stop him now.

"Let's start over alright. I'll try to be good really."

It was too cliche as they say but for the first time that night the side of my mouth quirked up into a grin of sorts. I turned around and offered my hand.

"Hi my name is Leanna. My friends call me Lee. You can call me Ms. Bridgston."

Not missing a beat but grinning from ear to ear he shook my hand. "Nice to meet you Ms. Bridgston. My name is Hanz Ryder. You can call me Mr Ryder."

"Nice to meet you Mr Ryder." I smiled back.

"Oh wow." His face just looked lost in something before he recuperated.

"I believe I was offering you and your sister dinner." Well my stomach answered for me. He laughed. "Lets get you inside ladies. Otherwise someone my accuse me of awful and something something punishment." It was stupid but I relaxed and laughed, I did not giggle. No way!

He offered his arms up again. Arianna put her hand gently on the inside of his. I just grinned and put my arm into his forearm up. He laughed and led us in anyways. It was Arianna who entered giggling. No way was I...well maybe I chuckled a bit.

The entryway was some circular steps in large black tiles. Beside each of these was some cheap, well compared to the club, brass tube stair thingys. Balusters? something like that. There was a double metal and class door that led into the resturant. It opened for us as we approached by something I couldn't quite see.

Some of the entrance seemed so...typical. Little desk at front with a guy behind it. Hanz approached like it was the most normal thing in the world. Who knows maybe he is here so often that it is, for him.

"Hey Martin" Martin, not Antonio or something Italian?

"Good evening Mr Ryder. For three?" he asked before leading us away to a table. Unlike the godfather movies this place was quite bright. Up in the ceiling there was that hidden lighting that shown up into the ceiling which reflected it back at you. It was domed with some murals on it. I can't describe them since i have no reference. You just have to go look at them yourself.

The table was one of those tables you tend to see in restaurants. Round, big leg made to look like old cast iron. Wooden top too shiny to be real with a simple white cloth on it that didn't quite cover the whole thing. Chrome chairs with oval cushioned backs and round bottoms. It took me a minute to realize the guy wanted my shawl.wrap thing. I gave it to him exposing the somewhat hidden top of my dress. Now there is two words I would have never once thought about saying. My and dress in the same sentence.

I blushed as I sat down almost but not quite forgetting to put my hands under me to 'smooth' out the skirt of my dress, ill never get used to those words. Gods what if I have to? Bad idea.. this is just a favor to Ari...for a week...maybe. At least I got some money out of it so far. $200 may not sound like much to some people but to me that meant food other than ramen noodles. I can get quite creative with ramen noodles. You can have it as a soup with crackers, without the broth as a cheap spaghetti with ketchup.

And why was I sitting in a restaurant as fancy as this thinking about ramen noodles? I started to chuckle, as quietly as possible. I had the strangest urge to order ramen noodles just to see what kind of reaction I would get.

"Why do I have the feeling that is not a good giggle?" Hanz asked.

"I was just thinking..."I looked around and there was nobody close. "Would I shock the waiter if I asked for ramen noodles?"

Ari put her hand to her mouth to stiffle a giggle. And...didn't entirely succeed.

Hanz looked at me for a long time before barking out a roaring laugh. At this point I started to actively look for something to hide behind. There was no menu and that napkin was far to small. Did we get stared at by every, and I do mean every, well dressed near to do in the restaurant, which by the way was all of them. Yes.

When a white coated person came charging out of the doors directly for our table I just knew we were going to get expelled or something.

Hanz pointed at me as the the coat I was actively trying my best to pretend was not there came up to our table.

"She .. She...She..." and he roared again. Note to self. Never wear a stiff strapless bra with the thing underneath that makes sinking down in ones chair impossible. I tried to be civil. A real example of gentlemanly, err womanly...er well an innocent person. I apparently didn't succeed in the slightest as I felt a hand clamp down on my bare shoulder.

"What on earth have you done to my brother?" oh no...I turned and looked at Hanz who just laughed harder.

It took him a minute to calm down. I looked around and most people had gone back to their dinners. He must come here often. He eventually did manage to explain about my ramen idea, that got Lissy, laughing as well. She said if I really wanted too she could make some. I declined while finding the underside of the table quite nice.

I was given a choice between Canadian or Italian, lasagna, some feticunni thing, and something else I couldn't for the life of me understand. Not knowing any better I chose the Canadian. Ari had the feticunni thing. Hanz just said he would have the lasagna as well. I caught Lissy looking both Ari and myself over really well as Arianna and Hanz lauched into a discussion of how they would like certain things to look. Ari countered with another suggestion.

I got so bored so I looked around and spotted one of those flatscreens you see everywhere tucked behind a plant. It was there displaying stuff along the bottom and showing a picture of a river that looked either man made or altered by man with cement to go in one direction as straight as possible. The older a river gets the more it twists and turns. Some of the wide rivers in the states, while quite popular, are considered "young" while some of the streams, called rivers, here in Manitoba , were both deep and old. One in particular meanders back and forth so much it cuts through the edges of more than four towns. Thing is the original banks of this river are almost four miles away.

The lotto jackpot flashed on screen, whenever I see that, and have nothing to do, I sort of plan how I would do this or that with the jackpot. That is ONLY after I have bought a ticket. I would help this group, make this or that business to fill a need, which would employ a certain percentage of the population overlooked, or ignored, by many. In this case I thought of all that wood that is being left to rot or fill landfills, from construction, packing crates, pallets, old buildings torn down, renovations. Most of the new construction of houses there isn't much left and what is left is put into bins. The idea is the bins get sorted and the wood gets turned to mulch.

I thought about how I could employ even handicapped people to do some of the manual labour, what possible wood products that could be made. Then I switched to collecting old machines and stripping them into individual materials to recycle as much as possible instead of scrunch and burn off in blast furnaces with less than good metal in some cases.

Donations to the overlooked museum I know of. It's a great museum if you know about it. But lots of stuff there is turning into rusted lumps, while other stuff has been wrecked by kids and there is less and less people who know how to fix the stuff right. Our society had become a remove and replace. I know this because of the amount of lawn and garden equipment I find tossed into back lanes near Ari's and my place. I am one of the few who rescue this stuff. Most gets picked up by scrap dealers for weight.

I was so lost in thought, as often happens when I think about the good i can do, that I failed to notice the bread. I only noticed when Ari poked me.

"Huh what?" I asked. She pointed...Ohhh garlic cheese bread, on real bread not hotdog buns. The bread was a thick, juicy with butter, bread and a fair amount of garlic, hint of spice and shredded marble cheddar. Soo good. I tried really hard to nibble. I still finished before the other two.

"Looney for your thoughts?"

"Huh"..I'm lost.

"Well I offered up to fifth cents and didn't get..." Hanz explained.

"Lee you were so lost in thought that we couldn't get your attention for three minutes or so."

"Oh!" embarrassed, I did not blush. I looked down.

"I just dream about what I would do if I would a few million on the lottery is all."

"Such as?" I had Hanz and Arianna's full attention. I got nervous.

"It's nothing, silly really." Please please stop asking.

"Go on."

"Well I just can't help thinking about.., Look it's not really important." hint hint.

Hanz put his face onto his upturned hand and looked me level in the eyes. "I want to know." No those eyes are evil do not..

"Well, It's kinda pains me to see stuff tossed because it's old. Like an old ratty abandoned building. It may not look nice with all that ugly paint and the garish makeovers over the years to modernize them. But If you really look you can see hints of how they used to look when they were a new building. I mean they looked really good in some cases. Did you know that this city used to have almost forty live theaters, before movies came out, I mean before they became popular."

"Okay so."

"You may not realize it but at that time the population was like at most a hundred thousand, not the million or so it is now."

"One point three actually."

"Whatever, most of these theaters are around but have very ugly paint on the outside, they used to paint the shows on billboards, and sometimes the stars themselves would get a mural. But, they had fancy fronts, grand entrances, and huge impressive theaters with either copper or plaster ceilings with lines and stuff on them. Most of them are covered by layers of plaster or drywall. You can see that when another one gets torn down." I paused to drink some water.

"When you walk by the demo sites you can sometimes see piles of wooden beams. Those beams are like really really good wood, full of nails and screws now, but some you can see the leftover hand carved wood pieces stuck here and there. Did you know most of that wood is full of chemicals and they still turn it into mulch." I had to lean back as the waiter was bringing a cart over to serve us.

"Think of what could be done, properly, to say a new house, or business to give it that old family generation look just by re-purposing some of that wood."

"You have a very good point." Hanz agreed.

"How so" Ari asked.

"Well on the course, about halfway, we built a mini lodge/shop, a year ago. We wanted to make it look like it had been around since the course opened. It does look that way, and in winter it's heated by a woodstove for the ski weekends, So the old lodge feel helps there as well. None of the wood is old. We had to pay quite a bit extra to get the wood artfully aged. The high ceiling looks like greyed unpainted wood but it is actually painted to look that way. The wall boards had rocks tumbled in with them for the look."

I looked at Hanz." And to think there is places out in rural areas where old sheds,barns, heck even whole former homesteads, that are falling down, much of the wood still very good. It is a bit dangerous, because of wasp nests and other possible rodents. But if a crew was careful enough they could salvage a lot of old wood, clean it up with sanders of some type and sell it to places like you guys for authentic look."

"What about those old buildings you were talking about."

"Well those too. I guess one could take apart all that old brickwork, salvage the good stuff, and build some nice property if they had enough. Imagine, for example, someone won the lottery and wanted a manison on their old family property or at the lake or something that looked like it had been there a hundred years. You can't get that look with new materials, it just doesn't work."

"I can kind of see that. Our midway lodge does look old but still feels new"

"What if it had been built from salvaged materials from old barns and homesteads eighty plus years old. Cleaned up of course."

"It would have that feel that I still want."

"Exactly!"

"Yeah sounds good, how much do you charge for that?"

"Huh" It was then I noticed that, aside from Hanz, Arianna. The waiter, Lissy we also had three other people sitting near us listening.

"Oh uh. I don't actually do that myself."

"An old boyfriend perhaps? Do you have his information I would love to contract him."

"Only after I had him build me a small cabin."

"I would like a library myself."

I held up my hands." Stop please. It was just an idea I have is all. I don't know how to do that stuff." This was more than a little scary for me. Here I was pretending to be a woman, in blasted dress, and stuff I had dreamed about for a few years were almost within reach.

"I'm not a carpenter or whatever, just a humble mechanic fixing small stuff..."

"Your a mechanic?"

"What is your rate? I have a problem with a..."

"Ladies, Gentlemen. Please. We are trying to have a dinner. While I am sure she is capable of many things, and in particular I do intend to get her help in my own mechanical problems, we are here to eat this wonderful smelling dinner that may be going cold. Can I suggest that you leave her a few cards."

"Oh yes. Sorry she sounded so passionette I just had to find out more. Enjoy your dinner."

"Quite right. Evening ladies."

And one or two more people gave us the goodbyes. The small pile of cards sitting beside my plate was a little unnerving since I could never use them. I mean if I came as myself to help them. Some might let me work but I doubt it. They wanted the girl they had met. Not the guy I was. Depressing.

The waiter got around to dishing out the lasagna to Hanz and myself. Ari got her fetunnin or whatever, it was. And I was all set to dig in as I was hungry. A touch from Ari, with a small shake of her head, I tried not to sigh as I cut little pieces of food and ate it slowly.

Don't get me wrong it was very very good. Normal circumstances I would easily have wolfed down this and another piece or two. Being ladylike is so unfair!. As I was slowly eating, and getting full as I was taking sips of water with every other bite, I wondered about the time.

"Shit!" Ari jolted from my comment. Hanz just looked up with a smile.

"What's the time? When does Walmart close?"

"Uhm I think they might be open to ten." Ari realized why I was asking. "Oh dear."

"It's nine forty five. Why do you need to go to Walmart."

"Oh Leanna's clothes got lost at the airport and her small bag of jeans got ruined by my old machine. We were going to ask you to drop us off to get some new ones. I guess it's too late now. I'll take you.. Oh crud. I can't take you tomorrow I have to go over to the designers and get them going on Greg's new showroom and that might take all day. Sorry huh."

Hanz leaned over to get a good view of my legs, where I clamped them together before he reached the table edge. "She looks fine as she is."

"Hanz!" I did not whine. "I do have a bunch of clothes, but nothing ..practical at the moment so I do need to do some shopping." gag me with a spoon.

"Pity." he said before pulling out his phone and hitting a number. He held up his hand as I raise mine to object.

"Astri..Yes hi, Oh well good thank you. I'm in the company of two very lovely ladies.... Why yes that is the ones. Oh I see did you not send her any pants? I see. Would it be much of a bother?" He put the phone down for a moment. Anything in particular you needed?"

"Well some denim jeans, and some t shirts, in black if possible." It's what I usually wear. Stains don't show as much.

"Did you get that? Oh you have her sizes? That would be good I'll pay of course. No no trouble." he nodded and listened for a moment or two before talking again." Tagatelli's of course." he paused again obviously listening. Then pressed a button on his phone and put it away.

"I can pay for my own clothes thank you."

"I would be honored to pay for them as well but I was refused."

"Excuse me?"

"Something about it being Greg's fault, he yelled in the background, they are at the warehouse getting other stuff so it's no trouble apparently, something about doing it anyways or something."

"Oh brother" i put my hand to my head. "This is going to far."

"Greg... has a very one track mind. The only person I have ever seen redirect it, as she didn't change it exactly, was your sister."

I looked to Arianna for an explanation.

"All those suits I have are from him. I asked for one. Getting him to stop took showing him both closets full. Since yours isn't that full yet I would just not even try."

Since we needed to leave to go wherever I started to get up.

"Where are you going my dear."I sighed.

"Mr. Ryder. We had this chat I believe. Besides don't we need to get going?"

"OH right. And no. Greg is on his way. I believe he will want to talk with your sister as well."

"Oh crud! I didn't bring my laptop to show him my designs."

"Can you use my pad?" I wasn't sure why he was offering her his bachelor pad if Greg was coming here. Ari bit her lower lip in thought.

"No...I have certain programs on mine for rendering and stuff. Thanks for offering."

Since it seemed we were not going to go somewhere, I made to sit back down. Till Arianna pushed out her chair.

"We may as well go powder Lee. Be back shortly sir."

"I'll have the table cleared and some wine perhaps." Oh no. Not more wine! What is it with these people and wine? Not really having much choice I followed Ari into the ladies room at the restaurant. I paused for a moment at the door before going in.

Second day and it still feels wrong. I wont bore you with the details of going to the bathroom in a confined metal cubical and a dress that took far too long to move out of the way just to pee. Then reverse it. As I exited and Arianna laughed. I was very very glad that the plain white walled cement block bathroom just had myself and Arianna in it. Blasted toilet paper roll and static cling. It was not very fun to roll up the paper back onto a roll in a plastic childproof container. Why they had them in the first place didn't make much sense. Who would want to steal toilet paper?

I mean really most of the women here had tiny, and in my opinion useless, purses more for show. You couldn't fit a roll in there if you tried. Worse on top of the tampon dispenser was a few rolls anyways. It's not even good stuff, better than the mens I can assure you, but still really? What's next camera's to spot if people take the cheap ass stainless steel cutlery you can buy at a dollar store? How do I know this? I have an identical set at home.

We did not take all that long in the ladies room. Arianna insisted I fix my face, her words not mine, which included that mysterious substance that does not like to go on lips evenly called lipstick. Ari tweaked one or two things in my hair, which looked fine to me, before we left the bathroom to return to the table.

Since Dorothy is being very impatient I'm posting this chapter a little quick. I do not have control over the story very much. Ideas I had thought to use couldn't fit in as the story writes itself.

So...

The next morning I woke with a start...

Whaaa?

But

But

But...

Okay fine,

Yes I'm grumbing!

Not much happened last night really...honest...

Why are you looking at me like that?

So Ari and I, for you grammar police, left the washroom / ladies room / fancy ass washcloset that looks nicer than my house. There was a big fanfare and sign..

Yeah right. There was an older lady wearing a fur around her neck and more makeup that a makeup counter has at those old box stores. I would like to say she gave me the evil eye or something. Instead she just brushed past us without a care. Like it was the most normal thing in the world. A GUY, aka me, just came out of the LADIES room, and she acts like it's normal.

Alright maybe, just maybe, I was still a little on the anxious side about going into a forbidden place. Can you blame me. Ari, of course, just had a smile on her face like a kitten finding spilled food on the floor, food that was on the counter a minute before. You've seen that. Growls at you if you move your hand near the food? Okay whatever.

I followed Ari back to the table to find, surprise surprise, that our table for three got expanded and now held three others. Hanz sister minus the white coat. Greg, and a new lady I had never seen before of mixed heritage. I say mixed because while the eyes look sorta asianish. Skin is sorta tannish. And yes I suck at english, live with it. This must be the A. or Astri.. assistant to Greg. That or he is having an affair of some type. Seems to be a sort of game that the filthy rich love to play with each other, and spouses who know full well what is going on but pretend, quite well, that it doesn't.

Maybe I read a little too much.

There is two chairs available. One beside Greg and one beside Hanz. Ari, of course, takes the one beside Greg, who is a gentleman and pushes her in. Hanz gets up to help push me in as I approach. Before I even attempt to sit down I scootch the chair over away from Hanz. He finds it amusing. In any other setting I would swat him.

Oh hell who cares! I take a swipe at his arm anyways. He dodges it and I realize that it was way too much in character for a girl. I blush and look down.

They all start talking about how this would look good like this at the store, and so on and on. Really it was quite boring for me as I had no clue what they were talking about. I couldn't even look at the tv screen, which was now behind me, to relieve my utter boredom. I didn't get a chance to ask about the jeans at all. They were all really into these ideas and stuff, some paper was pulled out and some scribbled drawings were made.

I sat there with my hands in my lap trying to keep my knees together even though nobody could see them, and I guess I sort of dozed off at one point. I awoke to find all of them looking at me with those, I caught you smiles, on their faces.

"Uhm sorry."

"Quite alright dear. This must be terribly boring for you." Translation. Are you that stupid?

"Perhaps we should call it a night. I'll be round, say ten, and we can go over the renderings I made, along with some of these changes, and see how well it would work." Ari states. It's not really up for argument or anything.

Astrig, so I have found her name to be, hands a bag to me with something about they were in the warehouse so give them a good wash. Not sure why, are they used? After that we call get up. The ladies, including me, do the air kiss on cheek thing, while the girls do little pecks on cheeks.

I just shook hands, why it made both Greg and Hanz laugh is beyond me. Hanz had paid the bill with a card of some type, it wasn't the normal gold or blue but black so I had no idea what it was. Probably a club card of some type.

Aside from almost falling asleep on the ride back with a fair sized bag at my feet. Shopping bag, not another suitcase. He helped us out just like before, walked us to the door for some reason I haven't the foggiest idea why. I just unlocked the door with the key and walked in. Ari followed complaining that i was being rude. I was too tired too care, and told her so.

She took my bag and sent me off to wash up. I don't remember too much after that to be honest.

I woke with a start. I'm so used to sleeping on my couch that waking up in a bed is startling. Not a bad thing really but still startling. This was made worse as I am not a sharp cookie in the morning upon waking. The nightgown and boobs freaked me out a bit but an insistent bladder took precedence. I even sat down on the toilet and let go while examining how my chest had swelled overnight. It wasn't till I saw the seams that the previous days events came back to me.

I did say I was slow in the morning.

I sighed, I had agreed to be a sister, hopefully just a week. I didn't know why it was so important to Ari. I was sure that, eventually, she would explain that. I mean why would she keep a birth certificate for a sister that died so long ago. So many little things. Like how she called me Leanna. I was sure she thought of me as a girl most of the time as well.

I got a shock when I looked in the mirror. I was all set to apologize to Ari before I realized it was me. That was another thing. I look way too much like Ari. If we really were siblings it would make sense. I know I didn't know who my parents were, but still the chances of meeting someone that looks exactly like me is scarily low. I know they say, the 'experts' that when you think about it, nobody knows who they are. Right back on track . They, I can't help think of white bearded men with bow ties and pocket protectors and huge thick glasses..where was I? Oh yes.. They say that everyone has a double in the world. So, I guess, it is possible....maybe...

OR maybe we should run screaming from this house all the way back to mine and hide...while looking nothing like myself...with boobs...crap.

I shuffled into my room head hanging, almost dragging my feet on the nice soft..inviting carpet.. I wonder....

"LEANNA!" I jumped in place at the scream..

"Whaaaa.. is there a fire?" I rolled over. I guess I fell asleep on the carpet afterall. It really was that comfy.

"I found you out cold on the carpet. What do you think? Are you okay? Do you need to see the doctor?" she was all over me in a second feeling my forehead. Checking for I don't know what.

"Calm down" I put my hands on hers." I just noticed how soft and comfy the carpet felt. I guess I fell asleep on it by accident."

"The what?" She put her hand down on the carpet.

Next thing I knew we were both lying on our sides on the carpet in nighties giggling at how comfy it actually was. It was absurd who would make a carpet feel that good. Ari said something about good for slumber party, at least I think she did. It was almost a whisper.

She slammed her palm against the floor. "Right time to get ready!"

"Do I have too?" I MAY have whined.

"You get started and I'll get your jeans and new tops out of the dryer."

"Fine!" I reluctantly got up off the floor. I knew what she meant by get ready. Mascara, lipsmear., and powder stuff. I had taken off the mag earrings last night and put them on again. It pinched my ears a little. Then I selected some underwear. I chose black. One of the tops we got last night was black with rhinestones spelling out "Girlie girl". Id skip that one. The next suitable was a red top. I hoped she got that one. Apparently cockroaches loved to lay eggs in clothing so it was a must to wash and dry everything in hot water with lots of soap. I had just got done with that infernal device called a bra when she came back into my room. The red top was there but no jeans.

"Uhm Sorry Lee.. The dryer didn't work properly. I used an iron to dry this one for you but the rest are still wet. I have them hanging to dry but it will take most of the day." she said sheepishly.

"What the hell? That's a brand new dryer!"

"I know. I'll call them about it after I get ready. I have a lot of work to do today."

"But ...what do I ..."

She rummaged in one of the lower drawers and pulled out a denim skirt. It had a faded hem and a red belt that was all crisscrosses. At the buckle part was a brass hook thing like all belts. I pulled it on after some grumbling and she put my hair up into a simple pony tail before she almost ran into her room.

I wondered about footwear. In the closet was these little boots that matched the belt in color. I say little because they didn't come over my ankles very far. They had a very small heel, pointed toe and were made of a leather of sorts. Surprisingly they were not that uncomfortable. The blasted skirt was too short for my liking as only came down to mid leg or thigh or whatever they call it. Hopefully the jeans would be dry by this afternoon. Remember my experience with jeans involved worn used jeans for most of my life. New jeans is a new experience.

I was downstairs in the kitchen looking for something edible for breakfast that wasn't fruit salad or frozen. My cooking skills with eggs are either runny or scrambled. I didn't think Ari would appreciate me using her pristine cookware. I mean come on why put a coating on that just comes right off after the first use? I just happen to like my food cooked now. Got a problem with it?

I found some suspicious looking frozen waffles in the freezer. I say suspicious in that they look way to healthy to possible taste good. I had no idea wear a toaster was if any so I threw them into the mini oven on the counter. Note yes I NOW know its a toaster oven ha ha. The controls were simplish so that even I could use them. Ie there was a button that said waffle. I pressed it. And waited...and waited...and waited...

I am not that impatient.

Really....

Sometimes....

Ari came into the kitchen as the thing finally dinged. I had put four in there as that what was in the package.

"Oh thanks!" and she stole two of them. My tummy wasn't happy with her in her high heels, skirt and short sleeve blouse. I mean she looked good. Really good. Dang it I felt under dressed beside her. She put them on a plate with some sugar from a container and started to cut them into tiny pieces.. Like what the heck. They are barely five inches across.

Instead of grumbling I would just copy her. Ill get a nice juicy hamburger later from somewhere. Like one of those good burgers that you microwave at gas stations. What? I happen to like them!

Air was typing at clicking like mad on her laptop while we ate. I wasn't crazy about the orange juice with all the pulpy stuff in it. I was surprised how two glasses of water, two waffles and a glass of orange juice managed to fill me up. I even smiled for a moment that I kept my legs together as if I was proud of that accomplishment. Oh how I needed to get out and be myself after this.

She finished most of her waffle while working. There was a piece or two left that she didn't eat. I thought this was wasteful and made her eat the last bite. She objected that they were cold. I just folded my arms and glared till she ate the last one. Wasting food is foolish. Always eat whatever you make, or order, or buy. There is people out there that would be happy to even have that one morsel you leaving. Your are insulting them by doing so. Or at least that is what I have always believed.

Ari put on the blue blazer, that yes matched her heels and skirt. The blouse was rather plain and it sort of wrapped around her as I didn't see a button anywhere. It was a lighter color that was still sorta vaguely blue...I guess. I grabbed the front of her blazer and pretended to straighten it. I had no clue how to do so but what I was doing just felt...right... on a weird level.

"You be a good girl today you hear?" I said to her softly. I didn't need the game this morning. I was not expecting her to all but tackle me in a bone crushing hug.

"Thank you" she whispered before pulling back to let me see the water standing in her eyes ready to spill into tears. She grabbed her purse and bag, not sure where either came from, and turned to go outside. I stayed behind to put the dishes into the dishwasher. I was surprised when she came back in.

"I need you to let me out." she said. Weird is the garage door busted?

I followed her outside into the slightly chilled air. Note to self, women's clothing is NOT made to keep one warm. As we came around to the front of the garage I saw the problem. There was a craftsman, MTD gold, and John deere tractor as well as two tillers blocking the way. While most of them were out of the way the JD wasn't. I went behind to pull the pin to move it. No pin. No key either. A note of some type though. I took a quick glance. The key was under the hood taped to engine. The machine would not roll. I just grabbed the side and pulled it over bit by bit.

The back end of the machine, while heavy, is not that heavy. The front I used a pipe to push it over. I got it over enough to get her to leave. I waved as she left then started to bring what I could into the garage where it was much much warmer. The other two lawntractors had notes. The two tillers did not. After reading the notes I found one belonged with the craftsman. I didn't know which though.

I worked on the tractors while I waited for it to warm up outside. Not much, blade sharpening. Clean fuel systems, air filter, oil filter, oil. It was a good thing that these all took the same filter. Well for B&S anyways, thats Briggs and Stratton. The JD was a Kohler. Looks the same different thread. I had gotten a box of them a few years ago. I had one left at Ari's now. At home I had a another eight or so. The blades took a bit. Since I didn't want to get the skirt filthy, must be a g...ah.. social pressure thing to keep ones skirt clean. Pulling the decks out on each was fairly easy. Then I just used a socket and ratchet on them. I know some people call a ratchet a socket wrench. That is just wrong. A socket wrench is a totally different tool. I have one I use for some plugs.

I sharpen and balance the blades. It's not that hard but it is important. All you do is put the blade on something sharp, like another blade, and if it is balanced it will not move if it is in center. The MTD's blades require a hammering before I can sharpen them. He likes rocks apparently. Both of these machines are two blade machines. The craftsmen uses that funky star pattern. With Sears closed now I wonder how many of these machines will be around for much longer? I test the machines they work. I don't have a grease gun here. Small pot of grease yes but no gun. These both look alright.

Hmm I wonder. I use the craftsman and some rope strap I found to hook up the JD and pull that into the garage. Yes I spun the tires. I need to sweep up the shop floor after I'm done anyways.

With the other two done I start to look over the JD. Not having booster cables I hook some wire I found and a cable to jump the battery from one machine to the next. The JD turns over, has oil. Wont fire. Pull one of the two pulls. Soaked with fuel. I check for spark and it does have it. A bit more searching I don't see anything obvious so I pull the air cleaner cover off, or try too. It takes a screwdriver to pry it off. Oh.

Behind the air cleaner cover there should be a plate and a round fitler with a foam screen around that. I can make out the metal cover under the packed grass and other stuff. Might have been a rodent's nest. A bit of vacuum work, another find, dc though, and I can see the foam. After taking off the cover, air filter, and foam I turn the engine over for a bit. After a break or two for spark It sputters and starts belting out lots of smoke.

It was badly flooded. I had to open the door again. I didn't have a new filter, or a compressor, so that would have to wait on this one. I did tap out as much as i could but it was still very plugged. I put it back together loosely. I then use an old pizzabox to kneel on, as well as a scissor car jack, to raise up the rear and take off the right rear tire so I could see what happened to the transmission. It's not much, the lever is laying ontop slightly bent and the clip is long gone. A bit of straightening, a new cotter pin and washer and the machine will now move back and forth. I lube the axle, replace tire and move onto the next problem.

Up to this point I had to cross the starter wires with a screwdriver to get it to turn over as the key didn't work for starting. It didn't take me long to find the problem with a tester. The one switch located under the battery is all corroded. Using a heat lamp bulb and a small screwdriver it doesn't take me long to fix it. A bit of pencil eraser on the copper, best way to clean copper, and it's as good as new. It works and the machine turns over via the key. Only problem is that the metal strap that held the battery up is dust.

As luck would have it I had spotted something the other day that might work if it was still there. After locking the house up I go for a walk down the back lanes. One piece of metal that was a brace of some kind at one point will be perfect, with a little bending. Along the way I find another push mower with a bad engine but good cables, it was obvious as the con rod was sticking out the one side with oil everywhere. I also find a heavily rusted electric mower. It's so rusted that there is a wheel missing and the other ones are badly bent up. It's gets piled on the one with blown engine. I also found an electric blower with the extension cord end stuck on it but cut off.

Making my way along I spot an older tiller. At first glance the engine didn't turn and the gearbox was all busted. I was going to pass it but at the moment an older man in a chevy truck shows up. His name is Nelson, and considering how I'm dressed, I kinda have to say my name is Leanna. His truck is mostly empty and he offers to give me and my goodies a ride. He collects scrap in his spare time, mostly to keep the neighborhood clean. We chat and get a long like we are old friends. We drive around a few more lanes and pack up his truck with a stove, dryer and fridge. There is more but he will have to unload, which we do at his place before we go out and get the rest. A washing machine, busted drill press, a bunch of car parts, some old piping of some type, a bin full of wiring, some metal shelving and a bunch of other junk.

My eyes are better than his so it was me who spotted most of it. Believe it or not his truck is more than half full. Plus another load at his place, then my junk. Speaking of my junk. Nelson actually helps me, We wash off the mower deck of the old gas one. It's not in bad shape. I take the electric motor off the rusted one and combine the two, with a little configuring of the handlebars. From two junk mowers I get an electric push mower with a much better blade on it. I don't really need it though. While I was looking over the old tiller I thought about grabbing the carb and coil off it. With the cover off I can see that the coil has rusted to the flywheel. A bit of work with a lead hammer we knock the coil loose, sand off the flywheel and soak the coil in some vinegar to remove the rust. It's a nice afternoon spent playing with stuff. We actually get the engine to fire and run for a moment.

Normally I would have passed on the engine but it's an eight horse B&S. One of the older models just when they got rid of points. It's a keeper. On the way back to Ari's I mention about not needed the electric and we stop by the place I found it. The older lady there thanks us for the mower as she didn't want to get rid of it. She likes electric mowers but finds the new ones so expensive. We chat for a bit and get treated to fresh baked goodies. Nelson explains that it was all me that did the work, which in her eyes, is worth paying me $80. I try to refuse but she insists. Something about good for the sisterhood and all. Ehhhh I didn't understand but smiled and just took the money.

Back at Ari's Nelson finds out what I was working on. He offers to help, which I thank him for and give him the list of what is needed for the JD and where to get parts. I had been wiping my hands to get the money out of my back pocket on the skirt when he leaves. Around half an hour later he returns with an empty truck except for the eight horse engine and the parts for JD. I get the receipt from him and we get to work. It doesn't take us long to get the JD up and working properly. It still needs the new blade for center as it has the wrong one, a very common mistake. The center blade is a bit bigger than the outer ones. A lot of places just sell you three outer ones. It does work but leaves lines in the grass when you cut.

Honestly I forget about wearing the skirt or that my jeans might be dry as we work with a radio on. Time passes like a time warp. Once you get into a groove you just zone out. I mean like there we were working away having fun. The JD guy shows up and is more than happy to find his mower working. He just wanted it running and driving. He was not expecting the key to work again. I tell him where to bring his old battery or batteries, if he has more than one, to get a new one for it as this one is finished. He happily runs to get money to pay for everything done plus some extra which I try to share with Nelson. He once again refuses.

The first tiller was nothing special. Oil, clean and gap sparkplug, clean carb and tank. No biggie. The second one, well the engine ran. However nothing worked. It wasn't till I took cover off that I found out why. The crankshaft had snapped right at the cover. Wierd little clutch setup that only engages when you press a lever. There was a pully for the front driven tines and a gear and chain for the wheels. Stupid setup really as I found out when I looked at wheel setup. The bearings were crusty rusty as the chain case was full of something besides oil. I guess it had jammed. Then when the owner had slammed it into driving Snap.

This one needed a new motor. Aside from the snapped crankshaft it was a running motor, I exchanged it for the 8hp B&S. The original was a ten not a big change. Same size overall. The carbs and gas tanks were different, but they did exchange from one to the other. So it looks like it is the same engine but it's not. Nobody would be able to tell. The bearings were standard 6203/s so Nelson got some at the local Princess Auto for five a piece. The chain I soaked and worked loose totally covering my arms in grim in the process. The new bearings were sealed bearings, the case was supposed to have a drain hole but it was tiny and totally plugged, or it was a rust hole not sure which. I drilled it out so that water could drain. Greased the hell out of the chain and put it all back together.

The couple for the craftsman came around and it was the first tiller that was theirs. They were happy as well and paid us. Again I offered some to Nelson but he just smiled and refused. While we had been working he talked about his marriage to Mary, how now that he was retired and had found something to occupy his time, she complained that he was never home. It was dark outside when he finally left after the craftsman couple. I was cleaning up tools and the floor when Ari got back.

Neither of us had noticed the time while working or had properly eaten. Two freezer packs of, I think it was fish, and oh yea, more rice. It was food so I ate it. She talked about the difficulties she had that day. I listened and nodded. I told her about my day, she laughed and said something about a new boyfriend when I mentioned Nelson. I was outraged. I told her he was married but she still teased me.

She had called the company for the dryer and the repairman had called her back. He said to unplug it and he would be by tomorrow morning to see what the problem was and replace it if necessary. It was a brand new machine so I could see why they would want to look at it in place. Arianna , sorry but she did, bitched about just replacing it. I guess she was as tired as I suddenly felt. My jeans were mostly dry, just one or two seams a little damp. We got washed up, she made me clean the bathroom after. Yes I grumbled about it.

With both of us in our nighties and robes we sat down on the couch to watch a movie off netflix. We didn't get past opening credits before the both of us were doing the chainsaw thing on either side of the couch snuggled under our robes. It was kinda funny how some hours later we both woke up with cricks in our necks before heading off to bed. Ari kissed my forehead for some reason, I was still mostly asleep.

It was close to ten the next morning when I awoke. My nose was pressed into the nightstand that was beside the bed. All the covers are twisted tightly around me. I had a pillow under my head but I was on the bedroom floor. Not sure if that happened while I slept or if I missed the bed and just grabbed everything. I did the worm thing and found Ari snoring lightly right beside me in her robe. I used my one foot to wake her.

She had found me that way at six and tried to wake me only to fall asleep beside me. We both laughed about it, I did not giggle, she did. For the first time in almost four days I could wear jeans again. And darn it all, if they didn't feel quite right. I was almost tempted to put another dam skirt on. Almost. No dam way was I wearing a skirt again if I could help it. Today I wore an oversized sweater of sorts.

Strange how after a few days of wearing skin tight clothing wearing something I have worn almost all along feels weird. My underwear was white. The sweater exposed one shoulder all the time no matter what I did. Ari said that was normal. Doing my makeup was less of a chore than before, still very weird, especially that dang lipsmear. She did have me work at doing my hair, properly, as she said. That took far too much time. In the end all I had in it was a simple hair clip in the back, with a bow, and it held my hair away from my face.

Today there was nothing new out front waiting for me. Ari left, she had a few things she needed to do, all dressed up in a skirt suit like usual. I finished the work on the second tiller around noon. I even tested it in the back yard in that patch that had been tilled over. It worked really good. With nothing to do I cleaned up, I even wiped down all my tools before going back into to clean up.

I was in the middle of looking for something for lunch when the doorbell rang scaring the crap out of me. I had learned my lesson and peeked out the window to see who it was. There was the same truck as before and some guy carrying a tool box on the landing. I let him in.
His name was Rob and asked right away where the, and this is a quote, infernal machine was. I liked the guy right away. I showed it too him, and over the course of about an hour, we took it half apart, found the stupid switch that had literally broken apart. Apparently some of these chinese components, while it helped to cut costs on the machines, did not always work. He had encountered this before, as evidenced by the large half empty box of switched in his tool kit.

It worked, and he made doubly sure to test both it and the washing machine, it had a loose belt and needed adjustment, before he left leaving his card behind. If I ever needed, or someone I knew, needed a repair guy I knew exactly who to call. However I still had not had lunch. So once again I was going to look when the doorbell rang again. Thinking Rob had forgotten something I just opened the door.

Big mistake.

"Hi beautiful" It was Hanz. Again.

"What are you doing here?"

"Uhm Lunch?" I just looked at him like he was stupid.

"Maybe to bribe you with a nice fancy lunch?" he was looking sheepish.

"So Subway?" I asked with a raised eyebrow. He roared.

"Ehhemm.. Seriously is it wrong.." I cut him off right there.

"Yes it is!"

"How about a bribe of my shop?" he asked. My mind instantly went back to that beautiful shop in such a mess. I was silent as I thought about how much I wanted to get my hands in there. He took my silence in turn. Say anything else you want about him, he is a sharp cookie.

"I don't have any"

"Just to clean it up, get the stuff fixed and working mind you. I'll pay cash."

"I ...I...I...suppose..." I mean how could I say no. Really it's very hard... It's just a temp thing..in that beautiful....

"Get your purse and we can go."

"Huh" fog..." okay." more fog....

Before I knew it, the house was locked, and I was sliding into his car. I say sliding as I caught myself sliding my legs in after sitting down. Darn skirts, I wasn't wearing one but I still sat and slid anyways. The car was a very nicely done 78 trans am. In black with the gold fire bird on the hood. It may sound weird but that is the way many of them came. It was not a bandit car clone as it didn't have the t top roof. It was not very popular in Canada. I do know that the t top roof was available on cars up to mid 80's. I saw the books once. It was possible to get a 1983 charger 2.2 turbo, all wheel drive, with a t top. I have no idea if any were ever sold that way but there was parts listings for them.

It was a typical guy car. It had power, modified engine the original was not that powerful and the camshafts died in short time. Loud exhaust that would give you a headache, and I bet a bunch of other useless mods, such as disc brakes, rack & pinion steering, etc. Was I impressed? Not in the least little bit. I call cars that are loud and non stock rumblers. Hanz was smiling trying to impress me with all the stuff he was talking about including the totally non stock ugly ass radio. It had yadda yadda fuel injection, yadda yadda stupid cam, yadda yadda stupid crank...

We got about halfway there when he stopped at a traffic light. I unbuckled my belt and got out of the car as fast as possible. I started walking right away. I took him a minute to first find a parking spot, then pay for the parking. By that time I was already a block away. I'm a fairly fast walker and since I was so pissed off possibly even faster. Hanz may play a fair amount of golf, and work out, but it did take him time to catch up.

"Leanna what did I..." I turned on him.

"I WILL NOT ride around in a fucking piece of crap like that hacked piece of shit. Ever!" I turned and kept walking. I was fuming mad.

"But.. I don't understand... Why are you so..." I turned on him again almost screaming at him.

"It came with leave spring suspension in the rear, no traction but it rode well. Simple am fm eight track radio. The engine's were a 305 two barrel or a 350 four barrel quadrajet. Wagner gear box. Drums in the rear and discs in the front. That's it. They were a nice car." I huffed a moment or two"What you have is every dam thing I hate modified on a classic car, regardless of brand."

"I though that you would be..." I didn't let him finish.

"Well you thought wrong. I'll walk the rest of the way while you do whatever you want with that piece of garbage."

I dare say I was mad. I was so mad that by the time I made it halfway there I was very cold. I didn't have a jacket and was somewhat mollified to be picked up by a valet, Kieth if you must know, in his regular, slight dented, old ford. Not sure which model as many of the early 2000 look the same just different nameplates. The Hyundai made focus and explorer I will not get into. If you get me started on Ford trucks I would be here all night swearing at their weak ass.... breathe.....

It was funny that as we pulled in here comes Hanz in a blue, dark blue, completely stock looking 53 dodge business coupe. It was fairly quiet and seemed to be running alright, for a six. Yeah single barrel carb, straight six with low gearing. Not the fastest cars around. Great acceleration, when they worked. I think it was his idea of an apology. I just laughed.

He got out and made a flourish with his hands before saying" Is this more to my lady's liking?" I did not giggle. I don't giggle. I just laughed and nodded. I could see him visibly relax. Somehow I had made him on edge about the whole car thing I guess. I felt kinda bad about that. I knew it was my temper that had caused a problem.

"Look, I'm sorry. I just get so worked up about classic cars. It's a button of mine." I looked down.

" I would understand if you didn't want me anywhere near your...shop.." I tried to not cry or sniffle. It happens sometimes when I get sad. Not a lot and most times I can hide till it goes away.

"Actually, I am quite relieved."

"Come again?" what the hell is he on about now.

"Brian, my former head groundskeeper, hated the firebird." I interupted, "Trans am. Different car."

"Whatever." he saw my look and held up his hands," Peace no offense." I glared.

"By your reaction, which I do apologize for, I have to believe your exactly what I need." he approached me to put his arms around me. I backed away.

"And that means?"

"I bought that car thinking it was a very good car. I probably paid too much for it. I know nothing about cars or any of that mechanical stuff." He paused a moment.

"I think, after this summer, it would be in my best interest to have someone close to me that could make up my short comings."

Please don't let this be what I think this is..

"Leanna Bridgston" he was all formal and got down on one knee. Flee run!

"Would you do me the honor of becoming my promised."I tried to move backwards. Really I did. My legs were not listening. Shock yes. It was shock.

"I know we have known each other a short time, and I know your not ready for the marriage part, but with this ring I offer to try to win your lovely heart over. " He reached forward and slipped a ring onto my finger. I hate rings. Rings are dangerous.

"Please be my promised." It would almost be comical if there was snow on the ground or rain. Yes lots of rain and puddles. I looked up. Darn it cloudless sky.

I used the fingers of my other hand to grab the ring. It was a silver ring with a gem in it of some type. All delicate looking all by itself. Looking at the rest of my hands, well the hands attached to my arms. They looked so delicate, so feminine, so uhm right?. NO!
These are NOT my hands! My hands are dirty, cracked with calluses. Rough looking hands anything but these.

Is this ring magic? What is happening to me? I should remove the ring and throw it on the ground, in his face, in ...why are you twisting it you idiot?

"I ...I ...cccan't wwww wear a rrriing.." I'm studdering? Why the hell am I studdering? I never studder. Stutter! I never studder.. Oh gods what is wrong with me!

"Why not?" innocent question. A good question. Why can't you wear a ring? There is a reason...

"Jewerly....shop...missing fingers..." uh...why can't I speak...

Hanz gently reaches up and slowly removes the ring from my finger. He then takes a small gold chain from around his neck. A very plain thing really.

"This was a gift to me from my grandmaam. She gave it to me when I was very young just before she passed away. She did not have much as she was very proud and refused to leave her old homestead house till the day she died. This is very precious to me." He put the ring into the necklace and placed it around my neck. Why did I lift my hair?

"Now my grandmaam's heart is next to yours which holds my heart." I just nodded. My capacity for speech was gone. I was going insane that had to be the reason.

He grabbed my shoulders and pulled me towards him. There we were it was not near night at all. Sunset? Or close too. He is pulling you in for a kk.....

I looked up at him. Noooo I can't I can't I can't....

Grumble.

"Uh you mentioned lunch?" Good save body of mine!

Hanz tilted his head back and shock both me and him as he laughed. "Yes I believe I did." he looked down at me again. "Where did you want to go?"

"Well we are here." He looked up and noticed the club as if he had totally forgotten about it. We were parked in front of it.

"So we are. I think it's the chef's night off though." He was still holding me close.

"Uhm maybe we can put something together ourselves?"

"Perhaps. I don't know how to cook though. BBQ I can do." I will not say typical man! I am a typical man. Aren't I? I'm supposed to be..

"Well if you let me go we can find something to maybe put on the barbee."

"If I let you go I wont have my heart."

"Well you will have to anyways."

"Oh"

"I have a shop to save!" I beamed up at him. He laughed again and smiled at me. Why didn't I notice that nice smile?

"Well we can't have that. I need that shop working!"

Hanz grabbed my hand like I was his lifeline and led me to the clubhouse, past the entrance off to the left side this time. We walked into a kitchen that was big. Stainless steel everywhere, not a deep fryer in sight. Three large worktables, only one had a sink as the other two had sinks close at hand on the countertops. The largest gas fired grill, currently off, that I have ever seen. Three ovens stacked one on top of the other and two other smaller looking ovens on the side. The one section had this huge industrial thing with belts on it. It did something with glasses as there was a set of flutes on the one end.

The back wall had two large freezer doors plus another wood door to another room. The freezers were walk in freezers. One had meat the other frozen supplies. There was no ground up hamburger in packages like you normally see. Hanz showed me how you used this meat grinder, hand operated, to make hamburger from some meat that was there. Cold but not frozen. It was good meat too. I didn't see any fat at all on the bits that he put into the grinder. When we were done grinding the meat, I cranked the handle, he took it off the corner where it was and brought it, along with the meat on a plate, to the kitchen proper.

While he washed, yes shocked me too, I went into 'panty' as he called it. It was like someone stole the spice and pasta isle from a store there was so much. It took me a bit but I found a package of onion soup and an egg. I should mention that none of the noodles, and there was a lot, were in packages. They were just hanging there as if they were drying. No idea.

In the kitchen proper I used only the egg white, which I put into the smallest metal bowl we could find. I also had to search for bread crumbles, crackers, and salt and pepper. It seemed silly but I used this massive blender to blend together the breadcrumbs, onion soup, pepper corn, and a touch of salt. With that I mixed it with the egg white then added the hamburger and mixed it all together thoroughly.

From a slightly dusty package of paper plates we pulled one out and I started to make equal balls of meat. Hanz watched me carefully with that look of someone who is learning as he watches. When I had equal balls and all the mix out of the bowl I smushed them flat. Buns were found frozen in the one fridge. We didn't bother looking for any condiments. He did put the frozen buns into this one oven with a small amount of water in the plastic bowl thing. I have no idea what the machine is but two minutes later those frozen buns were all warm and soft without being dry in any way.

I helped him clean up the evidence of our trespassing on the chefs home space, some chefs are like that. Once he was sure everything was as good as we could get, and he left a note. He led me outside, I was carrying the plate with the burgers, he had the buns. Now I have seen some decks before but this was ...wow.

The rear of the club had a timber framed deck with multiple levels. Some were covered in expensive wood with no visible nails. Others had stones arranged nicely but naturally around an open fire pit of a type that also had a round black hood over it leading up out over the open rafter thing. I think its something fancy as it looks open to the sun but actually isn't with crisscrossing beams with fancy curved ends. Very cosy on a cool night if the fire is going. A semi enclosed section with a long glass table, perhaps for outdoor meetings.

And the section we were on with the BBQ good enough for three houses. He only worked the one section, I could easily see him with a smock on and a silly hat, beer in one hand, bbq with little blonde girls in fancy dresses running around his legs. I shook my head a bit to get rid of that image. It was closed over on two sides by large glass single pane windows. The ceiling was done in boards very much like the floor. There was comfy sofa style cushions on adirondack chairs. A nice place to sit after a few rounds of golf. I knew what gold was. Something people with money played.

Hanz was shocked to learn I had never played golf. The sneak took out his phone and called Arianna to ask if she had ever played. His darn height prevented me from getting the phone from him. I was dragging over a chair to get said phone when he hung up. I did not pout.

"Arianna has not played for some time and does not have any golfing supplies. Fortunately for the both of you we, here at the club, can equip both of you when we play tomorrow."

He explained how the gang was getting together for the last swing, as he called it, of the season as it was going to be a warm day. The having two lovely ladies to come with part didn't thrill me. I was a little scared as he called the others and told them of the plans as I was afraid they would come here and I would be in a pickle with this blasted ring around my neck.

In the end they didn't as they all had other plans, thank god.

When the burgers were done, not burnt, he was good at a bbq. We ate our little meal. I did mention that some homemade potato salad would have been good with this. He smiled but didn't say anything. I really hope those little girls were not running around in his head as well. That would be totally embarrassing. And why girls? Why not some boys? Why was I even thinking about that! Stop it!

I guess my burgers were not as bad as I thought. The spice was a little more than normal, for me. But each of us ate all six of the burgers in silence. When we were done, cleanup of paper plates is so much easier, dump into a blue bin. We each had a soda from the fountain in the main bar part from the night before.

Since it was still fairly light out he took some balls in a bucket, and a club or two, and proceeded to try to teach me how to swing a golf club. I may have smacked him with the club, totally by accident, when he tried the lean over the back of me to teach thing. After that he stood to the side and rear. Towards the end when it started to get dark I wasn't doing that bad. At least they were going forwards instead of straight in front of me. Err as in straight across the other tee boxes in front of my body not where I was supposed to be aiming.

When it was dark, and yes I had fun swinging that club, we went to the shop. I almost ran there I was so excited. I was there and waiting when he jogged up chuckling at me. He unlocked the doors and turned on the lights.

We moved stuff around on the floor at first and spent the better part of an hour fixing all the lights, and I cleaned the reflectors with soap and water so that we could actually see in the shop. I think he was surprised at how well lit up it was when all the lights worked. I put him to work after we cleaned all the piled up junk off of the milling machine, and lathe onto some plywood laying over two of the non working machines. There was a lot of junk. I then cleaned off the bench beside the wash tank, as well as the top so I could open it.

It was no surprise to find that the tank was full of crap as well with very little solvent, if you want to call it that, left in it. Some old coffee tins and a small piece of metal cover for something later I had most of the gunk out. I poured a little bit of new solvent into the tank and used a brush I had found in the tank while emptying it. The other metal pieces, bolts screws,nuts,and parts I left in a separate container. I would wash those after with the leftovers from the tank and figure out what to keep and throw away. I even cleaned out the pump with more solvent and got it working. Solvent tanks, the good ones, have a gear type pump that pumps fluid into a nozzle you can use to help clean parts.

That was part two and yes I was very dirty but one happy g... uhm person. I dumped the new solvent into the tank and even put the mid level screen plate back on, after I hammered it straight again. With a clean tank available to use I started to take apart the milling machine, it was closer. It was very dirty and I had to back off the adjusters completely just to get one table to move at all.

"Why are you taking apart my drill press?" I grunted as I worked with a pick to get the screws clean.

"First it really really needs it. Second it's not a drill press."

"It's not?"

" No it's a milling machine, a very good one, or was."

It may not seem like much but when to take apart a machine like that completely there is a lot of parts. The floor had a bunch, the counter was covered, and that was leaving most of the machine left in place. I would tackle the top end separately. There was not a radio in the shop but Hanz got a bluetooth speaker and his phone setup playing music while we worked. And work we certainly did.

Getting all the screws, bolts, gibbs, and nuts clean took me at least a good forty minutes. Hanz I had working at cleaning out the previously hidden grooves on the table top. We both wore earmuffs as he was using the shop vac, I had to clean that too. The filter was tossed but a new one was in the next door supplies. Like I said he used the shop vac, some screw drivers, broken screwdrivers, to clean out the solidly packed grooves. Apparently Brian didn't know it was a milling machine either. More's the pity.

Hanz did manage to get most of it cleaned out and I scrubbed it down as best I could. However there was a fair amount of rust on the table.
There was a sandblasting cabinet, I fixed that new nozzle and a valve, and showed Hanz what to do. I left him to that while I got the second table mostly clean. It wasn't as badly rusted it the ways were not looking pretty. By that time Hanz removed the previous piece from the tank. I had him blow it off outside as he had sandblasted every surface he could reach. If the sand had been better quality stuff I would have been worried. As it was almost all fine powder all it did was clean the worst of the rust off.

I had him do the second table while I used a wire brush on a drill to get the last bit off the ways clean. In the end aside from the very ends that are hardly ever used it was in good shape. I Even found some grey paint to paint the outside of it. Hanz saw me doing that to that one piece. Well that was a mistake.

Once you get started down that road it's a never ending cycle. We cleaned parts, taped and painted then laid them out to dry. When we had as much as we could easily do that night done on the mill, we moved around the shop finding tools, cleaning them and placing them in piles of like tools. I took apart the tool chests and cleaned out the drawers as well. At one time someone had put those plastic things in the bottom of all drawers. They wash nicely and I put them back in after using a rag of solvent and paper towels, got the chest clean enough to start putting tools back in to appropriate drawers. Every socket had to be washed out as they were all completely filthy. A few were even broken, I made a pile. Most of the screwdrivers were broken in one way or another. I made a pile of those.

"Why are you piling up those sockets there and the screwdrivers there?"

"Oh to bring in for exchange."

"huh"

"Most of these are good brand name tools, They have lifetime warranty so if they break you bring them back for exchange."

Wide eyed he looked at me"Really they do that." I snickered.

"Yes they do."

Once he understood that we started to empty the packed out trash cans into bags and found a number of broken tools in there. I did find a bunch of boxes, wooden boxes hidden behind the "drill press" on the floor. I Must have squealed or something manly similar.

"What did you find?"

"Would you believe I just found all the bits and stuff for the milling machine and lathe?"

In the end I had to explain what each tool was and what it was used for. Most were dull, no surprise. I did mark down an address to a local, well to me at home, tool sharpening place that could sharpen them for a good price. I think I did shock him when I told him what each cost new. There was even more boxes, steel this time with the Bridgeport, name on them in the back of the storeroom. Those I looked at but would have to work on at a different date.

Apparently a local machine shop had closed and they had bought most of the equipment and brought it here. Nothing had ever been looked over that well. I had to guess that the more modern expensive machines had been sold elsewhere.

That was fine with me a Bridgeport mill with all flutes, cutters, gear cutters, dividing head(boxes in the back) was worth a ton of good money.

The 15 South Bend lathe, newer model with built in gearbox and motor though otherwise almost identical to the belt ones. It was not quite seized and may need some bearings. That is a project for another day.

It was getting late when we decided to wash up, that was funny in and of itself, and called it a day. We loaded the boxes of exchangeable tools into the back of the dodge and dragged out five large heavy duty garbage bags of junk to the bins. We had made a good dent into get the shop into possible usable shape. We were both utterly dirty so rather than dirty the interior of his car, I cut up some bags and covered the seats.

Hanz drove me home. It was a nice ride. The old coupe rode very smooth as we cruised around. It may have taken us a bit to get back to Ari's via quick stop at the DQ drive thru were we both got some old fashioned chocolate shakes, and the subsequent brain freeze. No mention of the ring was made during the drive as we spent it planning on what to do next. Mostly it was overhaul and repaint the mill and lathe. He was going to watch some videos, after I told him about the places, and learn what he could.

Eventually we parked out front of Arianna's. I could tell she was home as the light was on and she would occasionally peek out the window. We were doing nothing wrong just finishing off the shakes. They have really good shakes at DQ.

I had the door open and was sliding out, dang habits, when he came around.

"Here my lady." he helped me up. I laughed and in the spirit of fun. And I do mean in the fun sense nothing more.

"Why thank you kind sir."

"Twas my pleasure mylady." I laughed.

"I'm not a lady."

The sneak surprised me and pulled me to him. He put his finger on the ring on my chest. "But you are MY lady."

I had to think quick" Provisionally?" How was I going to get out of this mess.

"Maybe more?"

I looked down as the weight of the ring seemed to increase beyond my bodies weight. "Ari is looking at us."

"Good"

"Huh what" I should have not looked up. I should have just walked ... I should ...

It was only when he closed the door of his car and drove off that I realized what had just happened.

I wanted to puke and covered my mouth as I ran into the house, whose door opened as I approached. I made it and did dry heave once or twice.

A concerned Ari held my dirty hair from my face as I hovered over the toilet. The ring dangling free on the chain.

"Lee. ..Leee are you alright?" she asked all concerned.

I wiped my face as best I could then turned and sat down next to the toilet before I looked up and her.

"He...hee ....he kissed me!"

"HE KISSED ME" I yelled!

A boy kissed me, and I let it happen for some unknown reason. Oh god ...I leaned over the toilet again and dry heaved. Arianna stroked my back and made soothing noises, which really didn't help my stomach all that much. I spit out a few times. This bowl needs a cleaning. Strange what you latch on too.

I realized a few things. One dry heaving in a grease stained smelly sweater is counter productive. Two it makes one very warm. I started to sweat. I was not hot but I needed to get out of that sweater. Out of these clothes period. I was trying to take off my pants and bra at the same time when Ari grabbed my very shaking hands.

Why are they shaking? I'm usually very steady? Ari pulled me close and kept me close.

"Let it out." she said gently.

Let what out? I had no idea what she was talking about. Then I felt it. My throat started to ache and my lip quivered. No no no...
And...I tried really hard not too. But for the second time in so little a time I cried. I sobbed into her shoulder trying to tell her about how the night had been both great and horrid. I cried myself out and just about fell asleep on her. She got me into the tub and washed me like I was a little kid as I kept bursting into tears everyone once and awhile.

During my more saner moments I did tell her to remove the breasts. She agreed that it was a good idea, something about skin. I sorta remember her saying something about tomorrow but I was into one of my moments so I don't really remember what she said. I do remember telling her to clean the very filthy jeans in some solvent from garage first, then dish soap twice, then wash them. It may sound funny but it gets almost all stains out.

I woke up the next morning confused. I sorta remembered the night before and instantly reached to my chest, my flat chest, for the necklace. It wasn't there. Must have been a bad dream. Rolling over to find ones hair in curlers with pins was less than fun.

"Owww. What the hell?"

"Mmmmm five more minutes...." came from beside me.

"Jesus..." Well you find out that your 'sister' was asleep beside you on the bed in ....okay this is not my usual room. I tried to move my leg to get out of bed. Bad idea a few tiny needles made it known that my leg was a pillow. The purr under the sheets kinda gave it away.
Anyone that has ever had a kitten would know that tiny cats love to remain warm. And guess who makes the best heaters at night. Daytime, of course, any good sunbeam will find muffin slowly moving with it. Till she falls off that is. Then its a mew mew mew of 'what happened'.

Sitting up I moved the little furball by finding her head. Then with my leg now free I left the bed and almost fell over. A few days and my balance was off. The things you notice at the weirdest times. I freed my bladder so to speak and was trying to figure out why I was in Ari's room and how to get rid of the darn curlers. Ari was yawning as I came out and she went in so I didn't have the chance to speak to her.

She met me a little later in the kitchen where muffin had succeeded in getting her morning licking of milk and nununs. Nununs is soft cat food from a tin. It's a treat that she gets once and awhile, in a bowl. You can pour milk in a bowl and she wont drink it. Drop a bit on the counter and she is right there however.

"Morning sis."

"Don't you mean Tony."

"Nope. Leanna you might be a little smaller up top this morning but still very much a woman."

"Ari I know I said I would be your sister for a bit. But I don't think I can keep doing this. This isn't me." I sat down in my pjs, purple satin pjs. NO idea where they came from.

Ari came and sat beside me."I had a feeling you might be that way after last night." She started I opened my mouth be she interupted."However, one you kinda already agreed to go golfing today, we will get to this" she held up the necklace with the ring" in a moment."

"Two, and as strange as this may sound, you have blossomed in ways I can't begin to understand. I feel there is more to you now than there was as Tony."

"But I am Tony!" Is she nuts?

"No. Tony, and please don't be insulted, was more like a shell you wore. Tony didn't care about his appearance. You might object and complain about it, but as a woman you seem to care more about how you look."

I grunted as I had noticed that a little but, and this is just my opinion, I took that as part of the whole being a girl thing.

"I have asked my doctor for some advice, don't worry I didn't say anything bad. She has asked to meet you to run a few tests."

"So I'm to be a lab rat?"

"Ah no, but if it would make you feel better I might know of someone.."

"That was a joke!"

She smiled" kidding!" Roll eyes. "Seriously though. There is more to this than I would have thought and haven't a clue if what we are doing is right or wrong."she paused. "That being said, my intuition is telling me that this is helping you. That or my longed for dream of having a sister is coloring my view."

"But last night."

"Yes last night. What I saw was...disturbing on a level I never thought I could ever feel."

"Huh"

"To me, what I saw, what I felt, was a young woman freaking after her first kiss. It was your first kiss wasn't it?"

"Yes, more or less."

"It was the kiss that bothered you. It could have been from anyone but because it came from Hanz you felt something didn't you? Something that scared the hell out of you and freaked you out."

"mmmm more like shattered my personal views of who I am." I drank a little milk. "There was something I can't explain. Hanz gave me that promise ring" by the sharp sudden intake of breath I knew there was more than I knew about that dang ring."The necklace was the only thing of his grandmothers that he kept. Something about holding his heart or another" another sudden intake of breath. Not a good sign.

"We did some work in the shop, I mean I loved that part. We worked so well, so seamlessly it was just so nice. Then he ruined it with that .. that..."

"Kiss"

"Yeah that"

"You have no idea what that ring means do you?"

"Uhm that he is attracted to me and want's others to know it?" I never heard of a promise ring before so I had no clue at all.

"A promise ring is more like a precursor to an engagement ring. If the two of you fall in love after a set period then that ring becomes the engagement ring."

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Yes I really did say that.

"No I'm not. It's quite common really. And please don't swear, it's not ladylike."

Like I cared about being a lady. I'm a guy. Despite what Ari said I had to believe that. I had a life to return to. Though looking in the mirror I wondered if that was possible anymore. No you had a beard and mustache once. Okay it was patchy and after seven years it was at the longest maybe an inch and white. I had stained it with oil and stuff often so it always looked darker than it was. Burning it off by accident a year ago hadn't helped. Well most of it and it grew back white but took a year. Actually that patch had been less than half an inch.

"Come we have to get ready." she gently tugged on my hand.

"Do I have too?"Nope no whining from this man.

She didn't answer me just pulled me back up to her room. She had me lay down on her bed so that she could remove the rollers. Laying back felt so good. I may have gone back to sleep a little. I got woken when I felt two familiar cold blobs being pressed to my chest.

"Nooo... Ari..."

"Oh shush you look silly without your breasts." With a sigh I just thought whatever. It's not like they are permanent. Some remover after the golf game and I can be back to Tony and at my house tonight. Then I remembered the half apart mill and the shop. Doh! I will have to get that done. I doubt as I could do that as Tony. Wait I am Tony right?

"Okay probably best if you shaved all over, pits, thighs, legs. arms etc."

"Huh? Why? I can golf in jeans and a sweater."

"Uhm you didn't check out the dress code at the club did you." She was laughing. I had a bad feeling about it as I turned my head side to side.

"Oh my padawan. You shall learn. Just do as I asked we haven't that much time." I was already heading out of her room, new pink razor in hand, when I sorta turned.

"Does this mean I'm his girlfriend?"

"Yes."

"But Ari.. I am a well you know. I can't be his girlfriend."

"Lee, most of the time puppy love is just that puppy love. If he gets to know you he may change his mind. Heck you might change his mind. Then it's a 'lets remain friends' thing and it's done."

"What if he... or worse what if I..."

"If fate decree's that you are to be a couple there is probably very little you can do about it. Seriously I doubt it though."

It wasn't much but it did give me a sort of peace of mind. Just let him dine me, do the work, get it all done, then do the friends thing and that's it. It wasn't possible for me to like a guy after all. Thinking that way I felt myself relax and set about the hard task of trying, and failing , to not cut myself.

I left the bathroom much later minus some skin on my thigh and my armpits burning but otherwise hair free, again. The lotion was helping my pits but they were still very touchy sore.

On my bed I saw that Ari had laid out what she considered practical wear to the club. White underwear, khaki skirt, while t top. Yeah not my idea of good wear. I did use the underwear but it was a pair of jeans and a black t shirt top, yes the one with rhinestone girl power on it. Simple socks that didn't want to go anywhere near the top of my ankle. I would also wear my shoes from the day before.

Makeup was a non issue today. I defiantly didn't want to give him a good impression. I did tuck the necklace out of the way though. Well he gave it to me and the ring. Best to keep it on me at all times so that I could return it.

I know going to club to golf should look better idea, but I was going to be working in that shop after so I needed something that I could wear in there. In hindsight I probably should have looked closely at a few more things.

Such as the large bag in the back of car when we got in. I had the blasted purse again. I almost got it caught in the door when I went to close it. When Ari looked at me I defended myself.

"Look I need to get some work done in the shop at the club. This is practical wear for later."

"But..." she started, smiled a little grin and dropped it. I was so self absorbed I let it go as well. In my head I was planning out what to get done today. I wasn't sure that the two tables would be dry enough today, and I sure as heck didn't want to light up the overhead gas heaters without cleaning them out first. I had a bunch of bolts to clean, note make Hanz pick up some wire wheels....or check to see if there is any in store room. The base ways needed washing, and really a bit of wire wheeling to remove the flaking four or more layers of paint. Had that whole case of deep grey so why not paint the thing. Wouldn't take much really, remove some handles, tape other spots, remove some drive screws for metal plates and spray.

When we got there I was so focused on the shop that Ari caught up to me when I was halfway there and turned me around. I just wanted a few minutes to get some stuff done. I mean it's only golf right?

When we reached the club the golf pro Mac, no idea if that is first or last name, informed us that the group had decided on walking the course with caddys. The boys, I assume, were off in one section getting changed. We, there was two more women, were led to another area. In this area, nicely carpeted, was an assortment of ladies golf wear. Astrid, had pre selected outfits 'suitable' for us to wear on the greens.

Greens refers to where one plays golf, as well as starting and ending spots. Confused? I sure as heck was. When I was told to change into the 'professional wear' her exact words, and found the very small pile of cloth I was less than thrilled. Tiny flimsy pink skirt that rode fairly high. It looks longer than it really is. The rather tight, sleeveless almost white top with buttons on one side and thread marks but no holes on the other. It had the name Leanna printed on it. The skirt did have some pockets, tiny ones on the back. This was to hold things like divit fixers and ball marks.

Next I was led to an area where they had me swing again and again in front of a machine. Different swings, displayed on a screen, that I duplicated to the best of my ability. Ari followed me into that area. I had to place my hand on a foam thing that sort of formed to my hand. Shoes were picked out. These are better than my running shoes. When I mean better I mean softer, easier to move in, and not at all uncomfortable.

We were lead to another area, all the 'women' to get fixed up. Hats were placed on our heads and then our hair was restyled around the band so that the hair would not interfere with play. They put makeup on me and dope that I am, I forgot the mag earrings this morning, they noticed my lack of open holes. I say open holes as the constant wear had left little marks where I guess normal girls would have pierced ears.

It hurt for a second but I left with real studs in each ear. I had makeup on. They even redid my nails. What surprised me is that it only took them twenty minutes for all of that. I didn't know what the pink leather glove was for but it went into a pocket on the skirt. The pockets are very well hidden. If you know they are there you can just see them.

I felt half naked as I followed behind Ari, Astrid, Ellen and Patty to meet the guys in the lounge. The lounge was an area just off the first tee box. We could use the virtual putting green or go outside and use the real putting green to practice putting. I needed the practice and it was strongly hinted that the outdoor one would be of use. Good thing I launched the first practice ball into the bush opposite the tee box.

This was in full view of everyone else inside, of course, probably laughing their asses off. The second hit the carved rock sign for the hole with a ping. I think it may have split into two pieces. How do you wack these balls into the holes so close with this flat thing?

The third I wound up, kinda like that movie Happy Gilmore, but without the stepping. I just leaned back. I hit that sucker really hard and it went for a very good ride. Mac had run out and saw me do that. The windows of the lounge were open and I heard the outright peeling laughter of everyone as the ball shot like a bullet across the fairway, hit some metal sign with a gong behind the trees, hit three more trees, before it exited and came back less than a foot from one of the holes. I did a little happy dance. I was getting better.

I saw the movie much later after golfing in case your wondering. Mac took the club out of my hands as I was pulling back for the fourth one. He was puffing as he growled out if I had played before. I was honest and said no first time, I may have smiled. He calmed down, eventually, and patiently showed me how that line was to aim at the cup and you gently tap the ball. It was much harder than you would think. Worse they make those greens sloped, totally unfair. I was out there for awhile slowly getting somewhat better. I did hit it a little hard a few times and had to go hit it back but I think I did okay.

When I got back inside the guys took one look at me and sniggered. Hanz was doing his best not too but he was also choking on his drink at the same time so I'm not entirely sure. The women beckoned me to their table, with dirty looks at the sniggering guys and gave me a couple of tips. Apparently we were wait for the clubs for Ari and myself to be finished, Since we didn't really eat before coming I had a sandwich. So did the women at the table. Ha bet you thought I would say other women. Well I'm not, despite appearances at the moment.

It was a good sandwich. No idea what the bread was made of since it was gluten free, starch free, sugar free, but not taste free. Ellen tried to explain it but it was over my head. Way over my head. Something about different types of flour combined separated, washed, dried, yadda yadda. I just smiled and ate my sandwich.

While waiting a few of the guys had some spirits of some type. We had water. For a water it was a good tasting water, not that plasticity bottle stuff. I scarfed down, uhm delicately ate, and sucked on, the super sour pickles that came with our sandwiches. The girls all looked at me as I enjoyed sucking on each one first before nibbling at them. What did I do that was so bad. I should note my back was to all the guys at the time. Not that I would have noticed I had closed my eyes and enjoyed myself after the first one.

Mac cleared his throat after I had finished the last one and pronounced the clubs ready. They had been modified from ready made shafts and stuff so that the grips would be good, whatever that meant. Well at least mine where Ari got some black shafts on her big clubs and steel shafts like all of mine were. No idea what the numbers were for. There was this big club and two slightly smaller ones then a bunch of skinny looking clubs, a putter, and three weird looking flat but widesh clubs. Whatever the 9 P S stood for I had no idea. The telescoping round thing, called a ball picker, confused me.

My bag was pink. Ari's was a nicer tan color. She liked the pink one so we traded. Mac did someone with changing the tags for us. It wasn't till he was done that I saw the stamped bronze tag.- Leanna Brigston. Oh yeah something else I didn't need. It took me a minute or two to figure out what that meant.

"All this for rental clubs?" I asked.

"No mylady," My caddy was Kieth"All this, the clubs, the cart, the clothes and shoes are all yours to use at any time at the club." Where is that Hanz. I'm going to give him a piece of my mind!

"Come with me mylady." He gently grabbed my hand and led me to a spot of wash ones hands, which I did, pickle juice. I could also wash my clubs here if they were dirty. The funky little fountainy things were called ball washers, and he showed me how to use it. For my sins, yes all the stuff from one bag to the others were switched. I had a box of brand new top flite xl balls...in pink. I just looked at the balls and Kieth. He excused himself and ran back in to exchange them for a more practical set in white. He showed me how to setup my cart, a black pull cart that could fold up, where too put balls, tees, the club card, which had par and length for each hole a rough map of the course.

he adjusted it for me to pull with a wrench of some sort till I was comfortable with it. Which seemed strange as, since he was the caddy, he would actually carry the bag normally but would pull it this time, something about possible problems. Since I was the newbie, the men would show me how to shoot, each and everyone one of them would have me come close enough to watch them, from an angle, as they practiced then shot. I'm not sure that was a good idea as each one of the guys shot rather short.

I did not giggle at all, the girls defiantly did though. Hanz showed me how far to sink a ball tee into the ground with the ball. I just looked at him and pulled it up a tiny bit. After all the guys all 'tipped' the ball by sinking it too low.

I should explain one detail first. I was raised/went to school in the states. That means that the only previous experience I had with swinging something at a ball was baseball. I had developed this thing where I leaned back till my left foot left the ground a little, then I would use that to shift my weight from right to left as I came through and connected with the ball.

I adapted this method for golf. It seemed to work well as the ball took off like a shot not quite straight. Since the course turned to the right it worked out for me. I lost sight of the ball as it curved around the trees.

"Was that okay?" nobody answered and when I turned around most had their mouths open, except for Ari she was trying hard, and really not succeeding in suppressing her giggle.

I was then told about the ladies tees, which for this hole were under repair so the ladies shot from the much farther up red tees. What the tees color means , red , white, purple where I shot from, and gold means I have no idea. They all shot nicely. Not as far as me perhaps but fairly nice. The guys cheated, at least to me, they used those big club things on the ground, Kieth called them drivers.

"Isn't that cheating?"

"Actually by strict rules yes but it is generally allowed. But only on really long distances. Anything under two hundred yards you have to use an iron on the fairway." I raised an eyebrow as I thought using an iron to level the grass was stupid. I think he got my look as he raised the skinny ones." This is an iron. These are wedges" the 9 P S.

As we walked he taught me a few things, like what is the fairway, what is the rough. Hanz and Greg both sliced, Kieth's word, into the bush. Malcolm, I hadn't really met him yet. Had some trouble in the sand trap partway down the course. Ellen sunk her ball into the deceptively deep stream. My ball fetcher was used to retrieve it, along with two others. This put me two up apparently. Hole 1 was 326 yards from the purple. 306 from the red. I had a few laughs as I watched the guys have a bit of trouble with the sandtraps just before and after the green.

As we had gone along we had checked the rough areas for my ball and had not found it yet. I was going to drop, as they called it, before the green from the side when someone went to look at the flag, which was sitting tilted a bit.

"HOLY!" Greg exclaimed!"Leanna I think I found your ball!"

As you can guess we all went to look. Sure enough my ball was right there buried in the ground right in front of the cup and apparently touching the cup in the ground, which was why it was crooked. After some debate and a call to Mac, the golf pro, who came over in the cart took. It was pronounced a hole in one. Whatever that meant. He said he would have my name engraved into the stone while we played.

Oh that, apparently who ever gets the first hole in one on a certain fairway gets the fairway named after them. I didn't find out about the prize till much later. Photos were taken with me dressed stupidly beside the hole with the club I used to shoot it. Then a group shot, and me holding a blank piece of wood, the plaque would be added to photo later.

After all the hubbub finished the guys dug my ball out of the hole, the caddy guys, and fixed the green under Mac's very watchful eye. I was a little miffed they didn't give me my ball back. The others finished their plays, another new thing I learned, and we moved off to the second hole. Since I got the lowest score I teed first. The second hole you teed over water. Since it was a hundred and twenty six yards I grabbed an iron, not sure which, dropped the ball on ground without a tee and did my wacky tee shot again. Hey it worked for the last hole.

Well my ball did take off like a shot. Skipped over the water three times, hit a rock on the edge and bounced up onto the green that we couldn't see as the green was about five feet higher than the tee. Now I say bounced but it went quite high before it landed. The guys had laughed as soon as they saw it go straight for the water. The girls as soon as it launched off the rock.

I laughed as Hanz, Greg, and Peter, all shot into the water, except theirs didn't bounce. Malcolm may have overshot the hole. Ari hit two into the water and would take the drop, whatever that meant. Ellen did okay I though as it went on to the cart path. Astrid launched hers quite well. Probably the best shot of all of us.

Ari took her drop and 'chipped' it on the green. Hanz overshot from the drop. Greg's rolled down into the water the first time. The second he got on to the green. We walked around and saw four balls on the green. Malcolm's was just at the edge of the rough a long ways from the cup. Hanz was down the hill a bit. Ellen chipped hers on and then Hanz. Greg went up to the flag again. Before the cup was a divit, deep impression in ground of where my ball had landed at first.

"Dam you girl!"

"What?"

Guess who did a second hole in one on hole two? Another photo, plaque, and lost ball later with Mac laughing his ass off. The others finished the hole. I didn't do well on the next two holes. I teed off fine but my putting sucks. As Kieth put it. On in two or three but fifteen to finish. Hole five wasn't bad as my chip from a hundred and ten away with the sand wedge sunk it. I was told it was a bird.

Hole six was rather lame out of the box but my ricochet off the tree put me on the green so it wasn't that bad. It just sounded a lot worse than it was. I got that one in six putts. I even found out what the ball markers are used for.

Hole seven put the guys in stitches. Hanz was rolling on the ground laughing. I didn't think it was funny. About halfway down the five hundred yard hole there was this insane woodpecker hammering away on a pole not far from me. I say insane as he was hammering on the metal plate at the top of the pole. After my first two misses I got upset turned and aimed for that dam pole."Dam bird!" Wack, a second or two later there was a ping and squawk. No more pesky bird. My drop shot was much better as it was close to the green.

I found out later that the hydro guys found carpenter ants eating the pole and replaced it. Part of the beak of the bird was found jammed under the plate and the bird itself, or what was left of it, dead on the ground. I feel bad about that I really do.

Hole eight or ate was a lot less fun. My first shot went way way over. Second hit so many trees it had the guys in stitches. Ball three landed in the sand trap. For a ninety yard hole it sure took a lot of shots. They stopped counting at twenty. Hole nine we found my first ball buried in the tee box of nine from hole eight. It was a three hundred yard hole. Straight and at the end off to the left side was the halfway hut Hanz had mentioned. I hit the hut... from the tee box. Greg was laughing so hard he fell down and broke his driver. Hanz was just as bad and ripped his pants somewhere. Peter almost followed me, almost. Ellen topped her ball so did Astrid. Arianna did the best shot of us all.

By the time we got to the hut, most of us were in fairly good moods. I say most. I was still upset about hitting the hut. If you ever go to the club and see the hut. That golf ball dent in the top of the tin roof. That's mine. In the hut we removed our shoes and socks and put our feet in this things with warm water that vibrated. It felt sooo good!. Removes swelling somehow. The guys had a few more drinks, which was probably a bad idea. We, those in the ladies group, had water and I had a pop. Fountain drink from the bar.

We didn't stay in the hut for long, so after a quick trip to the restroom, there was one so we all rotated in and out. We were back on the course refreshed with fairly comfy feet and dry socks. Hole ten was a weird six hundred yard. I hit a tree...twice...yes same tree. Otherwise made it most of the way without problems. I putted in four.

Hole eleven was nice and short at 150 yards. I chose a seven iron and hit the flag. So I was on the green in one shot. The guys tried to follow suit. They either overshot or came up short. Ellen used a five wood, which means driver. She got on the green. Arianna tried a three iron. It worked out well for her just off the green on the side. Astrid nailed with a five wood and it really connected. We still have no idea where that one went. I ended with one putt. Got best score on the hole.

Hole twelve was okay for everyone. Nothing really all that spectacular. Hole thirteen...has water ...lots of water... and a fair number of our balls. Hole fourteen was funny it has a turn, or dogleg to the left where there is some rock inbetween. Made some interesting shots as we tried to get over that rock. I did but we have no idea where that ball went, mores the pity. fifteen was a short one again. I buried the ball into the green again. My 'missed it by that much' comment had people in stitches. Had to dig the ball out and fix the green with the sand mix. I made par. That means I hit the ball in the cup in three shots, which is what the hole is rated for.

Hole sixteen the boys were starting to feel the effects of all the alcohol, Their shots were a little wide, as they called it. And their putting was as good as mine. Hole 17 was a disaster. An old tree had fallen over while we were playing so we were the first to see this long tree with broken branches and whatnot all over the fairway. I dropped a ball and shot while the others were discussing about going around. I put Kieth through a bit of a workout as we climbed over the tree with the cart. The others took the long way around through another hole and came out just in front of us. I finished the hole one over par. The others had already scratched out the hole. Mores the pity.

Hole 18 led us back to the clubhouse. It was not a long hole being only two twenty. The louses made me shoot with a five wood. Something about fear of glass or something. I sunk the ball. Oh it rolled for a ways but it did go in. No plaque for this hole.

At the clubhouse I was told about the course. The new old nine, which was the first nine holes we played, had been upgraded back in the 80's but not finishes until about oh one. The rest of the course was the new eighteen and had been used instead. So while the holes we had played had been around the longest they were not played as much as the eighteen was. However, I was the first person to get holes in one on both holes. The first hole had not been changed much except for a few sandtraps. The second hole had been raised eight feet.

So I was totally gobsmacked when they brought out this huge check, its for picture taking, and presented it to me. At first I misread it. I thought it said ten grand. Oh believe me I was more than happy to get that much. I should explain this next bit before I tell you the real total.
On golf courses, depending on the age and designer, there is a sum for the first hole in one on that hole. It gains interest each year it is not won. To give you an idea the sum for hole two was a million and change. The actual total with interest is, around twelve million. For the check poster they just listed it as ten million. I was totally excited and blown away. At first. It was only when I looked at the check for the fifth time I noticed that I couldn't cash it. It was made out to Leanna Brigston who does not exist.

I pointed that out to Arianna who didn't get it at first. Her eyes went wide when she got it though. I was close to tears. She whispered to me that we would find a way. And you know something I had to believe her. If it took us a month so be it. I could be Leanna again for a short time later no problem. It wasn't like I had to stay Leanna for a month or anything.

We only did the eighteen as , unknown to me, that night was the clubs big fall farewell gala. That large bag contained two blasted dresses and even worse high heels. Whoever designed high heels should be impaled with them. Ari managed to squease me into this while off the shoulder dress that left nothing to the imagination, well almost nothing. A pad, some medical tape, and a thong hid things down below. Not comfortable but not painful either.

I did make the mistake of wearing the ring, in full view, as well as the necklace. I still think the plastic tiara was a little much. That was after we came out of the private dressing room. It was my crown for the holes in one. I met more doctors, and a few judges and lawyers as well as some other mover and shakers in the province. I don't remember a single one. This was due to being more than a little tipsy with the wine I inhaled after getting the check figured out.

I was on Hanz arm all night, even sat beside him at the head table. It was a full seven course meal and I had no clue what utensil was used for what. I'm fairly sure the wine made me do things I'd rather cut out of my brain. Such as kissing Hanz at one point. I forget why that happened. We danced, or more correctly, Hanz held me up and deftly evaded my heels. I know we did one dance. After that is a complete blank till I woke up on the black leather couch in the office with an old bucket beside it. The bucket was not empty. I was still in that dress and curled up under a fur of some sort. Hanz was on a bag on the floor, Greg was under the table, Ellen, Arianna and Astrid were all around the edge of the table heads on the table snoring away.

Ellen was the first to notice me awake and got up with a few winces to bring me some icewater. She made me suck it through a straw. Felt my head and told me to go back to sleep. I wasn't arguing.

I couldn't tell you what time who woke up all I know is that I wasn't the first awake. There was a few moans and the fancy glass was set to black. Oh yes this club had it all. Blacking windows and everything. Those windows still let a little bit of light in. Enough so that you know it's day outside but that's about it. The floor moved groaned and put a jacket over his head. It was too dark to tell who yet. At one point the Chef came in, his name is Pierre, not kidding, and the smell of coffee permeated the room. We all took advantage of the cart and all it's goodies, namely Advil, for me and Ari, Tylenol for Hanz, Greg, Ellen. Astrid just had coffee. It was probably an hour later that we all moved to the locker/shower/restrooms to change. I used one of the stalls to change into the golf outfit as my jeans and sweater were in the car. Actually most of the women did the same.

Remember this is fall in Manitoba. One day warm and sunny, next day windy and cold. Washed our faces and that was about it. Nobody wanted to brave a shower this morning and the hot tub was turned off. The club slippers, you never wear your golf cleats inside any place except the proshop with its industrial carpet. The lounge is part of the proshop. Club slippers are provided instead. Womens are pink. Mens are blue. I wanted the blue ones.

I couldn't tell if it was the hangover, the aches and pains from either dancing or golfing that was worse. The Advil was helping as we all settled into the den with its nice soft plush seats. The cleaning crew had done a good job there was no sign of last nights party. I almost sat down on a chair but Hanz pulled me to him to sit next to him. I felt like crap and didn't complain much except for a grunt. One seat was as good as another. I tried to not sit close to him. He did a weak chuckle. We had all sat around a table, and I swear that guy has radar or video, Pierre came to us with our choice of breakfast. Nothing special scrambled eggs, soup, and toast. Remember nobody's stomach was feeling all that great. I had soup and toast.

A few of my less than stellar exploits of golf were brought up during brunch, as well as a rather few embarrassing as hell photos of me and Hanz last night. You cannot sink down when your 'boyfriend' is holding you up with his arm. Why couldn't my arms be like that. Oh yeah he was wearing a black t shirt. He was very well muscled. The guy worked out. Not Arnie style but very very fit like Chris Evans in Captain America, Ellen, Astrid and Ari's words not mine.

After our brunch we all made excuses to leave, I wanted to soak into a hot hot bath. The others probably something similar. I did tell Hanz I would be back later in more suitable clothes to work in the shop. He pulled me close and leaned down with a husky voice said "What you are wearing was fine!"

"For the shop dummie. I want to get that mill done."

That opened up a can of worms. We had to explain about how the shop needed to be cleaned and some tools like the milling machine and lathe needed a serious overhaul. They offered to come help, I couldn't say no. There was a lot of junk that had to be sorted, put away, and junk tossed into piles for recycling.

Since it as almost eleven am we all agreed to meet back around two to get some stuff done. I advised wearing stuff that they wouldn't mind getting totally filthy. When someone asked if we needed anything I had to use someones phone to show them what I meant by wire wheels.

With that and our bag we set off in the BMW for Ari's place. Not once had anyone thought to mention about press coverage of last night.
To say I was distracted last night would have been an understatement. Still with today's cameras being much much smaller I never noticed. Arianna was having too much fun to notice either.

So it came as a complete surprise to find a car sitting in her driveway. A car she didn't recognize either. I thought it might be the MTD guy for his machine. There was, off the one side, three snowblowers sitting there with notes on them. The newish car was parked in the driveway but wasn't blocking the side where Ari parks. As she parked I went and looked at the snowblowers. Two I could move easy enough. The third would take more effort as the one tire looked bad. I wasn't gonna touch any of them dressed as I was though.

As Ari grabbed the bag and the smaller bag with shoes I grabbed the bag with my jeans and sweater. Together we entered the house to be met my a woman I had never seen before who grabbed me in a bone crushing hug.

"My baby...mumble mumble mumble." I couldn't understand her at all. The small fact she had her face buried into my chest might have had something to do with it.

Arianna dropped her bags on the antique chair she keeps beside the door to the garage, along with a pot of some sort with a wooden handle thing in it.

"Mom..Mom...Mom...MOTHER!" Ari pried away the leech like person who didn't want to let go of me. So this was Ari's mother. She was shorter than I would have imagined. Since I'm kinda short for a guy that is saying something. She must be about five feet even, a little pudgy bordering on fat, but her eyes. She has the same eyes and nose as Ari. Similar to my own eyes I think. It's the shape of the eyes. We all had shit brown eyes. Her hair was brown mixed with grey, but it was a grey from a hard life. Her face was one of those faces you just want to have hug you and ....OKAY enough of that thinking.

"Lee this is my mother Anna Brigston and.."

"Oh hush Arianna Penny Bridgston. I know this is my missing long lost daughter Leanna Phyllis Bridgston." and the leech reattached itself.

"Look Mrs. Bridgston. ..." she Interupted." Call me mother dear."

"Riiiight...Look there is a big misunderstanding. I'm not .."

"A mother knows her child." she just hugged me again.

"Mother! You told me Leanna died a crib death when I was young. So this can't be Leanna back from the dead. Look we can.."

"Is that what I told you?" she paused, she is good at interrupting, " I guess I did but you were much too young to understand."

Arianna got instantly pissed off. I don't blame her one bit. "MOTHER" she screamed.

The leech finally let go. I thought it best for me to make like a tree and leave. Oh come on you heard that before right? huh..whatever. I got as far as the edge of the couch.

"Where do you think your going young lady?" You just know instantly who she means.

"Uhm take a bath?"

"SIT" and for some reason there I was sitting, after tucking that tiny skirt, on the couch.

"Leanna" yuck I am beginning to hate that name."I am your mother."

"But.." not sure if that was Ari or myself.

"QUIET!" yep shes a mother alright." Your grandmother, my mother, is Annabell, oh she will be so happy to see you again!" oh boy.

"You have a cousin named Susanna and Deanna, and your aunt is named Teanna!" I think I might see a pattern here. If I was blind.

"So your name must be Penelope?" I had to through that out. Both Ari and 'mum' giggled.

"No silly my name is Anna." If she says Anastasia, hate that movie, I'm walking.

"We are all named after your great great grandmother Anasta...where do you think your going?"

"Bathroom"

"Well of all the nerve. Young ladies should say powder their nose or freshen up!"

There was more but I had already made it into the bathroom. I can move when I need too. I filled the tub stripped off everything, including almost screaming from some tape, and sunk into the nice warm water of the tub. The temptation to sleep was so temping in that nice warm soothing water. Ok I actually did sleep for a second or two. Getting out was hard, after I washed myself of course. I even shampooed and conditioned my hair. It felt like straw.

I just did my usual and scrubbed my head with the towel. Wrapped the towel around my waist at first then thought better of it and wrapped it around my false chest, just in case. This turned out to be a good thing.

"Leanna! What did you do to your hair? Come with me" yank." You should wrap your hair in a towel not scrub it. Now it will be all full of knots." Arianna was just coming out of her bathroom as I got yanked into her room. Guess who also had wet hair and now towel.

For the next while, no clock but it felt like hours, Ari's mom berated the both of us on not taking proper care of our hair and a rather long list of bad things that could happen from a tangle to hair falling out and even death. Though that last one is so far fetched I could not believe it.

There we were two, uh people, in their twenties, sitting side by side on a vanity stool, as the mother chatted non stop while alternately brushing both of our hair and styling them.

I am not a fan of pigtails. Never have been. I don't think Ari is either. Yes she put both of our hairs in pigtails with ribbons. Ari and I looked at each other, grabbed the end of the ribbons, pulled and shook our heads at the same time.

"Girls! Aww but you looked so cute!"

"Mother!" that was Ari in case your wondering " Go downstairs and wait till we are dressed." she pointed.

"Come Leanna ill..." I just pointed too. Seemed to work as she left tail dragging to go back downstairs.

When I was sure she had gone I closed the door and braced my back against it.

"What are we going to do?"

"First lets get dressed, we did agree to meet up at two remember."

"Oh yeah right."

"Then we tell mom the truth."

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this"

I put on the clothes, black underwear this time, that I wore yesterday. My"what they didn't get dirty" line answered Ari's raised eyebrow. Besides it was comfy, at least for me. The bra...not so much.

I hadn't noticed the tiller in the back yard going, the one I wanted to test, till the patio door opened and two women screamed "Boots Off"
Hank, Ari's dad, had been having fun. He immediately asked about the snowblowers in the front. This left me with a choice. Stay and try not to freak out or show him the snowblowers and maybe do a little investigating.

"Lets go in the garage and see about those snowblowers." His eyes lit up. We left to "Don't you dare.." I snickered.

Together we were able to drag all three into the garage and close the door, it was a little too cool outside. We started with the worst looking one first. The one with the bad looking tire. It was flat, the chain was held on with coat hanger and part of the chain was wrapped around the axle. Pull the axle pin, work the tire assembly off, along with chain, and we got it to the bench with better light. Aside from a bad tube it looked saveable. A bit of a dent on the rim that was easy to fix with a hammer and some spray paint, white, would fix that. Just to be sure we took off the other tire on the machine and cleaned up that one as well. Scotch pads work great, cheap ass white paint and nobody would ever know.

We cleaned off the axles of rust with my small angle grinder and it's wheel. I don't have any of the tools or plates to put blades on that grinder but those cup wire wheels work great. Since the wheels were off I tipped up the machine, surprised Hank about that, took off cover and looked around. Chains half seized a bit of Rustcheck and they would be fine. Drive wheel was ok but the slider didn't want to move too much, more Rustcheck. Rustcheck is a Canadian product. Works great to free up rusted parts and oils at the same time, without drying.

There is a second Rustcheck that looks almost identical. It's for stopping rust on cars. Don't mix the cans up. With that done we checked the belts. They were worn but ok. I checked out the front, sure enough regular bolt, I removed that and made a note to buy some shear pins. Carb was dirty, like really dirty. I would have to let that one soak this afternoon. It had spark though good sign.

As we worked I told Hank about everything that had happened this week. He laughed, good man, as I told him everything ...well almost everything I just couldn't tell him how crazy Hanz was making me feel. I found out that Hank is not really Ari's father. He is a step father and helped raise her from a little girl. Her real father had taken the real Leanna away. He didn't know the details as Anna always cried when it was brought up.

We continued to work, even though he knew my real name was Tony he continued to call me Leanna the entire time.

"Leanna, I know" he held up his hand" you look so much like Arianna that I can't help but call you Leanna. And you don't act like a guy at all." I just pointed to the work I was doing.

He chuckled a deep chuckle. I could fine myself falling in love with that...gods I'm doing it again. "I know you think you are doing 'manly" work." He said manly with a deeper voice." But dear you look like a little girl helping her daddy. " I did not pout." You really do and it makes my heart feel good. So be a good girl for your pa and keep going."

"But your not.."

"You said you were raised an orphan correct?" I nodded. Darn it must have something in my eye.

"Well I would be most honored to have a daughter as beautiful, both inside and out as you. Even if she is a touch of a tomboy..ooofff."

I hugged him and sobbed into his shoulder. Gods how I had always wanted a dad!

"Yes dddd daddy."

"That's my girl." he said softly while using the clean part of his arm to rub my back. He felt so good and warm...and most important to me. Safe. He let me sob years of loneliness into his shoulder before he put me back up.

I didn't know it at the time but the door to the garage had been opened as he and I connected. Anna and Arianna had listened. They gently closed the door without making a sound. Hank had seen the tears flowing down their faces. I didn't.

"Lets get these machines of yours fixed"

"Well checked out. I don't have the time today to fix them. I have to be at the shop.. oh dam what's the time."

"Almost two."

"Crap crap crap.. I have to go"

"Go where?"

"I , well , we sorta of promised be at the shop at two."

"The shop?"

"I sorta promised Hanz," He interrupted. "Your boyfriend"

'He can't be my boyfriend!"

He glared at me... I melted.

"Okay fine! My boyfriend! Happy?." he nodded and grinned.

"That I would get his shop up and running again as the old yardman had retired. The place is a mess. You know they used the Bridgeport, a frigging Bridgeport, as a drill press!" At his look he got it. Finally someone who understands me!

"The lathe is not much better"

"Don't tell me it's a Southbend."

"Uhm maybe. I didn't clean it off to check that yet." I may be have looked a tad sheepish.

Hank just looked at me with wide eyes before he stood up suddenly and opened the door of the garage.

"Anna you and Ari follow us later. My daughter and I" You have no idea how much I loved that part." are going to the shop now!" he bellowed. Then he closed the door before a word could be said.

"Right you missy let's get to this shop of yours." He was all ready to go. I had to grab his hands and lead him to the back where we washed our very dirty hands off. I guess I leaned forward enough that the ring popped out.

I could tell right away that he would have been far more comfortable in an old truck. The Kia, was a loaner he told me. On the way to the club, we may have driven a bit out of the way. Alright a lot out of the way, to the local Princess Auto store. It being the main store, we spent a bit of time walking the aisles, picked up some bolts/shear pins from the bin in the clearance section. A few small tools, a floor jack for Ari's place. His choice, not mine. It was on sale.

Three tire tubes, then a quick trip across to PeavyMart for more shear pins. Some oil, and some cleaners I had never heard about. We actually made good time.

That deserves an explanation. A gear head in either of those stores can spend over an hour at each store easily. We only spent fifteen minutes in each. The longest time was the check out at Princess. A couple shopping bags and a box later we were on our way to the club. Turned out that jack was a good purchase as the one at the shop didn't work.

"So are you going to tell me why my new daughter has a ring on a necklace around her pretty neck?" he brought up suddenly. I realized I had forgotten to mention that.

"Uhm I .. well .. It just happened and..." why do I feel like a naughty little girl trying to not tell her dad something?"

"Leanna!"

"It's a promise ring...from Hanz. But don't worry I'll give it back and all. I wasn't going to keep it or anything...."

"I would meet with this HANZ!"

"Yes daddy." I mumbled. Oh look my nail polish is all chipped! Why do I even care?

The trip to the club was fairly short. We got there and I walked with 'daddy' following close behind. Greg, Hanz, Keith, and Peter had already moved some of the dead machines outside to give us a bit more room. They had also set up some saw horses with some OSB on them. Not the best but it does in a pinch. Before anything was put on them we raided the recycle bin for some newspaper, there was lots, and we covered the OSB with newspapers.

Hank introduced himself as my dad to everyone. However he made me point out Hanz right away. He took Hanz off to the side and had words with him. I don't know what was said. I did not do the look at the door every minute thing. Really. I did take up an airline and blow out all the dust and crap in the heater so we could turn it on. Turned out to be a good thing. Although rarely used something had used the back of the heater to make a nest of some type. With all the dust and crap out you could see it was almost new it was used so little.

That is not a surprise. Most of the time golf courses shut down in the fall and open in spring. Any serious overhauls are done during the fall or spring. Long before the first course is opened for golf. There is winter kill that needs to be fixed. Tee boxes, fairways, and greens need repairs as mice love to make tunnels and nests under the snow. As a golfer you never see that. But trust me it happens.

I had worn a mask and Greg had held up the shop vac as I blew the crap out so it wasn't that messy. In a way that was a good thing as I didn't see Hanz and Hank enter the garage. Then again they also didn't see me doing acrobatics to get up to the heater, which is at the top of the shop higher than the step ladder would reach. I didn't know there was an extension ladder outside. They made me wait up there while they brought the ladder in to get me safely down.

"LEANNA WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!" Hank thundered at me. I looked down and just rubbed my hands together.

"It needed to be done. There was a bunch of crap and a nest"

"I DON"T CARE YOUNG LADY! I Have the good mind to put you over my knee..."

"Daddy Noooooo" where did that come from?

"Don't you ever do something like that again. UNDERSTAND!"

"Yes daddy."

"Good. I have given Hanz my permission to court you."

"WHAT!"

"I said that I ..."

"I heard what you said!" I put the back of my hand to my forehead. It was less dirty.

"Look in case you have forgotten I have er..plumbing issues." well it wasn't like I could come out and say I was a guy. Though why nobody seemed to see that was a puzzle. Then again I do look a little too much like Ari in the face. But I do have a guy's body.. mostly... Okay so the stick on breasts would fool most guys.

I mean the women surely should have noticed something off. Then again my waist and butt was different from a normal guys. But come on I had metal poisoning in my system! Stunted growth and all that. It wasn't like my little fat deposit moobs were real breasts!

By the look on his face he had forgotten as his mouth was open.

"Look..." this time he cut me off. What is with this family?

"Well it's not like I could tell him no." He picked up the necklace around my neck. Oh yeah. Forgot about that.

"Uhm would you believe temporary insanity?"

"No."

"How about one of those date rape drug things?"

"No."

"I thought it was a Crackerjack toy?" that one he laughed at.

"Your a grown woman." I raised my hand to object." I know what you think. I know what I see and that is a fine young woman."

"But.."

"Now where is that lathe?"

'But..."

"Oh for heaven sakes Leanna. All I did was give him permission to court you. No funny business just simple dating. It's not like I'm telling you to have his babies for crying out loud!"

"But..."

"Drop it." Father voice. I so did not cow over....

"Yes daddy." maybe a little.

I lead Hank over to where the lathe was mostly unburied. I say mostly. We had removed a lot of junk off of it already but there was still quite a bit of stuff piled around it. I helped Hank remove most of this to the bench, the temporary bench that had been setup. A lot of it was really dirty, Years of dirt, dust, and oil made some items less than recognizable.

Hank took a rag and an old can that he put some solvent in and started to wash down the lathe and the wooden bench it was on. It was a long lathe. About six feet or so long, maybe eight tops. Hard to tell exactly since a good part of it was behind the mill. The compressor was on the other side of the milling machine. Thankfully the toolbox, that had been in front of the compressor was movable as Greg saw what Hank was doing and thought it was be a good idea to wash down the compressor.

Thankfully the shop had breakers as I did hurry to turn off the breaker before Greg got close. I myself didn't get to do as much as I wanted since I was running back and forth for the guys. I found some books with parts diagrams for the three half apart machines and left Peter, Anne and Arianna sorting through the pile of parts, junk, and whatnot finding what went where with the machines. Hanz was working with a wire wheel on the grinder, and a vacuum, on the milling machine.

Hank was in a world of his own on the lathe. Greg was having fun cleaning the compressor. That turned out to be a five horsepower DeVillebliss. Good compressor. The drain the bottom was broken though. While Greg did his cleaning, which also included the floor around the compressor and mill. Hank was using the last of the air from compressor to blow off whatever he needed on the lathe.

The lathe is not an actual Southbend lathe. It's a clone. Back in the 1940's aka war time, a company in Montreal made clones of some Unites States model machines, for schools, war departments, etc. Why? Who knows exactly. I believe that all of the United states machines were being used in factories making war supplies. Since Canada also needed factories making supplies clones were made up in Canada.

Take apart a known machine make molds cast parts put a stamp on them and go to town. All it really takes, back in those days, was a minor difference and it was considered legal. In this case this was a sixteen inch lathe, versus the real Southbend fifteen inch lathes. Almost identical but different. Fairbanks Morse was the name on the identification plate. If anyone wants more information on the machine look up American - Southbend made lathes and you'll probably find a Fairbanks Morse. I don't think anyone cared during wwII.

There was a problem with the lathe. The crossfeed screw was badly worn out in a section. Hank a former, retired, machinist. Aka bored out of his tree, said it was no problem. All we had to do was find some metal he could use to cut, his words, a new one. Well the outdoor scrap pile had a strut from a car, it really shouldn't have been there but at a guess, one of the kids, or the former groundskeeper, fixed his vehicle on company time.

A bit of work with a cutoff wheel on the grinder and Hank had a 'suitable' shaft to work with. He spent a bit of time with a dial guage, no idea where he got that from, setting up the lathe and started to turn some chips. I really wanted to watch him do that. However I had a compressor to fix. After adding oil to the floor jack I was able to raise the end of the compressor enough to work at that busted drain.

I had to drill out the old rusted in brass piece, retap hole, and use some pipe sealant to install new drain. Before I did though I let the compressor down and tilted it the other way. You wouldn't believe the about of crap that came out. Oil, mixed with rust.Filled a drain pan three times, I used a garden hose to rinse out tank, before I was satisfied it was clean. Drains are easy to come by. In this case I liberated one off a radiator, no idea what that came from, and we were good. Greg and I spent a bit of time cleaning on the compressor, checking oil, it was low big surprise. Motor bearings for compressor needed a replacement. It wasn't bad bad. But it would soon be so a cheap $6 replace from Princess, Anna made a run with list. And it was good. Belt housing needed a bit of a weld and some new bolts. Hank did the honors with the Arc welder.

It was amazing how time flies. By the end of the day, we had a compressor that was back up and running smoothly. A mostly clean floor around milling machine, compressor, benches, lathe, and wash tank. The milling machine had a coat of fresh paint, once that was dry it could go back together. Hank had made his part which looked nothing like what he showed me of the old one.

Pierre treated us to burgers, he liked my recipe, potato salad to die for, regular salad, corn on the cob that was sooo good. Since we were all filty from head to toe, well except Hanz and myself. Sorta. For some reason he had presented me with coveralls, formerly in white, with the name Leanna on them as well as a blue pair for himself. My arms and shoes were a different story. I even had dirt on my face. Even Kieth was filty.

From what I could tell most of the parts had been sorted out, the garbage properly sorted and removed, half of the stuff that should have been kept had been tossed into a garbage bin. The bolt and nuts bins actually had stuff in them. All the screwdrivers, wrenches, sockets, etc had been found. Only a few things were missing. I suspect that someone had sticky fingers. Some of the pullers, torque wrenches, and measuring tools were missing. Nothing overly expensive but still it made Hanz mad. Someone was getting a visit by police tonight.

Rock music, liberal use of spirits from the bar, and a fire on the patio saw most of us into the night. I do not remember the cab ride back to Arianna's place. Being woken up at oh dirty hour to drink two large glasses of water was not my idea of fun. I woke up feeling a bit delicate but otherwise alright. I was the first up, had a can of pop I found in the fridge and was in the garage working on the snowblowers long before anyone else woke up.

I say anyone else cause a rather rough looking Hank drove up in that pickup truck of his. An older Chevy, black with rusty quarters. We finished the snowblowers and were long gone before Arianna made an appearance.

Hanz let us in and since he was looking green I gave him orders to suck on some mints and lay down in his office. He didn't argue.

Peter and Kieth showed up so I had them bring what lawn equip there was to the shop. They changed oil and learned how to properly sharpen lawnmower blades. All of them were in bad need of it, two had to be replaced. Some needed new shafts made, Hank took care of that on the lathe. Kieth was sent all over Winnipeg getting parts and pieces. Hank had brought over some 'stock' so making shafts was not a problem.

When Hanz made an appearance at around oneish with orders to stop for lunch we had made a good dent in some of the lawn equipment. One riding mower was good for cutting the grass. One needed a tire but was otherwise good. The front end mowers needed some new shafts made up for the deck wheels. Those would require the mill which was not back together yet for keyways.

Pierre had made us quite the spread. There was fresh baked bread, oh god was it good, home made soup. Best soup I have ever tasted, Pierre said it was a recipe he had wanted to try for awhile using the leftovers from kitchen. There was some potatoes, different kinds of noodles, celery, some other pieces I couldn't identify. Even some broccoli stems. I hate broccoli but this was great. And the soup was thick but not like gravy thick. There was also a very nice salad. A potato,and something salad. The word escapes me, lumes or something like that. It was also very good.

I mean it wasn't like a ton of food and I didn't eat like a pig but I think all of us were so stuffed it wasn't funny. Hank found one of the couches in the den and sort of napped for a bit. I guess working like he has after so long was tiring for him, still even after last nights drinking he was doing much better than Hanz who still looked a little haggard.

After lunch it was Pierre, the chef, who came with Hanz to help us put the mill back together. I did most of the actual work, with directions from Hank. Gods he acted like the overprotective father. I even asked if he needed a shotgun. It was a joke! Guess what the ass did? From the secret place in his truck that I couldn't tell you where he actually brought in a blasted shotgun. Most of the guys laughed and set him up a stool, and Hanz brought him a straw hat from who knows where along with a piece of grass.

Before someone complains, it's not a real shotgun. It looks like one but isn't. The barrel is totally fake being solid most of the way. He had made it years ago as a joke. I suspect that was for when Ari started dating. I'll have to ask her, then again maybe not.

Either way it sure made the guys treat me with more, uhm respect. Lot's of jokes around the gun and 'Pa'. Still I won't tell Hank this but his help putting the mill made it go together much better. Hank said that the mill was worn, as was the lathe, but for the purposes of this small shop it was good enough.

Hank would make a very good teacher. Although none of us are machinist's in any stretch of the word, we now know how to setup a mill, put on a vise, change bits, select speeds. I'm a little more familiar with reading micrometers, small numbers and bad old eyes don't mix well. Hank forgot his reading glasses. Still towards the evening the first chips flew on the milling machine as we cut some keyways for the shafts for the mowers. I could tell that Hank was very tired but happy and that satisfaction that can only come from completing a job. Hanz looked almost normal and even combed his hair at one point.

Everyone just kinda went their own ways that night. No drinking, partying or anything. Hank drove me back to Arianna's place. I made him come inside and take a nap, he tried to beg off saying he was fine and all that. I'm not sure how to take the "Your just like your mother!" comment. I let him snooze on the couch while I went out back of Arianna's and sat down in the chair thinking about that.

I never knew my mother. As much as I would like for Anna and Hank to be my real parents. Unfortunately they are not. I never had parents. Since Arianna was not home and Hank was snoozing on the couch I had the deck to myself. I try to never think about this if I can avoid it but every time I do, it hurts, it really really really hurts. I didn't want him to hear me crying to I did the best I could to "boys don't cry" hold it in. The tears drowning out my face I could do nothing about.

Waking up sometime later curled up in that chair was less than fun. My back was sore and I was very cold. The house was dark and I could just make out snoring. The windows even may have vibrated a bit. Not much but still I had always wondered if a snore could vibrate a window. Apparently it could.

Stepping inside I realized just how cold I was as I felt the heat of the house warming my aches up. Not wanting to disturb Hank, and the washroom being so close, I stepped as silently as I could and washed my face a few times. My eyes were a bit on the redish side. Still it was getting late. Once into the room I was staying in I stripped down to my undies and crawled into bed.

I woke to feeling someone brushing my hair. Why would someone brush my hair? I wanted to open my eyes but it felt soooo good! If I was Muffin I would be purring...then again by the feel near my foot someone was purring. How do they know exactly when you wake up? Is it a physic thing? I would really like to know that.

"I can tell your awake Leanna." that voice.... where have I heard that....

"Anna" I spoke as I reluctantly opened an eye.

"Call me mother dear. All daughters call their mothers mother...usually with an exclamation mark." Oh...should I?

"But Mother!" I tried not to grin.

"Sweetpea it doesn't work when you smirk!"

I did not pout.

"Arianna used to try that too. "

I just sighed and closed my eyes again. A clear signal to anyone that I want them to go away...right?

I heard her get and up open a door. A sliding door..oh oh.

"Oh this is a pretty dress, you have good taste, it should do." why do I have a baaad feeling about this..

"Why do I have to wear a dress?" oops did I say that out loud?

"For your appointment silly." Appointment? I have an appointment?

I tried, I really tried, I burrowed under the covers but having Muffin and her claws let you know she wasn't happy her heater moved. Well it kinda ruins the whole moment when you jerk.

"Oh for heaven sakes." Oww bright light and cold.. I want my blankee back. Of course Muffin let us know how she felt about the same thing with her mew, it's not quite a full meow. But she does do it for long enough, at different levels, to let you know just how bad you have been. Then she settled down by kneeding her spot again and went back to sleep.

"Leanna Phyllis Bridgston!" she started. I guess she was going to give me heck for something. What is with the Phyllis thing anyways? Who calls their kid that name?

"Come on out of bed dear. Time to get moving and all that." meh. I am not always a morning person. I wake up fine sometimes other times welll... lets just say it takes awhile to get moving. I was pushed, more or less, into a shower with a shower cap. I was washing myself in my underwear when I woke up enough to actually remove it. As soon as I slopped them over the shower door, it's a fogged glass in case your wondering, they were taken away.

I got out found a robe put it on after putting on lotion and went to the room I was staying in. Note I say staying in as I don't consider it my room nor my house. Simple underwear was followed by socks and a pair of jeans. I was just buttoning up said jeans when Anna came into room again.

"Oh no you don't!" She handed me the dress she had found. Simple over the shoulder flowery blue thing. I put it on over the jeans feeling stupid.

"Well?" she asked me.

"huh?" me not fully awake uggg.

"Take them off!"

"Take what off?"

"One."

"What did I do?"

"Two...the jeans off!"

"Oh!" ugggg

"Three..."

"Okay okay! Shesh I'm not even awake"big yawn" yet."

What is it with women and dresses anyways. What is wrong with jeans? Other people wear jeans. Heck most guys wear jeans. How many guys do you see wearing dresses? mmmm Alright that might be a bad example. Still. Was I grumpy? Sure of course. What guy being forced to wear a dress to an appointment wouldn't be? I mean real guys. I mean..oh I'm just digging myself a hole ain't I.

"Four." huh what did I do now?

"Five..socks!"

"But but.."

"SIX!"

And off comes socks. I had no idea what would happen if she reached ten and for some reason I really didn't want to find out.

"Why can't I wear my jeans?" I had to ask. I mean they were clean.

"They have stains." She said like it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"But they are clean." I mumbled while she led me over to the dresser where a chair had appeared. She must have stolen it from the kitchen or something while I was in shower. It really sucked that I didn't even have any pants to wear.

I sat, I didn't sulk, with my arms crossed while she played with my hair. At first I didn't pay any attention. When she was done the first time I just looked at her in the mirror with a scowl and said" I'm putting my jeans back on." No way was I going to some appointment with little girl pigtails.

"Spoilsport."

I watched her this time as she slowly, but quickly put some weird braid into my hair. She started at the front and worked around the sides towards the back. It made up of my hair but looked like it was a single braid laying on top of my hair going to the back where it hung down loose. It kept the hair clean away from my face. I kinda liked it actually.

That was about the only thing she did. I did my makeup, my makeup....ewwww. Let's not dwell on how I don't like the stuff. Just the mascary and some lipsmear. She folded her arms and made me feel like I had done some bad thing.

"I'm wearing a dress." She just nodded. Of course she was also wearing a dress, and I found out soon enough so was Arianna. Then again on Ari it looked normal. Anna put us together and had to take pictures. I miss the days of film. It limited the amount of pictures someone could take and required an actual camera. Now people just use smartphones.

Soon enough we were on our way to an appointment I had not asked for, didn't need, and didn't want to go to. I had stuff to do at the shop. I even grumbled about not being allowed to grab a drink. It did not take long to find out why. As soon as we arrived in the hospital parking lot I knew they wanted to have a doctor look at something. I was healthy, there was no reason for this.

Please keep in mind that me and doctors are not always the best of friends. I grew up in the states and you didn't go to doctor unless you had too. I had been to one here about the metal poisoning but it was a walk in clinic and I didn't have medical history to help him. I'm not even sure he did a blood test. Then again he was one of those doctors that probably got his degree outside of Canada.

The hospital had been around a long time. You could see the original building, all nice large limestone carved and whatnot, probably used only as offices now. What the original entrance looked like is a mystery as it had long ago been covered. Not like a facade that many once grand buildings had had done. This was you could just make out where there had once been a double wide door by the mantel over top. The cross in the alcove with the praying figurine, one of those really old catholic hospital once run by nuns, things.

Beside that was someone's attempt at an addition in the same stone but very plain. Attached to that was another building whose purpose is long lost in history. On the other side of the original building is an eighties style addition, being mostly concrete with granite facade and large ugly windows. Beyond that is the 'new' entrance, probably built about a decade ago, with it's overhanging aluminum gridwork that gives the illusion of coverage and the large solid glass doors that pivot open on pins.

Inside is a modern hospital, in that I mean there is a food court, cafe aka Timmy's, long curving wall that serves no purpose whatsoever. Aboriginal names, figures, plaques, and whatnot that only mean something to those that put it there. Towards the older section, circa 70's with the art deco floor tile and rubber bumpers on the wall, there is a simple photo and small note showing a very old wrinkled nun. At a guess without reading it the founder of hospital. I always find it strange that in today's modern times, much of the, in my opinion, gorgeous old stuff is removed and replace with very ugly chrome and glass stuff. Old pictures are behind plexiglass screwed onto wall. No picture frames.

Whoever the nun is that established the hospital is being forgotten in place of the totally unnecessary garbage at the front. I mean give me nice redone old wooden desks with a good couple coats of clearcoat on them. Anything but what looks to be plastic with four useless chrome legs or worse. Ikea style knockdown furniture that wobbles as soon as you look at it funny. Hey I happen to like dark wooden rooms with wood furniture and real old style wood stoves. But no leather or pleather pls.. just no not gonna go there.

The office were I am being led too is not bad. Tiny framed glass covered pictures and a diploma that means only good to those that can read it. I mean my writing is horrible but whoever signed this one is way worse. University of Guelph? They have one? Huh things you learn. This one does have the Ikea style desk. A computer on top of it, age unknown, at least it's a modern flatscreen monitor. Regular doctor's table. Ie white bottom made of metal, black vinyl thin cushioned top. And the metal handles on long poles that I have never understood what they were for. Roll out paper covering the vinyl cushion, apparently sanitary. Which is strange since it's organic and 'we' are supposed to go away from 'organic' materials in bathrooms.

The person, not kidding here, who showed us to this room is of indeterminate gender. Could be either or and with the standard blue grey scrubs you have to really take a guess. In today's hospitals you have to remember there is not just nurses in scrubs, there is nurses assistants, medical assistants, technicians, and interns. There is also some four or five levels of nurses now. The phrase 'keep is simple stupid' really does not apply to the medical field at all.

We are sitting in this room that is really not that big for five minutes before a lady doctor arrives. I say lady doctor because she is in a pencil skirt, white blouse, and the usual lab coat. My previous experience was with male doctors in ties and expensive shoes that were...less than gentle in examinations.

She introduces herself as one doctor Sara Keller. As if the diplomas, the printed part, didn't give that away. Apparently Anna and Arianna had been to see her the day before at her clinic. Over the course of a few minutes my past is made known to all present, surprisingly this does not seem to surprised either the doctor or Anna in the least.

I got the usual examination, abit much much gentler, and asked some questions. Sara managed to get a pharmacy record from when I was around twelve. Something about sealed medical records for young people from the states and it was going to take time and red tape. Why I have no idea. After all we are talking about my medical records. Shouldn't they come with me? But. The US has been overly cautious since 911.

"Leanna, or do you prefer Tony?" I looked down at myself then at Anna and Arianna.

"Uhm either is okay I guess. I don't really look much like a Tony at the moment." Anna smiles. It's a very nice smile.

"Before I proceed you have to understand that much of what I'm about to tell you is both private and, in your case, speculative. I will only know more after we do some tests that you have to agree too."

I think about this for a moment before nodding.

"First off twenty five years ago your, sorry, Anna gave birth to what was at first thought a baby boy. Her husband at the time, was apparently overjoyed." She looked to Anna who just nodded.

"After a few months the baby began to show signs of trouble and was brought in to be checked. This is actually pretty normal as most babies tend to get sick in some way the first few months. In her child's case a doctor, who I cannot divulge information on, examined the baby and has some further tests done." She paused for a moment.

"The child was found to be more female than male. Actually that's not accurate. It's more accurate to say the child was really female but with a male looking genital. What made this child different was that an MRI showed that should nothing be done to this child they would be able to grow to maturity without problems as the vaginal canal had been moved slightly to the rear. What this means is that, unlike most women, should she ever have a period she might be able to control the bleeding somewhat. However there was too much risk of infection up the canal from semen. An appointment was made to have the child's genitalia fixed to that of a females."

Anna stepped in at this point."Frank went crazy asking if the doctor could fix his son, when that was refused he went to another and another." She used a tissue to dab her eyes."I had to take care of Arianna who was only two at the time and very uhm precocious. I was not concerned for the first day. It was not till the second day when my baby was not home that I tried to call Frank. When I did I found his cell was off." Those first cells were not all that cheap or small. Being off to save battery probably was a good idea.

Arianna comforted her mom as I was told how Frank had just disappeared without a trace with the baby. The first doctor had amended the records to show the baby as Leanna Phyllis Bridgeston. It was only assumed, at this point, that Frank had taken the baby down to the states, which was easy at the time, to get medical help. It is unknown if he found it.

I told my tale of being found on the doorstep of a church in a cardboard box. Raised at various homes, brought to a doctor once when I was not developing at most males and had the gynecomastia. Do I remember getting blood tests? No not really it was so long ago. I might have. The doctor at the time explained about the heavy metal poisoning in the area and how it affected some of the male young. I was given some shots and sent home.

Do I remember being angry at the time? Well yes I got into a lot of fights, most of which I lost. One of my less than fond memories is my sixth grade teacher yelling at me that I was a bully. Which was strange as that darn Paul was always picking on me and was the bully. I didn't say that last part out loud.

Doctor Keller wrote out some forms to have me take some tests today in the hospital and she would schedule some others as soon as possible. What was strange is that she asked for both birth certificates and medical cards, one of which I didn't even know Arianna had gotten in the mail. Both medical card info was used on the form for blood. There was a check box for something and she made a call to someone else before we were sent to navigate the hallways of the modern hospital.

Being told to go to Buffalo floor six really doesn't help much in today's hospitals. Most of these hospitals are additions to additions to additions each of them not always at the same height as the other, and not necessarily connected the same way either. It took the three of us, plus a map download, almost forty minutes to find the spot, which turned out to be just a stairwell away from Doctor Keller's office. The elevators just down the hall led up to a different wing.

The bloodtest was less than fun. It's strange I probably cut my fingers once a week fixing stuff and have seen my blood countless times. Yet to see it being taken from me and put into a little tube makes me turn my head away. Some of the stuff they did seemed weird. They took swabs from my mouth. Put take on my arm and ripped it off fast. I'm sure they took skin as my arm is a little red. Then after all that they had me lay down on a bed took off my shoes and put some goop on them, applied something to them, then washed the off in warm water. If you have never had someone wash your feet for you, really you should it feels great.

"Love your polish!" oops forgot about that stuff. My shoes were put back on, of course calling them shoes means that they cover your feet so that you don't cut them on the ground or something. These things barely qualify as protection since the toes are open, the sides are open and there is only a strap that goes up behind the heel and somehow keeps the darn thing on even though you would think they should fall off.

Manitoba medical at its finest means that you might hear something back in a month, if it was life threatening. When you live in an area where a high percentage of the people there are retired you learn things really quick. So it was no surprise that after we left the bloodvampires we left the hospital it self. I should also mention that just about an place close to a hospital is pay parking. No free parking anywhere anymore it seems, which really sucks. And it's not all that cheap either. Once you could just go up and, if you were lucky, get some time left over by the person before you, plop in a quarter or whatever and see your appointment. Not now. The new machines, which don't work all that well, you pay two dollars minimum for an hours parking.

Or you can go into the parkade, which is a nice word for multilevel garage and doesn't have any people watching it, pay five dollars minimum but your vehicle might melt in winter. At one point parking in a parkade was a safe way to park. There was guards touring around once and awhile, real people at the outlet you could pay and get change. Now its stupid machines that cannot count correctly or can't recognize a bill causing you to run to a machine, get a new bill that might work, go back and pay for even more time. There was a case I heard about where a guy was in a rush, ran back and forth twice and the machine would still not let him out. So he punched the machine went to his car and drove through the barricade. He was in court, paid some fine, and after all that guess what? The machine in question turned out to be faulty because some kid put some chewing gum in the machine.

And yes I do know there is help buttons but that doesn't always work. You get some guy over the speaker who may or may not speak English telling you go put money into machine. Best not to get into to that, we could be here all day.

Like I was saying we exited the hospital and I assumed would get the car and leave. That was not the case we walked about a half block away to an older looking building that doesn't really say anything on the outside. We were let in to the building via a buzzer. Inside there was what looked to be a lounge area off to the right with leather seats and very solid looking wood tables, along the outside egde you could see the vents for radiant heaters under the windows. I'm sure up close there would have been many coats of paint on the vents. Some places believe that a new coat of paint every year is a good thing. I think it just looks tacky.

The carpeting had not been changed for a long time, Not that it wasn't in nice condition as there was clear mats over it but the multicolored hexagons and square pattern kinda dated the carpet. The heels of our shoes, as aggravating as that was for me to say that, made little clip clip sounds on the matting. The hall for the elevators was done with an older fake, really fake, stone board. Tasteful at one point, like the sixties maybe, with a funky psychedelic scheme to it on the top half. In orange, different shades of orange. Well it matched the rest of the place.

Instead of the 'normal' chrome/stainless steel elevator door these were done in very fake wood vinyl. I wondered where the maintenance crew even got the stuff to fix that. Probably have a huge roll in the basement somewhere. The inside of the elevator? Same fake wood. However someone had, at one point, put an oak bumper around the edge of the elevator below the handhold. So it was even more tacky than before. Dark dark fake wood vinyl walls with bright almost white oak handholds and bumper.

If I lived here I'd probably want to be on drugs too. Gah! No offense to those that lived the sixties and seventies but omg! The ride up the elevator was smooth to what appeared to be the fourth floor. Big square buttons on, you guessed it, wood panel. Fake vinyl wood panel. and the buttons were yellow,with age. But that nice piece of paper up top says it was certified recently.

The elevators opened to a different era. Not kidding the fourth floor was obviously for people of an older generation. While walls with that mahogany fake board paneling you used to see in older houses. The floor here was that hospital chip in beige. I have only ever seen that flooring in hospitals. I know you can now do that with epoxy,shudder, but this was the real old stuff. One chip in a corner but otherwise pretty good shape. The ceiling met with wall with a curved molding of some sort. Not a big crown molding. Just a little one. Painted white. Simple fixtures mounted mid wall. Chair railing of some unknown dark colored wood.

Anna lead us left this time with a click clack of heels echoing down the hallways. I tried not to think about the fact that I was the source of some of that. Strange place for another doctor. She finally came to a door marked 406 and knocked before opening the door onto what looked like someones apartment. A small apartment since it had a bed in plain view. There was a chair, table, and a small kitchen. Meager but sufficient. Maybe they were here to check up on someone.

The main room had a crown molding around the pain section. Possibly plaster but I doubt it. All curve nothing else. The walls were a very light gray while the molding was white, along with the trim around the windows and doors. The doors had head casings that were basically a board with a molding on the top edge. On the window sill, which was somewhat wide, there was an array of plants. Someone had a green thumb.

"Mum? We're here!" Anna called out. That explains the dresses.

"Coming" Came from the one room with a door, presumably the bathroom. Sorta hidden behind the small couch was one of those scooters that are popular for people with mobility issues. Like the overly fat ladies that believe ten pounds of perfume covers the fact that they haven't had a bath in a few days. Yeah the area I live it the closest store has this one lady that makes you gag every time she comes in. She has uhm never mind, not important.

So from the bathroom comes what looks like a very white haired lady that just looks old. Her skin is all freckled and wrinkles on wrinkles if you get my meaning. Her face is fairly good, a few wrinkles but not bad. Her arms are not spindly but still not very strong either. She is walking, slowly, with one of those push walkers. It may take her time but she gets there. At a guess a stubborn old woman who wouldn't let you get away with anything.

And yes she is in a dress. Slippers on her feet and no trailing toilet paper, though to be honest I did kind of expect it. You can see that there is still a fight left in this lady, probably spent most of her life workin on the farm. I've seen the type before. If this was not an apartment but one of those little houses for old people with the spot in front for a garden I can see her working quite happily in it. Heck one of my neighbors is just like that. To be honest her garden is always impressive even though she sometimes can't get up from said garden.

"Awww all my girls together! Well come here Leanna don't be shy." Who me? Oh no nooo way...move dammit!

"Lets have a look at you?" She made this twirl motion with her hand...and I twirled. I didn't want to but felt I had too."Mmm You got the family figure. Good baby hips." Wait what? I'm a guy I can...can....can....can....

"Now Mum. We don't know for sure yet. The doctor's just did the tests today. I think your.." family trait that interruption thing.

"Oh be still Anna! I may be old but I'm not daft!" She looked me up and down. " Come with me young lady." You know I could probably run downstairs have lunch and be back before she made it to the couch. But no I slowly follow her. The couch is probably pretty old, doesn't look it though. Its softer than you would think. I know I had to sit on it twice. Why, duh I didn't 'tuck' the dam skirt.

"Now then. Your sister and mother have been telling me all about how they are sure you are the long lost Leanna. To be fair I would like to hear all about your life up to this point." She held up her hand before I could say anything." I know you are 'supposed' to be a man" she actually used her two fingers on each hand to emphasize the point.

"The point is from what I have heard, you seem to have become a woman in a very short time."

"It's just a favor for Arianna you see.."

"I know about that." and I'm cut off again. Is there a problem with completing sentences?"Yet, here you sit, a young woman. Rough around the edges true, but still very much a woman."

What do you say to something like that? Apparently I didn't have too. "You may thing this is just an act. But from the moment I saw you all I saw was a woman, and even I know about the 'male' thing. This is probably not the first time someone has mistaken you for a woman either."

It wasn't a question.

How do you answer that. I started slowly at first but she got the words to come. About how when I was young I was assumed to be a girl by just about anyone that saw me. I would go for a haircut with the other children from the orphanage and I would always end up with a girls bob.

The kids in the orphanage were not stupid either. I was constantly called Antoinette. This eventually spread to school where the bullies would home in on me. At first some girls would try to defend me. But that stopped after awhile. There was a few of the orphanage kids that would step in to help. It was like they could bully me but nobody else at school could type of thing.

There was a few times where kids would tease me saying that I should be in dresses or where was my skirt, especially on picture days. But we were all kids at the time and I was an orphan. Nobody wanted me. I would see kids get picked up by adoptive parents and I would remain behind. As I got older I was handed off to foster parents. Most just took me in for the paycheck.

I remember how at one house I was treated like dirt by the foster's daughter. Brittany was a real piece of work. She would constantly do things to get me in trouble. Her parent's were either blind or just didn't really care. I mean aside from Brittany it was one of the better homes. However her biggest problem was more of a lack of self esteem I think. I mean I was a boy and she would say I was cuter than her.

It was because of her that I got stuck with a denim skirt at school after my pants tore. I think she did something to the seam in the crotch. Then again that seemed to happen a lot to me. I told Annabelle about the horrible teasing I got that day and every other day after. I mean guys would come up to me and ask when I was gonna dress up cute again or ask me out and stuff. It was horrible.

The bad homes were just bad. There was the one that was a meth house and we foster's were made to haul the 'product' out. All we did was carry the stuff to a van or car or whatever was picking it up. The guy behind that was less than nice it was he who dragged me to a doctor to find out why I wasn't as strong as other kids. I got the shots and the pills.

The next month wasn't pretty for me. I would get angry and pick fights with anyone at school. Up to that point I had been a fair student. You know the type that always had 'could do better if she applied herself' report cards. Yes even some teachers would forget that I was a boy when making out the report cards.

Not always, I mean the gym teachers always pushed me, gods I hated gym during school. "Pick that lazy butt off the floor Tony!" I did play some sports during recess, mostly 'killer' soccer. That got an eyebrow. I explained how all it really was was soccer with stupid rules.

1) No fighting.

2) No tackling girls.

3) Only three goalies per net.

And those were the rules. Pick up ball and carry it? Not the best idea. Everyone would pile on you if you did that. Pick up ball and kick it, sure that's normal. Catch with hands? Its fine. Elbows to guts or legs? Ehhh it happened. You learned to avoid it. Those that could kick far were given some respect. I may not have been the strongest boy in school but my legs were pretty fit.

I did get some bruises but it wasn't bad. Then there was baseball. I had to learn how to swing my body to hit that dam ball. Yep got a smack for that one. My pitching sucked. 'You pitch like a girl' really? I had no arm muscles because of that darn metal poisoning. Homelife was do homework, if I had any, do chores, eat and sleep.

Highschool was a little better. I had the Henderson's as a foster family for two years. They let me fix stuff for cash. They were an older couple, both close to retirement, and all their children had been off on their own. So they fostered what children they could. I had finally started to grow some fur on my face so I got called miss less. Stores were never fun. It seemed that all the store employees would be as far as possible from me.

Going to restaurant's with the Henderson's was fun. I had never been to one before so being in a real restaurant, not counting McArches. Their orders were always as they asked. Mine not so much. I would order eggs over easy, and get scrambled. Light toast and get burnt. Stuff like that.

At school I got along with most of my classmates. At least those that I didn't 'scare' anyways. Yeah I never got what the 'scare' part was. All I knew was that for some strange reason, most of the kids were scared of me. It wasn't a bad rep thing. Actually those that did get to know me always said that they couldn't see why people would be scared of me but it happened all the same.

I have fond memories of the days with Henderson's. Martha was a nicer older lady. She taught me the basics of cooking. Real cooking not microwave or prepared meals. You know mix flour, sugar, yeast and stuff. My muffins were a hit! Al would try his best to teach me those values that fathers are supposed to teach kids. Something that I had been sorely lacking. I guess, in a way, he was the first father figure I ever had.

It was Al who got me fixing machines. He was getting too old, his words, to fix these old machines. He handed me a book from his horde of nineteen fifties do it yourself books. Some of it was seriously out of date. But the general idea of how an engine worked was the same. Remember in those days the books were more of 'learn how to be a mechanic and earn extra income' type diy books. Good but funny at the same time.

Well that got me hooked on mechanical. I devoured the book and a few others. Fixing mechanical things became, I dunno how to describe it, but simply and dirt easy. I could somehow know what was wrong, or at least diagnose what was wrong on a number of machines. I didn't always fix everything at first. I made my share of mistakes.

It was also Al who encouraged me to save up some money for college. In a way I guess Hank reminds me of him. Hank is more though. I can't describe it but, while Al was a very good man, he wasn't my dad. Hank, somehow, is.

From my point of view life was going good for me, I should have know it wouldn't last. After all scumvermin like me don't deserve a happy life. It was the summer of the year I would start my senior year, grade 12, I had just turned 17 after all. I remember that day so clearly when all my happiness died.

We had all been out back working in the garden. Al had taken his turn at the tiller and had to hand it off to me. He said that the tiller had given him a headache. We were concerned as Al had been getting the occasional headache lately. He had never gotten so many before. He would take something, go lay down, and he would be fine in an hour or so.

Martha and I had finished with the garden, tiller was away, and the stakes for the rows were up as well as the planting. We headed in for dinner and I had planed on fixing something or another in the garage I think. Well we found Al on the couch with an icepack on his head, melted. He was drooling and was not responsive when we tried to rouse him. His face looked, bad.

An ambulance was called of course. I don't remember if we ate anything that day. Heck for all I know there could have been some tools left out in the rain and we wouldn't have cared. Al had had a stroke. I remember holding Martha as she was told what had happened. Seeing Al hooked up to a machine with a tube in his nose for air was heartbreaking.

While the garden did grow, nobody tended it. I helped Martha during those days as best I could. It took awhile for her eldest daughter to get some time to come help. Debbie took the news of her father as hard as Martha did. I guess, in a way, I did too.

I remember when she showed up she looked at me like the scumvermin I am and said" What are you still doing here?" I guess in hindsight if I had somehow come up with a good answer like a real person I would have stayed with them. I didn't though. Whatever she did the next day I packed my bags for the last time and left the Henderson's.

I got a letter at my place, it was written a few years later by Martha, with Al's scrawl on it. They apologized for the way I was treated and hoped I was doing well. I keep that letter and whenever things get really bad I pull it out and read it again. It lets me know that at one point in my life someone cared about me.

The next place I got put in was more of a boarding house type place, I ate whatever I could buy with the meager funds child services gave me. I went to school, did what I could and tried to never let anyone see me when I lost control and started to drip tears. I mean here I was a kid still, even at seventeen, thrown out of a place I actually liked, living in a dive. Not communication from the Henderson's at all. I had been moved to a different area completely so I couldn't visit.

My one call there Debbie answered and she told me never to call again. It hurt. I guess I hurt and drove people away with my lack of wanting to do anything. It was the start of my life I guess. I woke did what I could ate slept. When I turned eighteen child services washed their hands of me and I was out on the street, so to speak. The landlord at the dive let me stay on as long as he could. I suppose there is some things I left there when I crossed the border.

I told them about crossing the border, the stupid mistake that left me stranded in Windsor. I didn't mention the time I slept in an abandoned gas station's washroom huddled around a lightbulb for warmth. I had tried to live for a month or two in Toronto. But there was too many other people looking for the same thing I was.

I did my best to survive, pretty much hitchhiked across the province to Westhawk lake. Spent a summer there helping out at the marina. Cash jobs. The marina at Westhawk lake is not where most people would think it is. There is a spot on the lake were they bring stuff to launch and test out but the actual marina is way up the side of the rock face beside the highway. The front faces away from the highway. There is this long slope that leads to a kind of stream going to a pond where most of the work is done. Beside the pond is a huge flat stone area that is fenced in.

Boats from multiple lakes in the area get wintered there. Not a bad place if your young enough to work. Fixed some stuff over at the Falcon lake golf course, mostly lawn equipment. I did not have a ticket for propane, which is what their carts used at the time. When fall came around I got to Winnipeg and with the help of the Golf pro from Falcon lake golf course, Bob, he's retired now, got onto social security. More commonly known as Welfare.

My house was more luck to get than anything. Nineteen forties war surplus housing at it's finest! Cold in the winter, hot in the summer. But it's better than say sleeping in the park.

My meeting up with Arianna had been pure chance, nothing more. I explained how the washing machine had ate my clothes and how people mistook me for Arianna after I had shaved away the beard and mustache, Arianna called it thick fluff. Greg and then Hanz and then Hank. Why my face felt damp when I finished was beyond me.

When I looked up, why was I looking down, everyone had ruined mascara and tissues in their hands. Nobody wanted to say anything to me. After all I was scumvermin why should they care. I guess it just took them this long to realize that I was trash.

Since nobody was saying anything to me I guess they were shocked about how much of a trash I was. Wasn't the first time someone had all but abandoned me after finding out my past. Getting up off the couch wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. I mean that emotionally. I gave it the old Tony try and sucked it back.

I thanked them for the wonderful time, especially Arianna, and grabbed the purse. It may only contain my id's and a cheque I couldn't actually cash but it was something. I left the apartment behind because I had too.

Did it hurt? Well yes. Walking back to my place in a skimpy dress, looking like a woman, was not fun. It got cool outside, five miles in heels is also not something I ever want to repeat again.

I kept all of it in all the way home, humming songs to keep myself together. I didn't pay any attention to any cars if I could help it. Honestly I don't remember most of it. I got into the door of my place before I lost it and quite simply cried for the loss of what could have been. I had been so close to the family I had always secretly dreamed about.

But it was not to be. I was scumvermin after all.

Sorry for the long wait. I have had life issues this month.

What?

No way! You have done this to me before no more chapters on Ashley!

No means no! Now if you want to maybe get that final chapter of missing manhoods together for me..

Yeah right! Like that is gonna make me wri....

Josh was sitting at home playing his favorite video game. Motorcross madness on his computer with the companion controller. He had found the game years ago with his dad at a local second hand store unopened. The controller was part of the game in its rather large box.

He had long ago mastered every track in the game to the point that none of the settings even at max could come close to matching his time. With nothing else to do he set about beating his personal best times instead. He was on track to setting a new time record on one of the toughest tracks in the game as the door to his room banged open.

"Hey mom your home early."

He was at the final stage with just forty feet left to go when the screen went black on him.

"Hey what the.." He looked up towards his mom but stopped as two flesh colored blobs fell to the floor in front of him. Blobs he had not see in over two weeks.

"No! Absolutely not!" He knew what those blobs meant. She was wanted. However She was retired as of two weeks ago when Tina resumed her show. He had thought all that junk disposed of like hazardous waste. His arm and leg hair had finally just sprouted from their long dormant sleep.

"Whatever the issue is I don't care! It's Tina's show she can deal with it!" with that he reached towards his computer to plug in the power cord she had removed on him.

"Oh that's fine. Now that you have your precious motorbike and all the fancy gear you can do whatever you want... However motors need fuel to run, which costs money you don't have. Not sure what you are going to do with it but that is fine. Be selfish and let that mob kill that girl.."

That was dirty pool!

Ashley pouted out the side of the car as they drove to the club. Her hair was back into its waves of red. Her makeup perfect along with her oval nails on her dainty hands. Her arms and legs smooth devoid of any hair. Her waist was slightly pinched from the upper cincher. While the device constricted her upper waist into a more hourglass figure it also allowed her mid drift to be exposed above her black leather mini skirt with its white leather brass holed belt. Her legs were encased in black nylons that fitting into knee length go go boots with a 3 inch blocky heel. They were not hard to walk in.

Ashley was surprised at just how easily she had fallen back into character. The breast forms once glued to her chest along with the fake vagina and poof she was speaking like a teeny bopper girl fluently again. Her ears had begun to close up so that she felt the oval gold earrings pulling on her ears. Before she had gotten so used to their weight that she hadn't.

"It's not fair! I still don't see why I have to go!" she pouted out of her ruby red lips in her sweet soprano.

"Ashley it's your fans. A chant started up outside the club before the doors opened. The manager was afraid to even let people inside. Tina went out to talk to them but they wouldn't stop chanting and she got scared. You can't blame the girl. A mob of angry teens is a scary thing."

"So call the police it's their job after all."

"Yep and there goes business for the club. All the people who work there would probably be laid off because of lack of business. The station would loose ratings and I would lose my job which means we would be on the street. So yes lets call the police."

"Enough with the guilt trips mom! I'm going remember!"

"Don't you get snotty with me young lady!"

"Mom!"

Ashley and her mother giggled for a few minutes till they pulled up to a stop light that just turned red. Her mother pulled out her cell phone and simply said "four minutes" then hung up. This left Ashley clueless as it had taken them a good 20 minutes to get her dressed up. A far cry less than usual but practice in a tearing hurry tends to streamline things. It wasn't until she recognized the area that she understood.

Club Prix, the newest club, was having it's grand opening tonight. She had done a spot piece on the club a few weeks back. Club Prix boasted that they had 200 types of drink available and could mix up three times that. All of them non alcoholic, a major draw since it allowed anyone from a teenager to young adults in. The club also sported a 3d sound system, multiple video screens and two levels separated by glass. She was actually a little leary of the second floor as anyone could look up her skirt.

The small fact that most nightclubs had lights that shown down or were otherwise dark didn't make her feel all that comfortable. According to the club owner the glass wasn't really glass but a glass plastic crystal hybrid. Safe for even the heaviest of traffic.

She was paying attention to see if she could see the club when she spotted the news vans. It seems that not only her station, she still thought of it that way even if she was no longer working there, was not the only ones there tonight. She wondered why until she saw the large line with fists raised that she found the mob her mother was talking about. Her jaw opened as she took in the shear size of the crowd. At a block away the crowd was spilling over into the street from the sidewalk and only growing thicker as they got closer.

The line was moving at least, if slowly as they moved past so she could tell the doors had finally opened. However it was also quite plain that the crowd would exceed the limits of the club by a fair margin.

"Who are all these people?"

"Your fans."

"But I was only on air for eight weeks!"

"People liked you. There is also fans of Tina in there so don't let the size fool you too much."

"But you said..."

"Some fool started a Bash Bash Bash chant and the crowd swept it up."

"Fine whatever! I go in make them happy, give them publicly to Tina and walk away. Home before nine and then I burn all this shit."

Ashley sat back into the car seat and waited for her mom to start the whole "dont be so sure thing". She was still waiting and the car was silent.

"Mom"

"Yes dear"

"It will be a few minutes right?"

"Maybe."

"What are you not telling me?"

"Nothing."

"Mom"

"Okay the station got a few letters when you went off air."

"What do you mean a few letters?" The last time her mom used the word few it turned into eight weeks of hosting a show as a girl.

"A few!"

"Mom!"

"I lost count at a hundred. But Alex probably has a better idea how many. Nothing to worry about."

"Mom! A hundred is not a few! I didn't even get that many fan letters when I was on air!"

"Yes you did. We just didn't give them to you."

"Mom!"

"Relax sweetie it's not a big deal..really."

"Okay when we get home we really got to discuss this whole few concept of yours.."

The conversation might have continued further if her mom had not turned into a side street where very large men in tiny t shirts with the Security written across the front were waiting. Her mom rolled down the window and showed her pass. Ashley was not the least bit concerned with anyone noticing her in the passenger seat. After all how many celebrities, even minor ones, show up in a green Ford Focus?

The side entrance was open as they pulled up. Light spilled out of the opening as trucks were being unloaded of catering supplies. The tall man standing on the outside was far to familiar to Ashley as the car pulled to a stop. Alex Schisman was your typical tall business man. Straight press seamed pants, in dark blue with a light blue silk business shirt missing his tie. The stern look replaced with a look of worry as the car came into view. He was at her door before the car had stopped fully. She was still unbuckling her seatbelt as the door was opened.

"You planned this didn't you?" he accused her as she moved to get out.

"Excuse me?" she asked eyes opening wide.

"You did this just as a excuse to wear a skirt again! Didn't you!"

"Well if that's how you feel. Let's go home mom this is a bust!" She reached for the seatbelt again.

"Oh no you don't!"

"Leave her alone Alex! You know damn well she didn't want to do this so just shut it!"

"But..."

"But nothing! Hows Tina doing?"

"Scared, crying, angry. Take your pick changes every few seconds. Driving me nutty which is why I'm out here." His panic seemed to subside as he reached up to rub the side of his forehead. Ashley hesitantly got out of the car standing up to her 5'2" height 5'6" in heels. Yes Josh was short and skinny. As a motocross rider this was an advantage.

"Sorry Ashley didn't mean to blow up like that. It's just we were not expecting this at all and.... Oh well whatever. Thanks for pitching in. I'll make it up to you somehow."

"One appearance! One, not two, not 'a few' ONE!"

Outside of the car the unmistakeable upbeat techno music was coming out of the side door. Ashley felt her body start to get into the groove of the music. She didn't know why but dressed as a girl her body just started to move all on it's own. Too much practicing at home with her mother maybe. It was a dance club remix of a song she didn't recognize.

The side entrance was lined with those tall tray like holders on wheels. There was racks of plastic covered trays of different and unrecognizable foods on them as she passed. As she got inside the music which was loud was barely covering some shouting. She couldn't yet make out what the shout was as she was led into a much quieter room. The room had a stuffed leather couch along a wall. There was also a clear glass topped desk in the room with some garish pictures of paintings on the wall.

However it was Tina Extreme with her feet splayed to the side and her head down into her immaculate fingers and a tight tube top with her assets trying to bulge out that caught his attention. Josh felt his hidden member flex in response. He had to shake his head to get back into girl mode. Tina had waves of honey blond hair on her head. Much of it was slicked back on one side which left par to of to fall over one shoulder into her cleavage. Her loud pink tube top and black hot pants left little to the imagination. Her black spike heels did not display her toes unlike Ashley's garish red toenails on full display.

Tina's wreck of a face lifted at their entrance but upon seeing him her face quickly turned to one of anger. She shot up off the couch and approached her arms outstretched into claws.

"You BITCH! You stole my fans you cow! It's my show I built it how darn you steal from me!"

"Now Tina.." Alex started as he moved in between the two girls.

"Don't fuckin Tina me Uncle! I'm gonna carve her fuckin eyes out!" tears were leaking out of Tina's eyes as they filled to overflowing with tears.

"TINA!" boomed Alex startling both Ashley and Tina. However it was Tina that it had the most effect on as she stepped back. Ashley felt guilty and stepped forward intent on softening her voice as much as possible but changed at the last second.

"Look I wanted nothing to do with this. I only did your stupid show as a favor to Mrs. Appleton and was glad to stay away. She asked for my help but if your too snooty I can always go back home no problem. I'm sure the crowd wont be too rough and while you recover in the hospital your show will bomb."

She let that sink in for a moment as Tina's mouth opened and closed. Alex turned around to deliver an angry response on his face evident by the rising redness in his face.

"Now you can sit here in self pity all you want but I have a job to do. I told your precious uncle one appearance. One and that's it I go back into obscurity and you do whatever the hell you want bitch. I really don't care but if this club gets destroyed I would never forgive myself."

Alex was busying mouthing nonsense preparing to no doubt expose her secret and fire both her and her mother as Tina walked forward. A puzzled look on her tilted face.

"That was kinda cool."

"Maybe."

"No really it was. I still don't know who you really are girl. You're really not interested in being on tv?"

"Not a hope in hell. I got stuff I prefer to do than make a spectacle of myself on a stage."

"I see... I probably look a clown don't I?"

"A bit but Mrs. Appleton can make a cow look a princess so there's no worry."

"True but I can see from here that under that makeup your really quite pretty already."

Her mom took Tina aside into the small office washroom to fix her face up. This left her alone with Alex for a few minutes.

"What's the plan?"

Alex shook himself before answering."Well Tina goes out first mike in hand and then I guess you follow with a mic of your own. How did you do that? She never calms down like that."

"A verbal slap is just as effective as a physical one. Did that once in school to a former friend. Physical ones left bruises and a whole lot of trouble for me. Verbals don't except maybe too ego."

"I see.." Actually he didn't and they both knew it. A repaired Tina returned to the room her cheeks sparkled just a bit from the glitter on them. A similar glitter but finer was on her own right eyebrow.

"Did you hear that?"

"Yeah I get to go in first oh yeah! Any ideas since we have to ad lib?"

"Not really you lead I follow?"

"K. Let's knock em dead girl!"

"The heels on these boots wouldn't work now those great shoes of yours on the other hand..." Tina bubbled up with laughter at the joke. So it was that the two girls left the office in better spirits to face the large and noisy crowd.

The stage in Club Prix was accessible from the side much like a theater would be. Ashley stayed back as Tina had already had her mic fitted while her own was quickly fitted onto her head by the expert sound technician from the studio.

Tina had walked up onto the short stage to much booing and catcalls while others cheered. She waited for a lull in the noise before she nodded her head slightly.

"Well that's not the best greeting! You would think that people were not happy to see us." At the word us she had turned to look to Ashley which gave her the cue to step up on the stage a smile plastered to her face. Ashley sauntered on stage, her hand in the air doing a small wave.

"No kidding Tina! After all the fuss they ..." The rest of her speech was quickly drowned out as the crowd erupted in cheers, applause, and a very loud chorus of "BASH". Blushing quite well even under the lights of the stage Ashley stood next to a grinning Tina and they both waited for the crowd to die down in noise. When it was clear neither girl would speak the crowd's noise level dropped down. So much so that it was almost silent.

"We would like to thank you all for showing up for the grand opening of Club Prix!" Tina started.

"Club Prix specializes in a like totally awesome selection of drinks." Ashley completed.

"Yeah and there is also a good set of munchies available for tonight right Ashley?"

"Too right Tina. Makes me sorry I'm on a diet!"

"Well girl guess we should maybe work off a few calories to partake of the goodies?"

"Nothing better than ta groove them away Tina. This is a dance club after.."

"So lets dance!" they chorused. The Dj started up the first track and the two girls started to dance in mirror images of each other as if practiced even though it was the first time the two had met. Each dared the other on with more seductive style dancing in time with the beat.

The effect of the seductive dancing of two hot girls was not lost on the crowd as many girlfriend got more than a little annoyed at their dates for the night. Not everyone started to dance right away. A chant started up. Half saying Extrema while the other saying Bash.

It did not take long before the two merged as Extreme Bash which was taken up by the crowd. More and more couples started to shake and dance away as the once almost angry crowd turned its energies to dancing away. The two girls danced away almost driving the crowd to dance more energetically than the two girls were.

After four songs had been done the two girls, now quite tired, moved to the bar to get some juice to replenish themselves escorted by some of the large security men. As they got to the bar however the owner of the club signaled the dj to lower the sound. He didn't stop the sound just lowered it while the owner used an older looking hand mic to get the crowds attention.

"Id like to thank these lovely ladies for helping to open my club with a bang. The best way I can do so is with a drink! I hereby name this drink in honor of these two ladies. I give you Extreme Bash!" The manage gave the two blushing girls each a glass of a drink that was both a dark drink on one side and a white drink on the other. Despite its coloring the drink was actually quite good. Both girls thanked the owner declaring it the best drink they had ever had.

The club stayed open till 11pm that night. The new drink not only sold well but quickly sold out. The club owner was quite happy about that as some of the ingredient drinks involved were some of the ones he thought he wouldn't be able to sell at all. The ordered munchies also sold well so much so that the caterer and the club owner discussed the possibility of coming to an arrangement in the future.

The two girls spent most of the night dancing interspersed with trips to the office washroom and makeup touch ups courtesy of Mrs. Appleton. They danced and occasional interviewed some of the people getting their opinions on tape of the club. They acted as a team throughout which was a surprise to both Alex and Mrs. Appleton. By the end of the night neither girl could walk to well on their final return to the floor.

They thanked the crowd for coming amid many cheers. When Ashley eluded to the fact that it was the final time she would host such an event the crowd expressed their tired disappointment with a few boos. The chant of Extreme Bash was taken up as the girl's exited the stage for the last time. Both staggered into the office. Alex took up his niece in his arms while Mrs. Appleton had Ashley supported from the side.

Tina was placed into her uncle's Audi's passenger seat barely awake. She managed a "Extreme Bash is pretty catchy isn't it?" before she passed out. Alex's "Yes it is" response unheard.

Ashley was fast asleep before the Focus left the side entrance parking area. Mrs. Appleton struggled to get the sleeping girl out of the car and into the house by herself. Her child was not the light young thing anymore. She got the girl into her bedroom and on the bed but her back was hurting quite well. She looked down into the face of her daughter. She was proud of her child and she looked so beautiful and alive as a girl. She knew that this was probably the last time she would ever see the daughter that could have been.

Tandy Appleton made it to her own bed before tears overcame her. The picture of her husband was moved from it's nightstand and hugged to her chest however it was not just the grief from her lost husband that overtook her tonight. She also felt grief for the daughter she had always wanted and was losing.

Yes! I can play my computer game without miss nosey bothering me.

Snicker.. loading loading loading... critical error! What the... wait what is this message...

"Your writing has not yet exceeded the limits set this game is unavailable to you."

WTF!!!!

The talk of the school the following week was all about Ashley Bash and Tina Extrema. All but one of the students at Scadia Secondary Regional School, the local highschool, were surprised and happy when the show aired midweek.

Originally it had been Tina's corner followed by a short time as Ask Ashley. Now it was Extreme Bash. The fans of the local show went wild with the new name. That is all but one. The show was aired during the common lunch at the school. The school had a projector installed in the cafeteria that turned a wall into a television. During lunch music videos would play or more recently the show aired would play. Cafeteria sales had never been higher.

Joshua Appleton stared at the screen trying to not display his horror as Tina Extrema announced to the audience that her co host, one Miss Ashley Bash, was currently concentrating on her schoolwork and would only accompany her on the show or to events if she was free to do so. The screen changed to highlights of Ashley and Tina groove dancing away at Club Prix.

"Damn that Ashley girl is so hot."

"Id do her in a heartbeat. I mean look at the tits on her and that ass!"

"Yeah I got creative and put her in a naughty schoolgirl outfit on my comp the other day. She is so damn sexy in just about anything but gaaaa..."

"Oh that's sick man! There is probably a law out there about shit like that. Still...did you print it off?"

"It's no different than the airbrushing that studios do to actors and actresses."

Joshua, Josh to most, turned his head around trying desperatly not to show the horror that was probably displayed on his face. He needn't have worried his friends were all busy staring at printed pictures. The were passed to him and he got to see Ashley Bash in a variety of outfits. A sailor moon type outfit, the school girl outfit that the guys seemed to be lusting over, a french maid type outfit. All of these were on the pose where her arms are behind her head one raising up. Her hips and belly were actually pushed forward just enough.

The original picture was the autograph picture that was chosen out of more than fifty shots. Normally she was in her trademark outfit of the pink pleated khaki mini skirt and dark purple cut off sleeveless deep v neck t shirt with Ashley in gold super imposed over a picture of herself on the t. Her feet so delicate and tiny looking in a pair of strappy black heels toes exposed in red. The wave of her red hair cascading down and over the front of her left shoulder. A black bra strap barely visible on the right exposed shoulder. An impossible angle that made the girl look incredible sexy in the impossible pose.

Josh remembered that particular shot as he was actually falling down. The photographer managed to time and get in the shot before his arms went spinwheeling. He had still ended up falling onto his butt. The picture of him or herself on the t shirt was done via computer. The printed t shirts were in actual number eight. However after the second week two of them had mysteriously disappeared.

He was passed the final picture that almost made him pass out. This picture was far and away the most audacious picture of the bunch. It showed Ashley in a pink side tie'd bikini that left very little to the imagination. What made it so overwhelming is that he knew that this was exactly how he would look if he had ever even tried on a bikini done up as a girl. Worse he could feel himself getting aroused and uncomfortable over a picture of himself.

The next few weeks passed by in a blur as schoolwork plus weekends of dirt bike racing over muddy tracks mixed with rain or sleet came and went. His new leathers had saved his hide more than once. However the last race he managed to bang up the rear rim pretty good. He could fit one of the spares from the 80 on it but the bike looked incredibly stupid. It was movable but it was in no way raceable. The original rim was getting rebuilt and he could trade in the old 80 but it was one of the last things of his dad. He and his dad had gotten the old 80 and rebuilt it over a series of weekends during one of his tours around home. Josh would soon cut off his arm than sell the bike.

The problem was he needed money. Money to finish paying for the repairs to the rim. Money for two spare rims and tires with gears and shafts all ready to go, including front rims and tires, as spares. The 80 had those. When he raced the 80 with his dad he had tumbled a few times they would change the rims and he would be good for the next heat.

This past weekend he had had to fault out because he could no longer run. It hurt. His mom had come to each heat in place of his dad and he appreciated it even if she had no idea why he did the racing. He had tried to describe to her how free he felt when racing and she just looked at him blankly. He knew that when he got eight feet of air it was flying. It was so hard to describe to her.

His mom was good about not totally freaking out whenever he rolled or crashed, that was par for the course when motocross racing. The course he took with his dad before he was even allowed to run instructed him on how to roll and duck in a motocross. It was grueling at the time and required him to be quite flexible to pull off some of it. His mom had once commented that watching him do the daily stretches was like watching a girl do a mix of calisthenics and gymnastic exercises.

Although his mom never said anything he wondered how Tina was. He had the funny feeling that Tina was bugging his mom about Ashley. He would occasionally catch her looking in his dad's closet. That closet had been cleaned out of the bits his father had left when he died. Much of his regular clothes had been packed with him when he went on tour.

He had snuck into her room and opened the closet to find well Ashley. More specific all the stuff that made him into Ashley. Her clothes, all of them, the shoes, the makeup all in its boxes, even the latex forms and gaff laid in wax. It was almost but not quite a shrine. Along the back wall was the large poster he had signed the one time for a promo of the show. The big silver marker had been hard to hold and his signature of Ashley with the cute little heart over the end had taken him some time to get just right for a girl.

Before learning to be Ashley his writing was horrible. He had once been asked to respell his name twice on an exam it was so bad. In preparing for Ashley his mom had spelled out the way she thought a teen girl her age would spell things and then had him copy it two hundred times before going to bed. At the end of that hectic second week he could write as neatly as any girl. Even now in school with all new teachers they complimented him on his neat writing. He tried to not laugh as he was deliberately not writing as neat as Ashley did. Ashley took time to carefully write each letter. Josh just scribbled away as fast as he could. It was still a far cry better than he had done so before.

The video he had seen at the beginning of the month and the few in between all seemed to have Tina hinting that Ashley was only a phone call away and a possibility at any event. The air of mystery surrounding her apparent disappearance seemed to only be making people that much more interested in her. One of the local papers even offered a few dollars for information on the mysterious Ashley Bash as a reward. $25 was not much of an incentive for him and wouldn't help him at all with the rims. The total was closer to a grand needed for the spare rims, tires, gears for used ones. New was closer to four grand.

Motocross rims were built a little heavier as they took a pounding that would twist regular rims into pretzels at worst or out of shape at best. Hence the cost involved. The rear especially was important to stay as true as possible during a race. Not many knew that the rear wheel and its spin during air had to spin to control how the front landed. Too much and you landed on the rear too little and the front came down. If the front came down first you twisted the forks and or wheel.

Some of the more professional outfits even had shelves full of spare parts and carbs for the bike so that it could be tuned for conditions before each and every race. Even completely identical bikes setup differently. He had had to make due with tuning as best he could before each race on his own since his dad passed. His dad was a whiz at it which was why the 80 used to be good enough. The 250 had the power to overcome an off tune if necessary.

The 250 new and setup for for racing with the leathers and a sponsor name was worth over eight grand. Far more than the eight weeks of work he had done as Ashley. A sponsor name meant the world in motocross. Having a sponsor meant you were more than just the backwoods amateur. Some sponsors self advertised at meets with free drinks, foods, oils, or gas.

Gas was another thing. When racing it was important to use a good fuel oil mix. VP 110 or Redline 110 was some of the better ones and cost big bucks. He never got in first in any meets but his total points at least allowed him to cover some of the gas costs.

Money it all came down to money. Josh had looked at getting a part time job pumping gas or as a store clerk but most of those were either filled or wanted experience he didn't have. His work experience as Ashley could not be used for any other types of work either.

When Josh got home tonight his mother had left him a message stating that she was doing a late shift covering Tina. Apparently she was hosting an event at some club tonight and his mom was doing her makeup and wardrobe changes. He knew from personal experience that even though it looked like she never changed and only got a touch up it was far more detailed than that. People sometimes dropped or splashed stuff onto shoes, skirts, or tops. Nylons got runs or zippers and buttons popped off at the worst times. Tops got all sweat covered and sweat covered bras were not fun. A quick wipe down with a washcloth and fresh clean clothes with makeup redone and you were back out and dancing away inside of 5 minutes.

Event hosting was exhausting work. All that girlie dancing and moving took energy. His last appearance he had joked about dieting but in reality the diet was usually stuffing one self full of energy drinks and bars to last a full night. The following days were not always pretty either. More than once he had spent the following day in a girl's sleep shirt getting up often to go to the bathroom for minutes at a time followed by a heavy intake of water to prevent dehydration. There were times when a girl's sleepshirt were far more practical that pajamas, like when your in a tearing hurry to get onto the toilet for example. And panties were far more comfortable on a sore hurting bottom.

Josh sat in his bedroom, the computer was off as it held no interest, nothing was playing on tv that he wanted to watch. He wasn't hungry at all. He lay on his bed stretched out, hands behind his head. His thoughts were bugging him as they had for the last couple of days.

What made Ashley so convincing as a girl? That first week had been a whirlwind of activity but it wasn't that his mom had so totally trained him in every aspect of being a girl. She never trained him to dance like a girl. That bothered him. Ashley's mannerisms were more practice of not being well him than being a girl. "You walk like a guy. Look at me dear all girls learn how to walk from their mothers." and he learned how to not walk like a guy.

"You sound like a boy. How many girls do you know talk like that? Listen to the way I speak and try again" They had watched endless hours of movies taking apart the teen girls in each for the way they spoke and moved. Mom had said that girls talk the way they do because of their friends not just because their voice was a little higher. In truth it did not take him all that long, or much effort, to go up a tiny bit with his voice and make it flow. He had no better word for it. A girl's voice flowed like water where his normal voice was almost like biting the words.

But more than anything else it was that first time when his mom had glued the parts on him. He had looked into the mirror in her room devoid of body hair and it was a girl in the mirror. A girl whose breasts looked a different color than the rest of her true but one all the same. After she had used a dye on them and they looked a part of him everything they had practiced just seemed to come together. When his hair got the temp red dye and his mom got it all wavy looking it was no longer him in the mirror it was Ashley. A teenaged girl sitting on her mothers vanity stool in her bra and panties. A plain face with eyebrows a touch to thick true. Still Ashley was without question a girl.

Josh thought back to all the times he had been a girl. He hated it but did he really hate being a girl? Or was it just that he hated being tricked, forced, or guilt tripped into it? Would it be different if he chose to do so of his own free will?

Getting up off his bed he went to his computer and turned it on. Such thoughts were foolish he was a guy and guys don't try to dress up as a girl. Josh waited the five minutes with growing impatience as the screen came to life and all the numbers, letters, and pictures of a computer going through its boot sequenced passed by. As the screen finished it's boot up he sat in the chair and looked blankly at the screen not really seeing it.

"This is stupid! I'm gonna take a bath!" his computer was left on as he removed his clothes and left them laying on the floor. A young naked boy entered the bathroom and turned on the water to the tub. While waiting for it to fill Josh stood in front of the mirror he inspected every inch of his still smooth face. No new hairs had sprouted up except for a few in his eyebrows. He was fourteen years old and still had not begun to shave yet. He wondered why this did not bother him. It should bother him as some of the guys at school already had the beginnings of mustaches going. Was that part of what made him so convincing as a girl?

With the tub partly filled he stepped into it but not before adding some bath salts and a drop of oil. The warm water helped him to relax as he sat back and enjoyed the feel of the water. His one bruise from the weekend before had faded to a very small yellowish spot on his thigh. If you didn't know it was there you would never see it really. However his legs had begun to sprout hair again. Without thinking he lathered up with soap and used the razor left on the side of the tub and cleaned off the hair on his legs then his underarms. He rinsed and washed the rest of himself down. On the upper shelf of the tub surround was Ashley's special shampoo and conditioner.

He washed his hair with both as if it was a normal thing to do. The two products are what gave Ashley her redish hair. The coloring in the product left a tiny layer of residue behind that turned his dull brown hair into Ashley's red mane. As he got out after the final rinse he first patted his legs and face dry while the rest he rubbed down. His hair was patted dry as much as possible. If he rubbed it in any way the dye would come out. It was still very damp when he left the washroom.

He first went towards his own room but changed at the last second and walked to his mothers room still naked. As he got to the door with Ashley's stuff he stood there for a moment before opening the doors. His eyes immediately fell on Ashley's body parts sitting on their waxed molds.

"This is stupid!" He yelled at himself before he shut the doors on the closet and walked away. As he passed his mother's mirrored vanity his eyes fell on the rollers. He didn't know why but he plugged them in. He fully intended to walk away from the room completely even going as far to reach for the light switch and turn it off.

Ashley sat on the floor beside her mother's bed her face buried in her arms that were on the knees pulled up to her breasts. Her red hair cascading in waves down from her head fully dry and free of the rollers now back in the kit and unplugged. As she looked up from her knees the tears continued to roll down her cheek. She awkwardly moved up exposing her naked form should anyone have reason to look into the second story bedroom window of her mothers house they would see a girl with red hair. From her small but full breasts to the hidden slit of her vagina it was definatly and without question a girl. Her graceful glide to the kleenex box different from the sure footed stomp of an hour before. She used the tissue to blot her eyes and then blow her nose. Depositing the used tissue into the basket beside the bed almost filled all on its own.

The nightstand beside the bed contained a picture of her mother and father in all their wedding finery. A second picture of her father holding a tiny baby in his arms his face a wreck unlike any she had ever seen before. Another picture was of Josh beside the 80 grinning from ear to ear as his father held the small plaque of his very first medal. He hadn't won but the participation plague might as well have been a four foot gold trophy the way his father had been so proud.

If Ashley had reason to look into the top drawer of the nightstand she would have found a picture frame showing her few accomplishments as well. One of her with the small bit of cake dough, not shown on camera. Another catching her wild gyration on stage of her very first event hosting. She may not have noticed the small water stain of someone smearing across the glass.

With the tissue disposed Ashley left her mothers room via a quick face wash in the bathroom. While in the bathroom she also used some of her mothers scented body lotion. If she had been paying attention she would have noticed that the lotion left her skin feeling silky and soft. But she was determined to get dressed. As she got into her room she began to look for something clean to wear.

"I'm not a friggin girl! I don't need to wear girly clothes!" The sweet melodic soprano voice issued from her mouth as she searched and searched for something to wear. Everything seemed to wrong no matter how much she looked. The only thing she found that she could wear in her room was a clean pair of panties. Ashley got frustrated and returned to her mothers room stopping in front of the vanity mirror.

"I'm not a girl!" She shouted at the mirror. The closet doors clacked together as she searched for something to wear finding it almost immediately. The partial cincher that went under her breasts and compressed her upper waist in so that her normal boyish waist was hidden as the upper waist of a girl appeared. This was followed by a small bra that went on almost too easy.

A garter belt in black followed with the straps fed through the dark panties. Her mother had called the color black mauve. She attached the suspenders to a pair of silk white stockings. The top of the stockings had a tiny lace edge all in white with black satin bows on the back. The black satin flare skirt had just a hint of black lace along the outer inner edge that tickled her. The small white tube top covered her cincher and most of her breasts even though her cleavage was on full display. There was a small black satin jacket that matched the skirt but she did not see a reason to wear it.

She looked in the mirror at herself and didn't like the way the top looked so she searched the closet for another one. She found a white sleeveless top that would cover her bra straps The shoulders gathered at the bust line with a small red clip on each side while the top remained somewhat wide. Satisfied she put away the other top and slipped her feet into a pair of black ankle boots with a small two inch heel. From a drawer she extracted some jewelry.

Her earrings were gold colored hearts that matched her simple locket design gold necklace. Her wrists got silver bangles on the right and gold on the left. A small gold chain belt was put around her waist as well. From the corner was one of her purses. Inside she found an older but unexpired press pass from the studio. Her name was Ashley Greer, Greer being her mothers maiden name. This not being an official government document it was therefor not illegal that it bear a name different from her birth certificate. It was a bit of a legal gray area. Most took it at face value since her stage name was known quite well as Ashley Bash.

There was one incident during her second week where a guard wanted to see more id than her pass. Since her purse with her student id in the name of Joshua Appleton and the birth certificate was inside she had tried to get back in but the guard refused to let her pass. She had just grinned at him and walked away. Fifteen minutes later she was escorted by her mother and Alex up to the security guard who received a viscous tongue lashing for it. She had wanted to stay away but they had found her shooting plastic pigeons far too quickly. Then again the wild red hair, pink khaki skirt and tiny t top were rather loud. To make matters worse the teen boys that had crowded around her were from the highschool she went to now and as such she had been told far too much about how they had caught a glimpse of her panties as she leaned forward to shoot.

Getting up from the floor as gracefully as she could in her heeled boots Ashley closed the doors on the closet. The girl in the mirror was not quite Ashley Bash. Ashley the plain girl stared back. Ashley turned her head at the closet once more.

"No I don't need makeup!" She breathed out under her breath. Ashley turned to the mirror on her mothers vanity and saw the plain faced girl again.

zzzzzzz... huh... Gway!

No I don't have to write anything! I finished Beth's story that's all that matters.

Meh Belle is too long to write out right now I'm tired let me sleep.

Yeah right like anyone is remotely interested in Ashley!

Ashley was sitting in the living room her legs up against her breasts as she cried into her arms. The black jacket not to far away.

Her attempts at doing her own makeup were laughable. She could not seem to get the eyeliner on straight no matter how hard she tried and the mascara had smeared when she tried to wipe up the extra with her finger. She had seen her mother do her makeup and makeup on others often but there was tricks that she didn't know. Her face looked like a clown.

Her foundation was blotchy, thick in some areas and translucent in others. Her fingers were a mess from the foundation. Her lipstick looked awful as well, uneven and smeared over the sides of her lips. She had tried and tried and failed. She felt like such a total failure for something that seemed so simple before.

Ashley was sobbing away on the couch so she failed to hear her mother unlock the front door and step inside. She was about to call out Josh's name when she heard the unmistakable sound of a young girl crying. Putting down her purse as quietly as possible she moved out of the vestibule to peak into the living room wondering if Josh had in some way harmed a girl while she was out.

Mrs. Appleton looked around the living room and spotted the wavy red hair of the girl on the couch. While not the best hairstyle it was a hairstyle typical of young women these days. She ached to be able to share some of her hairstyling tips and tricks with a daughter of her own but as much as she loved Josh as Ashley he wasn't a girl. This girl however could use a few tips. She moved to hug the poor girl however as she came around she saw that the young girl was her daughter.

Ashley looked up from her knees to see her mother standing there with a slightly pale face and her mouth open as she tried to mouth a word. As her mother looked her over her face gain color back even going to a red as she got a big smile on her face. It was obvious her mother was trying very hard to not laugh.

"I look awful!" she waited before burying her head into her knees again.

Mrs. Appleton looked at her daughter who was in so much misery. She could not see her son even though she knew full well that this girl was her son. She was sitting down on the couch and hugging her daughter before she knew it. The girl switched from her knees to her mothers shoulder to openly weep. She had no idea what she was going to do. This had all started off as a temporary thing to help her out at the station. She had made her son passable as a girl for the short time and was so proud of her son for doing so. Somehow along the way her son became her daughter in so many ways. Her nights had been filled recently mourning over the loss of her daughter.

To come home and see Ashley weeping away all on her own without any pressure from her was a shock in more ways than she thought it should be. She knew that if this were to continue they would both need to seek counseling. She was torn. On one hand she loved her son with all of her being and did not want to lose him. On the other she also loved her daughter and didn't want to lose her either. She believed that it was selfish to want both out of her one child. Her brain told her that there was only her son and she should be happy with that. Her heart said differently.

"Lets get you cleaned up shall we?" She said softly. Ashley nodded into her shoulder. She was sure her blouse was stained with makeup.

Ashley's top was showing streaks of makeup as well as her mother's by the time they got her face cleaned and redone properly. Her mother showed her in the mirror as she made up her face asking her if she understood what she was doing. She had agreed and asked questions while her mother looked on with a smile that was heartfelt. Her mother would say little things such as 'my mother showed me this trick with a sponge' or 'I'm so proud of you'. They helped her feel better. She still wasn't sure she could redo her makeup like her mother had done but she had a better idea how to go about doing it. The closing the one eye trick was going to take practice though.

When they were done with the makeup, and a number of giggles that resulted in a few minor corrections, her mother did something she had never done before. Her mother removed her blouse, now stained from her early cry, right in front of her asking her to get out of the stained clothes as well. As Josh this would have never happened. She knew that she should be interested in her mother's figure. At least get excited at the view of her mothers breasts even if they were hidden by her bra. Strangely they did nothing for her. Her mother had her change her lingerie for delicate looking white panties and a bra that was more for show than actually support even if it did support her breasts. Her stockings and belt were replaced with purple knee high sock type stockings.

Ashley was surprised when her mother removed a plastic covered uniform from the closet. She had never seen this before which was strange as most of the clothes she had she was present when they were bought. She recognized the uniform as her mother pulled the plastic off of it. It was the same dull uniform that the girls at the privately owned and run Sister Margrette young ladies Academy. Without the jacket the uniform also looked like a typical catholic style girl's uniform. Just replace the tie with a cross tie and voila different uniform.

Her mother handed her the blouse after first taking it off the hanger and scrunching the bottom of the blouse in her fist. She thought it was strange but she put on the wrinkled blouse before she reached to put on the skirt her mother stopped her and handed her a white camisole that she was to put under the blouse she had already buttoned up. She removed the blouse and pulled on the camisole which was followed by a rather cheap looking plain nylon black half slip but she did as she was told.

Her mother made her put the skirt on first and then the blouse so that the blouse hung over the skirt and was not tucked in. It was strange as she looked in the mirror she looked like a school girl who had just come home from school. The blouse was open at the top few buttons. Her mother put away the jacket and the school tie back into the closet instead of making her put them both on. She did hand her a rather ugly pair of girls school shoes with almost no heel, a rounded closed toe, and single strap in brown.

"Mother what is going on?" she asked her as she was putting on a new clean blouse in pale yellow.

"That little..." she paused for a second as if she was counting in her head" Tina was rather insistent that Ashley make an appearance tonight. I told her that you were not available as you were in school but she was insistent." Her mother finished buttoning up her blouse and with her back turned to her loosened her pants to tuck in the blouse.

"I was not expecting to find my daughter so we have a little time yet. Alex has offered a small bonus for you to show up tonight. It should help cover those rims you wanted. I mean Josh you wanted. Oh..." Her mother was clearly having some trouble with her dual identity.

Still rims meant she could race and fly. "Uh mom you do know that I'm still your son right?" she asked.

"No your not!"She wailed surprising her causing her to step back. Her mother moved to the edge of the bed and sat down her belt still undone.

"Right now when I look at you all I see is my daughter Ashley. I know I shouldn't see that but it's what I see. It makes me feel horrible that I did this to you. I'm a terrible mother!"

Ashley moved to her mothers side much like her mother did for her not too long ago this very night. Her mother's face had tears running down it so she knew this was not some play or guilt trip. She hugged her mother from the side before handing her a tissue from the now empty Kleenex box.

"Don't wipe!" was all she said. This got a chuckle out of her mother.

"Smart ass!" her mother blotted her tears.

"I don't know what is going on. But" and she paused for a moment not believe she was going to say this"If you want maybe we could go shopping another day."

"Shopping?"

"Well if I'm to be your part time daughter I'm gonna need some clothes. I mean I don't really have much, at least not something I could wear to church or anything but..."

"Oh you little minx!" her mother laughed at her through her tears and crooked her hands into claws the intent to tickle clear.

"Don't you dare!" she said as she almost leapt off the bed laughing as she did so.

"Well my part time daughter. Are you ready to show up that little.." she cleared her throat" I mean Tina?"

"What's the plan?" Ashley asked as her mother finished doing up her belt.

"Well...."

Ashley still thought it was funny that her mother had a pink Ashley school bag in the car that Alex had put together for her. The woman's history workbook that was worn and looked used while being new was funny. It felt like she was cheating as she had a sheet with answers for half the workbook in her lap as she filled in answers on the drive to the club. Extreme Bash was hosting a dance at the club whose donations were going to some charity for young girls. She wasn't entirely sure of the name of the organization just that it was to help young girls.

Her makeup was understated looking more normal as was her hair that was pulled back with a small clip on one side. She did not look exactly like her normal self but she still was unquestionably a girl. The whole point was to not look like Ashley Bash but still look like a school girl who had already had a long day at school. Tomorrow was a half day at school for her while if she really did go to Sister Margrettes she would have really had a full day off school which just made it all the more confusing for her.

Some of her writing was a little rushed and not quite as neat as her usual before they pulled into the alley that was blocked off for staff. It was still a far cry neater than her Josh usual but still it would be passable at a first glance. She was sure some of the answers were wrong though. One of the books in her bag by a Jane something was one of the books she was supposed to read along with a rather large textbook on women's history. She had no idea about either as she had never heard of them before. Still she was supposed to play the part of a schoolgirl. She put her workbook into the bag as they pulled up and her mother took the answer sheet to put into her purse. The less evidence the better.

As they pulled to a stop her mother told her to look to her and she adjusted some of the hair on her head. When Ashley looked into the mirror somehow her mother made her hair look just a little off. As if it was rushed instead of the few minutes they actually spent playing with her hair to give it the teen girl casual but still nice look. With a sigh she opened the door and got out. The bouncer at the door was not one she recognized and she caught herself from playing the Ashley Bash primadonna drama queen girlie girl and switched to what she called her Ashley Greer sulk. She followed behind her mother almost shuffling her feet.

The side door to the hallway opened after her mom flashed her card. The bouncer gave her a sneer as she passed. The usual leer she got as Ashley Bash was absent. She felt insulted that she was still quite pretty if not as done up as usual. She then wondered why she felt insulted in the first place and shook her head as she plodded along after.

The door to the office where she would get changed was slightly open, enough to hear the screech of Tina demanding to know where Ashley was. Ashley sighed audibly as she followed her mother who stopped when she heard.

"You don't have to do this." her mother whispered to her. She just shook her head hitched the bag up on her shoulder and walked passed her mother banging open the door to the office. As she entered the office in her uniform she apparently cut off Tina in mid sentence. Tina's eyes opened up wide as she saw Ashley in her plain form. Ashley saw her eyes widen then almost squint as her mouth turned into a closed lip smile. She knew that if she didn't do something Tina would continue to act like a spoiled brat and boss her around.

With a small smile of her own quickly hidden she slung the bag off her shoulder and tossed it towards Tina who of course dropped the bag like it was diseased. She stomped forward as if she was pissed off.

"You can do my homework you bitch!" she said while only a few inches from Tina's face. Tina lost her smile and backed up in shock.

"No I .."

"Oh yes you will! You made such a bitchy fuss that m..Mrs. Appleton had to come and get me while I was busy getting into my homework that is due Monday." She picked the bag up off the floor and brusquely the zipper before yanking out the thick woman's history textbook.

"I need to have chapters 7-11 done for Monday or I will get a failing grade on it. Since you can't seem to do a simple dance off by yourself you WILL help me study these chapters!" The bitch act was tough and she really had no idea what she was talking about but it sounded good to her ears. Give her an oscar anyone!

"Ashley!"

"No m..Mrs. Appleton! This cow doesn't seem to understand.."

"ENOUGH! Young lady you will go sit over there!"

"But.."

"Now!"

"Yes maam." she sulked over to the indicated couch after picking up her bag. She sat down in a huff but still taking care to smooth her skirt and keep her knees together. Alex and her mother got into a bit of an argument she was sure was staged beforehand. This left Tina floundering as she was supposed to be the star but was ignored. A much subdued Tina slowly made her way over to where Ashley was sitting trying to read a book she had no idea what any of it was about. She made it look like she was ignoring everyone when she actually wasn't.

Tina sat beside Ashley gently as she flipped the page like she knew what she was studying. She had skimmed through the page so she had an idea what it was about but that was it. If she was left to read about some woman in the mid 1800's and her role in women's shoes for any more time she would probably fall asleep. She was therefore glad when Tina interrupted her.

"Uh sorry." she said in a very low voice.

"Excuse me?"

"I'm sorry for dragging you away from your studing. It's just that that other weekend and that crowd. It.... scared me I think." she said more to the floor than Ashley. Ashley closed the book she wasn't really reading anyways and put it into her lap. Her very male self saw that this was a girl in distress and he would help her even if he didn't really want to.

"Fine! But you owe me." she said as she got up.

"Oh Ashley! Thank you thank you thank you." She said as she hugged Ashley while jumping up and down on the balls of her feet.

"Now let's get your outfit on and get your mom to get your makeup done!" Tina said so fast that Ashley didn't quite catch it all.

The show was a huge success as Ashley Bash in her khaki pink skirt and Tina Extrema danced away beside the live band on opposite sides of the stage like go go girls. Videos of the live performance not caught on video tape were uploaded to youtube even before the first hour of the show was recorded. By the end of the night the total collected for the Wayward Girls Orphanage fund exceeded the goal of $8000 by another three thousand. Both girls were very tired as they left. Ashley in her school uniform again and Tina in her simple t shirt and jeans.

All Ashley wanted to when she got home was crawl into bed but her mother made her take a bath before bed washing off the makeup and her body. She did wash the top part of her head but was too tired to wash the lower part enough. As such she didn't notice that the lower part of her hair was still red giving her the opposite look she normally had. Instead of her hair looking completely natural brown it would look almost dyed brown on the top of her head while the ends retained the her red.

Ashley was laying on her bed ready to fall asleep when her mother entered the room.

"Ashley where did you put the release solution?"

"I never touched it so it's wherever you left it." A very tired Ashley responded.

"Oh dear.." The comment from her mother roused her enough to open both eyes.

"Mom...." Josh said in his voice.

"I think I might have it at work." she admitted sheepishly.

Look I don't need write anything!

I don't care if your starved, tough.

Now lets see which tab did I have open for....

WHAT IS THIS? All my bloody tabs are add story...

Josh tried his best to act normal. However it was tough since she was still in Ashley mode. She had to concentrate hard too not walk with a sway, let alone with her legs spread. For something so darn simple it shouldn't be so tough but it somehow was. He did this almost everyday of the week and yet here she was walking down the school hallway where the absence of the familiar movement between her legs and the slight bounce of her breasts make her think of herself as a girl.

Her breasts were tightly bound down with some foam padding, some medical tape, and further hidden with a bulky hoodie. If they were silicone breasts instead of the foam and gel that she had this would have been near impossible to accomplish. As it was her mother was concerned that her breasts would not resume their normal shape afterwards.

As far as he was concerned they could be shapeless lumps after this. Waking up as Ashley and peeing all over the floor, and himself, was less than fun. She had had to have a quick bath that morning careful to not get her long hair wet as it would have taken far too much time to dry and then style. Besides she had washed it the night before. Her only mistake was putting on some talcum powder when she got out. Her mother's scented talcum powder.

Josh had to make himself think of himself as his normal male self. He was sure that everyone could see the constant fight to remain male. It was like there was a switch in her head that switched back and forth between male and female. One second he was his normal male self and yet the next step she was back to thinking of herself as female.

As he walked into his classroom he had to fight to not hold her books in front of her breasts like the other girls. Sitting down with his legs spread wide open like normal felt wrong on a deep level that he could not put a name too. His few friends, of course, sat around him with one or two greetings. Men did not greet each other like girls did. Normally the other girls would hug or chat for a second or two when greeting. Guys just said hi or bye if they said anything at all. Usually it was just a nod and that was that. He had to fight to not get up to hug his friends.

The morning had been tough as she had gotten dressed in a daze in her lingerie, some of which she still wore, and had put on the school uniform blouse and skirt hanging in her room. Apparently she had two such uniforms. The school tie was left loose and the blazer had felt strange and she made her way into the kitchen. At first her mother had not noticed his attire. It was only when she pointed out he should get changed that he had realized his mistake.

Her mother had helped her to bind down the breasts on his chest. It felt uncomfortable to say the least. His mother had assured her that if her breasts were real they would be quite painful. It was also his mother that pointed out that he had not washed her hair sufficiently enough and that he should make sure to keep it tucked away down his shirt. She assured her mother this shouldn't be a problem as he usually kept it that way at school.

At roll call she had almost forgotten to answer to his name. The teacher had had to ask twice and he had gotten out a 'here' but she had said it with her voice at first clearing his throat causing everyone to laugh at him. He had apologized in his voice but it was almost like he had to strain her voice to do it.

This constant duality was trying on him. She had never had had such a problem keep the different sides of him separate as only Ashley was a girl when needed. Having her parts on at school was causing far more problems than he thought it would be.

By the time his second class rolled around he was getting better at keeping his Ashley side at bay. It required a bit more of his attention span than he had expected. As he walked down the hallways to his next class he looked around at the faces of other kids his age and wondered just how many, if any, of them had a similar problem. Not because of them playing a part such as he did, but because some of them were those trans people. The experience was giving him a new insight into those who had this battle on a daily basis.

If it required this much concentration for him to remain in his normal mode just how much did it require of them? He could at least get home and change out of his parts and it would be so much easier for him but what of those people who couldn't? What surprised him more was that he had never given it much though before. It was strange as people should see this but everyone was completely oblivious to it. Still he was glad it was only a half day at school.

So lost in his thoughts was Joshua that he completely failed to notice a commotion at the far end of the hallway as he stepped into his class.

Tandy cussed and swore at the traffic as she tried to get to her son's school. It seemed that traffic was just being stupid.

She had gone into work as soon as she could get there. She was still a little surprised by finding her daughter at home last night, a bit with bad makeup which was still better than her own first try so long ago. Still she hadn't needed to try get her son to be her, she had done it all on her own. She loved her son with all her heart but still having a daughter to share her experiences with was different. She had gotten that special feeling last night when she was showing Ashley how to do makeup.

She remembered that feeling well. The first time was a long time ago when she was watching her much older cousin doing her makeup for a date. Tandy had been maybe ten at the time while Betty had been almost seventeen. She just watched fascinated as she worked at it. She was trying a new technique on her face that turned out really well. Betty looked different but it wasn't that. It was the feeling of joy she got from watching Betty learn the art.

Perhaps it was that incident that had gotten her so fascinated with makeup and its effects on peoples faces. She had tutored people in college and helped in the theater but, while she did get some of that special feeling it wasn't quite the same.

Last night she had the full feeling watching Ashley watch her put on her makeup. Before Josh had watched but not like this. She could feel her learning.

"Asshole! Use your stupid turn signals!"

This morning at work she had gone to fetch the solvent first thing. It was in the bag she had left at work which contained her "Kit". What surprised her was that the place was unusually quiet as she came out. Usually Jed or Brad, the camera guys, would make joke passes at her. This morning they were silent.

She should have known something was up as Alex approached with a sheepish look on his face.

"Tandy, I'm afraid we might have a problem. Tina signed out the van this morning done up as Tina Extrema." He had said.

" Yeah so? " she didn't get the problem the twit had done this before. The girl would cover some park event or something. It was unusual that she hadn't had her to do the makeup though.

" I think she is going after Ashley." His words dropped like a bomb on her. She was surprised she didn't faint at the time.

How the twit had figured out that Ashley was her daughter was beyond her. What is worse is that the only child she had listed was Josh and his school.

Alex was busy calling in a favor from his cousin who was headmistress at Sister Margrette's. The plan sounded sound however this blasted traffic was pissing her off. Still she had time to get there as Alex had convinced Buddy to take the long route. If he did they should arrive just before the school broke for lunch. She wouldn't have much time at this rate. Having to go home for a few pieces and Josh's locker combination didn't help.

Josh was trying hard to listen to his friends talk about their latest exploits in THE World of Warcraft. He had played it a few times but his mother was rather insistent that he not play games for long periods of time. Wow, as it was called shortened, was a game that took massive amounts of time to get anywhere. Even on the pirate servers that his friend John was currently explaining. It was a good thing this was the last class of the day and their teacher was just letting everyone chat. When it got too loud Mr. Arms would use a thick wooden rod and slap the desk. He had never used it on any student. Desks however were a different story.

It got ones attention really well. Nobody slept in Mr. Arms class. He was a good teacher if a bit old. Geometry was his passion, the rest of the mathematics he wasn't so fond of but he did have some neat tricks that sunk in on even the densest person.

Josh had tried to not speak to much. He just grunted or nodded for the most part. He had found that he had trouble speaking properly today. Speaking monotone was not really an option as it made her sound fake, like a girl trying to sound like a guy, yet to speak normally his voice would go all musical even if she was trying hard to talk in his normal tone.

Even little things like smiling, which one takes for granted, was different. It was like his face muscles were all wrong. Still he knew that there was very little time left and he could go home, and when his mom got home, remove Ashley's parts from his body. He longed for the time when he could be herself. She turned and looked at one of the other girl's in her class and wondered how she would look in that outfit. Catching himself again he turned around to pay more attention to John.

Josh's back was to the door of the classroom, listening to John talk about his latest worgen palladin's something or another when she felt a vibration in her backpack. She hadn't even realized that she had pulled it up. Normally Josh didn't carry a phone. Only Ashley did, something her mother had panicked about when she first came out. He wasn't suppose to use it, however it was vibrating so he discretely pulled out the pink phone without letting anyone see it. On the screen, after unlocking it, he saw a simple text from his mom.

"Just go with it. I'll explain later."

He was so busying looking down in his bag away from the door that he didn't see as Tina Extrema made her grand entrance into his classroom. He only turned around when he felt his hair being pulled out of his oversized hoody.

She knew without looking that her red curls were now on display for all to see. Still she turned around ready to scratch out their eyes with her fingernails and stopped with her mouth gaped open staring at a Tina not a foot away.

Tina reached over and pulled out the front of her hoodie giving Tina a clear view down the front of her hoodie. She knew what Tina saw. A girls breasts bound up. That plus her rather flat crotch, even though her knees had closed of their own accord, didn't help her picture any. Looking into Tina's eyes she knew..

"Hi Ashley!" She said in a simple low tone voice with a smug grin on her face.

Ashley struggled to come up with an explanation from her suddenly empty brain.

"Ashley Dawn Appleton Greer! What are you doing dressed up like your brother, and where in pray tell is he?" Her mother called out rather loudly from just back at the classroom door. Peering around Tina she saw her mother wink at her just a little.

"Mother! I can explain..." It was the only choice.

Ashley was standing in just her panties and bra while her mother was being rather overly happy with her idea for Ashley's costume.

"No! I have a perfectly good costume in my room!" Indeed since the fallout of Ashley's exposure as Joshua's twin sister at school three weeks ago he had lots and lots of help from 'friends' getting his costume ready. The costume started off as a generic plastic Ironman costume available at most retail outlets. Since then, with friends help all wanting to get a glimpse of Ashley, the costume had been modified and built up. The hands didn't just have a white spot painted on but LED lighting behind them, the chest reactor was now the original round one and not the triangle one. It had taken them a bit to get it looking like a real one via plans from the internet.

The plan was simple Josh was going to go to the costume dance as himself in an ironman costume. Simple right.

"Ashley you know that this event is for charity. Now put on this slip so we can put on the petticoat."

"I'll look like a daddy's girl!"

"Exactly!"

"Mother!"

The weeks since the excapade at the school had been trying for Josh. While he enjoyed the attention he got from people who were sure he was not Ashley but her brother, there was a major downside to it as well. This also meant that Ashley Greer had to be scene going to and from school. The way this was accomplished was that Ashley would show up on weekends at the Sister Margrette's and attend classes on Saturday. Ashley was now listed as a part time student. Basically she would do most of her classes from home during the week and attend school on Saturday's.

Nobody really thought this was strange since there was many girls that did this. Add in Ashley's fame and it was kind of understandable that she was a busy girl. Indeed she or rather he was. Having a double course load of schooling to take, even with his mom's help, took alot out of him. They were only keeping this up for as long as Ashley had to be around.

Alex was working on trying to get Ashley to fade away behind the scenes but Extreme Bash was turning out to be quite popular. Indeed the ratings on the show, as well as sponsors signing up for the right to display the girls, were lining up for the tween sensation. Tina and Ashley had already modeled a few Asian dresses for a local clothing store that quickly sold out of the outfits the girls had modeled on the one Extreme Bash show.

As far as his school was concerned Joshua was active, very active in the motocross scene. Indeed he had missed school a few days to attend meets. In reality it was those days that Ashley was around for the show. Alex, Tanya and Josh all knew nobody could keep up such a pace. Josh desperatly wanted to end his times as Ashley and yet...

"Oh come on sweetie. It's not that bad. See the blouse and skirt fit you perfectly!"

Ashley turned to the mirror in her mothers room and looked at herself in the mirror. Her waist was compressed by a new and tighter cincher to give her a smaller waist. She wore a white blouse whose short sleeves were puffy looking. The regular lapels didn't show that much as the blouse buttoned up right to the neck. Strangely the neckline didn't choke her like the boy's dress shirt did.

The blouse was tucked into a pink poodle skirt, with her trademark picture imprinted on it on one side, that fit her like a glove at the waist and made her waist look even smaller than it really was. On the bed was a 50's era style sweater, in pink, that would go over the blouse.

"But I wanted to be Ironman for Halloween!"

"That's nice dear. However, as you know full well, Joshua is going to be with the sponsers for his next meet so he can't be in two places as once." How they found a guy that looks a lot like him, abit with a deeper voice, was beyond her. All it took was a sweet Ashley ask and cheek kiss and 'Joshua' was seen around at various meets with sponsors. The guy couldn't ride worth crap though. Josh so wanted to be out flying or even clunking around in his costume.

"Here Ashley sit down on the bed and put on these socks."

"Bobby socks with pompom's? Really?"

"Yep! Aren't they so cute?"

"Whatever." Ashley sighed as it was apparent she wasn't getting out of this.

Ashley knew that the girls at her school, and at his school as well, were going in variations of Ashley and Tina costumes or thereabouts. Some were going as princess versions, others as comic book characters but with Ashley or Tina hints to them. Really it was kind of over the top. Everyone wanted to go as they thought either of them would dress up as for Halloween.

In point of fact Tina, with her blonde hair, was going as Olivia Newton John's character Sandy at the the end of Grease. While Ashley got to go as the typical girly girl of the 1950's with the whole Daddy's girl look. Her red hair with it's mass of curls as held behind her head with a white overly large hair clip. Unlike it's usual semi dark shine this time it was more lustrous. Mostly because this was her hair's real color now. The temp color to return it to normal as Josh was washed out.

Her mother had done that simply because of the amount of time she was spending as a girl lately. The temp dye wasn't that good for the way people were now rubbing her hair or feeling it. Where as Josh his hair was almost always hidden and never touched.

In a way it was depressing at just how much more of a girl she looked lately. The constant wear of the old cincher had changed her shape slightly. So much so that as a boy she had the beginnings of feminine looking hips. Her mother told her she was exaggerating when she mentioned this during one of their mother daughter outings.

Since the exposure of Ashley she and her mother had been going out to malls to do some shopping for more regular girl's wear. This prompted quite a few signings of autographs. While her mother was in heaven having a daughter to dote on she was of mixed feelings. Being her mother's daughter part time was nice in a way but she still preferred to be male most of the time.

The local paper had run a small history of Ashley, courtesy of some of Alex's friends, and one she had to memorize. It was like Ashley was a real person. There was pictures, god knows where they came from, of her as a little girl in Christmas pageants and gymnastics. Worse yet there was people claiming they had gone to school with her in elementary before her parents had pulled her out of public school. There was even a picture of a grown up Ashley in a pretty dress in blue sitting on her father's knee beside her mother while Joshua was standing in the background as a family portrait downstairs.

"Here Ashley let me touch up that black around your eye."

The black star around her eye was a recent addition. With the exposure of 'Ashley the schoolgirl', and there were far to many pictures floating around of her in her school uniform, it was decided that her previous look was not that much different from her now normal daytime makeup. Thus they introduced this new eight pointed start, in black, around her eye. There was four long points going straight up and down and across her nose and four smaller ones diagonal.

Of course the fans absolutely loved it. Many girls had been told to wash off the makeup at school when they tried to copy it. Even Tina hated it at first, but as soon as the fans loved it, adopted a look of her own. Tina now sported a red fox over her own eye. And yep the fans loved it.

"Oh I'm so proud of how my daughter looks tonight!" her mother had tears in her eyes.

"Mother!"

"You have made me the happiest mother around Ashley. I can't thank you enough for that. But..." and here she paused as her face went to a more serious look" I will find a way for you to be you again Josh."

"I know mom." she said with love. Strangely she still had a really hard time lately doing her Josh voice as a girl.

She knew she wasn't a girl. Yet when she was a girl it was like she was the best girl she could be. Where it came from neither she nor her new therapist could answer that yet. Her mother had thought it best to bring her to a therapist after she had dressed as a girl on her own accord. At first the therapist was all gung ho for her to go on hormone medication and the whole trans thing. It had taken more than a few sessions to get her to realize that it was the wrong course to take.

Her therapist still believed that Ashley was more of a real personification of who she was than Josh was but was currently thinking that she needed time to come to this realization herself. Personally she thought she was a quack. He was a boy and nothing would ever change that. Being Ashley was only a temporary thing. Her mother was looking for a new therapist.

She grabbed her sweater and put it on like her mother had shown her earlier. Only the top button of the sweater was done up while the rest was left open. She didn't even put her arms into the sleeves. Really the whole look when she looked in the mirror reminded her of her grandma.

"Grab your purse Ashley it's time to go."

"Yes mother"

"Oh don't be a spoils sport. You'll have fun sweetie trust me it's only for a few hours."

"OH No! Not the few again!"

"Okay four hours tops."

"You know how I feel about the 'few' thing! Ashley was only supposed to be around for a few days. Look at me!" Ashley spread her arms to emphasize her point.

"Sorry honey it... got out of hand."

"You think!"

"I'll make it up..."

"Yeah right! Like you made it up to me by letting some smuck ride my new bike around as me..."

"Honey I explained that already. Boys are not looked at as closely as girls. It was easier to find someone to pose as Josh than someone to be you. Face it Ashley. Your unique as a girl."

"Fine! Let's get to this farce of a dance."

One of the more recent additions to the house was a small garage that was attached to it, still not quite finished. Alex had gotten some woodworking show to donate most of the work on the garage as part of their program. Ashley had to make an appearance of course, in a pair of denim jeans and a colorfully painted 'old paint stained' t shirt that put her cleavage on display. More than a few of the younger guys had hammered their hands during the shoot of the garage going up.

The smell of the new wood still permeated the garage as they locked up the house and got into the Focus. The shoot and garage had all been done over a weekend. They had come by during the week and poured the cement pad and driveway to the house. She had no idea what the cost was but she was told it was covered. Serving the boys pizza, even if it was take out placed into paper plates, had felt so demeaning. For the camera Ashley was seen sawing wood with a guy patiently showing her how. In reality she knew full well how to saw a board and the ass had fast hands.

Still it was a place she could enter the car and leave the house with out any of the paparazzi people exposing her outfit before she showed up at the dance. The dance was really a fundraiser for the local Canadian Legion, where it was held. The Canadian Legion are places were veterans go for meals mostly but it was also a bingo hall and a school of sorts for those veterans looking for ways to renter general population.

The best way to think of them as a whole was a place devoted to WWII Veterans and their history of that time. At least that was the way she thought of them. Her mother had already volunteered her to spend a few weekends, in her school uniform after classes, selling poppys at a local grocery store.

In this case, the legion happened to be only three blocks from her house so the drive was short. A side entrance via a blocked off area that was actually on a neighboring food supply property, was where they were going. As the car approached they saw that the street was already packed. And that people were recognizing the car as some came up and tried to look in. Thankfully the dark of the night combined with street lights made that impossible.

Ashley turned to her mom as a though occured to her.

"Can I get my own car?"

Shaken and shocked at how totally out of left field the question came Tandy turned to look at her daughter, a daughter she was seeing her own counselor for.

"What?"

"Well a focus isn't your typical uh person of fame car you know."

"Yes..."

"And I was thinking that it might be a good idea for me to get my own car..."

"When your sixteen we will discuss this."

"But mother.."

"Don't 'but mother' me young lady. I was a young girl once too that wont work on me. The answer is not till your sixteen and that's final."

The dance was in full swing when Ashley walked into the side entrance. The swish of the petticoat under her skirt was driving her mad. With every movement she knew she was a girl, the petticoat didn't let her think of herself in any other way.

Usually when she walked in to a dance she was all hip swinging ready to dance or host a show. Today she was almost shy in the way she moved. She didn't understand it, it was almost like the simple act of dressing more like a daddy's girl had changed the way she was and that was just not possible.

The hallway past the kitchen was really not that long, and yet it seemed to take forever for her to pass down it. All along the hallway was cables duct taped to the floor. If she had been wearing her regular heels she would have surely stumbled over one of them as they were not neatly done.

Even walking with the pom pom socks that gently tickled her feet let her know she was a girl. She knew she wasn't totally dressed as a fifties girl, mostly because her mother couldn't find the right bra in her size. She almost dreaded what the boys would have done if her breasts were in a conical shape. In a way she was glad as the thought of squeezing her breasts into such a garment would have probably been painful.

Ashley paused in her walk to the makeshift stage up ahead. Her breasts were not real! Why did she suddenly think it would be painful as if they were? It was just a lump of gel, foam and silicone. Same as her vagi gaff. And yet a part of her had assumed they were a real part of her. Perhaps she had been dressing as a girl far to much lately. She resolved to spend a few days as herself on her bike doing some laps, getting filthy and overall having fun.

The sudden longing to be flying overcame her and brought her to the edge of tears as she stood in the hallway till her mother came up behind her.

"Ashley is everything alright sweetie?" her mother asked from behind her. Turning around with her trademark smile on her face she beamed at her mother in hopes of covering up her internal turmoil.

"Just fine mummie!"

Her mother crouched down a bit to her height and put her hands on her shoulders.

"Are you sure your alright?"from the concern in her mothers eyes she knew she hadn't fooled her mother for a second.

"I... just need some Josh time after this." she said quietly. Well as quietly as she could with a loud band playing in the background.

"I understand."

"Really?" she asked with a puzzled look on her face.

"Well no. Not really understand but I can understand the need to get away and be yourself once and awhile."

"Uh..." she wasn't sure she understood that last one.

"Ready to put your best on for the crowd?" her mother asked one last time.

And she was. Ashley Bash stepped out of the hallway on a straight line for the stage in her fifties costume and the crowd of teens recognized her and her costume instantly. Tina was already on stage in her all black costume of tight black pants with two inch heels, a wide open neckline top with a lapel running along the edge of the wide deep V. Her blond hair was up in a mass of curls. The top wasn't an exact match for the Sandy look from Grease having no sleeves at all. But was fairly close.

As she looked over the crowd while stepping up the one step onto the stage she saw many different costumes. There was Sailor Moons, Black Widows, Pepper Potts, Harry Potters aka Hermine Granger outfits for girls, a couple she was sure were from the Twilight movies. Even one in a dress very much like what Jodie Foster wore in the Maverick Movie. All the girls wore either her star or Tina's fox. As she looked over the crowd she was sure that one or two of the girls were actually boys from her school.

There was princesses galore, cosplay anime characters, even one dressed as Ranma from Ranma 1/2 with half his hair done in Red while the other was black with one boob under his red Asian top. There was at least one Ironman which made her pang for her Ironman outfit at home. Two Thor's, a green lantern, Captain America and a set of kids done up as the fantastic four.

Really the small hall was actually quite packed. On the stage where she was, was a group of local musicians signing and playing fifties style music, much of it remixed to bring it to a modern age. The group of girls were something of a local cover band that had some fame lately. The one girl, called Sailor D, was a prodigy on a guitar. She acked to actually interview this group but, like any other reporter, she had no success in getting one. The group seemed to just appear and disappear. Indeed as Ashley looked on the girl with the pink guitar that glowed as she played had her eyes closed. You could tell the girl was lost to the music completely. Then again so was a few other members of the band.

The only one of the band that seemed more with it was the one belting out vocals. She was doing pretty good, especially when you consider that the songs she was singing were originally done by men. The rest of the band was doing fairly well however it was Sailor D that seemed to be leading them all on.

As soon as Ashley got up on the stage and faced the crowd a chant of "Ashley" went up to greet her causing her to blush. She gave a little finger wave to the crowd. She stepped up to the old fashioned square microphone. It took a minute or two before Sailor D realized she should stop which caused more than a few giggles.

"Thank you all for coming. Our little fundraiser for the Royal Canadian Legion is to help raise funds for our honored veterans." she blushed again for some reason before Tina took over explaining a little more about the history of the legion.

Usually they stayed on the stage instead of mingling with the crowd. However this crowd seemed a little more behaved and well she wanted to dance. Tina stood on the stage as Ashley stepped down and put her hand into the one veteran that had held out his hand to dance with her. The crowd gave her and the older gentleman dressed in his old uniform, probably from the Vietnam days, a wide open space on the floor. The Sailor Stars started up by playing Rock around the Clock. It was a fast tune and it took her concentration to follow the old man who seemed to know this song really well.

Her skirt flew up more than once but thankfully never exposing much. As she was dancing other couples joined in. Tina danced with another veteran, a younger one this time, and winked at her as she danced by. She even saw her mother come by once while she danced.

With the precedent set Ashley spent the rest of the night on the floor dancing away and overall enjoying herself. She never lacked for dance partners, indeed it was actually hard for her to stop dancing enough to get some punch.

Not all of the songs were oldies from the fifties. There was quite a few eighties songs. The Sailor Stars were really good overall and switched playing out only once to take a break. During that time they mingled a little with Tina while Ashley was dancing with one of the Thor's again.

The Thor in question was really a football captain from her, well his school. Mitchel Edwards was a local all star. He played on many of the school and local community teams even if he made it quite clear he was looking for a non athletic future. Most of the girls considered him the catch to land. Ashley had never really noticed but Mitchel was really well muscled. He usually hid them under hoodies similar to what Josh normally wore.

Inevitably, like most dances, a slow song came on. Mitchel was of course dancing with her as it changed. He pulled her in close for the dance. As he did so she felt safe in his arms. She didn't know why this was as she should be totally repulsed. As the dance went on she relaxed more and more and even put her head onto his shoulder.

By the end of the song she was so relaxed she almost felt comfortable enough to fall asleep where she was. Her eyes were closed as the song ended. She felt him gently, ever so gently, raise her head just a little and before she knew it she was being kissed. His warm lips felt so good on her lips.

Ashley's eyes flew open just as he finished kissing her. She raised her hands to her lips as the shock of what happened hit her.

"What have you done?" She cried into the sudden silence of the room.

"Well I gave you a kiss for being such a pretty dance partner as thanks." he said after a bit of squirming.

"Oh My God!" she cried before she had to run from the room past her startled mother. Ashley did not notice that tears were running down her face.

Mitchel was left standing in the middle of the room with quite a few people staring at him.

"What did I do?" he asked into the silence left by the girl he had just kissed.

With a shrug her mother followed her fast moving daughter past a very puzzled looking Alex who had just walked in the side door looking for all the while like a greaser.

In truth Alex had come trying to look like the Fonzy from Happy Days, a favorite program of his from years ago. What he did not expect to see was a daddy's girl from the fifties run past bawling her eyes out. It was only when he saw Tandy Appleton following behind the girl with a shrug for him that he realized that the girl was in fact Ashley. Tandy still looked so good to his eyes. But she was not available for another year.

When he turned around to watch the two he realized that he had not thought of Ashley as anything but a girl for some time. Shaking his head he wondered if he should maybe see a therapist.

Ashley was waiting by the focus unable to stop the tears from flowing as her mother caught up with her. At first Ashley just hugged herself before she turned and barreled into her mothers arms.

"Take me home." She said while buried into her mother's breasts.

Her mother hugged her daughter and looked back at the dance and then her watch. It was getting close to ten, past time for the usual hosting Ashley had done thus far. Still the dance was not over and it was a Friday night.

"Are you sure you don't want.." Tandy started to ask Ashley.

"NO! I just wanna go home. Please."

Her mother just nodded even though she couldn't see it.

The drive home was not long. Ashley couldn't quite seem to stop her sniffling. She knew her face was a mess but she really didn't care. As soon as the Focus had parked in the garage she quickly got out of the car and rushed inside up to her room. Once in her room she flopped down on her bed and bawled her eyes out.

Tandy followed her not too long after. If Ashley had looked up from her blanket she would have seen her mother stand in the doorway torn between comforting her daughter or son. Tandy knew in her heart that at that very moment the bawling girl was clearly her daughter. A daughter that should be her son but all she was a heart broken girl. Unable to make a decision she sat down beside her daughter and petted her hair.

After all no matter what this was her child. A child she loved with her whole heart.

I can't believe I'm doing this.

After Friday's performance I had asked Kim to remove the forms and hair things. She just looked at me funny and asked me why since I was gonna wear them again anyways. Seems nobody told me that the play was on for four days. Two shows on Saturday, two on Sunday and a final one tonight.

Sleeping with boobs is ...not fun. If I wasn't exhausted I would probably have had insomnia by now. Saturday's showing was if anything more popular than Friday's. Mr. Sams the production manager/director/school teacher from drama department made sure to get me to sing the ballroom scene just like Friday's accident.

Some idiot on Friday soaked the machine with cola and it blew a breaker killing the sound system. Our band has had to rush to learn all the pieces for the production instead of just a few. One of the stage girls said it was my fault for being so drop dead beautiful. I laughed and told her no guy would even like a guy like me dressed like a girl. When I look in the mirror I sure as heck don't see a girl.

Still I was kinda proud of the way I have done most of the shows. I did miss a few lines on Friday after that idiot kissed me. Oh that, well you see the final part of the play has me being seen kissing, or so the audience was to believe, our lead prince/beast Jason. Don't get me wrong he isn't ugly or anything I just don't swing that way. My sister is kinda crushing on him big time though.

Anyways he was to grab me for the final kiss and the curtain was to close on us prepping for the final scene of marriage and how the kingdom released from curse and all that where Belle says a few words here and there. Then we all take a bow and that's it. Well the curtain didn't close and I got kissed. Deeply kissed by that that... asshole!

I mean really what did he ... Grrr! It still pisses me off! I spent a fair amount of time and toothpaste that night at home washing out my mouth.

Jason of course grinned like an idiot at me the whole time while I was struggling to not deck him. Mr. Sams wanted us to repeat it. I literally put my foot down, and through the floor. Weak plywood, got my point across though. I may sorta look like Belle but I'm not, I'm a guy and damn proud of it!

My sister got to see our performance from the news Saturday night. Apparently someone sneaked in a really good video recorder so I was displayed being Belle for everyone who watched the local news to see. Samantha is tickled pink at having a famous sister. The worst part for me is that the dolt on TV reported that I ... well you see.. Oh hell his exact words were." What really makes this performance so unusual is that Belle is really played by Belle Thorn a young transsexual who has hastened her transition from Bill, her birth name to the lovely young lady she is all to help her older sister Samantha Thorn. Samantha Thorn was injured..."

Me a transsexual, like get serious! No way do I want to lose any part of my maleness no way no how I'd kill myself first. I remember looking to mom and seeing her face bone white while dad was laughing his head off. Actually he wasn't entirely laughing as he was crying at the same time. He eventually stopped got up and left the house. I saw him the next morning with a very bad hangover hugging the toilet. He never made it to church.

I should mention that Sunday church was not a good time for me. With what happened in the news and such I made sure to dress as much like a boy as possible. Mom said I looked like a girl in her brothers clothing and made me change into something more androgynous. I wore my sister’s slacks that zipped in the back, her flat black shoes, and a white sleeveless sweater. Okay so not that androgynous but it was as close as my sisters wardrobe would allow. My clothes tended to the baggy grudge look or my one good suit. I had tried the suit at first it didn't work. I flatly refused to put on a dress or skirt.

I want to say that at the church we go to there is something of a dress code. All women, and girls, wear dresses as a rule. Men can get away with golf shirts and dress pants but most wear a nice suit. So into this mix walks little ole me the supposed transsexual. I'm male so I should wear pants but the looks we got were deadly to say the least. After the service was the usual reception out back where mom tried valiantly to explain the mistake on the news, the minister's wife actually took me aside at one point to a group of older ladies.

Now this is something I have never encountered before and gods help me never want to encounter again. The group of older ladies, along with the minister's wife, grilled me alive. I was told in no uncertain terms that as a woman I was expected to arrive next weekend dressed appropriately as a proper young lady in a suitable dress. Actually not just suitable but, "a proper white virgin dress of a young lady for confirmation." In other words, one of those lacy things with the lace gloves and all that, so I could be reconfirmed as a daughter of the church.

Of course I apologized and politely agreed to their terms. Not! I told them they were all bugging nuts! I was only doing this as part of a play to help out my sister. I ended up screaming out loud, loudly enough for everyone to hear, that I was not and would not be a girl, I was a guy. I may have put in some light cuss words. This earned me a trip outside by my ears. Both of them, Old ladies are really not the best people to piss off. I was made to wait standing in front of the statue of the Virgin Mary till my mom was allowed to come rescue me.

When she did she was visibly upset. I somehow don't think we will be going back to that church anytime soon. After church we did go to visit my sister in the hospital. Word had gotten back to her of what had happened in the church. She was vastly amused! However it was just my luck that some little girl in a wheelchair insisted on seeing me. It was obvious that she was in pain and with the bald head not quite covered by some wig she was still overjoyed to see Belle. I'm not that much of a bad guy really and soon found myself in the children's wing singing that song to the girls. I actually cried at how happy they were. It was a very touching moment and my little acting skit along with my singing was all it took to brighten these poor little girls from their gloom.

Heck even Mom and my Sister, who is now almost ready to leave the hospital as she can get around in a wheelchair, were openly weeping. My sister is not in shape to do a duet with me yet but maybe by next weekend she will be.

That afternoon the play was not as popular as it was Saturday. Don't get me wrong there was lots of people there it’s just that my stunt in the church had toned down a fair amount of people's attitudes towards me. There was also the disturbing part of the other half believing I was a young trans-woman transitioning.

Last night at 6 pm before the 7 pm showing however the news was on and once again I made a splash. "Although she is still in denial and scared to show her true colors in church yet. Young Belle made a huge difference at the hospital wing today as she sang beautifully to the children. For some of these children it may be their last happy memory and to this we give our thanks. Thank you Belle for being a Princess to my Daughter."

Dad had another bad hangover this morning and Mom put some blankets over him by the toilet. Thankfully we have three bathrooms. Mom said she and dad, when he was functional, would go to the solicitor’s office to see about any legal repercussions. I am of mixed thoughts. While the news guy was jumping the gun calling me a transsexual my heart still goes out to him and his sick daughter. I think Mom feels the same way but he still is making my life more than a bit difficult.

Today I'm still in the corset, for the very last day although its loose but I'm not gonna tell mom that, and will be free of "Belle" tonight. Mom came in with me to the office to explain the situation to the school but we got a bit of a surprise when we were told that the roster already had my name as Belle. It kinda stopped us both when the Principle asked us to bring in a doctors letter stating my need to transition and a formal declaration of gender identity disorder along with any legal information regarding such. I was told to use the unisex washrooms or staff washrooms to avoid problems. While this is good it does cause yet another problem. I'm not a transsexual and will not have such a letter. I tried to explain it was for the play but apparently even the Superintendent had seen the news.

I should mention I'm in jeans and a hoodie. No it’s not my sisters although I'm wearing her bra the rest is mine. It just sorta looks like a girl is all. So far today many of the girls have been surprisingly very friendly. That is a good thing for me and a bad thing. My little guy has been standing at attention a lot today. Unfortunately though, the guys are a different story. I'm being viewed as meat. Some have made it known to me in no uncertain terms that they .... Well freak was one of the nicest words they mentioned, so I was dead meat. The others are undressing me with their eyes which creeps me out majorly.

The things I do for my sister! Going into a cafeteria looking and apparently being more than accepted by some, as a girl. In eight hours Belle will make her last appearance and I go back to being Bill. I can't wait!

Comments please.

"I can't believe I'm doing this!"

How many 15 year old boys accompany their moms shopping for new bras for him to wear since he is gonna be wearing them for a bit again. Mom is getting a bit too enthusiastic about it though. She is now picking out lacy bra and panty sets.

"Mom"

"Oh just look at this one Belle it will look so cute on you don't you think."

"Mom"

"Oh and this one would look just great under a nice dress and make you feel just sexy.

"MOM!" That finally got her attention. Along with a few other women with their daughters in tow also shopping. I'm now being giggled at by a few girls.

"I'm sorry honey. I got carried away. You make such a convincing girl it's hard not to." mom said after putting down said items and she had her hand on my soft and smooth cheek. The hand felt so nice. Mom always had such soft hands that just her touch always calmed me down.

"Oh my GOD! Your Belle that transsexual girl that sang for those poor kids!"this from some young woman. She said it loudly enough that now everybody is staring at mom and myself. Too bad these racks have no hiding spaces I sure could use one right now. I thought for sure I would be attacked for being a boy in the lingerie section but that was not the case. Quite the opposite actually. I got complements on coming out early to help my sister.

I didn't understand that at first and must had an expression on my face as to such. She said coming out of the closet as a girl. The others agreed, I was a very brave girl for doing so. Then it sank in. These total strangers really believed I was a girl or at least a transgirl.

"Mooommmm" I was getting a bit freaked out actually. Mom understood and she took me out of the mall as quickly as possible before I lost it. By the time we got into the car I was openly crying hard and if I had had makeup on it would have been totally ruined. Why that thought occurred to me I have no idea but it did which didn't help my tears any.

"Why am I supposed to be a girl? Is there no hope for me to be Bill again?"

"I don't know sweetie."she pulled me into her arms and hugged me with my breasts pushing against her own."you will always be Belle, I mean Bill to me sweetie."

"Even your doing it!"

"I'm so sorry sweetie but at the moment you feel and look like my daughter. You are just so naturally pretty that it is very hard for me to see you as my son. I'll tell you what as soon as that solvent comes and we can remove the forms I'll take you out somewhere just as mother and son okay."

I just nodded it wasn't really her fault as I did look way more like a Belle than a bill at moment. The extensions may be gone but my hair has been styled into a feminine do. The forms however are still stuck to my chest. Last night after the final play was done and we were getting ready to go to the after party Kim came up to me with this horrible look in her eyes.

Somehow the solvent for the forms got lost. She and her mom had searched their house all day for it before going to the shop that loaned out the forms for the school play. The store manager tried to find the solvent for the glue that was used but they were out of stock. A quick phone call told them that a new supply should be here in 2 days barring problems. A second phone call was made to the actual store owner. The forms I'm stuck in are expensive forms, like over $400. The owner was less than thrilled to be called while on his vacation and told the manager that if the forms were not paid for and got damaged someone would be sued for triple. $1500 is a huge cost.

Kim and her mom had offered to pay for the forms but they could not afford the $400 price. They are going to see if they can find a way to come up with some cash to pay for them just in case. I know we are a bit on the broke side. No not that bad but spending that much on a pair of forms is just not in our budget. They are not covered by a clothing clause either so we found out. For now I'm kinda stuck with them and they to me. I just have to take proper care of them for now.

My sister's bras turned out to be a bit too tight so that is why mom and myself were looking at buying a simple plain bra to support, and protect them. Nothing expensive but functional. Mom had convinced me it was best to be there to test the fit to make sure it was right. I wish I had just gone to school.

My original idea was to dress in my hoodie and baggy pants. Mom... well let just say that the skin tight skimpy tee exposing my midriff and the jeans that are way to tight in the crotch are not my idea. Mom kinda went overboard when she saw what I was gonna wear. I am NOT wearing panties thank you very much. The panty girdle is not that much of a panty. It does fill out the hips and butt area and leaves my crotch a bit to ...flat for my taste. Don't worry in the car is a change of clothes. We only got the morning off to do a bit of emergency shopping. Well that and we are visiting my doctor to see if he can safely remove these these... things.

We pull into the parking lot of a smaller store. Mom says this is a good place for lingerie. I'm thinking it's like wall to wall girlland and I try to root myself to the doorstep. Did I mention I'm a wimp before? Well guess who got pulled in easily enough?

"Sally! It's been so long! Come here you. Let me look at you ...Hmm put on a few pounds I see don't worry we have this shaper that will flatten out that in no time here go try this on." This worldwind of a woman pretty much accost's mom as we enter the store with some tube like garment and a small push towards the back of the store.

"And you must be the Belle I have heard so much about " Oh shit! " So glad you joined the fair side my dear. Hmm lets have a look at you. Not bad shape quite cute actually. Hmm a panty girdle but with a waist like that you would hardly need the padding." I try to escape via the front door but I am pulled back by the waist of the jeans I'm wearing.

"Oh yes you have lots of room in the waist!" I do? These things are tight what does she mean by lots of room? Mom is walking towards the back in a sort of daze just staring at the tube like garment she is carrying.

"MOM" as in plea for help. Save me please! Shoot this lady! Tell her I'm really a boy in a spot of bad luck for a few days!

"Oh sorry Belle. Edna we are here to get her a plain simple bra that will protect her.. I mean him for a few days."

"Nonsense, pretty teen girls like her don't want drab old plain bras they want pretty feminine things just like these over here. They are imported from China and made of the finest..." and off she went. We eventually exitted the store $200 dollars poorer with the both of us in a bit of a daze. I was now the proud owner of 5 sets of satin and silk bikini panties, with a bit extra to err surpress my male bits, and seven lacy bras. Mom did not get off lightly either. She now has two matched sets and 3 shapers. Today's bonus gift was a set of silk camisole and half slips for the both of us. I'm also now wearing a black skirt over the slip the same top as before. No panty girdle and I'm not entirely sure where my old running shoes went.

As we got to the car mom stopped me and made me sit, knees together and then slide my legs in. Well I knocked my ankle but good on the car door sill but I didn't give anyone a show of my new underwear. When we finally got in and drove away I turned to mom.

"Mom what just happened?" I was in a bit of a shock that it happened at all. Worse I was a part of it. I vaguely recalled agreeing to the prettiness of the colors and fabric at one point.

"Edna...can be a bit overwhelming. I'm so sorry Bill I never thought she would do that to us. She was a bit pushy before but never like this with your sister." she said this to the steering wheel not once looking at me. This is a bad sign meaning she is way more embarrassed than she let on. I tried to reach into the back seat for my bag with my change of clothes but all I felt was the bags we had just gotten and couldn't seem to find it. Having little choice I sat in my seat on the way to the doctor's appointment. I would just have to wait till we got there to change out of this costume.

The car ride was boring but mercifully short. Finding some parking turned out to be a bit of a chore. We circled the block a few times before I spotted a parking spot opening up. Mom is not the best parallel parker. While she was busy maneuvering the car back and forth to park next to the curb I got out and fed the machine enough coins for an hour and a half. Took the printed ticket and the recipe back to the car to give my mom as she was just getting out locking the doors. It was only as we walked away and I felt the breeze on my legs that I realized I was going to my doctors for the first time ever in a skirt.

For a one time help for my sister for a play I sure seem to have a hard time trying to return to being Bill.

"I can't believe I'm... Ohh forget it!"

Yes I'm sitting in a doctor's office filled with people, some of who I know from school, that seem to enjoy my predicament. Okay the boys are just looking at me funny while the girls are half smiling half sneering at me. Getting a date after all this is gonna be an exercise in pain.

The way to tight top showing off my new lingerie, at least it feels that way, and the black flary skirt... What did mom call it something like inline? Anyways the blasted skirt is not helping. I wish I had gotten my school bag and gotten changed before the appointment. My baggy jeans, tshirt and flannel would be way better than this skimpy thing. Warmer too, the waiting room is like ice cold. I even complained as much to mom she just replied to get used to it as a price of beauty and continued reading her cosmo magazine.

I really wonder where waiting rooms get their reading material from. Town and country houses? Vogue? Cosmopolitan? Reader's digest? I mean really who reads these things like ever? The Reader's digest are all about 7 years old and yes I read all of them before. I wanted a Gamers, Hotrod, Mopar muscle or something at least vaguely boyish you know! Just once I would like that but noo I get stuck with a choice of kiddy books or Town and Country houses. I just won't touch a girly magazine.

Even the Town and Country I picked is about "How to decorate your house with $20" It is obviously aimed at women. How can I tell? Well the opening line of "That's right ladies! You can too!" is a bit of a giveaway. I was about to put it back when mom put her hand on my knee which is under the skirt right next to the other one and I'm trying to not give all the guys a show of my light pink lacy panties. I'm so embarrassed! It was a sign from her to stop my fidgeting.

"Belle Thorne?" announces the nurse. She could have at least called me Bill!

The look on my doctor's face the entire time we explained what had happened was cute. He openly laughed a few times, I tried to pout but I giggled instead. He did some checking of the forms on my chest and was surprised they were not real he said they were very convincing. He did try a few small tests of some medical adhesive solvents he had but they remained stuck. He admitted that use of glue vs stitches was still very new so he didn't have all of them. After a call to the pharmacy though he found out they did have something that would work, without eating the forms. It just takes about 40 minutes to work and then they would come off. Not really enough time for me to do that before mom returns me to school today.

The pharmacist was a little puzzled when she saw who it was picking up a prescription. She said she did not seem to have my prescription for estrogen and spirolactone on hand. She apologized that it was not ready for me and would fax my doctor for a request to fill it. Which I found really strange since the pharmacy is right next door to the doctor's office. She did have the prescription for the solvent though. Maybe one day I will found out what she meant by estrogen and spirolactone. I asked mom and she said that estrogen was what women had. She said it was like birth control pills. I just about turned around to correct the pharmacist but didn't. I wasn't a girl and I sure didn't need birth control pills!

The drive to school wasn't that long and I was bothered by the pharmacist wanting to give me the birth control pills. We were about a block away when I yelled "STOP" to mom. There was no way I was going to go to school dressed as I was!

"Belle your being silly! You look perfectly fine."I could tell she had something on her mind."I'm going to be late for work let's just get you to.."

"Mom I'm Bill remember? Your son!"I interrupted her.

"Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry Belle I forgot you make such a pretty daughter!"

"Moooom!"

"But your quite right. You are my son and should perhaps change to reflect that. Lets pull in here but make it quick I only got the morning off and lunch is almost over."

"I'll be right back no problem"

"Better yet lets both go in you give me those clothes I'll just take them you get changed and walk to school."

"That works." my mom is a great. She and I calmly walked into the ladies washroom at a gas station about a block from school. It was only once I was in the handicapped stall that I realized my err... well error? With these boobs still stuck to me and the only undies I had were pink well I did kinda fit. I handed mom the skirt, top and slip and she handed me a backpack and left before I even had the zipper open.

"WHAT THE F***K!"

I ran out of the stall in just my undies to the bathroom door and peaked outside hoping beyond hope to yell mom down before she drove off. I opened it and saw the car pull into traffic and she was gone. I closed the door and slid down the bathroom door crying. It just wasn't fair. She gave me the wrong backpack! I sniffled for a few minutes before walking back to the stall.

The school right next to our school is a private girls school. We share some of our sports fields with them. It's a very good school but only for the uh smarter girls. They have a err uniform that is a bit. Well its sexy as hell for us boys to look at. The super short pleated plaid skirt, white blouse with puffy sleeves that has open v neck and the pullover sleeveless cardigan school sweater all combined really get my ... motor running. Little Bill would normally get quite excited just watching these girls walk by. For sports they had this tight tennis shirt and skirt combo with frilly panties.

I'm a guy remember! I would spend a long time every other day just girl watching these girls. Some of the guys would tease me about it but my saying 'if the package looks nice no harm in drooling' usually shut them up for awhile.

"This is just not fair! What did I do to deserve this shit?" I was still sat on the closed lid in the handicapped stall trying to figure out how to get out of there without putting on that that.. okay its a uniform but still its..so degrading. What was mom even doing with this in the first place! I know Sam never had the smarts to get in and I sure as hell couldn't! I checked the rest of the bag for any sign of something else. Heck if the gym uniform was in there I would have worn that home if nothing else. School be dammed! Actually...

It really didn't take me all that long to put on the outfit minus the stupid sweater. I figured without the sweater I could at least pass enough to walk a mile home even those these ballerina flat dress shoes would give me big blisters. Yes I would still look like a schoolgirl but at least not one of those schoolgirls. While I was in there I did my business. I just finished wiping up and was pulling the handle to flush when the bathroom door opened and a few girls walked in chatting away. It was far to late to stop and the toilet went whoosh! Ever notice how restroom toilets are not the most silent of things?

I debated on trying to hide in the stall but I knew I was stuck and would have to exit. From the sounds of it I didn't recognize any of the voices. This was a good thing. Opening the stall door revealed that not only was I not alone. Nor was any of these girls from my school but.. well...

"Your Belle aren't you? That transsexual girl that did the play?"

"Really is it her? Oh it is! Cool"

"Hey love your hair girl! Are you sure your a boy cause you don't look like one even in our school uniform?"

Yep the girls were from that school. This just was not my week! Somebody up there really hates me!

I can't believe ... I really gotta stop thinking that. It's happening deal with it girl! I can't believe I just thought that!

So yes here I am in a ladies restroom at a local gas station surrounded by girls, in there uniforms just like I'm wearing, from St Marys Catholic Girls Academy. Well the summer cute uniform. The pink winter one isn't so nice to look at. The girls names I'm not so sure about I caught a Crystal and Sara, not too sure about the rest though.

They of course insist that I should put on the sweater as it's 'shameful' to wear the uniform incorrectly. Whatever I pull it out of the bag and look at it, then look at theirs, then look at it again. They are not quite the same. I show them this and they are just as puzzled by this as well. Before long we leave en mass to go outside where I have all the intentions of going home. When of course I find out they came by bus and they have a teacher with them!

I finally find someone who doesn't seem to watch that idiot on tv and wouldn't you know it she believes I'm one of the girls from her school! I tried to explain who I am, even show her the sweater as proof I'm not one of her girls. It takes her a minute before she phones someone, another picture of me as Belle navigates the airwaves, and she talks for a bit. She is still suspicious but says she will drop me off at the school instead. I thank her and say I can walk... home anyways but I didn't tell her that.

I should know better as "It's not safe for a young lady to walk by herself". I insist a bit too much, okay swearing was a really bad idea. As you may have guess I arrived at my school dressed in that schoolgirl uniform complete with sweater just as lunch was finishing. So everybody was outside to see me get off the bus, it has their initials all over it, to my surprise was a group of girls, a large group, wearing a uniform just like I was.

It would seem that without trying I was helping my sister again. The original plan was for my sister to dress up in the uniform as a protest, apparently the school was thinking of enforcing a dress code. I was all for it or would be but now I'm stuck as a part of the protest in my sister's place.

"Belle you are such a sweet sister I wish I had one as caring as you."

"Thank god your not trying to be a boy anymore! You just are not one this is so you!"

"I still think your a freak so stay away from the girls bathrooms!"

"Does she have to wear it! She makes us look bad she is far too cute!"

The comments as you can see were varied. School was not fun. That skirt is way to darn short and you have to sit on the seats pantied bottom only. My new panties got exposed to the girls a few times as I was not paying attention and spread my legs open a few times. Why did I have to wear pink of all colors! I was given a note that mom would pick me up from school just before last period. I was fine with that as walking home trying to keep the skirt held down would have been a pain.

Mom was not impressed at all when I got into the car. I explained that this was her fault, or tried too, as she gave me the wrong bag. The teacher from the other school had contacted mom about my shameful language.

"Bill you have no idea how close you came to being a girl at the school after you finished this school for detention in a deportment class! My son at an all girls school! I just saved your hide mister and you better be thankful for it!"

"I'm sorry Mom it's just that I'm tired of everyone trying to make me a girl! I just wanted to go home and she wouldn't let me."

I originally thought we were going home but we went to the hospital instead. Apparently mom was to drop off the bag for my sister this morning before we got sidetracked. Today she would have been released to my mom in her two casts and she was to have come to school. However things didn't work out quite as planned. I was never so happy to visit my sister in her hospital room and get changed. Sam did thank me for doing my part to help the cause. Even though she did pout a bit that her 'sister' would disappear later that night.

After many forms and much maneuvering via a wheelchair we got Sam into the back seat of the car. She got belted in laying on her side. The rest of the ride home I spent reading the directions for the solvent. Leave on for 20 minutes and then put fingers in to separate. Additional solvent would have to be applied as necessary. I couldn't wait to get rid of these things and back to being Bill.

I should mention that before I got changed I was ambushed by the girls from the ward. I still do not know the official name of the ward. The nurses just called it the ward and that was that. Still those cute little faces and pouty eyes turn me to mush. It was that reason I had read part of the Harry Potter and the sorcerers stone book. Now many people have seen the movie but never read the first book. The first one was aimed at children and was not very thick. I prefer the movie myself so part way in I added stuff from the movie.

I am an actor of a sort and do have my wacky voice so I not only read the parts from memory in a close approximation of the actors voices but did some of the movements from the scenes as well. The girls were so thrilled they clapped, those that could, and gave me many a hug for being 'such a nice girl to read for us'. What really put tears to my eyes was the one girl in her wheelchair who said she wanted to be just like me when she grew up. Her assistant broke out into tears at the mention of this and with a bit of hand waving I got the idea she would never make it. In my pocket I have a small paper where there is a golden stick figure with the name Belle holding hands with a much smaller but upright girl in pink named Trisia. I haven't told mom or sis about this. It's a private memory I will keep.

We made it home before 5 and I was put to work helping mom make supper. Sis was helped to her wheelchair and she was positioned to see and talk with us. The meal was fairly simple leftover roast warmed up and the potatoes were chopped into a frying pan with a bit of butter. Our roasts are not beef they are tofu. We just cook them in a vegetarian beef broth which isn't that bad. Dad says it's almost as good as the real thing. Still roast sandwiches with fried potatoes and onions makes a good meal. Sam tried to put out the small pill containers herself on the table. When we have supper we also have these vitamin pills to go with it and everyone has their own pill box. She fumbled a few and burst out crying. I helped her by picking them up and giving them to her to try again while wheeling her around the table. It wasn't much but I guess after the hospital feeling like you helped with supper was a big thing.

While we waited for Dad to get home from work mom told us about her day at work. She works for a charitable, not charity, organization. A charity has volunteers where a charitable people get paid... sorta. The pay is lousy actually little more than enough to cover gas and a few expenses. The big plus is the clothing allowance card. It some stores it gets us a huge discount in others we get stuff which is totally covered. Underwear is one of those otherwise I would not have 4 bags upstairs with my new lingerie. I still don't know what I'm gonna do with them. I have to admit though the panties do keep me supported better than guys tidy whites.

Dad arrived soon enough and we ate our meal after saying the usual grace. Oh that well we all just say GRACE hands together and that's that. As to what faith we are.. its either christian or catholic I don't really know which is which. After supper we all carried the dishes into the kitchen to put in the sink. Even Sam brought hers, with me pushing the chair. We leave them soak in the sink before bed mom or dad puts them in the dishwasher to wait for a full load. None of this hand washing dishes everyday. Still dad and mom can relax, usually infront of the tv. I sometimes join them other times I go read in my room.

Today I ran upstairs and stripped off the bra so I could put in the solvent. It felt a little weird but not burning or anything so I sat at my desk doing the bit of homework while the solvent did its trick. I waited about 20 minutes or so before I checked them most of the form was ready to come off except around the nipples. I added some more solvent goop and this time it actually did burn but since I was so close I just did the grin and bear it thing. !0 minute later and a bit of skin I was free of the forms. I left them on my desktop with the gooey stuff still on them gooey side up and went to wash off the remainder on my chest. My skin felt really sensitive as I washed and I'm sorry to say got little Bill a tad excited.

Putting on a shirt after having the forms on so long felt weird. It was almost like I was breaking some rule not having anything so I grabbed a camisole and put that on. I gotta tell you a satin cami almost got me excited again on my oversensitive chest. Still it was better than a bra. Homework done I went downstairs just as the nightly news was finishing.

"In other news today our local t-girl Belle made an appearance in her St Marys Catholic Girls Academy uniform, for those who don't know St Marys is a exclusive private girls only school for talented young ladies. Our Belle entertained the girls at the hospital with an entertaining rendition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."

This was followed by me on screen in that uniform doing my skit of Hagrid telling Harry "Your a wizard Harry". Dad stood up from the couch and walked by the closet grabbing sis's coat from the closet and went outside. We didn't see him till the next morning where he was asleep on the couch. This left mom to answer the phone call from a certain Academy that wanted a certain girl by the name of yours truly to ah.. visit for deportment lessons. I do not know all the details but they settled on the deportment lessons. I do know mom sent me to get 'my uniform' apparently I just inherited it, so she could have it clean for me to wear after school tomorrow. At first I thought she said for school itself but I heard it wrong. Thank god there was no way I wanted to go to school again as a girl no way no how.

Sleep that night was not easy as my chest itched fiercely and my flannel pj's were not helping. Out of desperation I changed into the cami again leaving on the pj bottoms which seemed to do the trick. It seemed like I had just fell asleep when my alarm blared telling me it was time to get up for breakfast. I passed dad on the couch on my way to the kitchen to grab a bowl of cereal. Mom and sis were busy upstairs trying to get her ready for school so I poured myself a bowl and sat to eat. Dad stumbled into the kitchen not long after for his morning coffee. Neither one of us was all that awake yet when he sat down.

"Morning Belle."

"Morning dad." I continued to munch away on my cereal for a bit when I realized what he had said. This also coincided with my dad choking on his coffee.

"I thought I would see Bill my son this morning?"

"It was the solvent dad my chest is all sensitive or something this morning." When I looked down I noticed that not only was I wearing a camisole but my nipples and surrounding tissue had expanded overnight. So much so that it really did look like a girls chest. One just starting to bud!

"MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMM!!!!"

After a quick phone call to the pharmacist emergency number, I think we got her out of bed, we found out I had a slight reaction to the solvent. My swelling should reduce to normal in a day or so. Till then and maybe a few days afterwards I would be sensitive in that area. I pleaded with mom to let me stay home from school but she said I wasn't sick. After telling me to just wear a camisole, unless I really wanted to wear a bra which I didn't, and nobody should notice. Still she said she would talk to the doctor or make an appointment for me just in case. I love my mom she called me Bill the entire time.

The bad news was that this had made me late for school. I ran upstairs and quickly grabbed a change of underwear from the bags I had left on the floor. I had my feet into my pants when I realized I had put on the panties without thinking. Since I was wearing a matching camisole I hoped nobody would notice. My pants were a bit a trouble to put on before I realized they were Sam's from the other day. Too late to change I put on a tshirt and ran to the bathroom. A quick smooth over with some mouse and hairspray into my 'Bill' hairdo. I just sorta slick it back none of the previous days fluffing and stuff for the Belle look. It was still damp as I ran downstairs with my flannel shirt over my shoulder one shoulder and my bag in the other, I made sure it was mine, out the door I went only to be met with a huge gust of wind that twirled around the front porch area.

With a sigh I knew my hair was a total mess now and would have to wait till we got to school to fix in the mens room. I just made it to the bus ontime to get on when I realized I had slipped my sock covered feet into those ballet flats from the day before. I still don't know where my running shoes are. Still I was Bill and not Belle today. I got on to the bus and one of the girls from the day before waved me to sit beside her.

"Morning Belle oh nice cami! Where did you get it?" I looked down to see that yes you could just make out the camisole through my tshirt. You could also make out that I had the beginnings of breasts too or at least it looked that way. Still my hair should have...

Nope in the mirrored reflection of the bus window Belle's hairstyle stared back at me. Looks like Belle is going to school again today. This is not fair! I pouted all the way to school my flannel shirt forgotten over my shoulder.

I can't believe this ....

So not gonna go there again.

The bus ride was thankfully short like maybe 20 minutes tops. Unfortunately I took the bus ride as Belle. So everybody on the bus saw me going to school as Belle and not Bill which was my intention. Still is if I can make it to the mens room before class. Getting off the bus in a group of girls, many of which like Belle but loathe Bill. One or two are wearing the same skirt from yesterday but with a tighter, and sexier top. Little Bill is trying in vain to come to attention in these too tight, at least in the crotch, jeans. I wish I could reach down and rearranged things but the waist is to darn tight for me to do that.

About my waist it would seem my stint in the corset has left me with a smaller waist. For the most part this wouldn't be a bad thing IF the rest of me was inline but noo my hips and butt look bigger instead. Okay not really that big but in Sam's jeans it does to me.

Anyways as I get off the bus I see mom is not here with Sam yet so I assume they are still getting her ready. No surprise there really, she usually takes 40 minutes to get ready on a good day, so with the two casts, and a few diminishing bruises to cover up I really don't expect her before lunch. The girls all expect me to tell them all about the Harry Potter episode from last night. I really don't want to talk about it as it kinda pisses me off really.

Besides I'm a guy we don't do things like that. None of this chatty chatty thing girls seem to expect. I just move forward as best I can towards the washrooms. The Principal still thinks I'm Belle I think. Not sure if mom got that straightened out yet so I should use the unisex one. This has one problem I didn't forsee. The girls just follow me in there. The washroom has 2 stalls and no urinals. It does have a large two counters. The lower thinner one is for those who use wheelchairs. The taller one is for those who don't. I'm not sure what it says about us kids when there is also a baby change station here. Beside that is the condom/tampon machine, lowered of course. For some reason the image of a teenaged girl changing the diaper on her little baby sucking on a tampon tube enters my head. Wisely I refrain from mentioning this.

Yes I know what they look like! I have a sister and a mother, who for some strange reason seem to go through these things at the same time. Okay so I was curious as to what it was when I was younger. I still have no idea how they get those big things out of themselves. They expand alot, I dropped it in the toilet. Isn't amazing what thoughts go through your head just by looking at something?

So there I was waiting to use the sink, the girls had an amazing amount of makeup across the counter for some reason while others occupied the two stalls, I needed to pee since I hadn't had a chance this morning either, I kinda got sidetracked a bit. I got bored really quickly and leaned over towards the counter for a look see at what all the makeup was for. This turned out to be the wrong move as the makeup was apparently for me to wear!

10 minutes later Belle exited the washroom with mascara, eyeliner, lipstick all done and a different top. Not sure where my flannel went too either. I seem to keep losing stuff its not fair! The top I had on now was more of a sweater, pink fuzzy but not uncomfortable. The puffy looking sleeves I could have done without though. It was also alot tighter which just happened to show off my not quite flat chest and a bit of the lace from my blue satin camisole. I did manage to change my shirt in the stall, it was the only way I could use the stall and I really really needed to go. Stupid toilet seat does not lift up so I had little choice but to plonk myself down and do my duty. Sure I could have peed all over the seat but why bother?

For the first 2 periods the guys kept trying to undress me with their eyes. I so wanted to deck them for it. I figured I was already in trouble for swearing, fighting might just get me in that stupid uniform 5 days a week! Speaking of uniforms I managed to leave it behind this morning. I wonder how they will react to me showing up dressed like a bo....oh wait I'm Belle again sheeeessh. Still I was hoping to at least loose the girly stuff during gym in third period. I know my tshirt is in my backpack. The flannel would have helped but I do not know where that is at the moment.

Gym is like my favorite period. I was anxiously awaiting as today us guys were to play football, not that flag thing real football tacking all that stuff with pads and stuff. Not sure what the girls were supposed to do after its girls who cares! Sitting through second period, at least the last half was...painfully slow. I watched the second hand on the clock for the last five minutes. Once the bell rang I was up and out of class in a flash. Books were in my bag and I was off to the gym as fast as these ballet flat shoes would allow.

I walked into gym same as normal and headed to the boys locker room to change into my normal sweatpants and hopefully get rid of this stupid girl look. I remembered the panties and was thinking about changing in a stall when I got stopped by the gym teacher.

"Bill Thorne."

"Sir"

"I'm sorry I suppose it's Belle now isn't it?" Not a good sign. Please no not this again...

"About that you see."

"Belle while I don't pretend to understand what your going through. I have been notified to treat you just like the other girls except I cannot let you change with them."

"Excuse me?"

"I had thought you were looking forward to playing tackle football just like the other boys last week but I guess your a good actress and had me fooled. It's okay though you don't have to pretend here okay?"

"Uhhh okay I guess" I was not sure where this was going. Ms. Brandy our physical..oh forget it gym teacher, we do not know if that is her first or last name there is a pool going on, is a nice lady. She is about 6 feet tall and rather plump so most do not want to bother her. Do not mistake it for fat as most of it is muscle, not all but most of it. Her name ehh we'll find out eventually. It could be a last name. Some parents are cruel. We have Bob Mellow whose older sister is Marsha. Then there is Theron Meynard Hailey. We call him Stick, he prefers it too. I hear he has a form for legal name change filled out.

Speaking of names one of the girls was teasing me the other day asking where the midget was. I had no clue to what she meant and told her so. She gave me a piece of paper with some name like Lois Master something on it. She also said that if I go to a dance with a short guy by the name of Miles she would lose it. I wonder if she means Brent Miles? He is like 5'2" while I'm 5'4"? I still don't get it. I do know mom and dad could have named us Rose and Ben.

"Belle are you listening to me?"do I really have to answer that?

"Sorry I was oh nevermind you were saying?"

"I said you can't use the boys locker room to change. So to change in my office shower instead. Here you can change into these that some students left here don't worry I washed them as we cannot go get your stuff from the men's locker room right now."The bundle she had given me was not very big. I took them into the small shower stall with its own door and closed it. The sealed floresence light was on as well as a small fan. It was not too small so changing wasn't that tough. Standing in just my blue panties and camisole I looked at what she had given me. There was a pair of satiny shorts in red, a pair of white tights, and white sweater. Much like what the girls wore for volleyball the shirt even had the school logo of a cat of some type. I longed for my normal track pants and thought about putting on my tshirt when I realized I left my bag outside in her office. Sighing I put on the tights and shorts. Then the sweater. The small but very feminine in white but with pink edging running shoes fit alright. It was better than the old ones I had lost. I wondered if I could buy them and then dye off the pink?

"Well well well. I'm surprised at how cute you look Belle. Are you sure you were ever male? Cause that is no male crotch I see down there." Ms. Brandy was actually staring right there. With the panties and its special gusset designed to keep a guy flat, the tights helping to keep it all in and smooth out any other bumps the shorts, which were also a bit tight, all made to give me a very smooth front. I just hung my head in defeat, why do I even bother anymore.

"I'm a boy." I muttered close to tears. I was about to get depressed even more when the one teacher who almost always yelled at me before to go faster. Knelt down and hugged me. I really needed that hug and returned it. It helped it really did. I dunno why but it did. Maybe being Belle did have some good points, I'm still a guy and will be one again tomorrow even if I have to shave off my head, but for today maybe I'll just try to enjoy it. After all how different can it really be? Or I should run screaming from school and seek asylum in a small white padded room.

Walking out of her office I started to head over to the doors leading outside where the football coach was working with the guys when I got pulled back by some of the girls coming out of the change room. Nuuuuu! Let me go please I don't wanna be a girl! I should have said that last bit out loud. Will it make a difference? Looking at these girls and their smiling faces. There pert breasts bouncing infront of me, their cute asses in the tiny shorts... Uh what was I thinking about? Sure I'll follow you...hope I'm not drooling!

As I walk up to the group of girls one of them is showing off her lovely assets in a white lace bra to another girl. Football... doesn't seem the least bit interesting to me at all anymore. The other girl sees me walking up and grabs the other girls shirt and pulls it down.

"Hey why did you do that?"

"Suzie it's him."

"Huh what? Oh her she is growing her own why would she care?"

With that Suzie let go of Diane's tshirt. Not that it mattered anymore. I was not growing boobs I just had a reaction to some glue solvent! I'm gonna go back to football.

"Girls in today's class I am required by the school board to instruct you on ..I can't believe I have to do this since most of you know it already. But proper feminine hygiene." Okay so maybe football is a waste of time after all. Strangely as Ms. Brandy's words are finished all the girl's eyes turn to me.

"What?"

I can't...I really have got to get a better line I can't believe I keep saying that. I just did it again didn't I?

My name is Bill Thorne NOT Belle. Yet here I am walking down the school hallways looking for all the world like one of the girls from the volleyball team. White tights in running shoes that have pink here and there. Red shorts that show not a single bulge. A tight school sweater with the demented cat on it, white, that shows me having puffy chest around where a girls breasts would be. Okay lets be honest it looks like I'm growing my own.

In my hands I have the stack of papers where all the girls signed that they took the sex ed feminine hygiene thing in gym class. I was of two opinions of that. One I was sent out with the forms because I'm male, at least someone sees that. But on the other hand my mind is playing pictures of scantily clad girls showing off all their privates too me. At least I hope they would.

Still tackle football would have been more fun than walking down a hall dressed like this. I keep getting eyed by boys all over the place. Heck even those same jerks who last week were teasing me about being a dweeb and learn to use a razor are eyeing me. It makes me feel like ants are crawling all over my skin. I would love to say the walk to the school office from the gym was mercifully short. It wasn't.

Probably took me the better part of 15 minutes to walk across the school to the office all decked out as a girl. I hated every second of it. So much so that as I approached the office I got goosed. A girl would have spun around and slapped the offender at worst. I'm a guy so I made a fist to hell with the papers and spun around with a haymaker ready to pound in the offender. My fist was caught by none other than Jason. Yes that guy from the drama class. The guy who kissed me on stage infront of everybody.

"That's no way for a lady to act Belle." My momentum of a moment ago was stopped.

"I'm no lady!" I'm not even a girl so what does it matter what punch I throw at another guy. He pulled me close so that our faces were not that far apart the only thing separating us was my other arm holding the papers to my chest.

"Maybe not yet but I'd be happy to break you of your tomboy habits and become the lady you are meant to be if you would honor me with a date." His eyes are ... uhhhhhh.... think!...

"Are you out of your fucking mind!"The nerve of this jerk! First he kisses me infront of everybody on stage then he gooses me and now he wants me to d...dd....ddd I cant say it.

"You make me that way Belle."

"Jason, Belle 2 feet apart at all times on school property. Mr. Glason do you need time in detention to think of your actions? Ms. Thorne I believe you have some papers to deliver?" Our principal Mr Haward, not Howard, Haward had come to my rescue like I was some helpless girl. I was embarrassed since this drew attention to me. Jason let me go and stepped back. My fist fell to my side but didn't release yet.

"Tomorrow night 7. Movie okay?" The nerve of this guy! I just stood there with an open mouth as he walked away. It took me a bit to get my head together as I prepared to yell at him that it was not okay. I never wanted to see him again and to stay away from me! I took a deep breath ready to yell when I got spooked by a hand on my shoulder. I actually jumped a little from it. I did not squeal, boys do not squeal!

"Sorry Belle, but I believe those papers are for me."Mr. Haward said while leaning down, okay I'm short so what,his face not really all that far from me which caused me to step back a step as he was in my personal space.

"Yeah.. Here these are from the gym teacher Ms. Brandy." Why is he looking at me with that stupid grin?

"Belle it's amazing how in just a few days you have become quite the girl. But I think you should slow it down a touch with the boys you might get hurt."

What the? I'm not a girl or a trans girl! This is all just a big mistake. I tried to come to school as Bill! All those things went through my mind and as I was about to reply he interrupted me.

"Anyways young lady I believe that that is your mother and sister out front maybe you should go help your sister like a good girl." It was not really a request more of a better do it suggestion. Of course as a guy I could tell him to go f... well you get the idea. But I did need to help mom with sis I already knew that. Free of the papers I walked out the front door and was well on my way to the car when a wolf whistle reminded me of how I was dressed. I just hung my head down and continued on through the stares my sister and mom were pinning me with.

"Just don't ask! I'm having a really bad day!"I stated before mom even opened her mouth. Samantha was just giggling. I'll get her later somehow.

"I....See. And here I thought I was meeting my son Bill at school today... Uhmm Belle is there something you want to tell me and your father? Maybe that t.v. reporter was not so far..."

"MOM it's not like that! I'll tell you when I get home!" Mom and I wrestled a bit getting Sam out of the car and into the wheelchair. She was in a long skirt that covered most of her leg cast and a sweater. No I don't know or care about the colors. Her remaining bruises were nicely hidden though. We had just got her settled and mom was adjusting her skirt to drape just so, its a girl thing I didn't see a problem, when three of Sam's girlfriends walked up. One of them sorta ticked a warning in my mind but couldn't figure out why.

"Sammie!" Squeals hurting eardrums followed. The three girls descended on mass to my sister with hugs while mom and I stood by. Sam smiled back at them and it was soon a rapid speak fest. I've been around the rapid girl speak before, while I do not really understand it I am used to it, more or less. I was grabbing the handle thingys that Sam uses for the short term to get in and out of the car for mom when ...

"So Belle what are you gonna wear on your date with Jason tomorrow night? Do you need to go shopping for the best outfit?"

"Of course she does numwit she probably doesn't have all that much for clothes yet she has only been out for a week."

"Oh good point but Den is right we should take her shopping for the right outfit and retail therapy is just what Sam needs as well. Imagine helping her little sister pick the right outfit to go out him!"

"How did you get so lucky Belle? We have been trying for ages to get him to notice us and you come along and steal his heart."

Blink Blink Please tell me that did not just happen infront of mom! I turned to mom to see if she had heard that. From the pure white look of her face I would say that this is a yes.

"I...I...I think I'll be going now. It would seem I will have to get Dave to look at some new paint for Belle's room after all. Oh here Belle don't forget your uniform you will need it for your deportment class after school." With that mom calmy gets into her car and tries to restart the already running engine. I think she is in a little bit of shock. Then again she is not the only one.

So there I stand a girls school uniform in one hand while I'm wearing makeup, a schoolgirls volleyball outfit. I have 3 girls all trying to get me to go shopping with them for an outfit I don't need for a date I never even agreed to. My sister is in her wheelchair and her eyes are the size of goose eggs one minute and narrowing to slits the next as she looks at me. Am I dead meat with my sister somehow? You bet! Mom is driving away thinking that her son is now really her daughter and she is talking about paint?

I wanna go back to being invisible as Bill!

I ...I....I really got to think up a new thing. I can't believe I keep.. This is so not fair somehow.

So there I am. Standing outside of the school with girls school uniform draped over one shoulder while my mom drives away thinking.. Actually I really don't know what she is thinking. I mean paint? I like my white walls thank you very much!

With a sign I start walking back towards the school leaving my sister and her entourage to do whatever they normally do. The walk back in seems much shorter than it was going out to the car. I'm inside the school and walking to my locker before I know it. The class bell goes as I'm walking letting all the kids in school see me 1) wearing a girls volleyball outfit and 2) carrying a girls school uniform over my shoulder. If any of them believed I was still Bill its probably all shot to hell now. This is just so depressing.

I arrive at my locker and after a few cuss words, spoken under my breath, a small hit and bang and my locker comes open. I really don't know why this locker works that way but it always has. Worse yet I seem to get assigned stuff like this alot. Heck even my gym locker for my guy stuff is the same way. At least its a full locker where we can store winter coats, boots and stuff like that. Still it does have vent holes so things get slipped in from time to time. There is a shelf just under the holes so most of it gets caught there.

Instead of the usual junk, condoms, nasty letters, or some persons idea of a joke is a stack of letters...in pink! That is definitely a new one on me. I store my uniform in the locker and start to look at the envelopes. There is an invite to a sleepover at some girls house, an invite to a girls only birthday party, two really bad love letters. I mean really guys some of this poetry is in our English class at least copy it correctly!

Two are from Jason, one asking me out the second telling me to wear something nice like a dress for our date. One is from some unnamed person telling me how they are just like me but to afraid to come out of the closet. I have an invite to a lgbt meeting as well. What is with people! I toss them all into the nearest garbage and walk back to the gym which should be just about finished so I can get changed back into my clothes. I'm so looking forward to wearing the jeans and tshirt, screw the stupid sweater!

I walked into the gym and go to the office to get changed but find it locked with a note.

Dear Belle:

I had to bring one of the girls to the hospital. Do not worry about the clothes you can keep them I should be back before lunch is over.

Ms. Brandy

I read the note twice before I feel tears threatening to come out of my eyes. This is just not fair what am I suppose to wear! Of course my useless brain informs me that I have a perfectly clean uniform in my locker to wear. I just can't seem to get a break today. It's like fate hates me or something! With a sigh I head back to my locker and retrieve the uniform before heading to the closest unisex bathroom. 5 minutes later I leave the washroom still wearing the tights and sneakers but have the blouse ,skirt , and sweater on. I don't like it but I just tell myself it will have to do till Ms. Brandy gets back.

I'm a hungry boy, even if I look like a girl right now, and I need food! The saying the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach holds a fair amount of truth to it. Mom says I get moody when I'm hungry so even though I never really eat that much in one sitting I do eat regularly. I also didn't grab a lunch this morning as I was in a bit of a rush.

Our school has a cafeteria of a sort. It's really called the canteen where a student can go to pick up something to eat from the assortment of vacuum sealed burgers that are more tofu than beef, Lays or Old dutch chips loaded with salt, non diet generic brand cola, or vacuum sealed balony with cheese submarine sandwiches. Sometimes there is baked goods or hotdogs. There is a microwave, industrial, that heats anything up to boiling hot in less than a minute.

Its not much as the school encourages a student to bring a lunch, preferably healthy or they can spend 8 minutes of their lunch walking to the local yellow arches to buy something. Today there is something new at the canteen. Under a heat lamp there sits a deluxe pizza. 2 bucks for a slice and its not vegetarian but considering my other options that would come with me. I reach for my pocket to put out my spare cash, I keep some twoonies in there for emergency's when I realize that the stupid skirt I'm wearing doesn't have pockets and that my jeans are in the gym office with my change.

"My treat!" says a voice as a hand passes a $10 infront of my eyes to the cashier. The lady loads up the 5 pieces of pizza onto a single white paper plate and hands them over to the arm. The arm in question turns out to belong to a grinning Jason. Can't this guy leave me the fuck alone! I turn to face him to tell him just that.

"Did I tell you how cute you look in that uniform it really suits you Belle." He says before I can even open my mouth. With that he walks away to a table with my pizza leaving me no choice but to follow. Along with every female eye in the room. The lunch room is a fair size to accommodate all the kids in the school. Nothing super special about it just a tile floor, grey, with bland walls, beige surrounding it. There is tables and plastic orange chairs for the tables for us to eat at.

I follow him to a table that has only 2 chairs around it and sit down facing him across the table. I try not to squirm to much in the chair as I pick up a slice of pizza and eat it. I don't have pizza as much as I would like. Mom and dad have this thing about meat even something as plain as peperoni so this is a huge treat for me. Sitting across from this this okay well he isn't that bad I guess because he did pay for the pizza but still I don't like him. Worse he doesn't eat he stares at me which makes it really hard to eat. With a sigh I put down my slice of pizza.

"Can you stop that please."

"You look so cute when your eating do you know that Belle" eye rolling follows his statement.

"See it's stuff like that. Look Jason you might be a nice guy and I'm sure that lots of girls here want to go out with you..."

"But none of them are as beautiful and as feminine as you Belle." Is he for real?

"Look can you quit with the .. what I'm trying to say is it's wasted on me. I'm not some girl you can pick up because I'm flavor of the week. I'm not really a girl you know." there I said it.

"I know. Your a girl trapped with a male defect. It's alright I understand that it's not something you wanted this is just who you really are. I have a cousin just like you and she is just as much a born woman as any, just like you Belle. You really are born to be a woman." he says with with a smirk kind of smile on his face.

Normally I enjoy pizza and would be stuffing my face silly but today this pizza taste like cardboard. Well not really it's pretty good actually its just that I feels like I'm eating cardboard with him staring at me the whole time. I turn myself to the side to have somewhere else to look while eating, which may not have been the best idea as Jason is not the only guy staring at me. It would seem half the boys are too. Oh yeah the uniform. Well shit. I try to give them the "what" look while eating pizza. It doesn't seem to go over well as they just turn away with smiles, even the girls are looking at me in this weird way.

"Look everyone," I'm actually standing now" I'm not a girl! Get it my name is Bill! I do NOT want to be a girl period end of story so stop treating me like I am one!" I'm screaming at the end. Enough is enough! I turn back to Jason who is still smiling at me.

"Thanks for the pizza I'll pay you back later." With that I walk from the lunch room. I waited for maybe 20 minutes before Ms. Brandy showed up and I changed back into my regular clothes. After a hasty washing of my face and a bit of hand work, no brush or comb, my hair resumed it's normal boyish look.

The rest of the day people were quiet around me and didn't say much. Of course I was quite pissed off the whole time since the teachers still called me Belle from time to time. At the end of the day I got changed into the uniform again for my deportment class and was ready to walk over to the girls school for it when the school guidance counselor stopped me.

"Belle a minute if you don't mind." more of a stop now command than a question really.

"I understand you had a bit of a problem during lunch?" figures.

"Look Ms. Hendel no offense but it's been a long day and I have to get to a deportment class for my punishment."

"I see... Well Belle I know you need to talk to someone. I'm reading about people like you" guys stuck in dresses against their will?" and I think I might be able to understand some of it. But please Belle don't try to go into hiding again just because of a bad day okay. Can you promise me you will think about this and see me tomorrow?"

"Ms. Hendel I'm not what you think. I'm a guy not a girl, not a trans girl, not even a pretend girl. Guy Gee you why get it?"

"If your such a guy Belle why have you talked and acted like a girl all week then?" with that Ms Hendel leaves me standing there as she walks away.

I reserve the right to make changes to this as I'm not satisfied with the chapter the flow feels wrong somehow.

I can't believe this she...

"But I... That's not the way... It just happens! I'm not doing it on purpose!"

The walk to St. Mary's wasn't all that long but the skirt flipped up, or tried two at least 5 times. I hate skirts. Still it gave me time to think. Was I really acting like a girl? No not really I was my normal self, shocked silly half the time into situations that make fiction look tame. It wasn't like I was trying to be a girl, still it does explain why people assume I'm a trans girl right away even though I'm not. Gonna have to work on that tomorrow.

As I walked onto the Academy's grounds I was met by the headmistress Ms. Bain. Okay its not really Ms. Bain its like Barnes or something but I think of her as bane as in bane of my existence. She escorted me to the room for Deportment class. I was not alone, it would seem three girls from my school were also there, in the same uniform that isn't quite the uniform. At a guess St. Mary's took offense to the protest.

Now most would think, like me, that a deportment class is all about walking around with a book on your head. How to sip tea with your finger out and so forth. All that "proper young lady" stuff from tv. Well it's not. It's more about how to be a woman and not be a fake man actually. Let me try that again.

In many situations women have a tendency to behave and/or dress like the men around them in order to be accepted as an equal peer. This is more of how to be a step above the men around you, while still being clearly a woman and proud of it. Kinda like how a woman will show up in a power suit of a yellow top and black skirt and be taken as a women in charge vs a secretary. The class is spent showing us various screens, on an impressive overhead display of very good quality probably a samsung with his ress and a gnarly system to back it up as there was no lag, what was I saying again?

Oh yes how the screens showed one women vs another who had same jobs but by their dress you could tell one was more serious than the next. This changed to how a bearing also made a difference and so forth. Sam would get a kick out of this stuff she always slumps her shoulders.

The one thing they did make us do was sit with our knees together and backs straight on the edge of the wooden chair the whole time we sat. That was hard work especially for me. The girls giggled at me a few times when the teacher would come stand next to me until I put my knees together. And here I thought I acted all girly before, apparently not.

By the end of the class my back was aching along with my thighs. I would need a hot soak in the bathtub tonight to be able to move tomorrow. At the end we were to get up and curtsy, yes curtsy, to the teacher and thank her for the class. I just about, I didn't but I seriously thought about it, tell them where to shove the curtsy.

Some of the girls stuck around to chat with me asking me all these questions about being trans. Questions I had no answers to since I wasn't. I answered as best I could even said that the pharmacist was looking for my prescription of birth control pills. Not sure why they wanted to know that or why they offered to give me some pills in the meantime, I refused of course. I did find out the girls from my school had actually been caught wearing skimpy clothes to school which was why the protest got them sent here. Something about making a real lady out of them or something.

I did manage to extricate myself after a bit and get to the front doors. Waiting to pick me up was not mom that I expected but dad. When did he start smoking cigarettes? I got into the car and sat down for the drive home. I forgot my bag with my normal clothes at school so there I sat in the car with my legs closed in a short skirt with my dad smoking.

"When are you gonna stop this shit Bill? Your a guy for christsakes."

"Tell me about it. I keep trying to be a guy and somehow end up being a girl instead. It's not my fault dad."

"Then why are you still wearing that costume!" he was getting mad.

"School is locked and my bag is in there. You want me to go around naked?" I would too if he kept this up.

"No! No. It's just ... Look Belle this is ... I'm not all comfortable with this. Is this like.. uh how do I say this. Do you think your a girl or something?"

"What no! Dad it's not like that its just clothing."I don't know why but I looked over at dad. I wish I hadn't for the first time ever I saw tears in his eyes. Tears I know I had caused somehow. The rest of the ride home was silent.

Once I got home I ran upstairs and got changed out of every piece of female garb possible. I even scuffed up my eyebrows so they didn't look so feminine. Once I had on my regular clothing, yes I wore a hoodie they are comfy and the pocket is nice for holding stuff, I returned downstairs. Supper was subdued, the lasagna was good even if its just store brand with extra cheese. We watched the regular stuff on tv and thankfully I was not mentioned in the news today. I think the guy had the night off, or got fired.

I was waiting for the shoe to drop from my parents and they didn't disappoint. They came into my room, both of them, after I had taken off my shirt to check my chest. It doesn't look like it has gone down if anything its bigger. So right away mom started in on me.

"Belle put on a top or something!" which I did before I even thought about why.
Dad just had big eyes. He didn't say anything he just stood there which was worse than him saying anything.

"Dad! Say something to me!" i shouted at him.

"I I...I'm going to go to the store." and he left! I don't know why but that hurt. I started to cry it was like my own parents wouldn't believe me anymore. Mom just pulled me into her and I cried.

"It's snot fair! Mum I try and try to be a boy but things just keep happening to me and it's like nobody believes me to be a boy. Why can't I be a boy? Why tell me why!"

"Oh honey it may be you try to hard. I don't know but it makes things so hard for us honey. Right now all we seem to see is our daughter Belle with no sign of our son. Even tonight you made an effort to appear boyish but really you looked like a girl trying to be a tomboy. Your father is upset as he doesn't know what to do. He wants you to be the son he has believe he always had. But like me he sees a daughter he didn't know he had. We both know your our son and you have told us that you are not a girl but we don't see it. Nobody seems to see it. Seeing you up on that stage in that gown you were so beautiful. And after you seemed so free and natural. It was like seeing a butterfly released from a cocoon."

"But mom I'm not a girl, I'm not trying to be a girl it just keeps happening. Today the counselor told me I act and talk like a girl. But I don't! I'm a boy and I just wanna go back to being Bill. God must hate me!" mom's sweater was soaking up my tears.

"Oh honey god doesn't hate you. I believe this is a test for you. I believe that what is happening will somehow make you a better person in the future."

"You said person not man. I'm supposed to be a man mommy!" I hadn't called her mommy in years.

"Belle Honey look at me!" It was hard but I sat up from her and looked into her eyes.

"Whatever you are boy, girl, or something else. We will love you! Do you understand?" I nod through my tears.

Now take off your top again and let me see your breasts.

"Mooooom!"I do the pouty kid roll eye thing.

"Well what else do I call them? They looked like a young woman's breasts to me." I hate to admit it even a little but she is right. Reluctantly I remove my hoodie and let her touch them. They are very sensitive and her hands are ice cold. Just feeling her touching them sent something inside me going wow. Yep I moaned.

"That's not right. They don't look swollen like a reaction they look like breasts to me. Even your nipples are bigger than they should be. We will have to let the doctor look at this. This is not right. Stay here I'll be right back." mom padded across the carpet and from the sounds of it went to her sewing/craft/storage room. It doesn't take her long and she returns after a few minutes with her sew tape measure and the Sears catalog. These she puts on my bed and goes to my dresser where from my sock drawer she pulls out one of my new bras.

"But mom I'm not wearing the forms I don't need that!" I want to put on a bra like a hole in my head.

"It's to help me measure something sweetie you can take it off after." she is talking in that light nice voice. It takes me a moment but its the same voice she used with my sister the day she started her first period. It...creeps me out more than a little.

She helps me put on the bra and she puts it on the smallest setting so that it's fairly tight. Then she kinda pulls up my flesh a bit here and there and I almost fill the cups, not full as there is some loose material but more than I bloody well should be able too. Next she takes the tape measure around my chest where the bra band is. Then she does another measurement across the biggest part and looks in the catalog. I do not know what she is doing and out of curiosity look as well. She turns to the back of a catalog and after some flipping comes to a chart by Wonderbra for young ladies. She reads and after a few moments gasps.

"Mom your scaring me what is it?"

"Belle your an A cup."

No no no no this can't be happening to me! Hey I can't believe I didn't say..... awww crap.

Did I freak? You bet who wouldn't. I'm a boy for christ sakes with breasts. Breasts! NO this can't be happening. My breathing was fast. Is this a heart attack? Why can't I see anything? My eyes are open but it's all white.

"Bel..." static all I hear is the thump of my blood in my ears. Wait its sorta grey now with blurs..

SMACK!

I see mom and she she...

"You slapped me!" I hold my hand to the side of my arm where she slapped me hard.

"I'm sorry honey but I didn't know what else to do you were freaking out."

"You slapped me."

"Honey cry, yell do something!"

"YOU SLAPPED ME!" now that was a yell.

"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! YOU KEEP MAKING ME A GIRL! IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT ME TO BE BELLE ALL THE TIME! IS IT! WELL ANSWER ME MOTHER DEAR!" I tried to grab the bra and rip it off. A side note of me is amazed at how strong they are they don't really look it. I eventually take off the damned bra and fling it at mom.

I grab my hoodie and shove it on backwards in my anger and have to bring it up again when my arm brushes across my nipple and it sends signals surging through my body. I finally get the dam thing straight and stomp out of the house. I do not know where I am going but I'll be damned if I'm going to go back into that house and be a girl for mom.

It takes me awhile stomping around and crying, yes crying like a damn girl, before I tire out somewhat and calm down a bit. I make my way to the old park where I used to play as a kid. There is still the old tire swings on the bar. I sit ontop of one and sort of swing and twirl around a few times alternately crying or screaming till I just put my head against the rope and really think of nothing.

I was there for probably half an hour or so before something told me I was not alone. When I opened my eyes I saw not my mother, who I expected, but of all people Kim. She is sitting on the edge of the bar that, at one time years ago, held seesaws. I think kids nowadays use it as a sort of goal post or something.

"Hey Kim."

"Hey. So is it Bill or Belle?" she asks me, but it's a funny ask.

"Does it matter? It seems god or fate is making me be Belle when all I want is to be Bill again. Why do you care anyways?"

"It matters to you."

"Should it?"

"I don't know Bill. I do know that for years I have been playing with makeup and stuff. I have made girls look like guys for halloween. Ive made friends look like zombies. I have even helped a guy dress up as a maid, not a french maid but a real one. One thing I have learned is that coverings aside people under the skin are what they choose to be."

"That makes no sense to me at all."

"Does it? Does it really? Or do you just not want to hear it?"

"I ... when you look at me Kim what do you see?"

"I see a person who is neither a boy or a girl. I see someone who is in alot of pain. But mostly what I see is a person who believes so much in what a covering is that they do not even see themselves underneath." she lets me think on that in silence for a few minutes.

I can sorta see what she is saying I have been so caught up in what other people think or think they see of me this week that I haven't really looked at myself. When I look in the mirror I see myself. Not myself as Belle. Or myself as Bill with makeup on or off. I just see me. The same me I have seen for years. Does it really matter all that much what people think of me? No not really the important thing is if I see me.

Surprisingly this gives me a focus of a sort and I realize I'm neither angry or sad anymore. I turned around to thank Kim when I noticed that she was gone. When I look around I see no sign of her. I get off the swing and go look at the seesaw bar. There is loose sand around it that would leave footprints if someone had been right where she was sitting not 2 minutes ago. The ground is strangely undisturbed.

All the way home after that I couldn't shake the feeling that something weird had happened but in a good way. My sister was on the couch when I got home and she was not in the best of moods. From the moment I got into the house I felt her eyes boring into me. She didn't say anything to me at all that night and when I went to my bedroom I saw the bra I had thrown at my mother on the ground. I picked it up to examine it. While stretched in a few places it didn't really look all that bad. I know next to nothing about women lingerie and for some reason I had to find out if I could do anything to save this poor bra. I spent some time online reading about it. Actually I fell asleep at my computer reading about it clutching that bra.

I woke the next morning in my bed in the same nightshirt of my sisters that I wore Monday. I felt surprisingly good. I took my time that morning in the shower washing myself and my hair. I got out and looked at my options for my breasts. I decided against the girly lingerie and eventually settled on an old small tshirt. It was a winter tshirt so a bit thicker than a summer one but just thick enough for what I needed it for. I didn't fuss over my clothing. I didn't even fuss over how my hair looked I just did what I had always done before and combed it back while wet and left it to dry.

As I entered the kitchen for breakfast before school I found dad sitting there. Mom was strangely absent. I poured my usual Shreddies breakfast and sat to eat.

"Your mom was crying alot last night." oh one of those mornings.

"Bill I'm not gonna tell you what you should do. However a real man would admit to his mistake and apologize for it." sighing I put aside my spoon.

"I know dad. I went a little ballistic and took it out on her. Is she still asleep?" I didn't think so but one can hope.

"No she left early for work. She has taken alot of time off to help you lately. Time it seems you never even once thanked her for." Okay now I feel less than human thanks dad.

"Do you know if she made that doctor's appointment?"

"No but it being Friday I doubt she would be able to get you in until Monday or Tuesday at the earliest."he said while sipping his coffee.

"You should go help Sam get ready. I'll drive you both to school this morning." and that was dad's father son talk. It's never alot but there is meaning in the unsaid words.

I went to my sister's door and knocked on it before entering. She was at her vanity table already dressed in another long skirt and sweater, not quite matching, but otherwise nice looking. I watched her brush her long hair repeatedly for a few minutes thinking about what I should say. She however beat me to the punch.

"You hurt mom last night."

"I know."

"Dad talk to you Bill?"

"Yeah."

"And?"

"I fucked up. It's just that the whole...Belle thing and the breasts it was too much. And...I think I took it out on mom." brush brush brush.

"She still loves you you know."

"I don't deserve it."

"No you don't. But she still put you to bed even after all you did to her."

"Oh"

"Yeah oh."

"Uhmmm. Do you need me to do anything?" I asked her. Surprisingly she allowed me to help her finish getting ready. I got a lesson that morning on how to apply makeup, or more specifically how to hide stuff with makeup. She wouldn't let me near her eyes and my hands got covered with foundation and powder but at least her face looked all one color and the yellowish bruises were covered up. She did teach me how to apply mascara to my own eyes along with eye shadow.

It was a closeness of a sort when dad came to her room and found us giggling at how stupid I made my eyes look. I used her makeup remover to clean my face before I washed it in the bathroom sink. As silly as it was the ice that morning was broken and we got along. Not as brother and sister but more as big sister to little sister I guess. She smiled as I pushed her wheelchair around to the car.

One thing she didn't tell me nor did I notice was that mascara leaves a dark stain behind on the actual lashes. So my normally lightly colored lashes were darker than usual. Not alot actually you would have to look closely to even notice it at all. The subtly of it was enough to change the way my eyes looked just that tiniest little bit that make my face look just an itty bit more feminine.

School seemed to have returned to normal for me. I still had to use the unisex washroom as the guys made it clear mens rooms were off limits to me. Still people were calling me Bill. Sorta anyways, it was more like 'uh yeah uh Be...ill'. It was a far cry better than Belle that's for sure. I wasn't really obsessing over it, I just noticed it.

All seemed well till lunch time came around and I had gone to the lunchroom to eat. Or I was going to anyways, when the posse of girls that had ambushed me yesterday morning with makeup were waiting for me as I exited the stall. I tried to ignore them and just wash up but as you would guess they had other ideas.

"Belle stop this nonsense."

"Excuse me?" what nonsense?

"Look Belle your an attractive girl,more than any boy has any right being, which just proves your really a girl...with a bit of a plumbing problem."

"Hello Bill not Belle!" like give me a break with this crap.

"Look Belle, who is NOT Bill, it's okay to feel scared. Jason was pushing your limits and we understand that. Still it's no reason to run to the closet because your scared."closet? What closet? What is she talking about?

I tried to just ignore them and continued to wash my hands. A few of the girls said pretty much the same thing before leaving. They think that me being Bill is a costume and me being Belle is the real me. How? Why? What is it that people see in me that screams Belle. I stopped washing my hands and looked at myself in the mirror for a long time after they left.

All I see is me.

No not gonna say it... I .... I ... can't....be..beee...believe I can't stop saying that!

Sitting there on the edge of the counter, the lower one, is a gym back. A pink gym bag. A bad sign if I ever saw one. I know I should leave it alone and not touch it but there is a paper and well curiosity...

Dear Belle

We kinda figured you may try to hide after your outburst yesterday. Inside is a change of proper clothing, makeup, and jewerly for you to wear.

Barb

So that's her name. I should have not opened the bag but again curiosity got the better of me. It was worse than I thought it would be. There was an acid wash denim skirt, the flared kind that changes at the hips. A light blue camisole,panty,stuffed bra set. And a white blouse with puffy short sleeves. A denim purse with makeup in it as well as some wrist bangles. I immediately stuffed it back in and was partway to the door when I stopped.

I went back to the counter and put down the bag and looked at myself again. Was I Belle? Or was I Bill? Some part of me was curious to see how I would look in the outfit. I know really bad idea. I hesitated for awhile going back and forth between the counter and the door.

I'm really no good with makeup of any type I thought about it but just the clothes was more than enough. A part of me was reveling in the feel of the lingerie. I knew it was bad but I couldn't help myself. The tshirt I wore this morning to cover my brrr...breasts wasn't working out at all. The lingerie was like heaven against my sore and sensitive nipples. I stepped out of the stall in the outfit I really didn't want to wear but I needed to see what I looked like. I stepped up to the mirror expecting to see myself Bill wearing girls clothes. What I saw was unquestionably Belle. The skirt was a little tight in the waist. Somehow this made me look like I had very girlish curves.

I almost ran back to the stall where my normal clothes where and quickly changed out of the skirt. My pants fit fairly well if a bit loose at the waste. No it wasn't a pair of my super baggy jeans that fall down all the time. It was a pair of my newer jeans. They fit past my hips and thighs alright, left me room the crotch for junior, but the waist was loose. With my yfronts they would sorta grab and hold for a bit. The panties on the other hand are made to slide by and the pants were always falling down. I was so preoccupied with my pants as I walked out of the stall that I didn't notice Barb and the gang were there watching me till I heard a giggle.

"The skirt would have been better Belle." It was then I realized I had not yet taken off the cami and blouse.

"It's not what you think. I was just curious to see what I looked like is all I'll put it back." I turned to walk back and change when I felt a hand on my arm.

"Belle why are you fighting this so much?" Barb said it in a soft voice loaded with concern. I turned to face these girls who less than 2 weeks ago would not have given me the time of day.

"Look girls I know you mean well and all. But this is not who I see myself as."

"Soooo... you see yourself as Bill then?"it was a good question.

"Actually that's part of the problem. I'm not sure that I'm Bill either anymore." I could tell by their silence they didn't get it. I don't blame them.

"This is something I need to find out on my own I guess. Sorry." With that I went back to the stall and removed the blouse and camisole. I was very tempted to remove the bra as it was wrong for a guy to wear one. If it wasn't for the sensitive nipples I would have not had hesitated. Then again I should know better and have locked the damn stall door too.

"Belle?" It was at that point my hand slipped on the sink edge and I woke up. I was still infront of the bathroom mirror where I was staring at myself till I sort of fell asleep. I looked for the bag of girls clothing and it wasn't there. I breathed a huge sigh of relief. I ran the tap on the sink for some warm water and splashed my face to help wake me up a little.

Lunch was as subdued as the rest of the morning had been. Even Barb and her posse seemed to stay away from me as I ate my peanut butter and jam sandwich in peace. The dream I had in the washroom did make me distracted and I didn't notice a certain someone come to my table. I looked up into the face of Jason sitting on the other side of the table.

"Belle I..." I held up my hand as soon as he started.

"Save it for the girls in the school Jason. And the name's Bill." with that I got up and tossed the remains of my sandwich into the garbage. It would have been a perfect moment if some jerk hadn't ruined it.

"Jason zero Belle 2" which got half the lunchroom either giggling or laughing.

My afternoon classes passed fairly quickly except math where it was a chore to stay awake. Our teacher Mr. Newcastle teaches in a monotone. It's the one class I prefer to get quizzes in or homework.

My last class of the day, and the week, was home economics. It was the one class mom insisted I take. Her idea at the time was to learn how to cook for myself when I became a successful scientist or lawyer. Yeah she has these big dreams for me.

Still I was happy that I had managed to remain Belle free for one day. Being called Belle doesn't count as I got called that all day by teachers anyways. We had all settled down into our seats when our teacher Mrs. Anne came in. Anne is her first name she doesn't like to be called by her last name of Shilt. Ill give you two guesses why.

Now for most of the semester we had been working on stuff like sewing pillows or cooking but today when she came in, yes I'm the only boy, she was pushing a cart. I stood up to help her but she waved me down so I sat. It was a bit of a shock when she pulled out babies and put them on her desk. Four of them with baby bags for each.

The babies were actually baby simulators that had a key you had to insert into them when they cried or pooped or did something that you had to pay attention. I spent most of the class dreading being assigned one of those things for the weekend. Thankfully 4 girls in the class volunteered to take care of them for the weekend. I guess my relief was a bit to noticeable as Mrs. Anne called me to help her with something in the one change stall we had.

Since it wasn't a baby I was thrilled to help. She asked me to remove my shirts, which I did and then she had me hold this latex thing infront of me while she pulled on some straps and junk. She then used some tube thing to put water into the latex thing and did some checks. I was then told to put on this blouse with a pullover jumper thing in blue. I didn't quite understand any of this as the changeroom has no mirror. It wasn't until she had me stand infront of the class that I got the clue.

I was wearing a pregnancy simulator! Oh how embarrassing, and yes I did get openly laughed at in the class. Here I was avoiding trying to avoid Belle and now I'm not only Belle again but pregnant Belle! I kinda listened to what she was talking about as she explained what the simulator would do. I didn't catch all of it as I figured at the end of class I would be able to remove it for some girl to wear. Boy was I wrong.

At the end of class I found out that , just like the girls with the babies, those of us in the pregnancy simulators would be graded in part by how we responded to the simulators. They would record what we did and so forth. After we were done come Monday we would write an essay explaining our experience.

Really it wasn't that bad. During class I got kicked twice by my baby. Not fun. Mrs. Anne did provide for the pregnant girls though. Each of us got, in a bag, 3 stretch maternity dresses and tights to wear. I found out that jeans, even my baggy ones, didn't work well with the belly especially trying to sit down. It was a relief to actually put on the tights and dress as they allowed for far more maneuvering. I didn't think women needed this kind of freedom until this. Gave me some respect for what mom went through with Sam and I. Mom yeah.. Gonna have to say something to her on the ride home as well.

I walked outside or more accurately waddled outside that belly was just too much in the way to be able to walk properly. And of course the stupid baby thing kicked me in the stomach. Worst part was it was a low hit and for some reason made me really want to run to the bathroom. I didn't since mom would be... where is mom?

I was standing outside the front doors where mom should have been picking up Sam and myself but there was no sign of mom's car or Sam for that matter. I just stood there wondering what the heck was going on. It wasn't until I saw my school bus pass by that I realized that unless mom was late I was screwed!

I did see Denise, Sam's friend and waved to her frantically. She came running and laughing as she saw my uh condition.

"Oh Belle! That is so you!"

"Ha ha very funny where is Mom and Sam?"

"Oh! Didn't you know? Your dad came early to bring her to hospital for her leg scan." she said with this worried look on her face. It was then I remembered a vague reference from dad about leaving early for Sam. I thanked Den and started the long waddle home. I passed up a few offers from Jason, he followed me for 2 blocks, to let him drive me in his puny Geo Metro. I was fairly sure I couldn't even fit in sideways without trouble. Besides the dress was not something I wanted him to get a close look at especially with me in it.

I got a number of stares but then again so did Jason. I knew exactly what they were thinking. Preggers girlfriend being followed by boyfriend after a fight. I could almost hear the 'that poor girl' or ' serves them both right'. I kept my head down and waddled along. Even though I was wearing my sneakers my feet were not accustomed to the weight or the waddle for the couple of blocks I walked. Still opening my front door while drenched in sweat was a godsend as my feet were really overheated. I dumped my schoolbag, the bag with the dresses, my shoes all in the front hall and waddled to the couch in the living room.

I was the last one home and had made a fair amount of noise coming in. Not the best way to hide from ones parents.

"Hey sport how was...OH MY GOD! Belle what have you done now!" Dad was a bit on the surprised side as his eyes were really open wide.

"Bill what did you do to your fath.... Belle! How? Why? Your pr...pre... ohhh... " and mom faints! Sam is wheeling or trying to anyway, to get too mom past dad. She is not having a lot of success so I got up and waddled over to help. Dad reached down and put a hand on my fake belly. I don't know why but the thing decided to kick at that point. Dads face went very pale very fast.

The last we saw of dad that night was him walking out the door with one golf shoe on and one rubber boot with the lawnmower keys.

Do I really need to say it? What! FINE! I can't believe this keeps happening to me!

Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny. Ha I wish it was cloudy and cool. Getting up was a necessity as I really needed to go to the bathroom. Waking up to find yourself in a really oversized nightie when your a boy is...well lets say till the fog disappeared I was a little shocked.

Last night when mom woke up Sam explained what happened, amid her laughing, to mom. Mom figured it out soon enough and while giggling a lot helped me by finding some of her old maternity clothes. The stretch pants and large tshirt top were a godsend. At least it gave me some semblance of masculinity anyways. She even got me her old maternity nightie as well.

In some ways I got closer to my mom as she pulled out the photo album and showed us the previously banned pictures of her pregnant with Sammi. It was weird to see a young mom in clothes very much like what I was wearing. She and Sam could easily be sisters they look so similar. What was worse was how much like my aunt, dads side, that I look like. Aunt Peggy is one of those aunts you get presents from but never see. She is somewhere in Europe with her air force husband.

Not a huge deal but this was the first picture of her I had seen that didn't show a woman who was ...overweight. Oh yeah she is fat with a capitol f. The last picture she sent us for christmas she took up most of the picture. The idea that I could one day look like her was there. As mean as it may sound I vowed then and there to stay in shape somehow for the rest of my life. The small fact that at the moment with the belly thing I looked like she did a few years ago didn't help.

Sleep didn't take much and I did have a weird dream with me running with a baby while wearing a denim skirt running from girls armed with very large cosmetic products. The large mascara even glowed like a lightsaber. The baby was demonic as it's head, I never did find out its sex, turned around to face me calling me mommie before I woke up.

After I got up washed, yes I had to shower with the darn thing on not fun at all, and dressed I went to help Sam get ready. It was a Saturday and we were going to the hospital to visit those girls in the ward. We did sort of agree to it. My choice in attire was limited. I was loath to wear a dress. So a pair of Mom's stretch jeans and another tshirt. Sam was sitting at her vanity waiting for me and after a comical time of making my face look like a clown first we got her face done up. I even managed to get the mascara on her without poking her, I only needed to use a Q tip twice.

Mom came in at one point and commented on my "darling face" before she fell off the bed laughing. I took it in good nature and used the remover before we left. As we were driving away mom did comment on how good my eyes looked. Sam spent the rest of the ride apologizing for forgetting about the staining factor of mascara. I pouted, here I was trying to NOT look like Belle, belly aside, and I was in fact making myself look even more like a girl. I just can't win it seems.

One thing I was not expecting was to see dad on the mower cutting grass. We stopped the car and mom made dad get in. Seems he spent the whole night cutting grass boulevards. Mom explained what the belly was and dad relaxed in the front. By the time we got to the hospital he was snoring, loudly, against the side window. We locked up the car leaving a window open. He never even moved. Poor dad.

We went into the hospital proper via the parking tunnel because of Sam's wheelchair. Mom inquired about maybe seeing a doctor when we found out that my doctor was doing a stint in the emergency. His face when he saw me was priceless and worthy of a picture. It took a bit to explain things to him before her broke out in laughter I'm sure they heard in the waiting room. After removing the top of the belly he examined my breasts. Checked a few things and pressed here and there gently with the old."Does this hurt?" it didn't really which was nice.

He had a nurse take vials of blood to do some checking but he believes, as the pharmacist said, that it was a reaction to the solvent or the glue. The nipples were anyways. He said it did not appear that I had any glandular breast tissue just an accumulation of fat. He did prescribe me some cream to help if I got any itching in the area. I was to keep it covered and to avoid use of the forms especially the glue for them if possible.

Mom helped me to reassemble myself, I feel like a barbie doll, and we made our way to the foyer/waiting room. Who do we run into but the jerk from tv. Complete with camera. And it was on! I wanted to tear him a new one but Sam and mom kept a tight grip on me and I just sneered at him the entire time. Mom did have a few terse words with him. I don't think he believed that I was not a trans girl at all. I mean here I was standing with mascara stained eyes, in maternity clothing with a pregnancy simulator on. Mom did mention something about possible harassment charges or slender or something.

When I think back on it as mom was talking with him I don't remember his face once showing anything but amusement. I suspect him of doing something to me later but I have no idea what. As we approached the ward we heard a piano playing and I assumed the kids were getting some music played to them. The tune was familiar but I couldn't place it. The jerk followed us the whole time with that camera of his.

As we got introduced to the ward, not that I really needed it, we and I do mean we, got cheered on by the kids who were suspiciously all lined up in their chairs off to one side. The electronic keyboard explained the piano and it was played by the same lady that plays at our church too. I just knew that she would gossip about "Belle" to the church before tomorrow was over.

Before I could really start my visit the nurse pushed forward the one little girl with the bad wig who presented me with a card that all the ward had signed. It was touching and brought tears to my mom's eyes, Sam was making a mess out of my mornings work. I got some dust in my eyes. But that wasn't it either. The children had spent the week learning something just to play for me. Darn dust.

They had watched an older film called Sister Act. I remember the film with that actress Whoopi... ermmm Goldburg? They sang as a choir, which was fairly impressive from 8-12 year olds btw, the first part of Oh Maria (Hail oh holy queen) till the lady really goes ape on the piano. Mom and Sam were already singing along so was some of the nurses. I have no idea why or how but at one point I did join in with my wacky mimic voice.

I did a few of the parts that were close to what the movie had. The solos part you know the Mary Roberts and the one that sings to the rafters and the hard nun? Oh just watch the movie I don't remember all their names. It was fun and the children were jumping up and down in there seats. Did I remember about the camera? Nope nor did I see the cameraman leave. The reported that had my life hell for the last week did go hug his daughter. Yep the one in the bad wig. She was happy to see her Daddy and me.

I just about lost it when she claimed to her daddy that she would but just like me when she grew up. The tears standing in his eyes as he assured her that he would be proud of her when she did told me volumes. She never would. I waved mom over and we left to freshen up. What else was I gonna do I mean here was a proud little girl fighting for her very life and making all these plans for something that wouldn't happen. It hurt and I bawled my eyes out in the hall a ways away from the ward. We were joined by her father not long after. The jerk of a hour before was gone, in his place was the father of a little girl he loved very much. Her name was Bethany. He treated us to lunch in the hospital cafeteria, Sammi was apparently reading all the kids a story or something and had Bethany sitting on her lap.

Bethany it would seem had inoperable leukemia. Stage 3 or something. He explained how it started one morning with her unable to walk. They had thought at first she was trying to get out of going to school but quickly realized that was not the case. The doctors didn't find out it was cancer till 2 months had passed. They tried various treatments to cure her. His small career at the station didn't pay much but what he did make was used to try and save his daughter. Her mother, his wife, was not taking it well and had withdrawn or something. He would go visit her after he got through here he said.

Do you have any idea how hard it is not to cry when a grown man, especially a man who is a minor celebrity, breaks down infront of you crying? No well trust me the three of us used a lot of napkins. Amazingly enough I was the only one not wearing makeup. He was using some to hide the dark bags under his eyes. I could see that this was a man who didn't get a lot of sleep. I may be young but even I'm not that stupid.

After he left to go to the men's room or something I asked mom about him. She said she believed he hid himself in his work to try and deal with it. I asked her if it had affected his judgement and she agreed that it probably had. She left me sitting the cafeteria as she needed the ladies room she said. Really I think she needed to go and cry badly. It left me with time to think.

I walked back to the ward to find Sammi all cuddled up with a sleeping Bethany in her lap. The children had signed her casts with crayons. I lifted off Bethany who woke up briefly to tell me she loved me with a very weak hug. I handed her off to a teary nurse and pushed Sammi, who was crying silently, and we got out before I started sniffling. Sammi gave me a hug as I kneeled beside her telling her how hard it was and she agreed. Samantha is a lot stronger than I it would seem. I never expected that from her.

We eventually made it back to the car where we found an awake dad holding a sleeping mom in the back. He told us, quietly, to give them a few minutes. Seems mom had gone to him in the car. While he was in no shape to drive being exhausted he was still our dad. The love in the air was thick. I don't think we have ever been closer.

Samantha and I went for a walk, err well waddle, around the hospital. Not inside but outside. The overcast day gave us spots of warm sunlight but I doubt either of us felt the temperature at all.

"Bill you really don't want to be Belle do you?" she asked me after we walked for a bit.

"No."

"If you had the chance to do everything over and not be Belle would you?" it was a pointed question and it took me a surprising amount of time to answer.

"No"

"If I didn't say it before. Thank you for being my lil sister Belle for me."

"No problem" I wasn't really in the talking mood much. On one hand it was true that while causing me a fair amount of grief the past week it was not all that bad I had learned a lot. I even got closer to my older sister Samantha.

We eventually got back to the car to find mom and dad both cuddled up in the back seat totally asleep. Samantha whispered to me that she had the key to the house in her purse and we pooled our funds together. The cab ride home in a wheelchair van was interesting. If your in a wheelchair its great. The booster seat, as its called, is not all that fun to sit on for the short ride.

Sam did what she could but mostly bossed me around, friendly but still bossy, into making us some sandwiches for supper as we didn't think mom and dad would be home anytime soon. That night there was nothing on the news even though we knew that the cameraman was there.

The baby kicked me out of my sleep twice that night.

I can't believe... They got to be kidding...

"No I'm not going!" he has got to be nuts. There is no way I'm gonna leave the house in...that!

"Belle Anne Thorne. You will do as your father says and get dressed this instant!" Huh? When did I inherit a middle name?

"My name is Bill Thomas Thorne and there is no f**king way I'm gonna wear that any..." I didn't get to finish as dad got that angry look in his eye and started to remove his belt. Oh shit!

Apparently a girl is not supposed to use bad language. Even a temporary puesdo girl such as myself. Yeah I got in serious trouble for that slip. No I didn't get the strap from dad's belt. The threat was more than enough to put me in tears. Come to think of it I don't ever remember him doing more than pulling off his belt. Something not fair about that.

Mom got me into that ..dress. It's a flower and lace thing that older ladys wear, or pregnant ones apparently. Why because we are going to visit my grandma. Granny Smith is like really old 50 I think, and has never, to my knowledge, seen or heard of Belle. I was all prepared to wear the stretch jeans and one of dad's dress shirts but oh no that wasn't good enough. Didn't help that it was also my fault for something bad that I really still don't get how it was my fault in the first place. Don't ask me to explain it cause I really don't get it all.

Yeah I know I look way to convincing as a girl. The dress doesn't help but that was only part of it. I know Grandma. She loves going to church and last week well... Lets just say I want to avoid all old ladies till I look like myself again. Even Samantha is dressed very much like me but she has this black thing on the back of her hair just like mom.

Oh that uhm Grandma is a Mennonite Woman. To her women ONLY wear dresses, dresses they make themselves. Add the black thingy on the back of the hair and absolutly no makeup and you get the idea. The one thing that makes me shudder every time we visit is she never shaves her legs either. As the younger sister My hair is in a plait down the back of my head. It's a Mennonite thing.

Yeah mom was raised as one but she escaped as soon as she was able and wore pants. This got her uhm well not disowned or banished but shunned more like. It was not till Grandpa's death that a peace of a sort was made. It was viewed that as long as she and her family were presentable during a visit her satanic ways were overlooked. Oh we got frowns like you wouldn't believe but people were civil at least.

I got the impression that mom doesn't like this anymore than I do. Actually she was pretty mad all morning even before I threw my little fit. Dad is not comfortable exactly either. I know exactly why too. Those suspenders make ones pants ride up badly. Imagine a permanent wedgie and you would be close.

The whole reason we are going now is because of thanksgiving. It's actually next weekend not this one. However since we live in sin and all that we have to go this weekend. First its an incredibly boring 3 hour sermon in the parish church. Mostly filled with all the sins those who do not follow the ways..etc etc. Is it pointed as us? Most likely. That is followed by the church gathering for another hour and half. The women are separated from the men as soon as one walks into the church. I have never been to the women's side before so this should be a learning experience.

The drive out to the country was uneventful. I fidgeted a fair amount in the back seat since my baby was having a gale old time kicking me. I know its not really a baby but the experience is less than fun. The pantyhose I'm wearing is slowly sliding down my legs as we speak and there is not a darn thing I can do about it either. I hate dresses!

As we arrive and park the car I get a sudden total case of fear. I crouched down as much as possible in the back seat as I really did not want to get out of the car. These people are religious nuts to begin with. Having me enter as a fake woman is just so not gonna go over well.

"Belle come on out."

"No! I'm gonna stay right here! They will kill me if I get out!"

"Suit yourself since they already have seen you and will no doubt come over to wonder why you are sitting in a car all by yourself." dad can be so cruel sometimes. He is right and I know it. Doesn't mean I have to like it. Sub vocally uttering a few choice words I manage to get myself out of the car using the hand holds and grabbing the door.

As I stand up I can feel myself being peeled by everyone around us. A few shake their heads as I shut the car door. It took me two tries since the first time I got the skirt caught in the door. I put my head down to avoid looking around and joined my family walking to the door. I pushed Samantha's wheelchair for her. I may look like a girl but I'm a guy it's just something I do without thinking.

"Stupid girl" is said to me as I'm pushed aside by Jarod, my retarded cousin. I never liked him anyways. Mom catches my hand before I can let fly.

"Belle behave" it's hard but I let him push Samantha into the church ahead of mom and myself. Dad has been pulled aside already. Of course as soon as we enter the church there is Grandma looking daggers at mom. I suppose if you think about it really here is her heathen daughter being followed by her oldest daughter in a wheelchair with casts on her leg and arm and another very pregnant younger daughter.

It takes her at least a full minute to figure out that the youngest granddaughter is really her grandson. I could actually see the emotions play across her face as she realized it. I actually enjoyed this for a few reasons. One women do not speak during church so she can't make a scene even if she wanted to. Second I can see mom and Sam smile as they realize that she can't make a scene at all. The other women look at me with confusion but again can't say anything during church.

I made a few mistakes during the service when I started to speak amen and so forth and got hissed at as soon as my mouth opened. I was so tempted to try to speak with a deep voice like dad. I didn't but I was fairly sure I could make a few of them faint. By Sam's expression and mom's laughing eyes I think they got the same idea. Grandma sat right next to me though and gave me with worst dagger looks the entire service. I just smiled back as I watched her face get redder and redder. I was having a ball.

The service following with all the women going into there own room off the church was interesting. Mostly since I went to the men's side, amid many hisses, before I followed mom. She was trying to keep a straight face. Sam wasn't doing so well as she had her hand over her mouth as grandma pushed her into the room.

The church itself is sparten in decoration. White painted walls. No windows a few crosses and the wooden pews. The back room for men has some leather couches and chairs. The women's on the other hand has like lots and lots of painted scenes, all biblical, of how a woman should behave in reguards to her husband and family. I fully expected to get chewed out by Grandma or the women for my costume. It didn't happen they were all very polite. I was introduced simply as Belle Anne. It's a pregnancy simulator for school.

The simulator got more attention as many of the women had to feel the belly after they found that it kicked. The fact that a boy was wearing it never registered to them. I think Jarod's mom and sister figured it out but they didn't even come close enough to talk to. They never do so no loss. I did explain what the purpose of the simulator was and how it counted for a grade. A few of the women started to talk with me of all things how if feels to really be pregnant. Grandma was conflicted as she joined the conversation when she forgot about who I was until she remember then she would shut up.

Samantha had her own group after it was explained about her idiot boyfriend doing the whole Dukes of Hazzard thing. This was overheard by the parish priest and he favored Samantha with how if she was proper young lady she would never have been in such a position to be hurt. A young couple should be chaperoned at all times. An unwed pregnancy, a nod towards me, would be the result with bastard children. Mom myself and Sam all gave him the look. Grandma actually snickered at that one. The priest carried his Bible around a bit before he blessed the food waiting for the women to nibble on. Then he left to go back to his office. I suspect he went to get drunk but I could be wrong.

After the service was over and we were finally allowed to go back to the car to sit down my feet had swollen. Dad met us and let us into the car where the purses were. I didn't have one but it would have been left in the car as well. Dad told me about the fun he had in the men's side explaining about what happened to his son Bill, namely me. We had a bit of chuckle as he explained it after he was asked more than once who the cute younger daughter was.

Grandma's house was not all that far from the church. It was the same house mom and her brothers grew up in. So it was a fairly large house what I didn't expect was that it seemed every Uncle and Aunt seemed to be there ahead of us. Usually we are lucky if one of them shows up to say hi to us.

Now unlike Amish or Omish people Mennonites are only overly religious. They are not seperated from the world around them. Tv computers etc are quite common. Its just how one acts that is different. I was pretty much ambushed as soon as I walked into the packed house by the girls with questions of how it all happened. My male relatives on the other hand gave me a number of sneers. One of them looked at me with avid interest. This was probably the first time I had seen all my cousins as I didn't even recognize most of them.

The whole story was retold a few times to all the women with me as the centerpiece. Many complimented me on how I well I behaved as a woman in the church and were surprised at my wacky voice. I even did a good imitation of Grandma scolding myself for my shameful behavior. That got most of them including grandma cackling away, much to the confusion of the guys who didn't know it was me.

Thanksgiving supper was also much different than I remember. Instead of the bone dry turkey with acidic gravy we usually had, grandma seemed to have lost her tastebuds but we were always polite, this one actually tasted good. I found out later that one of my Aunts had , accidentally, dropped grans turkey on the ground and offered her turkey instead. I was of course seated with the women at the separate old wooden table. These tables have been in the family for generations. They collapse to small tables and aside from one or two catches are made entirely of wood. They open up with a number of sideboards that can be installed to a really long table. Hmmmm..

In their normal position they are maybe 4-5 feet long. But they extend to about 12 feet each. All with polished lacquered tops that usually gleam. They are really quite impressive. Mom hopes that she will one day inherit one of the two tables. They were built by my great great grandfather back in the early 30's

One of the tables is used to hold Grans ever increasing display of plants and crystal figurines. But today those figurines are in a box in the basement. The meal goes surprising well and I actually enjoy myself. My deportment lesson comes in handy as I display my ladylike charm at the table. Okay not really my elbows got knocked off more than once. But I did sit straight in the chair which grandma noticed.

Grandma does love us grandchildren. She shows affection and gives us presents every year even when mom and her were not talking. After the supper we spent some time in her sitting room looking at pictures of past family members. It was pointed out how Samantha looked like mom and apparently great grandmother as well. While I had some of grandma's features. It took a picture of her when she was young for me to see it. Her eyes and her nose. A quick comparison also showed me I had inherited another feature from the female side with my small feminine hands. Grandma assured me that it was not uncommon in the family for some of the boys to look like I do until they got to age 30. Although, she said, I was probably the first to actually look and act like a girl.

It was the first thanksgiving dinner that I ever remembered enjoying with my extended family. I can't wait to get rid of the fardling baby thing tomorrow. If I ever get a woman pregnant I'll make sure she gets lots and lots of hugs for these annoying ..uggg.

Id like to know how women go to the bathroom with this thing in the way!

"Success! For once I didn't say I can't believe... aww crud!"

Monday started off alright for me. Got up at my usual time showered got dressed in moms stuff again for the last time. Grabbed my bag, after checking to make sure it was my clothes and not something of Sam's not doing that again, and went for breakfast. Mom told me she would go during her lunchbreak to visit Edna to get me some smaller bras. I made her promise to only get me one or two as I wouldn't wear them for very long at all. I still remember how Edna can railroad you.

Since it was a nice day Sam and I decided to walk to school. Or more properly I waddled while pushing her. I did help her with her makeup again. I tried to escape the makeup on myself this morning and did for the most part. Sam used the mascara brush to give me a dot on my face and we giggled again. My lips were dry so I chose her lip balm to prevent chapping. It looked clear but had a strawberry taste to it.

The walk to school was nice even though my feet in there white running shoes with the pink bits were a bit warm when we got there. Surprisingly we made good time and I was actually early for school. Sam wanted to go to her first class where I pushed her and then I went to the home ec room to get rid of junior. Ms Anne was just unlocking the door the the room when I waddled up. I was not the only one wanting to get rid of junior as two of the girls who had also had to wear them were there along with the one girl with the baby, who I might add, didn't look all that well with a punk spiked hairdo on the doll.

Ms Anne frowned at the girl with the doll. We followed her into the classroom where Ms. Anne hooked up a cable to the doll before relieving the girl of it. Next she did the two girls in the simulators with the cable as well. It was just a network cable hooked up to a computer to pull the record of it. Ms Anne told us then that each of the straps on the simulator would record if they were removed at any point. One of the girls went beat red at that. My turn came soon enough and junior was gone. I did tell Ms. Anne about the doctor having me remove the top part for a breast exam. She told me that it was fine as I had also gotten a note saying such from the doctor. It took me a bit to get used to not having junior around and I actually felt flat. I continued to waddle around until Ms. Anne pointed that out to me. The girls giggled at me and I blushed. I held up the pants with one hand and left to use the unisex bathroom to change as the girls were hogging the one changeroom in the home ec room.

In the bag was a pair of my jeans, the better ones, a belt that I think is really Sam's as it is thin but plain. I don't actually own a belt. The red tshirt is a bit old but has no holes and my usual flannel was replaced with a grey hoodie that zips in the front. I didn't mind it at all. What I did mind was the note from mom in the bottom with one of Sam's older bra's. It was a size smaller than I am band wise but being old and stretched a bit fit okay. The slightly padded cups helped to prevent any unwanted irritation of my nipples. I resigned myself to wearing it since it would only be for a few days at most. Looking in the mirror you could tell I was wearing a bra and that I had small breasts. I tried zipping the hoodie then moving it side to side to hide the bra as much as possible. Finally I just left it open as with my bag over my shoulder it distracted enough.

Besides it's not like the kids haven't seen me wear girls stuff before. What I didn't notice at home or in the bathroom mirror was that my hair had not been slicked back, nor did I remember to remove the gold studs from my ears that I wore the day before. The 'beauty mark' if you haven't guessed was totally forgotten about as well. The jiggling from my chest was distracting at first but I soon forgot about it as I made my way through the first couple of classes.

Word of my temporary pregnancy had made rounds at school so inbetween classes I was buttonholed with questions about my experience. The snob girls gave me sneers all day and I didn't have a clue why since I was dressed as a boy. Aside from the belt and bra, oh and the shoes, I was wearing guy stuff not girls stuff. Sorry girls no Belle here today. Not that it helped as everyone called me Belle anyways.

Lunch was largely uneventful as Jason was sitting in a corner by himself and seemed to be pouting. Barb and the girls sat with me though. One was wearing a low cut top that exposed a little bit of cleavage. I think I didn't even taste my sandwich as I inhaled it. I was kinda distracted since the girl was sitting right opposite me. I think her name is Dawn but I'm not sure as most of the conversation was lost to me. Yes I stared at the piece of flesh for the lunch period. I may look like a girl lately but I'm very much a guy who is attracted to girls.

Amazingly enough Dawn, Barb and the gang didn't notice that I was staring at her cleavage. She removed her necklace and had me hold it instead thinking that was what I was looking at. Yeah the dolphin is quite detailed and it is real gold and all but my mind was thinking about how it was dangling over her breasts instead. You don't really need to know more than that.

Barb and the girls followed me to the washroom again, it seems I somehow and don't ask me why, had become a part of her group. They offered me some makeup which I turned down a few times.

"Belle it's not a big deal to wear more makeup than a light pink lipgloss. We know you have been playing with makeup as your eyes gave you away last week. Oh like the beauty mark by the way really makes you look cute." It was then I noticed I had not washed it off.

In the mirror I saw Belle once again. The hoodie had settled over my chest and actually enhanced my breasts instead of taking away for it. The belt pulled my waist in just enough to give me an illusion of curves slightly hidden. The beauty mark changed my face enough that there was little doubt I was a girl and not a boy. I sighed and used the offered lipgloss on my lips as people had already seen me as Belle today anyways. The tiny gold studs I hadn't noticed combined with my loose hair that fell naturally into a feminine look if you did one or two little things with it didn't help either.

To my utter surprise though Dawn noticed that a few whiskers on my face had sprouted up overnight. You could barely see them and I was gonna leave them but the girls had others ideas. My struggles were ignored and the 6 or 7 hairs were plucked via some tweezers. Once again I had a baby smooth face. I wondered if I would ever have my manly hair back. I actually mourned the few now dead hairs left behind on the counter.

When we walked out we got verbally assaulted, okay not really but this one girl did a rapid fire girlspeak to Barb and the gang. I caught one word out of three that it had something to do with Jason. After she left I asked and they told me what had happened to him over the weekend.

After he had left me on Friday when I made it clear I was not going to ride with him he had gone to the local teen hangout to shoot some pool. By the time he returned home his Aunt had already told his parents about his shameful behavior. Apparently he spent most of the weekend being grilled over by his visiting Aunt on his responsibility to honor the girl he got pregnant by offering to marry her or something. I'm sure there is more to the story than just that but that was what the girl had told us.

School being school the word got around fast and my locker had a few handmade wedding decorations on it. Not a big deal as Jason's was far more detailed. Serves him right for trying to pick me up. I grabbed the now laundered clothes from last week for gym along with my own and went to gym class. Again I had to change in the office and she was not thrilled with my gym pants and loose t shirt. It was the same stuff I had worn previously so I didn't see a problem with it.

Jason was waiting outside the office when I walked out. He actually looked depressed when he saw what I was wearing. I thought he was going to apologize to me at first but he walked away instead. I didn't get it but joined the rest for our 12 lap around the gym floor class followed by badminton. The girls told me a few times that I was tripping myself up in the gym pants and that was the reason I was doing so badly. I put up with it for a number of minutes before that competitive spirit in me got me angry enough at losing that I was willing to try something.

I walked back to the office where Ms. Brandy was waiting for me with the shorts, sweater and tights in her hand. The condescending smile on her face didn't improve my mood any. I thought for sure that my y fronts would show through the tight shorts and they did. I searched my bag and found a pair of panties I had worn last week. I actually felt happy to wear them as my juniors two partners had been bouncing around earlier. I resolved to ask mom if there was a guys version of panties available later and finished getting dressed before heading back to the gym.

I did fairly well in the girlie outfit without the pants and shirt tripping me up. What I found strange was that a number of the guys seemed to miss the stupidest shots though. I guess they were already tired from playing. My teammates for gym Sue and Debra did the hug and jump girlie thing with me in the middle everytime we won, which seemed to be fairly often. I actually enjoyed the last part of the class and openly laughed a few times. I had built up quite a sweat during gym class so Ms. Brandy let me use the shower stall in her office to clean myself up. I had not brought any shampoo or conditioner or even soap with me as I usually waited till I got home to shower.

Her soap was scented along with her shampoo and conditioner. It was subtle really not overpowering like some so I didn't really notice how it made me smell just that tiny bit more feminine. I was clean and that was all that concerned me at the time. I hesitated over the y fronts vs the panties. I chose the panties telling myself it was for the support and nothing else.

As I exited I handed the gym outfit back to Ms. Brandy. She gave me a look and handed it back.

"I think you should keep these Belle. Consider it a present from me for your wardrobe. Did you want me to get rid of your old ones?"

I looked at her in confusion I didn't really need the girl's outfit my gym clothes were perfectly fine. Even though I had to admit wearing them seemed to improve my game in badminton it wasn't like we played it that much. Still I took the offered clothes and put them into my bag.

I was still puzzling out why she had asked me if I wanted to get rid of my old clothes though. They didn't have holes in them. My thoughts got interrupted by Sue and Debra thanking me for being myself to play the game. Once again I didn't quite understand the comment about being myself. I was going to ask what they meant when we were leaving the gym but Jason was waiting outside for me and they abandoned me to him.

"Belle can we talk?"

Lil Jaci got up from her Barbie laptop giggling to herself. She was ready to post her latest chapter all it needed was a bit of tweaking here and there. She had already written three chapters of her story on her Barbie Laptop and her small delicate fingers were a bit sore from the typing.

She walked to the kitchen and pulled out a glass for some orange juice. She drank her juice and was reaching for some carrots when she stopped and giggled more before she shut the door on the fridge and went back to her barbie laptop. She opened a new window and it was the work of a moment before she started yet another chapter.

In the hallway outside her room a smiling Dottie had in one hand her barbie and the other her small bag of barbie clothes. She had heard Jaci stop and wanted to see if she would play barbies with her. She had gotten halfway to Jaci's door when she heard the click click click of the keys.

Poor little Dotties face fell and her eyes filled with a few tears. Her hand on the barbie didn't slip as it fell to her side. The small bag with the few barbie clothes and outfits slapped her side and a tiny plastic purple barbie shoe fell out. Dottie all but ran back to her room tossing the barbie stuff on her vanity table and jumped onto her bed.

In the hallway a forgotten tiny shoe was the only witness to hear the silenced sobs from Dottie into her pillow as her sister giggled away while the rapid fire click click of keys was the sounds emanating from her room.

"Previously in Belle of the ball" I can't believe I wrote something so cliche.

"Belle can we talk?"

"There is nothing to talk about." with that I turned and tried to leave him behind. He made a try to grab my arm though.

"Belle..."he started. I snatched my arm away before he could grab a hold of my arm or hoodie.

"No! Jason there is nothing going on. There never was and never will be just leave me alone! And my name is Belle! I mean oh nevermind!" the nerve of him I mean I'm a guy for crying out loud. I left him standing there and walked to Barb and the girls who were waiting for me with these grins all over their faces.

"What?" I was mad.

"Nothing!" they said as a group. Girls! For the rest of the day I did my best to avoid Jason inbetween classes and he was always trying to get me to speak to him. The "Lovers spat" comment didn't improve my mood any.

After the last class of the day I had to go to Sam who had my uniform for deportment class. She giggled as I came up and asked for it. Well more demanded it Denise and the girls didn't help with all the giggling either.

I had just gotten the uniform from Sam's locker when one of her pack mentioned not letting my boy see me in or something. I saw red and turned around fast.

"Jason is NOT my boyfriend! We are not even remotely a couple!" I thundered out before I ran to the closest unisex washroom to get changed. I heard the door open while I was in a stall getting changed into the stupid uniform amid many curses. In my anger I was not having alot of luck with the buttons.

"Bill" called Sam's voice from the other side of the cubical door. I opened the door to allow her in. The stall was a little cramped with her in her wheelchair. She pulled me to her. I don't know how but she calmly fixed the buttons on the blouse with one hand and tucked the blouse into the skirt for me.

"Want to talk about it?" she asked while tugging here and there on the skirt.

"It's nothing."

"It's so not nothing. So spill."

"He just never gives up! I want nothing to do with him and he keeps chasing me around!"

"I kinda figured but that is not how the girls in the school see it."

"What do you mean?" I asked while trying to figure out what she might mean.

"Don't be offended Bill but they see you as Belle well..."

"What?"

"Your playing hard to get." I started to sputter incoherent words as she said that.

"But..I... You..."

"I kinda figured you were not into boys Bill."

"Gods! What am I supposed to do shave my head and walk around with heavy metal band tshirts on and punch everyone in sight!"

"Maybe do you think it would work?" Sam finishes whatever she was doing with the skirt and we leave the cubicle.

"Honestly sis I'm not sure anymore. Every time I try to get away from Belle it's I'm Belle again before I even recognize it. My luck Barb and the gang would view it as another being in the closet thing or something."

"That or..." and she bits her bottom lip.

"What?"

"Well... Don't take this the wrong way but some of the girls have been asking me why my little sister was trying so hard to be a mega tomboy before."

"WHAT! I ... that's not... I had a beard for crying out loud!"

"Yeah about that... they thought it was fake."

"Oh my god! What did you tell them?"

"That you were definitely my little brother."phew thats a relief.

"Thanks."

"They didn't believe me. I'm sorry Bill I tried but they wouldn't believe me."

I put my hand to my forehead as I could feel a headache coming on. This is just not fair.

"So everybody believes I'm a girl that was pretending to be a boy now?"

"No just a few girls from your gym class. What did you wear that they are so sure your a girl anyways?" visions of my flat front because of the tights panties and shorts flash through my mind.

"Oh gods!"

"I take that to mean you know what convinced them then? Care to enlighten me about it?"

I told Sam about the gym outfit and how it flattened my front and then had to help her get back into her chair as she slid partway out of it from laughing so hard. I had to admit when I looked at it as a whole even I found it kinda funny.

"Oh Bill you ...its just... I'm so gonna tell mom about this!"

"Yeah yeah so is your little sister Belle all ready for her deportment class?"

"Well you could use some makeup" I glared at her" but I think you'll do nicely. Here give me your clothes and school bag I'll take them home with me as the school will be closed when you finish. Dad or Mom?"

"Huh?"

"Who do you want me to ask to pick you up Dad or Mom?"

"Oh! Uh mom would be best I think. Dad doesn't seem to be taking this too well." she opens her arms for a hug after I pass her the schoolbag.

"Do I have to?"

"Yes it's a girl thing Belle." with a roll of my eyes I give her the hug.

"See you later champ."

"Yeah later sis." with that I walked out the door leaving Sam behind to encounter Denise and Sam's posse while by the lockers was none other than that pigheaded fool Jason waiting for me. His face lights up as he sees me which doesn't improve my mood at all.

"Belle please can we talk." again he reaches for my arm. Again I pull it away only to have him catch my hand and not let go.

"I don't want to talk to you. Don't you get it yet? Now leave me go I have to get to class." I tried to pull back my hand but he has a really strong grip. I pulled back my other hand into a fist and let swing but once again the bastard caught it. With both hands now trapped he pulled himself forward into my personal space.

"We had this conversation before remember? That is no way for a lady to act."

"Yes and I told you then I'm no lady. Now let me go asshole."

"Not till you listen to me."I struggled but it was no good.

"Fine I'll listen but don't get your hopes up."

"I need your help Belle, with a family matter."

"I'm not your girlfriend, I will not be your girlfriend, nor do I even care a wink about your family. Let me go."

"Please Belle it's my Aunt."

"Fine it's your Aunt and I still care less I have nothing to do with you or her. I listened now let me go."

"Even though it's partly your fault?" that took me by surprise.

"Come again?"

"If I release you will you listen now?" He looked at me directly in the eyes. I don't know why but I stopped struggling and he let me go.

"My Aunt has gotten it stuck in her head that I got you pregnant months ago. The only way I can convince her your not is to bring you to see her. It will just be one meeting of my aunt and then I'll leave you alone."

"Why me why not some real girl"

"She has a picture of you being very convincing in the maternity outfit, which I should ad you looked very pretty in."

"Stop" I held up my hand to his face.

"Let me get this straight. One simple meet greet and goodbye to your aunt and you leave me completely alone? No pretty remarks, no lady shit nothing?" It was tempting but I somehow felt this would not be the end of it and needed time to think and maybe talk to mom and dad about this.

"Oh thank you Belle you have no idea.." he made to hug me. I stepped away.

"Stop! I'll think about it." I could see his smile disappear and his whole body just sagged.

"Uhm Okay I guess. But please Belle I really need this she.."I held up my hand again and he stopped.

"I said I'll think about it. Ask me tomorrow or something."

"Okay" but his smile returned and before I could react he moved around and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"NO KISSING!" I screamed at him and tried to punch him but he dodged and walked down the hall as I stood there seething. I felt dirty and rubbed my cheek to rid me of his germs.

"By the way you look beautiful in your uniform you should wear it more often" he said while when he poked his head around the corner. I took off my running shoe and threw it at him as hard as I could. It missed of course I can't throw worth a beans anyways. This meant I had to walk to pick it up much to the amusement of Denise and the girls. I picked up my shoe and turned to give the girls my best glare. They just laughed even more. I jammed my foot into the shoe and worked my foot into it before I used my hand to get the flap out.

"Nice panties Belle." I stood up so fast I had forgotten about the skirt. I hate skirts.

I tugged on the back of the skirt to hide my panties as I walked out of the school. I then realized that that would only draw more attention to my ass and stopped. That jerk who does he think he is? I guess I stomped all the way to St Mary's, not that it was all that long a walk. But Ms Bain was waiting for me... again.

"Belle a proper young lady does not stomp. Now walk properly and follow me please."

"Yes Ma'am" I sighed. It was gonna be one of those days.

I can't believe how hard this is.

Did you know that women walk by moving their hips side to side while guys walk more by doing the same with their shoulders? I didn't and walking with a book on my head while having some teacher follow me holding my shoulders killed my thigh muscles something fierce. I got it but it took me far longer than anyone else in class. And the book still falls down. It's not anywhere easy as it looks trust me.

My natural walk was moving more of my whole body than just either my shoulders or waist. And to think next week they want us to try this in heels! Yuck! Part of the class was training in how to speak too. Now that I was good at..sort of. I got into a bit of trouble when I mimicked Ms Bain. Half the class was in fits of suppressed giggles. Ms. Bain was NOT amused hence the walking lesson.

I think come hell or highwater, where does that saying come from, she is bound and determined to make a lady out of me by months end. Id rather peel onions than do this stuff. I'm a guy for crying out loud! Still some of it was interesting though. The speaking infront of a crowd that is next week should come in handy. By the time class ended I was sore but according to Ms. Bain I walked less like a scurvy seadog and more like a young woman. I think she watches too much Pirates of the Caribbean.

Was I ever glad to see mom walk in at the end of class. She just stood their watching me make a fool of myself. I kept hoping she was here to rescue me from the evil clutches of deportment class. Ms. Bain and Mom did chat for a bit though while I was walking with the stupid book. When the teacher finally signaled class was at an end and we all curtsied we were allowed to leave.

When I walked up to mom she had this look on her face. It was a look I had never seen before. I'll try to describe it. Her face was tilted just a bit to the side and she had her eyes squinted while her face had a hint of a smile to it. It was like she glowed somehow. When I walked up to her she wrapped me in a hug that was a little tight.

"Belle you make me so proud." She whispered in my ear.

"Okay mom can you let me breath please!"

"Sorry honey. It's just.. Oh nevermind!" and she put one of her hands to the side of my face. She actually had some tears in her eyes. This was starting to get me worried.

"Can we go mom?" I asked while trying to not hop up and down on my feet I really really wanted to get out of the whole Belle outfit. The walk to the car didn't take all that long and I started to get in foot first as usual when mom stopped me.

"Belle a young lady sits first and pulls her feet in with her legs together so as not to show her panties." I really shouldn't have but I grinned from ear to ear and got in just like normal. Mom just shook her head.

"Belle.."

"I'm Bill remember mom." she looked at me and nodded her head. She was a little disappointed when I said that not much but the hint of a smile was gone.

With my legs together and the skirt giving me a minor wedgie we started the drive home. She didn't speak to me until we got to the stop light.

"Bill. I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't have but seeing you as Belle in a deportment class with other girls also dressed in the same school uniform was very touching for me. It made me so proud to see my daughter in a school that I could only dream of when I was a young girl."

"But I'm your son, mom, not your daughter."

"I know and that is what makes this so difficult. Still I'm very proud of you for behaving in the class. Please don't mind me but I'd like it if I could take a picture of you with the girls in your deportment class." She had this faraway look on her face again.

"Yeah whatever mom." As if I didn't have enough problems. Speaking of problems I looked at mom and wondered if now was the best time to talk about Jason. Perhaps not. For the rest of the ride home I mentally review possible ways of bring up Jason and what he had asked. I knew I was far and away out of my depth with him and needed the advice.

Without thinking as we parked in the driveway I got out in a reversal of what mom had tried to get me to do the first time. It wasn't until I saw the smile on her face that I realized what I had done without thinking about it. Nor did I notice how I was walking by swinging my hips. After we got inside I kicked off my shoes and ran upstairs as fast as I could. Once in my room off the blouse and skirt came as fast as I could do it. I hadn't worn the sweater that day.

Dressed in a pair of comfy old sweatpants with a few stains here and there from grease or paint and an old one piece hoodie I went downstairs to supper. It was not till I noticed dads look that I looked down and realized that I had sat with my legs together and back straight while on the edge of the chair.

"Sorry" and I changed to my normal open legged slouched position. It felt wrong to do that and I can't explain why. Mom gave me a look as I put my arms on the table though so that I was still not allowed to do. Sam was amused in her wheelchair but said nothing and we had supper. I did on occasion slide to the side of my chair knees together to help Sam cut her tofu and pour some of the gravy onto it. We did our usual Grace and ate in mostly silence before Mom and dad started the usual chat about work. Things had returned to normal and I was happy. I was Bill at the supper table not Belle even though my bra poked out my breasts I was still Bill.

"Mom what did Ms Bain ask you?" I said while eating my tofu steak.

"Who is Ms. Bain oh you mean Ms Barnes. That's not a nice thing to say about her Bill you should be ashamed of yourself." I would have been if dad didn't start choking on his milk as he got the joke. Mom gave him the look.

"Your not helping Dan! Nor you young lady!"I saw that Sam was trying hard to not laugh as she was shaking.

"Sorry hun but what Bill said was kinda cute. Ehemmm so you were saying she asked you.." Trust dad to diffuse mom. I took my knife and tried to cut some more steak for Sam. So I missed any facial expressions mom might have had.

"Well.. she asked if I would give my permission to have Belle attend a charity fundraiser for the children's ward of the hospital on Thursday."

"That doesn't sound to bad it would be a good experience for Bill.." dad started to say.

"As a maid." mom finished. In my shock I knocked over Sams glass of water a bit and it splashed on the table and dripped down on her lap so she hastily used a napkin to soak it up. Dad stopped chewing his steak and swallowed audibly. I don't think he chewed it much.

"But mom I'm a guy."

"Sally Bill is a boy" We said at almost the same time.

"I know I know" mom said " She explained how they could use the help as more parents had accepted than she had anticipated. Your partly to blame for that apparently Bill." I looked guilty at that.

"But he's a boy Sally." dad repeated himself. His fork still had a piece of steak on it but it wasn't moving.

"Yes but I was thinking that maybe he could help out some other way and not as a maid."

"Oh like a butler maybe" Sam chirped up. I liked the idea immediately of being a suave butler that was clearly a guy.

"Yes... that would work he would be able to help. Do you think she will go for it Sally."

"I think so Dan. Hold on I got the form in my purse with her phone number." Mom got up and rummaged in her purse for a piece of paper and took the handheld off the charger before returning to the table. We all waited anxiously as mom dialed and waited for the rings. I took a little before she started.

"Hi Ms Bai...rnes" Mom gave me a dirty look" Its Sally Thorne calling. Hope I didn't catch you at a bad time. Oh yes Belle's mother. Yes Yes fine thank you. Actually we were just talking... Oh I see well we were wondering if it was possible for Bill to be a butler instead. Oh I see. Okay I'll be right here. No it shouldn't be a trouble we were not planing on going anywhere tonight. Thank you. " and she pressed the button to hang up.

"She is going to see if she can get a hold of the costumers who are providing the uniforms for Thursday and see if they have a butler costume as well. She will phone back."

"Very well. About time we started to put our foot down on this Belle nonsense." And that was the end of the matter as far as dad was concerned. I ate the rest of my supper in silence as I was worried that I might have to wear some maid uniform as a girl. We were well into the strawberry shortcake desert mom had gotten earlier when the phone rang. Mom picked it up and was silent for a bit.

"Yes.. I see .. Well yes Bill has breasts but .. Oh yes I can see how that might .. alright would tomorrow be...oh I see I believe we have a fax machine here somewhere ... alright I'll get them to you as soon as we can then. Thanks again. We would love to its for charity after all thank you."

"Well" I asked dad gave me a look I think he wanted to say it first.

"She can get a butlers uniform for you but she needs your measurements tonight as they will have to alter it. The maid's uniforms are mostly for size but the butler requires a bit more to fit she says."

"See Bill all you have to do is put your foot down and be a man." Dad says with a grin. I hope he is right. But... doesn't seem like I have all that much luck lately. Still its for the children's ward.

Taking my measurements was easy really mom used her measuring tape on me to fill out the form that Ms Bain had given her. It took awhile as there was a lot of measurements on the form. After I was done mom made me a bubble bath. I had not had one since I was a kid and for some reason I really enjoyed it. Mom even came in to wash my hair, I didn't need her help and I splashed her playfully. She returned the splash and after a small water fight in the bathroom we were both wet and laughing. All my tension of the day had gone. How do mothers do that anyways they just know what to do. Once I finished washing up, it didn't take me long, I helped her dry the floor.

Mom followed me into my room after she changed into her bathrobe and had me sit on my bed while she played with my hair and a brush. It felt nice and I really relaxed for the first time in days.

"Feel better kiddo?" She asked me.

"Yes mom I do thanks" I gave her a hug before she tucked me into bed in my borrowed sleep shirt. It's not a nightie.

"Your welcome sleep well sweetheart. I'm so proud of you." she said as she flipped off the light and closed my door.

I went to sleep that night with a smile on my face as I thought about how this might help poor Bethany. My dreams were filled with a small running girl with pigtails holding my hand.

For some reason I was in that darn golden dress and couldn't find my pants.

"OUCH! SON OF A ..." I can't believe this..

I wake up Tuesday morning to find I slept on one of my boobs and IT HURTS! It takes a few minutes for the pain to pass and it feels swollen a bit. I hope the doctor finds out what is going on so I can get rid of these. I eventually walk downstairs sort of massaging the stupid thing which earns me a look from mom. I drop my hand and sit down in the nightshirt at the table. Breakfast of cereal and milk. Nothing special same old same old.

It was after when I went upstairs and brushed my teeth that I found mom waiting in my room. She was concerned about me rubbing my breast and wanted to take a look. I told her how I slept on it and I woke up in pain. She had this look on her face but didn't say anything. I pulled out one of my new bras and put it on. There was no room in the cups, no not the bras I got before just some smaller ones from Edna with a bit of padding. I did not grab panties however I have been in those far to much for my liking lately.

Today I was gonna go with a Bill look. Boxer shorts and baggy camouflage pants that were tighter on the hip where the waist band sat. I didn't design them but all us kids were them. I looked through my assortment of tshirts for a white tshirt first and then a much larger Metallica concert one over top. You know grudge skater look. Well almost. I used some mouse and hair gel to get my hair slicked back into a non girly hairstyle. Some shades to hide my lack of eyebrows and I was ready. When I looked in the mirror I didn't see any Belle there body wise as my breasts were mostly hidden. Top of my head definitely Bill. Face...okay not much I can do about that its still a girly face but no makeup today!

I checked over my school bag and emptied it of the clothes from yesterday. These got thrown ontop of my stupid uniform. As funny as it may sound I actually liked that though I know mom would complain about how messy I was at least they are in the basket...mostly.

Downstairs I caught the old man as he was leaving for work. He gave me a once over and aside from how my face looked, he grimaced, the rest passed his inspection. I think he was happy to see me dressed entirely like his son again. He even gave me a "Have a good day son" in way of passing out the door.

Even mom was happish as she saw me dressed as Bill for school. She said she was gonna help Sammi finish getting ready and drive her in. I thought about hitching a ride but decided not to. I wanted the time to think of what I was gonna do about Jason on the way to school.

I paused at the front door schoolbag over my shoulder and looked at it with a small sense of pride. Our front door has a bit of story behind it. It is actually two doors combined together to make this one. The original door where the oval stained look glass is from was busted around the door latch from a break in. The rest of the door is a discount door that had a good sized dent in the middle. One weekend dad and myself spent a fair amount of time cutting out the oval in the new door for the window. After that we had sanded the door down and painted it before gluing the window frame in with some contact cement. The next day we had managed to get the window glued in place with some uncured rubber stuff that set over the week and installed it with its new brass door latch in place of our old peeling one.

It looks really fancy and makes me smile every time I think about it. We have gotten a few compliments on it from a few visitors, mostly dads work buddies, on the door. Yes today was going to be a good day for me. I opened the door to find it had rained early this morning. Shades of cliche's from movies about getting soaked by passing cars ran through my head.

I did manage to think about Jason while watching out for evil cars and muddy puddles all the way to school. I didn't know what I was going to do about him. On one hand it was the perfect opportunity to get rid of him permanently. On the other hand I was scared he would try to turn it into some sort of Belle date. And what was the big deal with his Aunt anyways. Something there was just not right. I think I needed to know more before I really made a decision on the whole mess.

With a grin I thought that at least today there was no way he would see me as Belle. I put a hitch into my stride as I continued my walk to school. It was not completely uneventful as I did manage to soak one shoe a bit with water that was deeper than it looked but otherwise remained clean and dry.

When I got to the school mom was working at getting Sam into her wheelchair so I put my bag on the trunk and helped get her in it. All was well as it could be and Sam and mom thanked me for my help. I started to push Sam towards the school when I remember my bag on the trunk. I turned to see mom pulling away from the curb with my bag on the back and ran after her. I just got the bag handle and pulled it back before I lost my balance and did a minor jig and two step towards the grass. I made it mostly but the grass was still very wet and I hit the ground hard on my ass. The worst part was the small breeze I felt from my crotch.

If you have ever split your pants before you know exactly what kind of breeze I'm talking about. I looked down to see that yes I had done a very good job of splitting my pants crotch open wide. More than I could possibly hide. I knew my choices in my locker consisted of my gym clothes or that .. short outfit. What I didn't notice was that my boxers shorts were also very wet. At least until I got up and could feel them firmly sticking to me. I confirmed this by feeling with my hand yeah they were sopping wet along with the rear of my pants.

Still all was not lost I would just have to wear my gym pants. Commando was not really an option so I decided to wear the red gym shorts under the pants. The nerve racking trip to my locker trying to avoid the kids in school was bad but I managed. The trip to the closest washroom was a little better and I made it in without too much trouble. The pants and boxers went splat once I got them off my hips. I used some tissue paper to dry myself off not that there was really that much but it felt better. The shorts went on followed by my grey sweatpants. I still had my two tshirts on and mostly looked like Bill just not so grudge anymore.

Back at my locker I hung up my soggy clothes to dry on the little hooks till third period when I would have my Home ec class. I hadn't completed the essay portion of the weekend and didn't really want to. The thought of telling people, we were supposed to read them to the class, of how I spent Sunday as a Mennonite pregnant woman was something I wanted to avoid. I closed my locker to a few looks from people. Considering how they have seen me over the last week somehow my wearing gym pants didn't phase them. I got a few snickers as I guess word had gotten around already of why I was wearing them but this is highschool and with text messaging they probably know about me in china.

My first few classes were uneventful. Math followed by Modern Lit, both of which are mind numbing to begin with, it didn't surprise me in the least. On the way to Home ec with my pants over my shoulder I walked by Barb and the gang. Barb of course had to have her say even though I kept walking.

"Oh Belle..." with a hand over her face. I snickered couldn't help myself.

For once I was glad mom and dad had signed me up for Home ec as it meant I could at least repair my pants. I thought I had gotten one over on Ms Anne but she told us on entering that we had until next class to complete the essay, she didn't look at me but I gathered I was not the only one, to complete them with a terse word or two about failing a major grade point.

I showed her what I had done to my pants. She laughed at me and told me to pop them into the dryer for a few minutes before trying to sew them on a machine. I put them in to dry and was walking back to my desk when Darma asked me for help. Being a nice guy I said sure before I even asked with what. I really should pay attention to these little things. Now on sewing days like today most of the girls were working on their dresses for the fall/hallowseve dance at school. Some worked on costumes of one sort or another while Darma and one of her friends were working on skirts. Darma had taken an older and larger jean skirt she found at some thrift store and was altering it into a more modern jean skirt. In this case instead of a front zip a rear zip skirt that hugged the hips and flared out with soft fold pleats.

I may not be into skirts but considering what she had done it was impressive. What she needed help with was for someone to check the hem length all around and pin it as needed so she could finish the hem. Well me and pins don't agree so, temporarily, Belle made an appearance in her skirt to be hemmed. The skirt just happen to show off my legs to full advantage much to the jealous looks of some of the girls.

Now I never did find out for sure but I think one of them pulled the fire alarm. All I knew is that I had barely been standing in front of Darma for 2 minutes when the fire alarm went off. As you can imagine everyone in school got to see Belle with a jean mini skirt, they are still called that even if they come to mid thigh, out front of school while we all waited for the fire department to come and give us the all clear. Barb was thrilled as she passed me with a "Much better Belle" to her line behind her classroom teacher. So there I stood with everyone watching as Darma continued to fuss with the skirt around me. She batted my hands away when I tried to at least release my t shirts from the knot she made exposing my midriff along with the waistband of the skirt. This also just happened to show that I had small breasts at the same time.

Wolf whistles yes got a few of those while I stood their blushing as red as the fire engines we were waiting for. And let me tell you they took their sweet time getting there all two of the trucks. Then went inside and did whatever they did while my poor legs developed goose bumps on goose bumps.

They finally gave us the all clear to return to school and everyone broke up to mingle or return to class. I was one of the first to try to get in but was stopped along the way, first by Barb and the gang who wanted to ask me why I was wearing the sweatpants before. Before I could answer Jason showed up and took me aside, I was mixed feelings about that. I was saved from answering Barb but now I had to talk to Jason about his situation.

"Wow you look incredible Belle! So did you think about our date?"

Date? What date?

"I can't believe.... that ...you ..of..."I was so mad I was stuttering.

Barb and the gang noticed this and interfered. This was a fight between two guys and they butted in. They grabbed my arms and held them so that that jerk wouldn't get what was coming to him. He just stood there expecting an answer too. I'll give him an answer and but good too.

"Why you dirty rotten...mphhffff"and someone's hand covers my mouth.

"She'll get back to you on that." I'm not sure exactly who said that and I really don't care. The girls dragged me away from him as he stood there with this stupid grin on his face. I wanna pound that grin off his lying dirty sneaky face with a tire iron!

"Let me ...go! He needs his face rearranged with a baseball bat!"

"Belle calm down you don't want to get into a fight."

"Oh you bet I do! I'm gonna tear out his lying throat with a dull fishhook!"

"Belle you have to.."

"I don't have to do anything! My name is Bill! Bee Eye El El! And I'M NOT a g..." Smack!

"Belle Thorne! Enough of this .. God's girl can't you see that we your friends are trying to help you! Do you have any idea at all how all this is making me feel! Do you?" Barb was staring at me with tears in her eyes. I noticed then it was just Barb and myself left as everybody had moved inside or off property to the yellow arches.

"Look Barb I didn't ask you too.." I started but she wouldn't let me finish.

"No you didn't but dammit girl I ... I ..." I could see the tears falling down her face and then she did something unexpected. She kissed me full on the lips and walked away. What just happened? My anger at Jason was totally gone in an instant. I stood there for a full minute at least and put my hand to my lips.

I probably would still be standing there if Darma had not come to retrieve her skirt when she noticed I was not going back to the class. I followed kinda numbly with a sway to my walk. I felt amazing and totally weird. Barb kissed me. My first kiss from a girl. Wow!

Darma all but pushed me into the changeroom to remove her skirt which I did and put back on my sweatpants. My camouflage pants were dry and after a bit of setting up with black thread, courtesy of Ms Anne, I started to work at fixing my pants. It wasn't too bad as it was mostly just threads that broke once I cleared away the rats nest of thread. Ms Anne was nice enough to give me pointers on what to do and how to fix it. My experience with sewing pieces of cloth together to make the pillow, it was that or a dress or skirt I chose the pillow, and I started to mend my pants. It was actually easier than I thought it would be and just 5 minutes into my lunch period I returned from the changeroom wearing my pants again.

As I was leaving I thanked Ms. Anne and with my sweatpants over my shoulder walked back. I did manage to catch myself from doing a curtsey as I left but just barely. Darn deportment class. I released my tshirts from the side knot they were in and they fell back to mostly covering my waist the pants must have shrunk a bit in the dryer as they were not sitting in the same place as before. Not much but they were just a little higher than before.

I tried to talk to Barb about what happened but she wouldn't even let me come close. Jason would just look at me with this sick smile on his face and he seemed to be everywhere I went that day. I didn't want to talk to him at all the ass. For some reason people kept calling me Belle all day even though I was clearly dressed as a boy. I only caught on when I actually listened close. Belle and Bill really don't sound that different if they are said fast.

At one point I really had to go to the washroom. I made it most of the way to the closest boys room when the principal made it clear that the washrooms were not for girls like me. I really gotta talk to mom about that. Since he waited while I used the staff washroom, outside of course.

"Belle we are still waiting for those forms to be filled out and sent to us."

"Mom faxed them last night I think." I replied without thinking. I did wonder why he asked about the measurement form for the costume.

"Oh those were ...I see no problem." and then under his breath but I overheard anyways "Got to convince the super to get us a new fax machine this piece of junk causes more problems ..." the rest I didn't hear as he was walking away. I did make it back to history but got a frown and a Ms. Throne from the teacher but no detention. The homework assignment was punishment enough. Chemistry was my last class of the day thankfully and that was spent with figuring out amino acid chains and how to draw them with the proper number of little lines. It's interesting to know some of the stuff. I still like the dancing sodium on water thing.

Sam and her gang were waiting out front for me. Denise gave me a strange look but I chalked that up to leftovers from this morning. Or lunch with that stupid skirt. Sam just had a smile from ear to ear. It's nice to see a real smile on her face after all she has been through. Now if I could get her to take my place with Jason...

Since the afternoon had turned out nice I pushed Sammi all the way home. The girls chatted with her about this or that and I didn't pay to much attention. I was just happy that for once I was going home the same way I left as a boy! A block from our house the last of her friends peeled off and it was just the two of us. I decided to ask for her advice.

"Sam."

"Yeah Bill?"

"What do I do about uhm you know? I mean he won't leave me alone and I want nothing to do with the ass."I started to get a bit upset at just thinking about it.

"I never thought I would be giving my little brother big sister advice on how to handle boys as a girl." She started laughing

"That's not fair Sam!" I tried to not chuckle as it did sound funny.

"Well its true!"

"Sammi..."

"Fine but for this I'll talk to you as Belle okay?"

"But I ... I mean .. same person you know?" okay I totally flubbed that part.

"Well Belle when a pretty girl like you refuses a hunk like Jason, who I might add can have the pic of any girl in school, he finds them like forbidden fruit that he has to have them some way." She started " Follow me so far?"

"Sorta. I'm not trying to be pretty or anything I'm trying to be a boy for crying out loud."

"Your doing a terrible job at it Ms. Thorne who speaks like a girl all the time now even at home!" Blink blink.

"Still Jason feels he has to have you so he keeps asking and asking till he wears you down and you say yes... or charge him with harassment." Oh goody legal stuff again.

"Uhhhh.."

"Yeah calling the cops on a schoolmate is not the best idea. So you have to get him to lose interest. One get a boyfriend."

"No way no how! Not even gonna consider that..."

"Two go out with him once to satisfy him but make it a horrible date." I think even my brain sputtered at that one.

"Or three talk to him and treat him only as a friend which deflates it." huh what does she ohhhhh....

"So that why I got those 'Let's just be friends' comments when I asked out girls before."

"Exactly"

"That works?"

"Did it work on you?"

"I guess.." dammit. "So do I really talk like a girl all the time?"

"Yes you do although I don't really hear it unless I look for it but you do."

"How about if I talk like this" I tried to talk in my normal deep range. It was a little harder than I thought. Sam just started laughing really really hard.

"What?" I asked dropping back to the higher range.

"You...you... oh gods Belle you sounded like a girl trying to talk like a boy and doing a really bad job at it."

"I guess I need to practice."

"Just a bit! Let me get my keys. Hold your history book" She fumbled with her purse and put the key into the lock only to find the door already unlocked.

It didn't take me long to get her chair over the threshold as our front door sidewalk comes up pretty close to the bottom of the door. It was something we did years ago. A few years ago dad and I, along with a much younger and tomboyish Sammi had moved around a bunch of dirt so that the lawn would slope away from the house instead of towards it. We also had to pour some concrete over the original front sidewalk so that our new sidewalk would be over the grass and not a foot under it. I think we may have made it a bit steep as the new sidewalk actually comes about an inch below the doorsill. Although you can't tell there is actually a number of big stones in that concrete. We kinda needed filler for it and Dad went a little overboard with the metal bar stuff.

After pulling off my pink and white sneakers, gotta find a way to dye those as they are really comfortable, I pushed Sam past the living room where dad was ensconced doing his accountant bit with the bills. Dad has this thing where he sits on the couch with this old adding machine from like the 90's or something and types away at the keys with all the bills and receipts for groceries fuel etc. I never figured out what he does or how it is supposed to work but he takes it very serious.

"Hey dad."

"Hi daddy!" yeah shes a daddy's girl groan.

"Hi girls" and he just waves without looking up and goes on punching the keys. I once suggested using a computer. It was a bad idea apparently even mom gave me the look at that one.

Did he just say "Hi girls?"

Lil Jacilynn pushed herself back from her vanity and stretched. Her arms barely held high enough as she was still in her uniform from school. It was a bit of a pain having to go to school on a Saturday but it did allow them to have another month off school over public kids so it did have it's good side.

She moved out of her room still without changing as she wanted something to drink. As she neared the kitchen though she heard Tante Andrea with lil Dottie talking in the kitchen. Curious she tried to listen without being seen.

"You can come peel the carrots Jacilynn."

"How did you know I was.."

"Magic" Said Andrea Dimaggio with a grin.

I can't believe he said that.

"Hi girls?" I said as I pushed Sammi towards the kitchen.

"Told you." was all Sammi said.

"But.."

"Here peel the potatoes." Sammi may not be able to move around much yet but she is still the same old bossy big sister. I started to peel the potatoes that mom had left out on the fridge shelf while Sammi was busy putting the spices mom left out on the counter into the chicken. Well it looks like a chicken..sort of. It's brown instead of white but it's shaped like one. There is even bamboo bones in it for the legs.

Being a vegetarian has its drawbacks. There is this store that mom and dad buy groceries from with these premade meal things. Like the steak from last night that is beef flavored or the chicken that is chicken flavored. While not real meat it tastes like it. Supposedly healthy too according to dad.

Mom grew up in a household with meat as a main staple and by the time she met dad had grown really sick of meat. Something about a pet cow or something. Dad on the other hand grew up in a household were veggies were a main staple and meat was a treat because of Granny Thornes Diabetes. Grandpa Thorne died in the early days of the Gulf war and raised Dad and my 2 aunts by herself. Not that they needed much as all of them were teens at the time. Still the meals became largely out of the expanded garden in the back of their house. We also have a small garden, dead now, which is where our potatoes are from. There is also a box of tomatoes to be canned yet. I check the box for any that are ripe enough to use and grab two. Most of the rest are starting to get red instead of green. I also grab some cabbage, green pepper, red pepper, and turnip which I will use with the lettuce in the fridge to make a small salad.

Sammi is busy stuffing bread and bits of spices into the chicken that is wedged against the cupboard. I know she could be faster at it but with only one arm she is doing a good job anyways. Sam mostly tells me what to do as I go about getting stuff. She chops up the veggies for the garden salad with the chopper. It's supposed to be for onions but works on other veggies as well. After we finish getting the supper ready and in the oven Mom comes in from the front as she just got home from work. She puts her seal of approval on everything we did. Which is kisses on cheeks. Dad is pretty much banned from cooking anything in the kitchen after the pot incident. I do not know exactly how but one of mom's antique pots is used as a flower pot because of dad.

While supper is cooking mom helps us clean up. Sam gets to put the lower dishes away while I dry. Not a big deal and doesn't take long. It does however give me a chance to ask mom something that is bothering me.

"Mom when do we find out about my breasts?" She momentarily stops washing before she starts again.

"I tried to call the doctor today but couldn't get through to him. Your next appointment was supposed to be Thursday but I got it changed to tomorrow night. We may not get a lot of time with him as it's after hours for him tomorrow." she paused for a bit" so how was your day at school?"

"Not bad same old same old." Please don't say anything Sammi.

"Belle got asked out by Jason again mom." Doh! Thanks a lot Sammi.

"Belle? But I thought you were at school as" then she looked at me head to toe. What?" I see... So Belle is there something you should tell me?"

"It was nothing mom. He is just being a pest. I can take care of it." shut up Sam!

"You know Belle if you like boys I... We would still love you... Boy or girl your still our daughter. I mean child!" oh this is just getting better and better.

"I'm Bill your son mom! It's just that with the skirt on today Jason saw me as Belle and he asked if I had thought over our date."See not my fault.

"Skirt? What skirt? Young lady if you don't tell me the whole story right now I swear.."

"It wasn't my fault I was helping Darma in class by modeling her skirt so she could fix the hem while my pants dried so I could fix them and then the fire alarm went off and I froze in the skirt before the firemen came. I wasn't trying to be Belle it just happened."

"Your pants? What was wrong with your pants?"

"Well I kinda split the crotch rescuing my bag from the trunk of the car as you drove off."

"Your bag? What was your bag.. nevermind. So you were wearing a skirt because your pants had split and your teacher was mending them?"

"No mom I fixed them she just helped me do it. The skirt was while my pants were in the dryer as the butt got a little wet."

"I see so your saying you were not trying to dress as a girl behind my back at school?"

"What no mom! It just happened I didn't want to do it!"

"I .. it's just... lately Bill...you seem to end up as Belle a lot even though you say your Bill. It's hard to understand or believe. I .. uhmm .. do you two have homework?"

"Well yes but.."

"Fine! Lets finish here and you two can go get started. I .. Your father and I.. need to discuss things." We finished the dishes fairly quickly and it would be awhile before supper was ready so Sam and I went into the living room to do our homework. Dad looked up and saw mom. Somehow they communicated without speaking and he put aside his papers, in a neat pile so we wouldn't disturb them, and took her outside. They were going to sit in the back of the car for their discussion. What I wouldn't give to overhear it!

I was sitting there doing the bills my bi monthly duty when the kids came into the living room with their books. Poor Samantha it hurts to see her in that wheelchair. What I wouldn't give to get her out of it. Then there is Bill. That kid I hope Doc Brown can figure out what is happening with the poor kid. Everytime I see him lately he looks more and more like a girl. I can see it tearing him apart but again, like with Samantha, I'm powerless to do anything. This is something he really has to overcome himself. He has a good head on his shoulders if he would just use it correctly.

What alerted me I couldn't say but one look at Sally and I knew she was barely holding it together. Gods she is so beautiful even now after all this time together it still amazes me that of all the men she chose me. I put my papers together even though in today's computer age there was rarely mistakes "It always pays to check" my da used to say. Hate to say it but the old bugger was right. I know its antiquated to use his old calculator but it gives me that little piece of him when I do it. I followed Sally out to the car and with a grin got into the back with her. Oh the memories I'll never tell the kids about.

The door was barely closed behind me with Sally leaped into my arms and started sobbing with powerful shakes. I didn't yet know what this was about but I was sure I would need a change of shirt afterwards.

"Oh Dan!" I put my arm around her and held her as she cried. "I'm such a horrible mother!" Oh oh bad sign. I just gave a hmmm noise for her to continue.

"I'm trying to be there for Bill and Samantha but it's just so hard. I can almost see our son disappearing and being replaced by this daughter I never knew I had. And she is so beautiful and this is our son and and ..ohhh" and here comes more tears. So its that old ghost again.

I remember the first time I saw Sally following her mother around like a good daughter of a proper Mennonite family. She was beautiful even without any makeup. It hurt to see her folding into herself to be what they wanted her to be.

"Do you remember our first time in the back seat of your dad's Pontiac?"

"Gods yes! I was horrible in that mini skirt and low cut tank top. The heels I must have tripped over a dozen times! And the makeup I should have never let Dolly talk me into that."

"I liked it. It was like watching a butterfly opening from her cocoon to see you finally relax."

"I looked awful!"

"No you didn't Sally. It was the first time I saw the real you and fell so deeply head over heels in love with you."

"Dad was not impressed when he caught us."

"Yeah the old fart blamed me for turning his daughter to heathen ways."

"I wore pants just to get back at him when he ordered me to not see you again."

"Do you remember what you swore to me when I picked up you sweetheart?"

"That I would never judge or force my children to ...oh oh Dan. That's dirty pool!"

"Maybe but ...well you have been obsessing over Bill a little more than you should."

"But he is our son and he should not being doing this stuff. It's not right its..."

"That's your mother talking."

"God please don't tell me that! Dan...I wish I hated you right now."

"Hated me why?"

"Your right you big jerk! I wish I hated you but I love you. What did I do to ever deserve a guy like you."

"If you ever find out let me know cause I feel the same about you."

"So what do we do about Bill?" she asked me. It was a good question.

"I think. I think we should let things play out it may be a passing phase or exactly what he says it is. I don't feel like he is lying to us."

"Dan you should have heard his story today. Did you know a boy has asked him, as Belle, out on a date twice now?"

"Should I break out that old shotgun I was keeping for Samantha's suitors for Belle now?"

"That's not funny!" she giggled so it really was.

"Cute thought."

"Yes. Still everytime I see that boy all I seem to see is a girl. He doesn't even talk like a boy anymore. And his manners are better than Sam's."

"That may be from that deportment class you got him in."

"That was not my fault. That Ms. Bain"Giggle" Sorry Ms Barnes is the one who wanted to take Belle and make a proper woman out of her. It was all I could do to get her to relent on the deportment classes for a month instead of fully enrolling him."

"That still doesn't seem right to me."

"I know but with people thinking that Bill is a trans girl transitioning it's really hard to fight that when he keeps coming home as a girl more and more."

"Speaking of the transgirl thing. Did you hear from the solicitor about the case?"

"Yes they feel that they can settle this out of court. However it will be hard to prove with Belle around day after day."

I just sat there holding her as she composed herself once more.

"Dan what do you really think about this whole Belle thing? Do you think maybe we should get him to a therapist." ewww that t word again.

"You know how I feel about brain farters messing with peoples heads."

"Dan!"

"But.. I feel that this will somehow make a far better man out of Bill if he can get through it." I paused" I also think that we should give our son all the support we can. I do feel that under all that he is still our son. I believe in him." Sally sat back while still holding me and looked at me with those wonderful eyes of hers.

"How did I ever get a man like you?"

"So all better?"

"Yes now come here you!" It would seem that we have some energy to get rid of. Eventually we came up for air. My head was all tingly from the kiss.

"At least he gets to be a butler Thursday night."

"Yes there is that. Now kiss me again you idiot"

And I did just that for quite awhile.

Ha for once I don't start off with that saying. Yes! I'm sure people are tired of hearing "I can't believe"...darn it!

Mom and dad came in after about 2 hours long after we had finished our homework. They had this look, so did Sam and I actually, and we knew that they had not only discussed things in the back seat. That night as I got ready for bed mom stopped by and tucked me in again. She didn't say anything but then again she didn't have to I could feel it. She loved me without condition. It was enough. Dad waited at the door just leaning on the frame and I saw him envelop mom as they closed my door.

I slept pretty well even though I had vague memories of a dream where the doctor was chasing me with a scalpel as large as a baseball bat and Barb beside him with a mascara brush of the same size. Strangely the dream didn't bother me till I thought about it afterwards. I did wake up with junior calling for attention. Glad to know I'm still very male where it counts.

Mom came into my room and picked out a white bra for me to wear today because of the uniform blouse being slightly see thru. I looked at it and seriously thought about trying to tear it before I sighed and just put on the stupid thing. It is still disturbing that I a boy have to wear such a feminine garment with purpose.

Mom did ask me if I wanted to wear the blouse to school with the sweater overtop and my one single black skirt and flats. I just looked at her and she said "perhaps not. Just checking." It was like some sort of test that I either passed or failed, if only I knew what the test was. I grabbed a pair of black panties to wear though as I seem to end up in something Belle often lately which is perhaps why she suggested the outfit. I grabbed a pair of my black jeans with the holes in the knees with threads hanging out. A new tshirt and the same Metallica tshirt as yesterday.

I did help Sam with her makeup today and for once manage to not get any on myself. I did seem to be getting the hang of it, not that I wanted to, and could get her face done in a few minutes. Mom shooed me out to help her get dressed. At school I helped unload Sam making sure to keep my bag and the uniform garment bag free of the car. Wasn't gonna have a repeat of yesterday.

As we approached the school doors I saw Barb and Dawn ahead of us and waved. Barb took one look at me and ran inside the school. Dawn was waiting for me as we got there. She had a small bag in one hand. As I approached she tossed the bag at me before I could ask what it was. I caught it but didn't know what it was and wanted to ask.

"Dawn wait a minute. What is with the bag and why.."

"If you know what's good for you you will fix your face before coming near us." and with that she walked into the school. I had no idea what she was on about but Sam took the initiative and opened the bags little zipper. I know I shouldn't but I was curious.

"You've got to be shitting me!" yep its makeup.

"Mmm nice shade of lippy. Oh this eyeshadow pack is totally your color!"

"Your not helping!"

"Relax lil bro I'm just messing with you."

"But what does it mean?"

"It means that they will only allow you to be Belle around them. Not that I would suggest actually wearing it but you could at least find out what is going on."

I knew what she meant. But this would mean purposely being Belle just so that I could talk to them. Did I want to do that? The memory of Barb's kiss told me I had to know why. But I'm a guy. This is way over my head!

I spent most of the day in classes not really paying attention as my mind twists around that tiny bag in my backpack. Should I wear it just to talk to them? Should I toss it back and tell them off? But then what of the kiss? My mind supplies all the details in torment of the good or bad of doing one or the other all day. I try at lunch to just give it back but neither Barb, Dawn, or any of the girls are there. I guess they went out to the yellow arches.

Before my last class I rush off to my locker as we got out 5 minutes early. I open my door and think I must be nuts to do this but I have to know. A few minutes in the washroom and Belle is back. Just not wearing any makeup it will have to do. I have the deportment class after school anyways so getting changed into the girlie uniform isn't that big a deal really.

Sitting in my last class with my thighs sticking to the plastic school chair I contemplated if this was a bad idea. The guys in class are of course seriously trying to not watch me and watch me all in the same way. I mean yeah the skirt is short and the blouse leaves no question that I'm wearing a bra at all. The blazer manages to keep me warm but just barely. I forgot the sweater as I really don't find it that comfortable. The class bell signalling the end of the school day finally happens. I make my way out of class totally missing that I walk with the wiggle and manner from deportment class.

Waiting outside for me is the two people who have so far kissed me. Jason with this lost look in his face and Barb who is smiling like crazy. I do not know why these two only see me as Belle and not Bill but there is things I have to know. I ignore Jason and grab Barb's arm for a walk. The idiot follows like a lost puppy. At least he gives us some room.

"Barb I have one question. Why the kiss?" as I say this I reach into my backpack and remove the small bag of makeup. I try to give this to her but she hides her hands behind her back.

"Belle that is your makeup we got it just for you. Keep it. Please!"

"Barb despite appearances I am a guy. Belle is not a real person. I can't wear makeup just to make you happy. It's not who or what I am."

"Your real to me."

"But..."

"No please listen Belle. I noticed you the first day of school hiding behind that facade of Bill and it hurt. When I finally saw you emerge from your Bill cocoon it was like watching sunshine envelop you. You are so beautiful as the girl you are and yet..."

"Go on" I have no idea why I just said that.

"I knew that a part of you was boyish and I ..feel for you."

"Feel for me? As in you have feelings for me?" like lust, puppy love, want to have sex.. drool ... wait head in the game pay attention!

"I .. don't know. I do know that everytime you try to hide as Bill again it hurts me. But seeing you as Belle like you are right now.. It's so right. Oh I'm babbling."

"Oh I don't know babbling is kinda cute from you." Lame!

Barb stops me and turns me towards her and she steps up on her tip toes and kisses me again. Not on the lips this time just the cheek but still.

"Thanks for being beautiful for me Belle." and she walks away with this sway to her hips that gets junior revving up. I'm still standing there when the idiot walks up.

"That was hot Belle! So have you thought about our..."

"F**k off Jason!" junior has retreated so far now that I'm in danger of changing sex spontaneously. I walk away from him as fast as I can towards the opposite doors leading to St Mary's.

"Love you Belle Throne!" He yells behind me. When I look up yes everyone in school heard it. I just put my head down and plod on while my face turns brick red not from shame but anger. Sam is waiting for me at the door with her coat on over her skirt and blouse. Yes she wore something not too different from what I'm wearing right now. Mom and dad are supposed to pick us up from my deportment class for the doctor's.

I'm still very mad as I grab her chair and push it with some force. Actually just pushing it across the lawn, which is not all that easy before I get to the cement path allows me to work of some of the frustration. Once we are on the path again I stop pushing as hard and it is then I notice that Sam releases her deathgrip on the chair.

"Should I ask?"

"Jason."

"Oh no what did he do?"

"'I luv you Belle Thorne' infront of the whole school." I said it mockingly and Sam started to giggle at it.

"Sam that's not nice."

"Oh Bill you sure do ...this will be a hot topic tomorrow at school."

"I know believe me I know. Can I kill him or something?"

"No but you should do the lets be friends thing."

"I was going to but well things with Barb happened."

"Yeah.. So...?"

"Barb has.... feelings for Belle. But loathes Bill." That sent Sam laughing hard all the way to deportment class where Ms Bain was waiting for me again. She took over pushing Sam for me, which I was actually grateful for as these shoes, I wore the black flats, have no grip and the sliding was killing my calves.

Sam sat on the side of the class watching me make a complete ass of myself with the stupid book. I hate that book with a passion now. She did seem interested in some of the other stuff discussed during the class on bearing and how speaking like a blonde bimbo, their words not mine, and speaking like a lady is just a matter of choosing the right words.

That part of the class was interesting and even when I am just Bill I think it will help me. The rest of the class goes by quickly and even Sam makes the little curtsey bob in her chair at the end. The girls in the class linger as they want to talk with the Thorne sisters, groan. Which Sam is more than happy to do while we wait for mom and dad to show.

Mom eventually shows up looking rushed as she thanks the girls for watching us as they got caught in traffic before she pushes Sam out amid many a small hug and waves goodbye. Seems Sam has made a few new friends which is nice it can't be as easy as she makes it look being stuck in that chair. Dad is parked right out front with the blinkers on waiting for us and smoothly picks up Sam and deposits her in the back seat while mom and I crawl in from the other side. I actually got my feet in together without hitting anything. I then I groaned to myself as I realized I was proud of getting into the car like a lady.

The drive to the clinic was frantic as dad was doing his impression of a race car driver all the way there. I was glad for the seatbelts. Sam wasn't doing so well for the ride as from the look of it her former boyfriend had done something close to this when she got hurt. If it wasn't for mom telling first, then yelling at him to slow down I was sure Sam was going to toss cookies.

We parked quickly as most of the lot was empty it being after hours. Mom and I got a wiff of burnt rubber as we got out and the look on mom's face was priceless. I just knew dad was in so much trouble tonight. I did not giggle. Boys don't giggle it was a cough. After we got inside and mom did something to dad with a touch I saw him suddenly go from a grin to that look he gets when mom is pissed at him. Again I did not giggle though Sam did. We didn't have to wait long at all before we were called up by a slightly confused nurse. She started to mouth a Bi sound, stopped did a double take, and then started again.

"Thorne?"Mom nodded"Follow me please."

Not gonna say it. Not even gonna think about "I can't..STOP!"

The nurse showed us into the usual looking doctors room. Table with the leg things that I'm not entirely sure what they are used for. She pulled the paper over the top while Sam did her best to read a cosmo one handed. Dad paced back and forth while mom sat beside me on the thinly cushioned fake leather bench.

The walls of the room were plain white with a 4 in black rubber baseboard around the edge while the floor itself was speckle patterned tile with metal lines. In other words this was one of the OLD exam rooms. The shelves in the cabinet had lots of different stuff piled almost to the top through the glass sliders. Some of it probably dated back to the 1980's. In place of the normal desk with a flatscreen monitor was an archaic looking monitor and keyboard. I didn't see a tower or desktop computer anywhere.

The only new looking item in the room was the chair itself. Even the old no flipping weight scales were old. The new ones can flip between metric and standard but these, there was two of them, were only standard. One at least seemed accurate. The other was at its min setting and was pointing down. The wait for Doctor Brown, no his name isn't Emmett, was longer than I would have expected.

He did come in and click off the button on the wall for a patient waiting and hit the other one say in with patient. Before he sat down at the desk and unloaded the folder onto it. He examined the folder for a few minutes before he looked at me and Sam. He motioned Sam forward and gently took of her shoe before pulling out a small hammer with a pick on one side. He used the pick on each of her toes and did the whole "Can you feel this?" thing. Sam has ticklish feet so she was giggling almost steady as he did it. He even smiled and did a small quick tickle to her foot which caused her to laugh before he had her squeeze his hand.

"Good good Samantha seems we might be able to switch your arm cast to a light cast and give you crutches soon. Your leg is going to take a bit longer to heal though. Lets give it another week and an xray to check the fracture on your arm first." He then turned to me. He did the Spock eyebrow at the way I was dressed. He like does it so perfect it's scary. Mom on the other hand has to put her hand to her mouth each time he does it. There is this book mom says were someone says to Spock "Don't point that thing at me it might be loaded" or something. While its kinda funny she finds it really hilarious.

"Well young la... uhh.. Bill can you take off your coat and shirt please." Its a blazer and blouse you ...why am I arguing? Mom helps me with the blazer and I unbutton the blouse while mom pulls it out of the skirt for me. She neatly folds each of them onto her lap. The doctor then motions for me to remove the bra. Dad has already turned his back on me once I started to unbutton the blouse. I understand as it's that whole I look like a girl thing.

I hand my bra to mom, gods I never thought I would think that, and he takes his cold fingers to my left nipple. He does some prodding that doesn't really hurt but it's still cold so I flinch at first. He continues poking and then he squeezes in a few places asking how it feels. I say its fine till he gives the area behind the nipple a gentle squeeze. That one I felt and it hurt as I jerk back and cover my breast with a hand.

"Interesting" and there goes the eyebrow again. Mom stifles a giggle but just barely. It makes it really hard to not laugh at mom's antics. Doc Brown looks at me from side to side as he has me turn this way and that before motioning me to get dressed again. I was never so happy to put back on the blouse, mom gave me the bra first which I reluctantly put on then the blouse. I didn't tuck it into the skirt though. I sat back down when most of the buttons were done up and I put on the blazer to get warmed up. I was cold!

"So?" Dad's a man of few words.

"So I would like to send Bill for an upper and lower body scan. The blood test came back with some anomalies. His testosterone level is low but in the normal range for a boy of his age." He stopped as he was writing something into some notes.

"And! Oh sorry!" Sam covered her mouth with her hand. I guess she is just as impatient as me.

"His estrogen level was much higher than it should be. Not enough to cause breast growth by itself."

Mom gets this look on her face and so does dad before they both say "And"" simultaneously.

"I wish to run a few tests to identify the source of the estrogen level before I can proceed with a treatment. If the cause is from his body producing it then I can issue a blocker. If the source is a growth the regular blocker wont work. The third is that he may be ingesting estrogen of one form that a blocker would not work on."

"Are you saying my son is taking medications behind our backs!" mom is getting really upset at that.

"Quite the contrary actually. You are vegetarians are you not?"

"Well yes but that should have no effect on..."

"Some of the products vegetarians use can cause an increase in estrogen levels in the body. Soy for example has an amount of phytoestrogens that a regular blocker would not work on. The best way to reduce them is by using a low dose form of regular estrogen for a short time. However if Bill has something producing estrogen already this could cause him to have a higher than current level and may produce breast growth."

"So now what?" I'm so confused it's not funny.

"We do more tests before I prescribe anything."

"But what about these these ...things!"I'm getting more upset by the second.

"They should go away with time once we know the exact cause."

"But I look like a girl!" Dammit there is even tears forming in my eyes.

"Bill honey the doctor is trying.." mom starts as she tries to hug me. I twist away and stand up.

"This is all your fault! You and your dammed diet and you keep making me being a girl and you you.. Eyah!" I'm so frustrated I'm just yelling at her to hurt her to ohhh nevermind. I walk to the door and open it slamming it against the small grey rubber stop in the wall and storm down the hall and out of the clinic.

I walk till I have blown off enough steam. A convenient bus stop bench soon has my behind sitting on it with my legs spread open a little as my arms are draped over them. I know its not the least bit ladylike at the moment and I really don't care. It does not take too long before I feel a presence beside me that sits down. I do not even have to look up to know its dad. He waits without saying anything.

"Hey dad." once I'm calm enough I mumble out.

"Hey son feel better yet?"

"A little."

"That was a boneheaded thing to say to your mother. She is not to blame."

"I know it's just."

"Go on"

"It's so unfair! It seems like everytime I turn around people only see me or want me to be Belle. And I'm not Belle!"

"Ah that."

"Yes that."

"You know what I think." I hate that question because of course you have to say no.

"I think that your being Belle has in some small way made you a better person. You spent so much energy before trying to fit in with everyone but as Belle you stand out so much that you can't fit in. I think that people see Belle as the real person because you guarded yourself so much before that,to them, Bill was invisible."

"So?"

"You tell me son."

"I guess I should maybe like try not so hard to fit into groups and maybe relax and be myself whoever I am?"

"Sounds good to me but there is a more pressing issue."

"Oh?"

"Yes. And young lady if you do not go and grovel to your mother I will flip that skirt and spank your pantied behind till you can't sit for a week."

"Daaaddd!" I say as I sort of grin at him. He meant it in the nicest way. I should go say I'm sorry to mom and I feel really bad about that. Like really really bad.

Dad offers me his hand and I use it to pull myself up. We start the walk back to the clinic.

"Just to let you know but Samantha had a small issue with keeping her legs apart. Your mother and her had an argument that resulted in Sam wearing a tube top under a long skirt for days."

"Okay and the point is?"

"Unless you want the same treatment young lady I would suggest you never let your mother catch you with your knees apart while in a skirt." That catches me offguard and I look to his face to see a grin there. Message understood. Still..

"Daaadddd!"

The rest of the walk back takes time and we chat about small little things which helps calm me down till we get to the parking lot. In the lot you can see Sam trying to help my mother who is sitting on the car seat with her legs out. I can not only see her shoulders heaving as she cries but hear her too. The sound lets me know just how much pain she is in. It's so much that even I start to cry as I run towards her. At the sound of my feet, stupid shoes, she looks up and sees me. She opens her arms to me and I run into them for a bone crushing hug.

"Mom I'm so sorry I never meant.."

"Can you ever forgive me for being such a horrible.."

"No mom it's all my fault..."

"No honey it's my fault for telling making you take .."

We continue on that vein for awhile each letting out our frustrations and failings while liberally soaking the other with water in the form of tears.

It's a girl thing, and for once it doesn't bother me in the slightest.

I can't believe how this feels.

Although its actually not legal I was curled up in moms lap for the ride home. Imagine my surprise when we did not stop at home but at the local tv station. I was sorta fuzzy asleep and warm in mom's lap and did not want to move at all.

"Come on sweetie we have a surprise for you."

"mfpfhtt" I said while my face was implanted into moms chest. I really didn't want to move. But she pushed me up where I felt my hair brush the sun-visor.

"This isn't home." I looked around with some confusion. I reluctantly got out of the car with some trepidation. And yes I would have flashed someone if they had been standing next to the car and got a look. I hate skirts!

I was still waking up, crying takes a lot of energy, and I believe so was mom as we walked to the station. She held my hand the entire time just like she used to when I was much younger. I don't know why we ever stopped. Still it gave me a feeling of her loving me and kept me calm.

Once inside the front glass doors mom went to the ladies room with Sam to freshen up while I walked right into the men's room for the same thing. I know that girls have to sit on toilet seats to pee and felt a little guilty as I let go in the urinal. Not really guilty as I'm really a guy I just happen to look like a girl at the moment. And judging by the mirror a really really bedraggled one. I unzipped the skirt to put my blouse back in when the door to the bathroom opened.

"Oh sorry young lady my mistake!" and some guy shuts the door. I waited for it and sure enough he opens the door again.

"uhm miss this is the mens room the ladies is next door." I waited again."Miss did you hear me?" and the door shuts again. I finish tucking in the blouse and redo up the zipper. I check in the mirror and I don't really look that bad. A quick one two on my hair without hairspray doesn't do wonders for it but it looks somewhat better. I wash my hands again, I washed them a sec ago before I tried to fix myself, and pull down more towel to wipe myself. With a quick twirl to make sure nothing is sticking up in the back I head to the door. Outside I can hear mom and that guys voice. With a grin I listen in.

"Ma'am I don't care if your daughter is a boy. She looks like a young lady to me and should be using the ladies room. Kinda remove her from the men's room please." Oh oh trouble. I open the door and walk out calmly right to mom. She looks better than a few minutes ago. Agitated but better. She grabs my hand again and pulls me towards the waiting room. The guy has to get a word in though.

"Young lady I hope you learn your lesson." and disappears into the men's room. I guess he really needed to go. I can't help but smile a bit which mom notices and gives me a look. Alrighty then I'm still in trouble with mom, sigh. Dad is with Sam who looks a lot better than I do at the moment. How does she do that? It's like she disappears into a girls room a total mess and 4 minutes later comes out looking like she is perfect. That is so not fair!

To my surprise Nathan Peters, the father of Bethany and the man that has made my life very difficult greets mom and dad. There is a few words exchanged by way of greeting. The nice to see you and whatnot before he turns his gaze to me. I don't know why but I flinched back for some reason.

"You young lady, or should I say man? It's really hard to tell when you look so much like a young woman of maturity in your uniform."

"uhm it's not a uniform." I mumble out.

"What did you say?"

"It's not a uniform" I say louder.

"Certainly have me fooled. Still my daughter could not stop talking about how much she has enjoyed seeing Belle at the hospital. I can't thank you enough for how much it has helped her..."

"Nathan we are not hear for you to thank my SON for HIS actions at the hospital." dad cuts in with some force.

"What? Oh right sorry. It would seem that I owe you a rather large apology young lady...errr man. I received some erroneous information regarding you and am guilty of not checking the facts before I announced it over the airwaves." He takes a breath. I give him a nod to let him know I follow him so far.

"As such I'm really sorry for any inconvenience it has caused you thus far. I intend to use tonight's broadcast to tell our viewers of my mistake. That is if your willing to allow me to do so?"

"Uhhhh" I'm speachless. I was only expecting maybe a good handshake and be a sport thing but this. Wow!

"We are also having our station manager sign a statement, via our legal department, stating the error was entirely our fault." Blink blink. He looks to me for an answer and seems a little nervous when I do not reply right away.

"I can also bring you on tonight's show to apologize over the airwaves to you."

Me on Tv! Oh wow and I'm not even in trouble for it! "Yes!" I shout out before my brain fully processes what that means.

"Excellent! I'll get Judy to give you a quick makeover for the camera and we will be all set!" What? Wait a minute! Makeover? Oh no! I got too. No don't walk away! And before I can open my mouth he is gone behind a door that says Station personnel only. I turn to mom with a worried look on my face.

"Mom what did I just agree too?"

"Oh Belle!" She sighs and puts a hand over her face. Samantha is jumping up and down in her chair in excitement and Dad is trying very hard to not laugh. Why me?

Judy it turns out is the station makeup artist who fetches me rather quickly and shakes her head. Before I know it I'm wisked off to a small makeup room that smells really weird. There is a long counter with two mirrors with lights screwed into sockets all around them. There is a barber's chair at one of them and along one wall is racks of different outfits from mens suits to womens formal gowns and all the accessories one would need tucked into every available space in the room. The counter has so many small bottles, brushes, powder buffs, cans of various hair products that I can not even identify half of them, some wigs on stands and hair pieces. Even the ceiling has small hooks for some latex looking item.

Once the door is closed Judy has me remove my skirt and blouse so she can quickly iron them on a board that folds down from a wall. While the iron is heating she sits me in a chair and starts to apply various cosmetics to my face.

"Sit still honey this is stage makeup so you don't look like the walking dead behind the camera." I try to sit still but its really hard and start to bounce my leg up and down. She doesn't take all that long with the makeup then she turns me round in the chair and attacks my hair with brushes and two different hair irons. She is really good at this as in no time my hair is pronounced done. She comes from behind me and goes to work on the skirt and blouse with the iron. This gives me a chance to use my tip toes to turn the chair around so I can see myself in the mirror. Do I look like Bill? Not a farting chance in hell. I look very much like I did the night of the performance in the poofy dress. Belle yes but a very very pretty Belle if a touch sharp on some of the colors. I didn't even notice the lipstick being put on.

"Her Belle put on your blouse and skirt."Wow is she ever fast." If I remember right St Mary's uniform requires a sweater and blazer. We don't have time to find yours and I think..hmm." I barely have the blouse buttoned up and she is diving into the racks for something. I only get to see her butt sticking out of the rack. It's like it swallowed her. "The Rack from Planet X" Film at 11. Okay that was a bad idea as it causes me to laugh a bit. I did not giggle. The blouse is done so I work the skirt up my legs as she returns. She grabs the skirt from me and has it zipped up in seconds while at the same time stuffing me into a sweater of some sort that is a bit on the tight side and a school blazer. She turns me around and works at fixing the hair mess that is really not messed up but it does give me a chance to see myself in the mirror.

The sweater and blazer are the real thing from the school and there is no way anyone will not see that. Ms Bain is gonna kill me for sure come Friday! Judy pushes me out the door once she is satisfied everything looks correct. I walk slowly down a hall that has an orange line on the floor. While I do this I mentally rehearse everything in my mind of the "proper lady" things I have so so learned in deportment class as it's my only hope of not being stuck in that class till I'm old and wrinkly, you know like 45 or so.

I pull my shoulders back just a little and try to walk with my back straight and move the hips, which are doing a good number of making my thighs raw. One of the station personnel with these big grey ear muffs comes and grabs my hand in a tight grip. Is this person a Key Grip? The grip part is right I feel like my hand is getting squeezed to death as he/she drags me into a room that has this framed light saying on air but isn't lit.

The room I'm lead into has tons of electronic equipment on one wall. There is 4 or 5 of the camera's that mount on the shoulders in some sort of charging rack. The floor is occupied by two camera's that look a lot like those Dalek things from the old Dr Who. The one wall is painted a blue. I guess this is a blue screen of some sort and off to the side is a mass of cables going through a wall into another room that is separated by a glass wall. In there is more electronic junk and more computers than a store has. From this viewpoint it looks like some of that is older than Grandma and has never moved.

As I try to stay out of the way of people running back and forth with pages of paper, drinks, cue card blanks, and other stuff I cannot even recognize there is people on their knees with rolls of duct tape covering yet more cables on the floor so they don't get moved or people trip on them. There is a few folding tables along one wall where there is a few people, Nathan being one of them, using a marker on the cue cards while on another a person is fiddling with some sort of light thing. The ceiling is a mass of steel girders lights and there is even a moving crane of some sort. All in all it looks very much like organized chaos.

Now if you have ever watched the news you can see that Nathan and Wilma have these nice balzers on with little tiny microphones on them. They sit behind wide desk and in the background you can see the city moving behind them through a window. Well the Desk is only about 3 inches wide max. Their seats are metal stools and the mics are totally fake as the big old foam things are hovering over them instead. The background is apparently done by a computer. Same goes for when she walks away for the weather report it's not a tan wall it's jsut the computer and there is no weather map thing. She does this all while looking into this flat screen off to the side of the camera.

Nathan does not have a new desk it's the same desk as before you just see one side of it with a different background. I get to see this all being done live. The news broadcast is actually being broadcast as you watch it. There is no retakes or redos or anything. I'm really impressed and I'm positive I'll make a complete fool of myself when I do go on. There is Judy beside me make me sip water as I watch all this go down. I don't even notice that 20 minutes has gone by when I'm pulled off to the side and told to walk calmly to Nathan for my introduction.

I manage to walk to him, as a proper young lady, without tripping over anything and landing flat on my face. My legs are freezing cold but my arms are soaking my blouse and blazer. I smile like I have seen in deportment class as he introduces me. I even shake his hand and try to not look at what is apparently going on behind me. From what I can see the view has changed, for viewers, of a brief history of my accomplishments, even the little singing thing on Saturday.

I know the next part to come is for Nathan to apologize to everyone and me for the mistake he made as soon as the video cuts out. While standing there out of the corner of my eye I see someone come through the doors where it is painted in big bold letters. Do NOT open this door while filming. The receptionist from the front hurries to us tripping over a cable in the process but catches herself as she hurries to us. I can see some pissed off looks from the camera men as she grabs his ear and starts to talk to him.

I watch as his probbaly patented smile totally vanishes in a moment and is replaced by anguish of the worst kind. He drops everything in his hands and puts his hands to his face ruining his makeup. It takes me a moment to realize that he is crying as his shoulders start heaving. Three of the grip people come and take him on his rolling stool off to the side. The receptionist turns to me.

"Belle a terrible thing has happened. Stand right here please I'll get Mason." and she walks to the one guy in the room whose face was red as a tomato. I see her whispering to him and his face goes very pale. He motions over another person and talks to them but I can't make out what they say from where I'm standing. Wilma is also informed of whatever just happened and she bursts into tears. Mason shakes his head and look around finally focusing on me. He raises and eyebrow and comes to speak to me.

"Your an actress right Belle?"

"Well yes but its Bill and actor of a sort..."

"Fine whatever. I need you to help us out of a spot as our two anchors are not in any shape to help. I need you to read from these cue cards that I'm going to hold up. Can you do that for us? I'll make it worth your wild."

"Yeah I suppose." Sounds simple enough. I'm already toast as it is nothing is gonna save me from deportment class anyways.

"Good girl. We are on in 10 seconds. Good luck." He steps back and is handed some cue cards which he reads and shuffles really fast. The camera man helper motions to me and displays his hand with fingers. Show time.

"Welcome back ladies and gentlemen. Due to unforeseen circumstances I Belle Thorne"mental groan" Have an unfortunate announcement to make. Bethany Margarette Anne Peters, Daughter of Nathan and Denise Peters passed away from respiratory failure 25 minutes ago."NOOOOO..

"Tonight's movie will begin shorty after these service announcements." I finish as I can feel the tears fall silently down my cheeks. The lights go off and I stand there still. I do not hear anything at all. It's like all the sound in the world has ceased.

Authors note: Bethany is not based on a real person however I felt that this chapter should be dedicated to her anyways. Thank you for reading.

The sun was shining from an odd angle as I woke up. I was warm but felt cramped. I struggled with a thicker comforter and arms before I was able to see that I was in my parents bed. Sam was on one side of me with daddy on the other side of her. Mother was on my other side. I do not remember how I got here nor how I got into my lavender silk pajamas. I did know that my bladder was calling for immediate attention. I padded out of bed being careful not to disturb any of my family.

It did not take me long to get to the washroom and with relief I sat after pulling down my panties. They were the same ones I had put on yesterday and it was more than time for them to be changed. I wiped myself before getting up to wash my hands. A quick trip to my room to retrieve my bathrobe and to put my laundry into the hamper then back to the washroom to begin the morning ritual of a nice bubbly bath.

Unlike some of my friends I prefer to sit in the tub while it fills up as the bubbles tickle me but in a good way as I lay back and relax. I like how the warm water relaxes muscles that you didn't know you had knots in and almost drift off to sleep in the tub before I shake myself awake. I grabbed the bath sponge and lather it up with some cucumber and aloe body wash being careful to wash myself all over thoroughly. Once my body is nice and clean I shampoo and condition my hair being careful to rub the conditioner into each hair and pore softly. I rinse myself twice in the tub water before pulling the drain. When most of the tub is drained I turn on the shower for another rinse before I get out and pat myself dry in certain sensitive spots.

I turn to the mirror and inspect myself all over where I can see. Looking good so far at least I'm not flat anymore but the doctor did say something about soy milk helping to fill me out and I think about maybe drinking more of it than usual before I notice to my horror that my eyebrows have sprouted a few dark hairs along with my chin! Shaking slightly I use the tweesers to restore my looks to their proper glory and start to relax a little. I try to not think about the doctor and his reveal about my hormones being mixed up. I do hope he can figure it out soon.

After I'm sure there is no surprises on my face I lotion and powder myself before slipping into my bathrobe. A quick silent paddle across the hall leads me to Sam's room where I can at least dry and fix my hair. It takes me longer than it should and I do not know why but before long my pretty curls and bangs are back. A bit of hairspray and my hair is done enough. I find it best to not totally dry my hair with a hair dryer and let it naturally dry after spraying it this way it seems to hold up better throughout the day. Satisfied I run to my room for my makeup. It takes me a bit to find my little bag in the bottom of my schoolbag. I'm so grateful to have best girlfriends like Barb and Dawn. Their gift of my very own makeup makes me giggle with happiness as I paddle back to Sam's vanity to do my face.

I have to be careful to not put on as much as I want too. Aside from the fact mother just let me start to wear makeup the school doesn't like us to be "made up like tarts". It takes me a bit to get it done right as I'm still new at this, though I do silently thank Sam for her help in showing me how to do it properly. Before long my pretty face stares back at me and I smile at how pretty I look with just a little makeup. I carefully pack away my makeup and toss the wipes I used into the trash can beside Sam's table. I wonder if I can get daddy to buy me my own vanity now that I can wear makeup.

My thoughts are filled with ways in which I can get daddy to get me my own vanity as I return to my room and grab a fresh pair of panties and a bra before donning a fresh pair of nude tights. I do not want to take too much time getting ready for school and rush a bit getting into my uniform blouse, skirt, sweater and blazer. I wish I had a full length mirror in my room as well as I adjust the skirt and tuck in my blouse. Once I'm satisfied I cross into the bathroom and check myself in the mirror there. I do a few twirls back and forth as I'm so happy to be a St. Mary's girl. Pity my nails do not have any nail polish but alas I'm still to young for that.

Since I was now ready for school I headed downstairs for breakfast. Nobody else was yet awake so I pulled out some eggs and started to cook a few soft yoke eggs in the non stick frying pan we keep on the stove. Most people think you have to have a clean frying pan all the time but actually its best to just keep it covered with a slight coating of grease/oil/butter instead. You also never cook on high with a frying pan that causes troubles. I set 4 eggs cooking in the frying pan and got some bread going. I had removed my blazer to a chair and was wearing mom's frilly apron that ties in the back. The puffy sleeves of my school blouse were on display and reminded me of my uniform the whole time. I giggled to myself as I set about cooking breakfast for everyone. Once the eggs were done I put one each on four plates along with some slightly golden toast with real butter melting on each. From the fridge I removed some sausage and cooked that. I do not know what is in each sausage but it's not meat and it really only needs to be just slightly warmed up if you cook it too long it becomes hard.

As I was wiping out the pan with a paper towel to remove any leftover bits but not the grease daddy came into the kitchen with his hair all over the place. He was barely awake this morning as he reached for his morning cup of coffee. He had just had his first sip when I ambushed him from behind with a quick hug.

"Morning daddy!" I say in my best girly girl voice.

"Smorning princess" daddy mumbled out of his coffee cup as he was taking his first drink. Then he turned around after I let him go. I stood back and put both my hands behind my back and gave him my best smile. It was a bit of a surprise to see his eyes widen enormously. He even coughed a bit when he inhaled his coffee from the cup. I was very lucky to catch his cup before he made a mess on the both of us and led him to a chair where I slapped him on the back till he was able to breath normally. I knew I looked pretty this morning but I was mystified as why he was reacting this way.

"Daddy is something wrong?"

"B..B...Belle you look uhh.." I smiled since I knew he thought I was pretty and preened with my arms behind me even though I was still in the apron.

"I even made us breakfast like the good girl I am daddy." tell me I'm pretty please..

"Well yes and you are a good uh girl..I .. I ...I'm going to get your mother and sister to enjoy your wonderful breakfast before it gets cold.... you .. I'll.. SALLY!!" daddy thundered out the last part which kinda spooked me a little. Something is wrong, I did something wrong. I couldn't help it as tears formed in my eyes. I had tried so hard.

"Oh sweetie don't..just stay here and uhn.. just stay." and with that daddy almost ran out of the kitchen and flew up the stairs. I heard a few words as he was not that quiet and neither was mother with her "WHAT". I knew I did something wrong. I was sitting in a chair sniffling as mother came into the kitchen in just her nighty without her usual robe. It was a pretty nightie but it felt so unfair. Sam and I would have gotten into so much trouble to come down to breakfast like that. Still...

"Morning mother. Look I made a nice breakfast for us before I have to go to school. Did I do something wrong daddy seems funny this morning?"

"B...Be... Uh....Yes you did very well young m...lady.. oh god.. it's uh.. your going to go to school? Dressed like that? Whaa..."

"Mommie your scaring me." again my tears started again. I can help it I'm a girl they just start and stop for no reason.

"Oh sweetie" and she hugs me tightly. I feel better almost instantly. As we hug I hear daddy come into the room with heavy steps. I notice that Sam is in his arms with big eyes too. Daddy places her in a chair so I release mother and get her some utensils before sitting down beside her to cut up her egg and sausage. Soon they are enjoying my breakfast, with a few compliments on it, but they are staring at me the whole time. I must have done something wrong with my makeup this morning. When breakfast is finished, I didn't eat everything weight you know, mother helped me do the few dishes. While we did the dishes in the kitchen daddy got Sam her chair and placed her into it.

"I should finish getting ready for school. Ms. Barnes won't like it if I'm late." I said this while folding away my apron, which seems to take me far longer than normal.

"Belle honey I don't think you will be going to school today."

"But Mother! I have to go and help the other girls to get the school ready for tonight's charity function!" I pout as I say this. It's really important that I go. Why is she saying I should stay home?

"Belle honey come to the living room and sit down. There is a few things we need to talk about."

All characters, the story and or parts there of are the sole property of the author.

"I know I did something wrong" I muttered to myself under my breath. I can't believe...now where did that come from?

"Here Bi..ellle have a seat on the couch beside me." I sat beside mother being careful to keep my knees together and not show off my panties.

"I'm sorry."

"Oh honey this is not your fault. If anyone is to blame it would be me."

"No Sally I am just as much to blame.."

"Dan not now."

"Yes dear." wow dad is so cowed. Awesome mom strike one for our side!

"Belle honey what do you remember from yesterday?"

"I went to school and Sam came to our deportment class where Ms Barnes as trying her best to get me to walk just right. There was a interesting lecture from the teacher on... I can't remember her name! Why can't I remember her name she is my teacher!" I started to panic.

"Easy Belle sweetie! It's okay don't worry about Mrs. Reacher's name for now. What happened after school?"

"You and daddy came to pick us up and took us to Sam's appointment with the doctor Brune...no that's not right... Doctor Brown yes that's his name. After the appointment we came home." It was hard to think and my head was starting to hurt. I just need to go to ...

"Mother I really should get to school to help the other girls..." I started to get ready to stand when mom pulled me into a hug. Hugs are nice I missed them. Why did I miss them?

"Easy Belle. The appointment was for you. What happened at the appointment?"

"I... He said... that my hormones were all mixed up and...he said something about maybe cancer or our diet... He said it was.." I pulled away from mom."This is your fault?" My head is getting worse I need to go to school I got gym today...

"What else happened?"

"I ...we... I yelled at you and left the clinic.. Dad came to rescue me I think. He threated to spank me on my panties for being a bad b...girl.."My head is really throbbing now..

"Go on please."

"We came...to find you in the car ..I realized I hurt you and we hugged and ..I fell asleep in your lap.. Please I need to go to school!" I almost shouted the last part. My head is really bad and ...

"Continue honey."

"We ... you took me...the tv station and we met with Nathan Peters father of ...what is her name?"

"Bethany there is more."

"Yes there is but my head really hurts now mom. He was to apologize to me publicly over the tv and him , the station would write me a formal letter.. I guess I was taken to this neat room with makeup and costumes and.. I was returned my now neatly pressed uniform and she fixed my makeup. I never looked so girly before she is really amazing." My voice had changed it had gone down a level or something.

"What happened in the broadcast room Bill?" Dad asked me.

"I was busy watching them get ready. Did you know they did the show live each time? I didn't and that's not a real window its all done with a blue screen and.."

"That's nice dear but something happened." It did? My head feels ready to explode now. Tears from pain started to spill from my eyes.

"The receptionist lady came and spoke to Mr. Peters just before I was to move to the duct tape. His face went white and he almost passed out before he burst in the worst tears I have ever heard. The the evil woman told the other girl Wendy and she burst into tears. The manager talked to them both and a few others before writing on some blank cue cards. He ..." This must be what is so bad. I hold my hands to my forhead to somehow keep my head from exploding. "He asked me to read from the cards. I guess since I was the only guy left with stage makeup on he was desperate or something. It was just a few cards so not really that hard.." The cards are blank I can't see them .. owwwww...

"We saw it from the waiting room. You said to everyone.."

"She ...NOOO!" I wailed as the tears gushed forth. Not her no please god not her!

"Bethany died sweetheart and they made you tell everyone."

"I know! God it hurts, why her? She was so sweet and caring. No girl or boy that young should.." I wailed with yelling trying to get the pain out. Mom shifted and Sammie who was also gushing tears held me with her one arm and we cried and cried. I did not see either mom or dad leave.

I lead Dan out of our home to the car. We really needed to talk. My baby is in so much pain! The walk to the car helped as it usually does. I can almost feel that stupid mini skirt and the dumb heels. Pop goes the doors and we slide into the back seat. My my..now this is the perfect time for a nice cuddle. I so want him..down girl! Bill remember!

"Dan we need to get Bill some professional help." I know this is uncomfortable for him. I wish he would tell me why.

"Sally! You know how I feel about those fuckers. Bill seems to be over the worst of the shock now. He just needs.."

"Dan! That was not my son this morning! That was a girl through and through! This is wrong it's killing him!" it's doing a good number on me too come to think of it.

"Sally it will be alright you'll see.."

"NO! Daniel Matthew Thorne! I love you with all my heart but this ..this is my Baby your talking about! He needs real help! I'll take him if you wont!"

"NO don't...I can't.. she will hurt him even more and I don't want to lose him.." He is really shaking. I have never seen Dan like this ever. There is..

"Dan..DAN!! Look at me honey! What happened? You have to tell me as your hurting our son!" Tears fall from my eyes and to hell with the neighbors. Of course in just my naughty nightie with no panties on and .. Down girl focus!

"I...Haven't thought of this.. It's been... it's amazing how I can still feel it like it was just yesterday.." he started. I got close to him and wiggled into his lap. He needs this.

"Tell me."

The old man was supposed to come home next weekend. Ma and both my sisters are kneeling around me with pins and sewing needles while my younger brat sister Patty sat at the Kenmore waiting for them to take the stupid dress off me. I was so gonna kill her for that smile.

"You look so pretty Daniella!"

"JUDY!"

"Sorry momma." at least her smile disappeared. It was bad enough that I was standing there with a bra over my tshirt stuffed with socks so that the women could get the finishing touches of the dress they were helping mom make. I knew she was excited about going out with da for their anniversary. I even offered to help as Tabby almost killed herself standing on the books last weekend.

Judith was still pouting about not being able to be with Rick. Women! She acted like it was life for death for her to go out with him! Patty is not able to with that brace still on her left leg. The doctor's say that her leg is almost long enough to not need it so maybe soon one day my baby sis will be able to walk without a limp from one leg being a little shorter than the other.

I had sat there reading my comic book while my computer was still out being fixed. I guess that shareware version of Wolfenstien 3d was bad for it. Still it's like the coolest game ever! I don't think anyone will be able to top that for a long long time.

So there I was sitting in my old jeans with my leg over the side of the chair when in storms Judith followed by mom. Judith is wearing an even shorter tight black skirt that leaves nothing to the imagination at all. Kinda sexy when I think about it. Her stripped topless tube top showing all her sexy delicious curves to the world. The gogo thigh high boots don't thrill me. Now maybe if she wore some of those stick high high black strappy heels like Melissa does on page 14 of my Hustler under my matress..

"You are not to set foot out of this house dressed like some hooker young lady!"

"Mom all the girls wear this now! And I'm not dressed like a hooker!"

"You are dressed like a cheap call girl and all our nieghboors will think I have raised a tramp! You go to your room and get changed this instant!" ma is really hitting the high notes now. Judith go change or when da gets home your gonna need a pillow to sit down for a week. She didn't of course but they had moved to the hallway. The screams actually rattled the lamp beside me as I tried to shut them out.

Judith is the closest of my sisters to ma in size but she is pouting. I don't blame her really the little girl pink dress is not something I would be caught dead in if I was in her shoes. Where ma got that I have no idea but she has one for each of my sisters. It's funny as when da gets home and sees one of them in the poofy dress he gives them a look and they turn to pieces and cry for hours. He rarely ever spanks any of us but really once is all that was needed with that military hard belt of his. Ive had it twice and never want to have it again.

I got tired of the argument about the stupid dress and stupidly said "Fine ill wear the dammed thing just get it done!" hence why I stand here with my pants rolled up my legs. The old belt holding in my waist is a little painful but not too bad. Not sure where mom got that and really I don't want to know.

So there I stood while they worked at the dress when the doorbell rang. I almost ran out of there to my room but since the dress zips in the back I couldn't very well get out of it myself. Of course we all looked to the front room window were we would vaguely see someone standing at the door through the old curtains mom put up while the normal ones were in the dryer. From the orange color to the plaid hem you can tell they are from the 70s. Even mom hated them although Grandma loved them. We could all make out something of a sound from mom though.

Tabitha the smart one in the family if a little overweight was closest to the door and it was she who caught mom. We rushed to help me included. In the doorway was two military brown dress uniforms. I knew instantly what that meant. Anyone who has ever watched tv knows what that means. Did I accept it well no. I mean da was a mechanic for crying out loud! Not a front line man. I almost missed the woman in the similar uniform standing behind them and to this day wished that she had missed me.

Her name was Doctor Pamela Wisen. She is a military psychologist that specializes in grief counseling. Or so she thinks. She somehow got the worst idea that I was in the dress on purpose and had been getting a talking to by my family for being caught.

It was a very hard time for me dealing with the loss of da and this bitch who kept referring to me as Daniella for all 6 sessions. I refused to see her and wanted someone else. Which I got but he thought the same thing as her but tried to cure me of my cross dressing. I eventually ran away before I got sent to another brain farter. I swore then that I would never let a child of mine ever be hurt by one of these quacks ever.

"Oh Dan! I'm so sorry but not all of them are like that. They can't be!"

"I know you should be right but I can't shake the impression and well with what Bill is going through it awoke what I thought.." I couldn't help it I had to get him to stop. So I kissed him! Gods that feels so good!

"I'm sorry Dan I love you more than I can bear but I'm still gonna take Bill to see someone. Maybe Doc Brown knows some qualified person. You trust him don't you?"

"Yeah maybe, it had gone a bit far I guess. I just don't know what to.." And for the first time in a long time I saw my strong husband become that young man that got hurt so much. I just held him as he cried.

Lil Jaci stopped typing on her pink Barbie laptop. She pushed her chair back to get up her little brown skirt had a crinkle or two but she didn't care. Once in the bathroom she sat on the toilet and cried.

I can't believe this happened to me.

From what Sam was telling me I was acting like a very girly girl without a trace of boy in me all morning. Strangely I have no memory of some of what she said. I had to believe her as the makeup on my face was a total mess if a bit crude. The fact that I was in the uniform again was a bit of a eye opener as I hadn't noticed it.

My first instinct was to run upstairs and wash the crap off my face along with putting on some normal clothes. I did but for some reason I did not wear socks nor did I change my hair or underwear. A comfy pair of jeans and a sweater, no not one of those itchy wool things, a simple university sweater of some type. The uniform was laying hell bent all over the floor of my room and I didn't care a wink. Not that I would need it today. The butler's costume was on the back of my door. Black pants, white shirt with buttons on the wrong side, offwhite bow tie and a tan vest. There was a tailed blazer as well but I could not see any sign of buttons.

Aside from the shirt whose buttons were hidden anyways by a flap of fabric the rest looked perfectly normal for a guy to wear. Add my black and uncomfortable unbending dress shoes and I would be a dashing male butler. I thought about trying it on before hand but decided against it. One thing I did notice was that the black fabric was a dead on match for that black skirt I acquired at Edna's. Spooky to say the least as it made me believe that although cut in a male pattern the costume may be made of more feminine materials.

As I walked by my dresser to the door I saw the makeup that Barb had given me and had this really strong urge to put on some mascara and lippy. I resisted it but the urge was there. I got me to thinking about what Sam had said. Along with what others had been saying to me last week and this one. Was I really that much of a girl naturally? I knew I didn't want to be one. That I was certain of. However was Belle a real part of me that had developed somehow into a person all on her own? Was I going completely nuts? I couldn't answer these questions. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I needed to know.

The strangest question was did I really have to be male or female? Could I not be some sort of both as needed? Why not. Really why couldn't I be? Yeah mom and dad would be freaked a bit not to mention my extended family but now that my Belle side had woken up I had the strangest feeling that it would not go back to sleep either.

I contemplated this all the way back to the living room couch where Sam was trying to reach a cup of juice on the table. I rushed to help her and gave her the cup.

"Feeling better?"she asked.

"Yeah a little. Sam I don't look to girly do I?"

"Sorta." she said while looking at me.

"Sorta?"

"Well from the hair, face, and breasts you do, however your movements are all male. Then there is your voice."

"My voice?"

"Yeah it's like neither one or the other right now."

"Huh?"I'm confused.

"Well this morning you were doing my little girl happy daddy voice. Now its passable as a boys voice since its flat."

"So my normal voice." phew that's a relief.

"No."What!

"Bill your voice is more in the middle. I can't explain it more than that. Somehow it really suits you."

"What do you mean it suits me?" I think I knew the answer to this but I hoped it wasn't that.

"Well it's more like it used to be before it changed." Shit it is that.

"Uh.. well.." stupid mouth shutup!

"Okay now that begs me to ask. Spill it already." Sam is not one to wait.

"That's because this is my.. oh nevermind it's not important."

"What's not important young man?" oh shit when did mom come back in.

"Bill..." Dad has that look in his eyes.

"I just wanted to fit in." see all said all done now leave me alone.

"Continue." dad man of few words but you get it quick. Come to think of it Sam is the same way.

"Well I kinda sorta learned to speak with a more manly voice to not get left out."

"So your voice never changed?" mom asked while looking at me with her head tilted slightly to the side.

"It did! You and everyone just didn't notice. Nobody noticed! I was getting treated like a little kid and had to do something. So I tried to speak like dad except that didn't work. Eventually I settled on this voice." which was the one I normally used while not super deep like dad it was deep enough so that people knew I was male. I guess all that practicing with working my voice is what led to me being able to mimic people.

"Bill we would have loved you the same there was no need to put on.." amazing how parents can speak the same words at the same time.

"That's not it! Don't you get it people were thinking I was Sam's little sister! I'm a guy dammit not a girl!" There now leave it alone! I glared at my parents. I should have glared at Sam too.

"How's that working for you Belle?" she said with this smirk on her face. I knew she said Belle just to get my goat. I hate to admit it but she is sorta right. Okay she is right dammit! This has not been working out. Instead of people sometimes mistaking me for a girl, they now thought it all the time instead. I crumpled against the back of the couch I hadn't realized I had sat down on again.

"Why can't I be a normal boy? Is that just to hard to ask?" I brought my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them.

Mom's whole face changed in an instant from one of puzzlement and anger to one of love. It hurt but in a good way as she glided towards me and hugged me. Sam shifted on the couch and also gave me a hug one armed. Dad well he wanted too you could see it but he held himself back.

"Bill I.. Let me try that again." mom was trying to talk to me about something but I wasn't sure what yet."God gave each of his children free will but he also set each of us a task to overcome. For each of us that task is different. It may be that you are meant to, sometimes, be Belle for certain things. I'm not saying you should or should not be Belle but it seems that Belle is a real part of you. I.."she looked down at this"I think you need to see someone like a therapist or even a psychologist maybe." She looked to dad when she said this. Which happened to make me look and I caught a glimpse of something in his face. I don't know what this is but it's something. He turned and left to go outside with a mutter of paper or something. We do not have a subscription for a newspaper so it can't be that.

Mom showed me how to wash your face and pat it dry before putting in a drop or two of Visine in each eye to reduced the tender swelling from crying so much. Which helped and soon our eyes were back to normal..mostly. She kept me busy with little things like once again helping Sam get ready. However instead of just makeup she and Sam also showed me a few things about choosing an outfit. I know deep down this is more of a girls thing but I can also see how this would help me as a whole. My first pick of a plain black tshirt to go with Sam's long wrap skirt didn't award me brownie points. We kinda laughed about it too after I got it, it took me over an hour I'm sure, but get the idea I did.

Dad came home with a lunch treat for us all of two veggie meat pizza's. There is this pizzeria in town where the Italian guy, he really is from Italy, makes his own sausages and sauces with his Grecian wife. They had us try a number of their veggie peperoni sausages along with a number of other customers till they got the recipe just right. It's made with soy meal and a couple of plants that I cannot remember the name of. It tastes pretty good, and from what I'm told, better than the real thing. He says it requires him to cook a pizza a different way but then again his pizza's are like nothing else around either. The only part of the pepperoni sausage that has just a touch of meat so to speak is the wrapper. If you don't know sausages are made in intestines from animals. I have heard of non animal versions that are tried, usually paper of some type but these are only good for smoked sausages.

Still it makes a very good pizza and we all chow down. Mom starts to correct me to eat more like a lady before she says sorry and we laugh a little. I did slow down and not inhale the pizza but that's about it. Dad had gotten a paper while he was there and was flipping through it reading when his pizza slice slipped from his fingers. This made us get up to look at the paper on the table infront of him. I could see even upside down a picture of a St Mary's school girl from where I was.

"Hey who's the babe in the skirt?" I asked dad. He looked up and turned the paper around to show me a better view. I can see why he dropped his pizza. That cute babe was in fact me!

Local schoolgirl steps up to plate on small screen

The young actress Belle Thorne made her television debut when the cast and crew of our local station received shocking news. Bethany Peters, daughter of Nathan and Mary Peters, died yesterday after a long hard battle from Leukemia. Funeral services are to be held tomorrow on the 14th for little Bethany on her 10th birthday. Friends and family have reported that she was quite sad in the hospital where she had been staying under care until young Belle had brought joy into her small life. We do not know yet if young Ms. Thorne will be attending the service. The service is to be done by invite only and is not open to the public.

Continued page 11. I finished my drooping piece of pizza but it tasted like cardboard.

"Well it's a good thing I don't have an invitation to go to it as I don't have a single decent dress to wear." I said in light humour to lighten the mood.

DING DONG! Nuuuu it's the front door!

"I can't believe I'm doing this...again!" I sighed.

"You've gone dress shopping before?" asked Sammie with a tilt and puzzled look on her face. Come to think of it mom does the same thing.

"No! Last time it was bra shopping and I ended up in a skirt and flats." I looked down at the floor of the car as I said that.

"I'm sure you looked so pretty Belle!" Sam teased as she sat beside me in the back seat. Dad had elected to not come. I wanted to stay with him but..

"Mom why do I have to wear this junk? For that matter why am I even coming? You have my sizes you said just run in get a stupid black dress run out."

It started yesterday when a telegram, yes you can still get those, guy rang the doorbell. Turns out he was from the family of the Peters. I still remember that guy as I stood there with my mouth open.

"Is this the house of one Ms. Belle Thorne?" he asked me as I stood there. Since the only two people in the house dressed decently were Sam and myself. Mom had on her robe and dad was still wearing his sweatpants that he wears to bed.

"I..I..I...I.. yeah sorta maybe."smooth words I know. I should have slammed the door in his face.

"Belle who is it?" Mom called totally ruining it for me. The guy who never gave me his name put a small whistle into his mouth then did that me me me thing. He didn't sing but he had a great voice.

"Ms Thorne and family are hereby invited to attend the wake of Ms. Bethany Peters on the morrow at Kalstien's funeral chapel at 2 pm. Semi formal attire would be appreciated." with that said he gave me a salute before giving me the card with that exact thing written on it. I stood there in a daze as he walked to what looks mostly like a postmans truck and drove away. I finally got my head together and shut the door before bringing the card to the table. On the back was listed our family's names except mine was Belle instead of Bill.

Immediately mom and Sam started to discuss what they would wear while dad pour himself a cup of coffee with a little extra courtesy of the locked china cabinet. I don't know what the bottle was but it did say cream. I just sat there looking blankly between the paper where a very girly me was in the news and the invitation. Dad interrupted mom at one point about what I would wear when it suddenly got quiet.

"Uhm Bill dear what do you want to wear?" Id rather not go period but I guess that isn't really an option. I looked at the paper then down at my chest where even under the loose sweater you could tell I had small boobs. Not a manly chest at all. I looked up again and held up the paper with my picture.

"Do I really have a choice?" Sam looked guilty. Dad winced. Mom opened and closed her mouth a few times before she decided on an answer.

"Soo...we need to do some quick shopping. Dan check the car while I help get the girls ready."

"Mom! Son remember!"I whined.

"Are you sure?" She asked me with the look. Yeah that look that makes you feel about the size of a bug with something all over you. Point taken.

"Fine but don't make me look stupid."

"Fat chance of that lil sister. We will have so much fun you'll see!" Sam gushed while pulling on my arm. Meaning take me upstairs to my room. I couldn't wait till she could use crutches.

"Belle.. pssst Belle knees.. Belle!" my reverie was broken by Sam who was hissing at me. I looked down at my nylon encased knees to see them apart in my normal relaxed position. Ie a foot apart. I shifted and put my knees together. The loose denim skirt wasn't bad nor was my makeup, I never thought I would say that and mean it was makeup of my own not .. forget that. Where was I oh yes, it wasn't the skirt or my flats that bothered me. It was the stupid top with the wide neck that exposed one bra strap letting everyone know I was wearing a black one. How embarrassing. Mom and Sam had conned me into it. They said it would be easier to take on and off between stores as we shopped since I was looking for a dress. Gods how many boys have to go shopping for a dress for a funeral? Really I want to know! Wonder if there is a internet sight that keeps count?

I guess I'd been lost in thought longer than I guessed at first because we were pulling into the huge parking lot of the mall. I thought briefly of trying to hide in the backseat before anyone saw me then thought about the stupid tv thing, everyone had already seen me as Belle in one form or another so there was no point. Did I have a scowl on my face? You bet! Mom pulled the car into place after driving around the lot a few times to find the closest parking space to the doors available. I never understood why women do this everytime. Just park in the first spot you see that's open and get out. By the time you find a spot you could have walked into the bloody mall already.

No sooner had she parked that I got out. No I did not swing my legs first like a lady I was far to upset for that. I stood at the back of the car to get Sam's wheelchair out of the trunk waiting for mom to pop it. She did finally and I reached in to grab it overbalancing myself in the process and almost falling into the trunk when I fell someone steady my hips from behind. I looked over my should to thank the person when I saw who it was.

"What the fuck do you want? And why are you not at school?" it was Jason.

"Fii haff a fenfal affoinffenf." he replied with this lopsided grin on his face.

"A what?" blink blink go ahead and tell me if you understood that. I sure as heck didn't. I could see him strain his face a little.

"I fad a fental apfointment at the fentist. Fozen fip." Ohhhh. Yeah the frozen lip makes it hard to speak.

"Fet me gef fat." Translation Let me get that.

" I don't need your help thanks." Thus saying I reached in again, somewhat better and lifted the chair to the edge of the trunk for a better grip when Jason just pulled it out of my hands and opened in up.

"Four fairyot afate mifady!" He gestured with a flourish and a bow. I slammed the trunk closed and wheeled it to the side of the car where mom was already getting Sammi out.

"Thanks but its for Samantha now piss off." the nerve of that guy! I mean really he just pisses me off so much!

"Young lady no language like that! Say your sorry to the nice gentleman!" mom was mad. In more ways than one.

"But mom...."

"No! Apologize right now!" I looked down at the ground and turned around to see that the asses shoes were of course right behind me.

"Sorry about the you know. And uh thanks for getting Sam's chair out."

"Fo foblem"and he is still going with the half frozen mouth grin from ear to ear. It was then I realized that I probably looked way to Belle for him. The realization also sent me hiding behind mom before I knew I did it. Why was I hiding from him to begin with? I'm a guy! I shook my head and helped a very amused Sammi to get set in her wheelchair.

"Not a word! Not one word Sam I mean it!" I growled under my breath at Sam.

"But you look so cute as a .."

"Shut it! Not one word you can keep him! Actually..." lets try this Belle thing on the poor smuck. So with a coy look and a bit of body movement ,courtesy of watching Sam do so with dad a few times, I gave him a pouty look.

"Jason would you be a dear and push Sam around for us while we shop please." I laid on the drippy girly gushie voice while I did it. Mom and Sam both snickered with barely kept giggles as I did it. Well it worked I think he stood there with his mouth open and his eyes wide before he nodded his head. Somehow I think this may come back to haunt me but what the hell these darn flats will kill my ankles if I have to push Sammi around all afternoon. Why do I feel so guilty then as he takes the handles of Sam's chair and pushes a giggling Sam all the way into the mall.

"So what store we going too? Lets get this farce over and done with." I snarl to mom. She smiles back at me with this smile that is just weird.

"We will start at the first and go along till we find the right one of course."she smiles at me.

"But I only need one simple dress for one time funeral after that Belle is gone mom."

"Silly girl! You have a lot to learn young padawan." with that she takes off leaving me standing there with my mouth open.

"I'm not a girl!" I yell after mom before I move after her swing my hips back and forth with a straight back as I follow her into what I just know will be hell.

Lil Jaci pushes herself back from the barbie laptop giggling to herself.

"Oh this is gonna be sooo good!"

"What's gonna be good Jaci?" Dottie asks as she walks into her room barbie case in hand.

"Just a story I'm working on. Oh shall I get my barbie out too?"

"Please Jaci I.. I .. let's play please?" Dottie says with tears at the edges of her eyes. Jacilynn gets up after posting her story quickly and goes to her sister and gives her a hug.

"Sure lets go play in the living room. I get to be the princess this time though and you the maid!"

"Uhh uhha I'm the princess!" Dottie says to Jaci as she grabs her doll case from beside the vanity and goes to the door. She doesn't say anything as she steps out of the door. Leaving Dottie standing there for a sec before she moves after her.

"Jaci I wanna be the princess!" She says again.

"Naaa naaah I'm prettier so I get to be the princess!"

"Tante! Jaci is not playing nice!"Dottie yells.

I can't beli... sigh nevermind.

I never had any idea that girls had this whole routine on finding the 'perfect dress'. I have to think of it more as a planned pursuit of the fox the dog can't catch. We started at one end of our mall. The mall is a single main floor with Sears at one end and The Bay at the other with various stores and businesses in between. The basement has 2 more retail places, an insurance place and a medical doctor. Beside that is the bowling alley with the archaic arcade. No really its old they have pinball machines that work, a Mrs. Pacman, some cd shooting game with the one controller always broken all in a room that is smaller than my bedroom. Beside that is another room with 2 pool tables then the bowling alley that does not rent out shoes. Ive played the games there more times than I can count.

The main concourse has one restaurant that used to be a Salisbury House but got bought out years ago and is now just called Sals. Yeah so original. The most popular place in the whole mall is the comic book/ gamers paradise called Geeks. They frown upon people reading comics before you buy them. Spent a fair amount of time in there as well as sitting outside at the folding tables where you can get into a good game of Magic The Gathering if you got a good deck. I wish I had my deck and could play as it would be way more fun than this.

We started in Sears and didn't find much as the store is kinda small being mostly a catalog store. You order from a catalog and pick it up later. There is a few clothes mostly underwear, mom says I need more after we get the dress though I have no idea why. The Bay had a few nice dresses and I thought we would be done but nope apparently not. We tried some of the smaller stores but the dresses they had were more for other looks. Sam tried to get me to try on a khaki skirt but I refused. This didn't stop the one sales lady from trying to get me to purchase some other outfits. Mom mollified the girl saying we may be back later to get the outfits.

I hope she was just saying that and not meaning it. I really don't need any girls clothes though the black jeans I saw in the boys isle at one store I thought would be good but the salesman there said they wouldn't fit a girl like me properly when I looked and instead directed me to the same thing, mostly, on the girls side. This didn't stop mom and Sam from trying on this or that outfit, and putting me in some even though I had no interest at all, it was like mom was a kid in a candy store.

Eventually we made it Clara's boutique. It's a mostly fancy dress store, bridal, prom, ball gowns that sort of thing which is why we passed it a few times. Off to the one side was a selection of somber dresses. I guess that even for a funeral women want to look fashionable. Mom and Sam attacked the racks pulling out dress after dress as Jason and I stood back. Even though the dress was for me to wear I was quite happy to not get involved. Mom did call me forth to lay this or that dress against me along with Sam. A few I said no to right away. The skimpy black skintight dress with a single shoulder strap was a definite no although from the look I caught on Jason's face he would now dream about me in that stupid thing. Thankfully the sales lady kicked him out of the store after that. It was just creepy the way he kept looking at me.

After Mom and sis had picked out 6 or 7 dresses for me to try and two each for them we were led to the back of the store to the larger changeroom. Thus I got to see my mother and sister in there underwear while we helped each other get changed. Mom and Sam found that they liked the one dress style they found that was in both their sizes. The one they decided for me was similar enough. I stood there with my arms folded over each other. I made it plain I was not enjoying this at all. Not that mom put up with it for long as she slapped my arm to put them down at my side and twirl. I felt so stupid it was not funny. They tried to get me to try two other dresses on but I put my foot down.

"This one will do right?"

"Well yes Belle it's nice but you should really try.." mom began.

"Fine lets get it and get this done with I'm tired of this crap."

"Belle language!"

"I'm BILL remember mom!"

"Oh ...right.. we are done." she said sheepishly. She forgot again. I just rolled my eyes. Sam giggled of course. I took off the dress and tossed it at mom before I turned and walked out of the changeroom. The saleslady who had been outside the entire time stopped me before I had walked more than three feet out of the change room.

"Ms. Thorne you seem to have forgotten something." she said while holding up her hand in front of me. I looked down to see my self clad in black bra, black panties, and tan nylons. Opps forgot to get dressed first.

"Uh..thanks."

"Not to worry my dear but if it was not for the news I would swear you are an regular attractive girl Ms. Thorne. Welcome to the fair sex my dear. Have you decided on a dress for the Peter's funeral?" I went a little pale at that revelation. Being recognized has it's downside. I said yes so she followed me back into the changeroom where Mom was helping Sam who was leaning against the wall being supported by her good leg to check the fit of the dress they had decided on. The saleslady, whose name happens to Ms. Smyth with a Y not an I thank you very much, call me Pam, walked over to help mom and Sam. I got told to support Sam and they did a few remarks of take in this or that. I zoned out truthfully before I was directed to put back on the dress I had tossed to mom earlier. I was also twirled around and had the dress pulled here and there. They talked behind my back as I stood there with my arms held out straight from my sides.

When I was finished I got changed back into the skirt and top while they got a very tired Sam changed and into her chair. I pushed her out into the store proper while they finished with whatever they were doing back there with Mom's dress this time. We waited for mom and Pam to make an appearance.

"Thank you Bill."

"Sure no problem. Uh what am I being thanked for?"

"Retail therapy is just what I needed." Sam said as she yawned and melted into her chair. This gave me time to ponder what retail therapy was. Nope no clue.

"What is retail therapy?" silence.

"Sam?" still no answer so I walked around to the front of her chair which took a bit as I had to go around a rack of bridal gowns. When I did, I saw a site I rarely get to see. A smiling Sammie with her head tilted to the side. Of course the arm cast and chair kinda ruined the picture but still it was a genuine Saskatchewan Seal Skin Binding smile. Now where did that saying come from. I pondered this with my finger under my chin for a bit. Oh well it will come to me eventually. Still she looks so cute like that its hard to not smile in return, darn dust in my eyes again.

Mom and Pam eventually emerged on the far side of Sam's chair deep in conversation before I could navigate back around the racks of dresses, I got lost, and found them.

"...be ready at about 5 pm. I'll put a rush on it for you as I know you and your girls wanna look perfect for tomorrow."

"Thanks Pam. Are you sure though I feel I should pay you for your time.."

"Think nothing of it my dear! Having you Belle and Samantha advertizing for me is more than thanks enough." Advertizing? What advertizing?

"Moooooommm?"

"Hi Belle you wouldn't believe our good fortune. Pam here has agreed to give us a discount on our dresses because your so well known! Isn't that wonderful! Say thank you to Ms. Smyth dear for your dress. Sam?" She just did a little snore so I put my finger over my mouth.

"Uh thank you Pam."I blushed while looking at the floor. Why did I just do that? I'm a guy! Why would I even thank someone for a dress I shouldn't need or want to wear? I need some serious gaming to cure me of these girly habits. Maybe a buzz cut? Nah last time I got a sunburn on my head.

Mom paid for our dresses and said she would be back around 5 to pick them up. I was still puzzling the thoughts when I pushed a sleeping Sammi out of the store falling into old habits. I was surprised when there was no Jason waiting for us. Not that I have feelings for him, well bad ones, but I figured since he was all but drooling earlier getting rid of him would be a lot harder. Thank goodness for small miracles. Mom of course wanted to go shopping for more stuff ie shoes and lingerie. I asked why since these shoes would be fine, meaning my flats, when mom gave me this look like I was insane or something. With a sigh I followed her into the Payless shoe store where after trying on 6 different pairs of black shoes with heels in various heights, and warding off mom and the saleswoman's insistence on extra shoes we left with a still sleeping Sammie. Us a bit poorer and mom looking a little put out that I only got the one pair of black velvet 1 in spike heels. I'm sure I broke some sort of girl rule by doing that but hey I'm not a girl.

Sammie did wake up when we hit the bump in the doorway of Sears to go get some lingerie. The looks I got when I asked why I couldn't just wear one of their slip things was bad, really bad. I hung my head and followed along as I knew at that point whether I wanted some or not I was getting more girly underwear. Mom even bit her lower lip when I asked how we were paying for all this stuff. I didn't get a real answer but I somehow got the impression that this could cause problems in the future.

"Felle!"

"Eeeeeek!" I so did not just scream like a girl! It was just a reaction to being surprised any guy would do the same. So much for being rid of him.

"Well hello again Jason and uh?" mom started which made me turn around. Standing beside Jason was this expensive looking woman. I mean she looks expensive, her clothing fit just so and everything about her just radiated class. I felt like I was dirty somehow just looking at this woman.

"I'm Jasmine Striker. Young Jason here is my favorite nephew and godson." I could almost see her grabbing his cheek with her hand but she didn't.

"Fanty fiss is Felle's mofher and fif is her fister."

"Hi"

"Pleased to meet you" mom has this look like why are you talking to us. I can sympathize really!

"An fiss is Felle." that rat said while pointing at me.

"So this is the girlfriend you got pregnant?" Oh shit!

I can't believe the nerve of that woman!

"I'm not his girlfriend!"I'm not even equipped to be his girlfriend. I stood there fuming and folded my arms across my chest, well under it but you get the idea.

"Oh so your his fiancee then! At least you have a head on those shoulders Jason. So have you picked out a dress to wear yet? I know the perfect place to find you the best wedding gown, my treat even! A pretty girl like you needs just the right.."

"He is my son!" Yeah mom you tell her!

"Who is your son? The best man? Oh well I'm sure we can find just the right suit for him too..."

"No Belle is my son."Mom has this look on her face like she wants to cut this woman a new one. Woot girl fight all we need is some mud and white t shirts! Maybe not this is my mom. Then again it always looks so interesting on tv. Jason's Aunt gave my mom this look like she is crazy.

"Madame Thorne while you may think your daughter wishes to be a boy I can tell she is still your daughter, a bit of a tomboy maybe but still very much a girl. I do not follow all that trans crap and believe that a girl born should remain a girl. Belle is your daughter no matter how much you may want to believe that she is a boy she is a girl." I have to say something this is going nuts.

"But..."

"No Belle you have to accept the fact that you are and always will be a girl."

"But..." this time even Samantha tried.

"Fanty.." as much as I hate it even Jason is trying, what he is trying to say I have no idea.

"Belle since your my godson's fiancee I will let the matter pass for now. I see you had an abortion, pity I do not condone that either but you are a little young to be a mother yet..." this woman is completely nucking futs!" Come along Jason talking to her mother has left me with a distaste." with that she walked away. I'm sure my jaw was dragging the floor at this point.

"Forry Felle" Jason said with a sheepish look, I never got that before but I do now, before he turned and ran after his fast departing bitch of an Aunt.

"Mom."

"Yes Bill."

"What the fuck just happened?"

"Watch your language young lady, and I have no idea."

Needless to say shopping for a black slip suitable enough for the stupid dress was a blur. All I could think about was that now instead of being his pregnant girlfriend I was, apparently, his fiancee who had an abortion. I seriously wanna go back to being just a guy if for no other reason than to just pound Jason into a brick wall with my fists until I get some answers. Actually forget the answers I just wanna pound on him maybe with some of those brass knuckle things.

The ride home was filled with my thinking of various ways to take out my frustrations on Jason. Thanks to television I had plenty of different methods I found quite entertaining. I have no idea if mom or Sam said two words in the car I was so self absorbed. We got home and unloaded the bags with my new shoes and underwear after helping Sam into her chair. Mom carried the garment bags with the dresses in them that I do not even remember her going back to get. One thing though that was strange was the smell coming from the back yard. It smelled good really good whatever it was. So with bags in hand I reached over the top of the stained wooden gate going to our back yard and unlatched it.

Years ago a friend of my dads, who is a real nut about fences and all the stuff you can get for them, convinced my dad we needed to build a fence around our back yard. It's a nice wooden fence, all stained cedar wood that goes up about 5 feet where it changes into lattice work. This fence goes around the whole back yard but in the back its a section that has this huge slanted roof. The wood is cut different on the exposed beams for the roof the ends are not square cut but have a small angle on the bottom. Under that roof supported by 8 x 8 posts is a small finished deck of the same wood as the rest, all nicely stained, built around a cast iron pit that we sometimes uses for fires. There is even a black metal Chimney over the pity with one of those old v cone hoods over it at about 4 feet.

We have our gas barbeque in there for when one of dad's friends comes over. There is no tank for the barbeque as it is hooked directly into our house gas supply. The barbeque itself is an older model dad got for a deal somewhere, the grill itself is made out of cast iron in intricate patterns. The outside is made of some heavy duty stainless steel. I know the h shaped burner inside is also made out of cast iron. The heat deflector plate dad replaced with one that a friend of his specially made out of thicker metal. Basically it will last for years and never need replacing which is a good thing since the base was remade out of heavier steel, courtesy of the same guy that did the deflector plate, and doesn't move.

Dad is sitting before the grill where the delicious smell is wafting from with a beer in his hands. I try to not trip over the raised walkway we have that is made out of some salvaged limestone blocks. Dad once mentioned that a friend in a demolition company got him the blocks from some old building. A few are polished and murder in winter when you slip on the dam things. The once lush thick green grass, dads pride and joy, is now mostly brown and dying for the winter. In summer you can sink your foot into the grass and the ground under it dad waters it so much. Gone were the days when I was five and our back yard was open and grass was mostly weeds. Where the deck is now is where my old sandbox used to be. I miss that sandbox like you wouldn't believe.

The box was a box my dad made out of some railroad ties and a lot of sand. By the time we buried it I had dug up half the mud underneath into the sand so it wasn't that great anymore. Still I made roads, buildings, tunnels and forts in that thing for years. I actually shed a tear or two every time I think about it. I may not seem like much to some people but just 5 years ago I was a very happy boy who would come in every other day covered head to toe in dirt or sand. The amount of times mom yelled at me for dragging in the backyard I couldn't count.

Now look at me. I'm walking along a limestone path in a skirt, flat shoes, with makeup on and a bra that has real breast tissue in it. Off to the right side behind a half fence that the barbeque is in front of is a slightly hidden shed, also built out of the wood, where the lawn stuff is. That is where my moms small garden is as well. Our weedmachine has attachments to change it to a small tiller or edger. There was a snow broom thing that swept the snow but that broke. Looking at the garden reminded me we were supposed to dig out the potatoes last weekend but with things we all forgot. The poor plants look sad and droopy.

"Hey dad." I call out to him when I'm close enough.

"Hey cham...uh princess." Dad switches his reply as he turns to see me.

"Princess? Dad..."

"Well you don't look like a boy so calling you champ doesn't seem right Belle. Did you have fun shopping?" he tries to change subject and damn if it doesn't work too.

"No I hated it! Girl shopping sucks big time!" I sit into one of the wooden chairs with the cushions on it. It's comfy if a bit cold.

"Knees" Looking down I see my knees are apart and slam them shut, skirts are a pain in the ...

"Hey! Not you too!" traitor!

"You wear the skirt you behave the part."I think he used to say the same thing to Samantha a few years ago.

"Whatca making?" It smells so good.

"Deer ribs" oh goody..wait what?

"As in real deer? As in real meat?"

"Yep the real thing." dad doesn't turn around but he doesn't need too. Real meat like wow. A treat in a hundred different ways.

"Can I have some?" please please please.

"I dunno if my daughter should really have some as it might hurt her figure."Bummer"However my son on the other hand.." Message understood!

I ran back to the house, okay not really but moved quick stupid skirt, and tossed the shoes across the back entryway into the closet where I hope they get lost. Bags in hand I head to the stairs so I can get changed into normal clothes before mom stops me.

"Belle no running. Walk like a lady!"

"But mom! I have to get changed as dad is cooking.."

"I know what your father is cooking. Go try on your butler uniform I want to see if I need to make any adjustments before you stuff your face."

"But mom!"

"Now young lady!"

With a heavy head I head upstairs to put on the stupid costume. The skirt and top get tossed onto the bed and I get runs in the nylons as I take them off. At least it is still boy clothing I'm trying on.

The black pants take me a minute to figure out as the almost invisible zipper is in the back instead of the front. They fit a little snug especially in the crotch. The waist was a bit higher than I expected though. The shirt with the buttons on the wrong side goes on next. It's a soft finer material than my normal dress shirts. The bow tie is simple since there is a Velcro fastener in the back that goes under the starched collar. Add the snug fitting tan vest that only has loose spots around my breasts and the jacket over top and I'm done. I head downstairs to show mom.

"Mom is it supposed to be this snug?" I ask her as she starts turning around.

"Oh my!" she puts a hand to her mouth.

"What? Do I look that handsome in it?" cools Belle takes a backseat for once. Mom doesn't say anything but motions me to the mirror on the hall closet. It's a full length mirror sliding door closet that makes the entryway look a little bigger. I fully expect to see myself look like a dashing male butler.

"Ah fu..."Well the butler part is right.

I can't believe this keeps happening to me!

Here I thought that being a butler would make me look like a guy but no instead I look like a girl even more! The butler suit was tailored to hug all my curves even with the coat open like it is supposed to me. I just collapsed to the floor and started to cry I couldn't help it. It wasn't fair! Every time I try to be a guy lately fate steps in and I look more and more like a girl. I was sitting on the floor wearing pants that were far to tight to move in. I guess if I was a real girl it wouldn't have been a problem but I felt something go phweep on my lower back.

This was like the second time I ever wore girls pants that zipped in the back so I didn't notice anything till I all but ran upstairs to my room to take off the costume. I mean what else could I call it? Uniform for a guy no way! Uniform if I was a girl maybe but I'm definitely not one nor do I ever want to be one. I'm a normal guy and I like it that way!

Err almost normal the breasts, and yes I had to admit that they were breasts even to myself but don't let mom know that, gave away that I wasn't exactly like other guys. Of course having to wear a stupid bra doesn't help either.

So anyways after my panic attack I started to remove the stupid costume which I angrily tossed about my room. I couldn't seem to get the zipper to go down no matter how hard I tried. I really wanted the stupid pants off and I'm sorry to admit lost my temper and just tore the stupid thing off. The fabric is really strong so all I did was make a rats nest out of the zipper. It turns out the cheap plastic fine zipper had split on me. I wouldn't have even know that much had mom not followed me upstairs. She had been reaching to help me when I tore it. I got a bit of a lecture on that one.

"Belle how could you?"

"What mom? The stupid thing wouldn't zip down and I wanted out of this costume so I pulled."

"So typical of men!" Yes a compliment to my manhood!"However, young lady, you should be more careful with your clothes!"

"Mom I'm your son remember?" She looked at me from head to toe as I stood there in only my bra and the panties that gave me a smooth front. She did this twice before she moved to my bed and sat down. This was a bit strange even for her so I was curious and went to sit beside her.

"Be..Bill. I'm sorry! I have a bit of a hard time with all this. I was raised that girls were girls and boys were boys. Right now honey you look so much like a girl it's hard for me to see you as anything but my younger daughter. I know your really my son but I.." It was at this point I noticed that she was crying. I reached over and hugged her from the side. This had the effect of pushing my small boob against her arm.

"It's okay mom." Why did I say that? It's not okay, actually I should be totally freaking out that mom sees me as her daughter and not her son.

"No its not!" she exploded." Your my son and as your mother I should be able to see that and treat you as such. It's just everytime I see you lately all I see is a very pretty young woman. I have a really hard time to see you as a boy. I want too so bad but I can't! I have failed you as a mother!" Oh boy she is going emo. Time to get dad I'm way out of my depth here.

It did not take me long to put on a hoodie and loose jeans while mom sat on my bed sobbing away. She was using the pants as something to block me from seeing her. She didn't seem to move much otherwise except the shoulders where I can tell she was heaving in silent sobs. I hurried out of my room and down the few steps into the living room at speed, mostly because I missed a step and had to tuck and curl into a ball at the end. I didn't seem to have hurt myself aside from my tramped pride so I hurried to the back door not caring what was on my feet as I ran out to see my dad make me a small paper plate of meat.

"Hey sport nice to see my son again... Whats wrong?" He asked me as he handed me the oh so delicious smelling plate of meat. There was not much on the plate as eating real meat when your a vegetarian causes one to spend way too much time in the bathroom later when it has passed through your system. Trust me it's not a pretty sight or smell for that matter and your better off not knowing details.

"Moms freaking out in my room."I casually said while grabbing the plate of goodies.

"Fuck" Dads a man of few words. He hurriedly removed the last of the dead meat into a plastic container and closed the lid of the BBQ but left it burning. Its a good way to clean off the grill while at the same time it will keep me warm since it is a bit chilly out. Probably the last few days of warmer weather before it turns freezing cold. I sat there and enjoyed my meaty treat savoring each and every bite eating it slowly and sucking on the pieces till they fell apart in my mouth.

By the time I got back into the house with my sticky fingers dad had returned and turned off the grill while grabbing his plastic container, mom hates the smell of real meat, so he had to seal it away in the garage. Mom was a bit pale in the kitchen as I walked in, she was sipping on a cup of tea. She has this thing about tea it always has to be in a cup that looks like a flower, sorta I know bad description, but really it looks like a flower the way it curves upwards.

"Hey mom."

"Bill about earlier" clink goes the cup of tea into its saucer" I'm sorry honey. I'm so sorry.."

"Mom you once said to me" I can't believe I'm gonna give her words back to her. Then again cool!"it's water under the bridge or over the bridge or whatever. Lets just move forward. For me right now it seems to be the only thing I can do. If I think about it all too much it's overwhelming."Oh lets throw this other one in there too." After all it's a little thing that we shouldn't waste energy on."

That brought a smile to her face as she remembered how she had once told me that worrying about the little things is stupid and that all things are little things. With that she walked up to me and pulled me into a hug.

"How did you get so smart."

"Good jeans from dad though they are a bit loose on the waist."that cracked her up.

"Oh you..."another pull in for a bone crushing hug.

"Can't breath I wheezed." I didn't really have trouble but it fit to say it.

"I'm positive one day you'll grow to fill your dads jeans. Till the doctor can find out what is causing this I guess I have a part time daughter."

"Does this part time job pay well?" she cracked up again.

"Oh your so bad! But I believe my part time daughter is to make an appearance tonight in her butler uniform and should get ready with a nice bath with lots of bubbles and lotion."

"Aww mom do I have to?"

"Yes dear girls bathe more often than boys do and truthfully you stink of meat. Now hop to it young lady!" she said with a grin while giving me a pat on my behind. I didn't really want to learn or experience even more of girlhood even if it is temporary but what the hey I was kinda curious about having a bubble bath anyways. Last one I had I was a kid like maybe 5 years old.

Mom did come into the bathroom at one point and washed then conditioned my hair while I was surrounded by bubbles. The conditioner smelled faintly of some flowery scent. She left me a bottle of lotion to put on before she reminded me to wrap a towel around my chest. I had seen Sam do this a few times but I'm terrible at doing so. I eventually used my arm to keep the thing from dropping as I hurried into my room. I almost killed myself putting on the panties as I sort of tripped in them. The stupid bra was a fight that I eventually won... mostly. I'm not used to them and truthfully never want to be. Mom came in and with a few minor flicks here and there it was sitting much better. Then again she has had decades of getting to know all the tricks of bras.

Mom and even Sam spent time on working my hair into something I can only call poofy. My normally flatish hair on my head became something that looked bigger. Add the my makeup, can't believe I say that and mean it, and the pretty girl in the mirror by the name of Belle stared back. Because of what I did to the pants we, meaning mostly mom and Sam, decided that I would wear my one black skirt with black pantyhose underneath it. I also got to experience a silk slip. I got to tell you that experience was thrilling. If little bill had not been trapped behind a stiff panty panel and then pantyhose overtop he would have totally been standing at attention. It took me a while to get used to the feel and not have to run to the bathroom to try to relieve pressure if you know what I mean.

Sam insisted that I should wear heels with the outfit. I argued that I didn't need them. I lost the argument and ended up wearing a pair of Mom's sky high heels. They said it was a simple 1 1/2 heel and to stop being a baby about it. Still feels to high for me. The look on Dads face when we all come down eventually was priceless. Oh that well mom and Sam also got all dressed up in fancy dresses for the fundraiser. I didn't help them put on the dresses just helped with makeup. I did get to carry the dresses from Sam's overflowing closet back and forth a few times while she was still sitting on her vanity chair in a robe though.

Samantha's dress is a blue strapless thingy with a skirt that sticks out a bit from the hips but sitting down covers her knees. She called it fusia or something like that. Mom wore a two piece off white suit that is made of a shiny material with some faint flowers all over it. The suit pulls in at the waist and then flares out a bit to the sides over the skirt but the skirt looks fairly tight to walk in. Okay so I'm not an expert in woman's fashions or the names for them. I'm a guy what do you expect?

"Ah my three lovely ladies" dad said while raising his lower arms a bit. Mom walked up to him and gave him a peck on the cheek pushing a giggling Sam ahead of her. I was busy looking around for the third lady though before I remembered me Belle ugg.

"Are you ready for this son?" Dad asked me with a hand on my shoulder.

"No but how hard can it be?"

I can't believe...I can't believe I still can't stop saying I can't believe!

As we left the house it started snowing and worse it was snowing heavily. For some reason I had a old song going through my head. I know it's an old song cause we watch the video of it every Christmas. White Christmas, the song sung by Bing Crosby and the others I can't remember the name to at the end of the movie. I actually like the movie and the dresses the girls wear at the end. I wouldn't really want to wear one, being a guy, but they still look very fancy.

"You're Belle Thorne that did the news thing the other night aren't you?"

"Yes sir"

"Excellent and quite the pretty young lady so well mannered."

"Thank you sir Elise will show you to your table in a moment."

Here I was Bill Thorne male with a bit of a hormonal problem who by circumstance was stuck in a female butler's costume complete with skirt and black pantyhose that were slowly rolling down my stomach as the night progressed and couldn't do a darn thing about them until my break. My family was seated at one of the tables in the St. Mary's school cafeteria which had been transformed, mostly through lacy tablecloth's, into a tea/dinner room we were hosting. There was a meal to be served later but for now I was the person stuck greeting everyone. The small fact that there was a sign next to me with Little Bethany's picture glued to it proclaiming to all that the dinner, at $56 a plate, was to raise funds for the children's wing of the local hospital. The girls at the school had spent all day making the poster. It was even surrounded by a nice goldish looking wooden frame.

The girls voted that since I was the butler and they the maids, I had no say in this, that I would be the person to greet everyone. Add to this my small fame as Belle on TV and well every other person that walks through the door compliments me by name on my appearance and manners or seeing me on TV. It's actually quite embarrassing. What surprised me more than anything is people actually stopping in front of me to phone other people just to tell them where they are and who is there, namely me, I get the horrible feeling that the expected turn out of 30-40 people has already been exceeded as some of the girls are putting out additional tablecloth's over the remaining tables in the cafeteria.

Everyone is also very fancily dressed up. Women and their daughters are wearing very revealing and expensive gowns. Men are usually in suits of one sort or another. One guy was even in a tuxedo. There is people waiting white I'm at a wooden podium thing I suspect was taken from a church as its wide. There is another smaller one with a guest book where people sign in while the Head Mistress Ms. Bain is busy taking peoples money after they write down the donated amount and giving receipts, apparently for tax purposes, where she stuffs the donations into a nice oak box with the label "Donations" on it.

Now where was I? Oh yes the snow was coming down fast and in thick flakes as we left. Mom had commented that if it got worse people might not come to the charity event tonight. She also made us stop at the mall as my tiny little useless shoes were not something a girl should wear in this weather. I protested this of course since I had a perfectly good set of winter boots in the closet at home. Snowmobile boots in dark blue but good boots for winter. Sam and mom gave me this look in the car like I was insane to pass up, or try to , the chance to go shoe shopping. Women!

Dad and I followed along after mom who it seemed was hell bent on finding the best possible boots for me in the shortest amount of time. Samantha was in the car listening to the radio and probably draining the battery dry on Dad's cell phone playing games. Mom vetoed my first place of boot shopping as bad since it was Footlocker and not Ladies Footlocker. Payless shoes was fine by both of us but she gave me the look as I went towards the mens side. After trying on 4 different pairs of boots that seemed to fit just fine to me she settled on one pair that was thankfully on sale as Dad was a bit concerned about the price. I didn't care a wink about them being velvet lined or that they had fur at the top where the leg goes in. They were knee high boots that zipped on the inside of the leg with a raised heel. A wider one so that I could actually walk and not kill myself but a heel none the less. They were also white leather with a small scuff mark on the one side. Already waterproofed too. I wore them out of the store, mom insisted, and back to the car where Sammie let me in. Mom and dad followed not long after.

Said boots were currently under the watchful eye of mom. She was of the opinion that someone may steal them in the cloakroom. I had no idea why since there was way more fancy boots there but then mom was being a little weird today. Even the coat I borrowed from Sam was in the cloakroom along with everyone else. Just the boots were hidden under the table where my family sat. During the actual dinner I wouldn't even be able to sit with them cause I would be sitting at the table with the rest of the girls from the deportment class, although they did make an allowance for Samantha to sit next to me since she is in the wheelchair. First I had to get through standing here in the stupid 2 in black shiny heels that mom insisted I should wear with the uniform as it was only proper. Grrr my feet were already sore after an hour.

"Belle how nice to see you here! Such a lovely girl you are in your Maitre'D hostess uniform! Only the best for my future niece in law!" Oh gods not her!" Why don't you be a good fiancée and give Belle a kiss Jason!"

"Thank you for coming but I'm kinda busy. Go donate over there and then join the others to wait for a table please." Drop dead while your at it bitch!

"Nonsense! We will take the best table available and you will join us of course." She doesn't seem to get it. I had little choice but to look to Ms. Bain who got the point and came over to talk to Jason's aunt.

"Madam this is a charity event fundraiser for the children's hospital. Everyone is entitled to the same table and meals as there is no best table. I'm afraid you will have to.." she didn't get to finish as Jason's aunt pulled a large roll of money out of her purse which she handed to Ms. Bain. Her eyes went wide and eagerly accepted the bribe, and that's exactly what it was, before she continued in a much different tone.

"Belle show Ms. ahh I didn't get your name?"

"Striker, Jasmine Striker and its Mrs."

"Show Mrs. Striker and your fiancée to the reserved table please." The reserved table was actually the table set aside for the teachers and kitchen staff for supper. I turned to lead them to it while seething inside.

"Ms. Thorne. A lady glides and does not grind her teeth."

"Yes Ms. Ba..rnes." Close one! Bitch! I hate this if it was not for the whole charity thing in memory of Bethany I would have so made a scene. I wonder if kicking Jason's ass with a baseball bat would be considered self defense? I led them to the table "gliding" the whole way. Stupid lady like shit. How do I get into these situations? Isn't there supposed to be a fairy godmother or something that is supposed to make my life easier? I was like I had an evil one that made my life harder instead. I arrived at the table and bent forward slightly with my one hand pointed to the table. I had my eyes closed counting to ten, temper you know, when I got kissed on the cheek. I opened my eyes in shock to see Jason leaning back after apparently kissing said cheek. Worse the jerk had this huge smile on his face. I just about turned and ran out then and there. I didn't but I did make haste back to my desk for the other waiting guests who were now all smiling at me with this stupid grin.

I went by Ms. Bain instead and asked to be excused for a minute or two to freshen up. She nodded giving me her permission and I moved to the mens room door inside the cafeteria. I still find it strange that a private girls school has a mens room door in the cafeteria. I guess they would get the occasional man for teaching or kitchen staff. I almost made it in the door as I had my hand out before I was rudely interrupted.

"Miss. Miss that is the mens room. Miss!" and my outstretched hand was grabbed by one of the guests in a fancy white even dress with a side slit and plunging neckline. To bad for her that at her age it was the wrong thing to wear she was old, maybe 40 and her figure had seen better days. I turned to look at her and tell her to let me go when she did a double take at the look on my face. She waved to someone before leading me to the girls room door on the other side. I should have put up a fight but I didn't.

I was so not gonna cry like a girl.

"I can't believe the nerve of that that ..Jerk that asshole ...that creep.. I'm gonna kill him!"

I went on in that vain for a few minutes inside the girl's washroom. All the while the lady in the white dress just stood hips to one side and her arms folded under her breasts. I vented for a few minutes and not just about the fact that Jason had kiss me on the cheek. I was upset and most of what I was saying probably didn't make sense to anyone anyways. When my heaving from being out of breath started to get under control the woman came over and hugged me. That was somehow worse and I burst into tears.

I was in that position crying when my mom came in. I immediately went into her open arms and sobbed into her chest. She just hugged me and slid her hand up and down my back. This felt better but every time she passed her hand over the bra strap, not my bra as only girls can make that claim, I would cry more. So I did cry for quite awhile. Stressed? Me? Not a chance!

Eventually I cried myself out. I never understood that saying before but I do now. It was like I was empty, calm, but empty. All the stress I had been carrying and hadn't notice for the last week just was gone. I hate to admit it but I liked it. I was comfortable and protected in my mothers arms. I didn't want to move. I didn't want to be the girl everyone thought I was. I just wanted to stay and feel protected and most of all loved for being me. Not me Bill or even me Belle. Just me. I know that doesn't make sense but that is how I see it.

The lady in white whose name I found out is Emily also gave me gentle pats on the back. If this is what girls get when they break down and cry I could get used to this. Not the being a girl part but the being comforted part. Mom and Emily brought me over to the counter and had me sit on the counter like a little kid. I did not even complain about the injustice of it. It felt to ..right to object to it. Mom quietly and patiently used some damp paper towels to wipe off my face under my eyes. Emily had me tilt my head back and put some drops into my eyes to help with redness she said.

"Where is your purse dear?" Emily asked.

"She never carries one."thanks mom, like I need one to begin with!

"Tisk tisk, oh is this hers?"I felt something being applied under my eyes. Makeup aww common.

"Mooomm."

"Oh hush it's to cover the redness you don't really want everyone to know you were crying do you?" well when put like that I guess I really don't want everyone to know I was crying like a girl. I next felt something pass over my eyelashes and knew before I saw the brush someone was putting mascara on me.

"Hold still."Haven't I suffered enough? Guess not as lipstick was applied to my lips before I could let my head down. In the mirror was undoubtedly a girl. Unfortunately that girl just happened to look like me. How depressing Belle is all done up and it wasn't my fault. Still if people don't know a guy like me cried like a stupid girl then it's a small price to pay. Then again this morning I had put on my own makeup. That still makes me want to cringe. I hopped off the counter to go outside when mom and Emily fussed over making sure my skirt was straight and what not.

"Are we done?"

"Yes unless you do actually have to do your business?"

Which I did. A bit of a fight with pantyhose followed as I tried to get the hose and panties down at the same time standing before the toilet. I was about to start when I heard mom say "Sit". Groaning inwardly I turned around and sat to pee which is so annoying. I stared at the ceiling while I did so.

"Is Belle going to the funeral tomorrow?"

"Yes we went shopping earlier for dresses earlier."

"She seems to be having a hard time with transitioning. What time is the funeral?"

"It's at 2 in the afternoon."

"Here this is a card with my address. While I do not have everything I used to have, I can give her a spa day in the morning. My treat."

"Oh I'm sure she would love that. Are you sure it's not to much trouble?"

"No trouble at all! Just remember to bring her dress and lingerie and I'll have her all ready to pull boys for miles around."

"Uh I'd rather he not do that."

"I was only kidding."

Interesting conversation you overhear in a girls bathroom. They were speaking in low tones but I could make it out before I had to fight with the toilet paper holder. What is it with these things you can maybe pull off half a sheet before the huge upper roll jams the lower roll and stops? After lifting the thing and getting enough to actually wipe myself, it's just so gross to have pee anywhere on you, they had stopped talking. I quickly washed my hands under my mothers stern gaze before I presented myself for inspection again. Mom pulled up the back of my costume and pulled the slip a little then patted me down before giving me a gentle shove to the door, smiling the whole time which creeped me out somehow.

As I returned my eyes had to blink. The cafeteria has more light than the bathroom does so it took me a few blinks before my eyes adjusted. You don't really notice such things normally. It's not that it was like sunlight bright from a dark house blinding thing more of a slight discomfort thing when moving to a brighter room.

The rest of the night passed without any major incident on my behalf. I did annoy Ms. Bain when I sat with the girls from my class and NOT my fake fiance. I enjoyed that immensely for some reason. Jasmine, Jason's crazy aunt, did not look happy with me at all. I just smiled at her from my seat as I attempted to eat my cordon blue chicken with brown rice. The rice tasted bad and the funky cheese thing in the middle of the chicken didn't smell good to me. Everyone else seemed happy with the meal. I could have killed for a descent veggie burger but made do with eating salad. The tiny square of white cake that followed the meal was very light and tasted somewhat okay. If there was more I could have maybe enjoyed it.

After the tiny meal a speech was made thanking everyone for coming to the dinner fund raiser. A total raised was given by Ms. Bain and she did have this cardboard check thing to present to the representative of the children's hospital. I was surprised I was not called up to do give the thing away, considering how much I seem to be in the limelight these days. I was quite glad to sit the whole thing out. I did do some mingling around with a bottle to fill the glasses with apple cider. Nothing major although Jasmine did try to get me to 'spend time with your fiance'. At least he had the good sense to look guilty when she said that. Maybe running him over with my bike at speed would be a good idea.

At the end the girls in their waitress uniforms, and me, thanked everyone in a line for coming as they all filed outside. We had to stay for a few minutes to clean what little there was to clean which wasn't that much. Mostly grab the table clothes and rearrange the tables and chairs back. Mom was waiting for me with the boots and coat, she even helped me to get into the coat, which was nice. The boots kept my feet warm on the drive home. I think I fell asleep before we even got a block away. I vaguely remember being dragged into the house and someone undressing me before sleep reclaimed me.

I woke the next morning in my bed still in panties pantyhose slip and bra. I had drooled all over my pillow during the night which smeared what makeup I had all over the pillow too. Not the best thing to wake up to. I got up emptied my bladder and took a shower scrubbing my face extra hard to get off any makeup remnants. When I got out I wrapped a towel around my waist and left the bathroom. Dad was walking by and happened to look at me. It was his stumble that made me look down and realize my chest was poking out like I had breasts. I hurried to my room quickly to get dressed.

I didn't spend a whole lot of time getting dressed basically just a pair of old sweatpants with a few stains that I have no idea where they came from, sport socks, strangely baggy y fronts, and a simple old faded red hoodie. I refused to wear a bra or anything on my chest although it was a little uncomfortable after wearing one for the last few days. Having something rubbing my nipples seemed strange. Still I had to get used to regular guy stuff again as I fully intended to be a guy for the rest of the day.

"Belle what are you wearing?" mom asked me as I sat for breakfast causing Samantha to choke on her Cheerios.

"Mom my name is Bill and I'm your so..."

"I know your my son but today you need to be Belle for the funeral remember." Doh! Knew I forgot something.

After breakfast I went upstairs to get changed but before I could that mom came into my room and opened my drawer with the girl stuff in it. Amazing how in such a short time that one drawer was now quite full. She pulled out various items from it and folded them into a bag that I had not even seen before. From the closet, and don't even ask me how it got there, she extracted a garment bag and some shoes.

"We don't have time for you to get changed. We have to get you to Emily's for your spa day."

"Do I really have to go to a spa mom?"

Apparently this was not something I should ask as she turned towards me with this blank shocked look. I just shuffled my feet and shut up. I knew at that point I was going to experience a "spa day" whether I wanted to or not.

Why me?

Lil Jaci giggled to herself as she clicked send on this story chapter. Although she was still technically in trouble for wearing Tante's makeup her snowsuit, like Dotties, was very wet from their impromptu snowball fight.

It didn't seem fair that Dottie could make better snowballs than her. Jaci's snowballs tended to fall apart long before they got near the target. This ended up covering the target, Dottie, with a fair amount of snow while Dottie's snowballs tended to stay together. Evidence of such could be seen on the front of the house as there was snowball bumps of white all along the one section. The good thing was Dottie's aim was horrible otherwise Jaci would have a few bruises from the snowballs.

Still sending her and Dottie to their rooms as punishment did not seem to be that big a punishment. She watched the hour glass on her computer before it came back with a screen that said (Error 404 - connection to host not found) totally destroying her unsaved work!

Lil Jaci went off to sit on her bed hugging her fluffy teddy bear to her chest and cried.

Author's note: This one may hit close to home for some people be warned.

'I can't believe how nice this feels!'was my last rational thought.

I had come into Emily's house earlier this morning after mom dropped me off on her way to a half day of work. Samantha was home with dad while mom had to put in a half day. But for me it was off to a spa day. The first spa day, and hopefully last ever, I had ever had. Emily's house was different from other houses I had seen before. The first being that in the middle of the living room area was what looked like a hairdressers chair along with a full counter of various items that I cannot identify. The kitchen looks normal with its dinning room all in one thing. The counters are clean as well as the table. There is a chair that tilts back by the kitchen sink but its on some sort of wooden platform raising it's height.

The bathroom likewise seems normal as well. The first bedroom is an office of some sort with computers, two of them, as well as some other sound system and an actual filing cabinet. The big black cheap wood desk where the monitors sit on is covered with neat stacks of paper.

The second bedroom, where I was led looks like your typical older woman's bedroom. Vanity table made of brass and glass, black dresser with a large oval mirror on it, There is even another full length mirror in chrome on the floor. Black closet doors with one opened to reveal a profession women's wardrobe of suits, both skirt and pant suits, a few dresses professional of course. There is room in that side on the hanger where my garment bag now sits. She had me change out of my clothes into a white satin or silk robe that does not come far down my thighs.

My hair, although not long for a girl, was released from its plain elastic prison at the bottom of my neck. I was lead from the bedroom to the basement where I was put on a table in a small wooden room. She removed my robe after having me lay down and put that outside. She removed her robe to reveal a sexy one piece bathing suit. I got really bad ideas that had junior trying to react into the table I was laying on. It was a little painful as he was pointed straight down at the time.

The room turned out to be a steam room that quickly filled up with steam which I found relaxing. She rubbed oil into my skin after letting me sit for a few minutes in peace, thank god. The oil was slightly fragrant but not really and she rubbed while giving me a massage that quickly turned all my muscles to jelly. Emily is very good this. She never once tried to pry into what had happened or even made a fuss over it. I believe she was trying to get me to forget about it all actually. Instead she told me her story.

She said she was like me, that lost me for a bit actually it wasn't until later when it was far to rude to correct her that I understood. She had come from a middle class working family. Her father and older brother ran a business building homes for people. Custom homes, not houses I didn't know there was a difference... right shut up, that to her work works of art in themselves. When you walked into one, which she did from a young age, it was instantly warm. Her mother was the interior decorator who did all the furnishings and little things so that when a couple moved in it was like coming home.

It was a successful if small business that employed maybe 10 people full time and subcontracted another 40ish small businesses. Her older brother and sister had gone to college with courses specifically for helping build the family business. It was expected that she would follow in the footsteps and join the labor force after highschool doing the actual building of the houses to make a man out of her. Emily had other ideas. When she was young she had accompanied her mother to a salon where her mother got pampered. The look of her mother at the end had so enthralled her that at her young age she wanted to one day be a cosmetologist.

For years she studied every scrap of information, makeup magazines and books, various skin treatment options and so forth. I can tell you she really knows what she is doing. At a young age she even helped her older sister, in secret, get ready for her prom with a home based massage and oiling, much like what she was doing to me. I did wonder why they wanted a girl to go into manual labor when she was obviously much better at doing more feminine stuff. It was then she told me that she was born male. What little excitement I had was gone in a second. Not from disgust but shock. Emily was the first transsexual I had ever met and until she told me I would have never guessed.

She told me that growing up had been hard as she tried very hard to be the boy her family expected. She admitted to even bullying any weird children in school even though it hurt her so bad inside. It was something her family expected. She did go to university on scholarship from highschool instead of working building houses. She learned to do virtual designs of the houses by programming it all into the computer. She even set up such a system at her families small office for customers to see the finished product.

During university she tried hard to date other women to the point she even convinced herself she was in love with a woman that she set up a fancy dinner just to propose. She says she totally screwed it up from the first moment when her, then girlfriend, walked in in a dress to die for. She complimented her on the dress and let slip she loved it so much she wished she had one. During the following dinner she could not take her eyes off the dress and realized at the end of the dinner that she was not in love with her girlfriend but in love with the way she dressed and looked.

She says it was the beginning of the bad times for her. She went to a psychologist about the problem she had. After 5 sessions she found out that she was really a she trapped in a man's body. The thing was she had learned to deny herself over the years and had hid it. She walked away from that doctor thinking her was nuts. The next 4 therapists and doctors came to the same conclusion and helped her to peel off the male costume a piece at a time. She did manage to finish her university degree in design with a minor in small business management. Her elective courses were all makeup and or cosmetology but nobody but her knew about them.

She had convinced her family to allow her to apprentice under a well know firm for 5 years. Which she did but in another city far from home. While she was in the city she came out of the closet and after 8 months started to live as herself. She calls it transitioning. After 3 years she had saved enough and got her surgery done to correct her birth defect, as she calls it. She never told her family what she had done nor did she tell them about her legal name and gender change. By the time she did return home she was scared but she went anyways. It was to a family barbeque with there above ground pool. She had come dressed androgynously as she could with her limited wardrobe of clothes that could belong to a guy no makeup or jewelry or even had her, now long hair, in a low ponytail.

She said that walking out of the childhood home in a bikini that left no doubt as to her gender was the hardest thing she ever did. The reaction she got was even worse. I felt the tears on my back as she told me. Her brother and father got very upset. She was yelled at before her brother manhandled her removing her bikini with force. Not to embarrass her but to see with his own eyes that she really was completely female now. He had apparently thought it was some trick. Her family covered her up as soon as possible and rushed her into the house before someone else saw her. Her mother and sister performed a examination of her at close range.

The family let her dress in chosen male clothing for her to wear before they rushed her to a hospital for the mentally insane. It took her months to convince the people at the hospital that she was not only sane but should be free from harming herself. She believed that her family would not hurt her. When she was released in a dress her family turned and walked away from her. They did meet with her one last time via a lawyer who informed her that unless she was willing to return to being male she was legally disowned from the family and even requested that she legally change her last name.

I can tell it was hard for her to say that too me as the sobs and tears were hard. Still she continued. Her family made sure to ruin her chances of returning to firm or even seeking a job in the field. This did not really bother her too much as she found a salon that she could work at. Within a year she even bought out the owner who was retiring. She worked hard and built up the business from a salon into a spa. The spa itself became even more of a success and she had to employ more and more people.

Eventually however her former family found out, or more specifically her brother. It was her brother who one day barged into the spa and confronted her infront of all the employees and customers. He called her by her male name and yelled at her to get serious help as she was a guy and always would be a guy. Although the police came and charged her brother with verbal assault nothing was really done to him.

The business took a turn for the worst though as less and less people came by. It was 4 months later that her then business manager Patty had offered to buy the business from her under the understanding that if she laid low for 6 months until it all blew over she would sell the business back to her. She agreed that it was best for the business and did just that. For 6 months she took an online course in professional makeup along with a few updated cosmology courses. Her business flourished and she would watch from afar as to how well it was doing.

6 months later when the business was to open it's second location she went back to Patty to take over her business. It was a surprise when she showed up at the meeting to see a lawyer sitting with Patty. When she sold the business to Patty it was done under a verbal agreement that was not witnessed. Because of that she was informed that there was no proof when Emily demanded that Patty return the business as per their agreement. She even pleaded that she would accept to be the owner of the second location. In the end Emily was left with nothing. Her savings that she had lived on for the last 6 months were all but gone. She ended up losing her house at the time as she had to sell it off.

The few items she still had from her spa were now in her house her in our town. They were older models from when the spa was really a salon but they were hers and she had moved them from the storage locker with her when she moved across country to here. She is quite happy being a simple hairdresser part time while also working part time for the town municipal office.

It was a very sad and heartbreaking story. At the end I knew I should tell her that I was not really a male to female transsexual but my throat was all closed up from unshod tears. She had also waxed me everywhere but my face. So maybe some of the tears were from that as well. She put some masks on my face. Mud mask first followed by an egg white mask. Then some herbal stuff. All the while she talked more. She was afraid of telling anyone she was trans till she had seen me on tv one night.

She told me how brave I was and how happy she was for me that my family was so understanding. When she had seen me last night her heart went out to me and for the first time in a long time for her she offered to give me a spa day. She even got excited about it. I could tell that her spa that she lost was her dream. She seems determined to one day reopen a spa here. She told me she had only begun to think about it after seeing how well things were going for me. To her I was an inspiration that maybe here she can live her dream without her past hurting her.

I had no idea how I was gonna tell her I was a guy!

Lil Jacilynn pushed herself away from her laptop and shed tears for the character she had just wrote about. She couldn't believe how hard it was to type that.

Still she had to finish getting undressed from watching the Skyfall movie with Bradly. It was not a date, like Dottie teased her about, just too boys going to see a movie.

With her black embroidered dress hung up in her closet, her little bit of makeup removed via a cleansing pad. She crawled into her bed in her nightie. She fell asleep with the almost kiss that had occurred as Bradly dropped her off in front of her house, well his parents did but he walked her to the door. She had waited hoping he would lean forward but he looked really embarrassed as soon as his dad honked the horn. In her mind the honk never occurred and the longed for kiss that would have made it a date happened.

I can't believe how hard it is to say this.

"Emily."

"Call me Em Belle. I think we are past the awkward stage. Just two girlfriends with a shared past."

Gods she makes this so hard to say. I want to tell her I'm nothing like her but I just know it will hurt her so much. I mean, from what she just told me, her life has been so hard already. Can I really take her last hope away from her.

"Thanks for everything Em."

"Your welcome sweetie! Now why don't you go get your lingerie on while your hair sets."

I hadn't even noticed that she had put my hair into curlers. I guess my thoughts were a bit distracting. On automatic I went to the master bedroom where she had laid out the lingerie mom had chosen for me to wear today. There was a black strapless bra/girdle thing that was tough to put on. The bottom part of the garmet came to just over my belly button and managed to also shrink my waste just a little. It was far more comfortable to wear than that corset ever was. Next I put on the panties, which were a black lace that matched the bra thing.

The sheer black stockings felt delicious as I pulled them up my legs one at a time. So much so junior was struggling to come to attention inside my stiff panties. Lastly came the garter belt that fit snuggly against the bottom of the bra, also in black lace. The assorted straps with the metal and rubber ends confused me. I remember mom putting one on me last week but couldn't remember for the life of me what do with it so I just hooked up the straps to the stocks as best I could. The straps were elastic, and quite painful when they released as I found out, so they stretched. It seemed a strange garment to wear but I have to admit that I made me feel different. Not feminine or sexy, but different. I put the robe back on one more time and walked out the door. Emily was waiting and took a quick look at me up and down.

I recieved a small education on garter belts and how to put one on correctly. Good thing too as going to the bathroom with the straps over instead of under the panties would have been difficult. She even told me a trick she used was to attach all the straps to the stockings before putting them on and then put it all on and in place with the straps all lined up perfectly. Then just slip on your panties and your done. She even gave me a pair of black slippers. The slippers she had to dig out of her closet. She gave me this package that read Tender Toosies. Inside was a pair of satiny looking black ballerina slippers with a tiny satin ribbon bow at the arch. The bottom was made with leather of some kind. They fit perfectly and actually felt really good on my feet. Em said she got them on sale and had grabbed 3 packages without looking. Her feet are bigger than mine and this smaller pair would not fit her feet.

I thanked her for them before she led me back to the living room with the chair and the table of bottles and stuff. She worked on my face with various powders, foundation, and a weird cream that she put on my lips. The real pencil she used caused me to blink at the wrong time and she had to wipe and restart that one spot. Then she spent a great deal of time brushing and spraying my hair. At times I pulled a bit much and I yelped. She wouldn't even let me see myself in the mirror before she ushered me back to the master bedroom to finish getting dressed. From the garment bag she extracted a full slip I had not seen before. The slip was shiny and seemed to flow.

Em told me how jealous she was of me having a full silk slip. I could see why as the material just lit up various nerve endings all over me as she draped it on me. It felt wonderful in a way I had never before experienced. The black velvet dress came next. She helped to get it over my head without snagging anything on my head before settling it into place. The bra had effectively pushed up my chest giving me noticable cleavage. The deep wide v groove neck exposed the skin of my chest just barely covering the slip. The slip itself was held in place by the tiny spaghetti straps over the edge of my shoulders. The short sleeves of my dress, gah I can't believe I said that, were not tight on my upper arms and had a little bit of lift to them at the seam. not much but enough. The dress and its long open back tied behind me with a little cross pattern into a large bow thanks to Em. The skirt of the dress flared out at the hips enough to give my hips a very feminine curve. The skirt of it came to just above my knees. Em extracted a set of black velvet pumps from the bottom of the bag. I had not seen these before as they also had a bow on the toe. They only stood about 1 1/2 inches high but on an itty bitty tiny heel.

They were not the shoes I had gotten with mom yesterday! I do remember seeing them in the store and trying them on but I vetoed them because of the heel. Mom must have switched them at the checkout on me. I did complain to Em about them being a little loose as my heel popped out of one when I took a step but she told me that was a good thing as feet tended to swell a bit as the day wore on. From the matching black velvet purse Em extracted a silver necklace I vagely remembered from somewhere. It took me a few moments to realize that it was mom's. My ears had tiny silver studs in them as well. When I did get a look in the mirror I just about passed out. No passed out NOT fainted. I'm not some girl... okay well you .. oh nevermind!

In the mirror was Belle but Belle was gorgeous! I don't know how she did it but there was not even the mearist hint that I was actually a boy. My hair was in waves all over my head but pulled back from curled bangs coming just over my eyes. At the back was a black velvet bow with long wavy hair that spilled down from it that reached the bottom of my shoulder blades. I almost freaked that Emily had put extensions into my hair again but she assured me it was something called a drop or fall or something, that clipped in and could be removed easily.

Emily corrected me to sit properly after an aborted attempt to sit down to change back into the comfortable slippers. I thought I had sat okay I had even remembered to sweep my hand under the skirt. The second time, thanks to her unwanted guidance, I sat more gracefully. Yuck like I wanted to be more graceful! Deportment class already had damaged my walk now this.

Once I was ready to her satisfaction she brought me once again downstairs for the final touch as she put it. I carried my bag of normal clothes in one hand while the other clutched the offending shoes. I sat down into that chair again where she had made my eyes look inviting and very pretty with dark makeup somehow. She tutted me over the shape of my fingernails but after a small argument pronounced them saveable. She filed and sanded them before applying 2 coats of clear something before a layer of dark red followed by something called pearl pink that barely showed. Into the wet nail polish she inserted tiny little plastic crystals. The final effect was that I had nice oval feminine nails. Not long at all but some just turning my hands into delicate things.

My hands were still drying when mom walked in to Em's house. At first she didn't recognize me at all. I had to say "Hey mom" before she did. At which point she squealed and cried at the same time. So much so that Emily gave mom a touchup job on her face. Even mom looked way prettier when Emily was done. Emily is very good. She also sprayed our faces with hairspray. She said that this would prevent runny makeup from tears at the funeral.

Although Emily first refused any money from mom she eventually gave in and accepted. Mom was ecstatic about how I looked the whole time. I just put on a smile and played my part while they continued to do what women do when excited. I got bored and slipped on my heels, gah, before going outside in one of Sam's spare coats. I walked to the car where dad and Sam were waiting while mom was still inside. As I got in I noticed that both dad's and Sammies faces had open mouths.

"What?" I asked in an angry tone.

"Nothing." dad drawled out.

"Fuck me! Your gorgeous sis!"

"Samantha!" that was dad.

"Sorry daddy."

Samantha was done up nicely and I did tell her such before mom came back to the car in a bit of a run. The car ride to the funeral home was not very long but it felt that way in the silence of the car. Sammie just kept looking at me with big eyes the whole time. I never felt so uncomfortable before.

"Mom can I get a spa day too? If Bill can look like that after one imagine what I would look like!" she said.

"I can just see it now. You would walk out as the handsomest boy ever!" I replied. I couldn't help it.

That got mom giggling and dad having a hard time steering through his laughter. Even Sammie was giggling while trying to hit my arm with her one good one.

"Mom.. Sammie is hitting me." I whined in a little girls voice.

"Am not"

"Girls behave!"

It was a family moment of laughter and it helped to break the ice so to speak before we pulled into the home. The funeral chapel was built on a stretch of land with wrought iron fences. Each grave was visible with a stone of black granite or marble or whatever the heck they use. All those stones, with flowers here and there, all on lush green grass. I knew dad was envious of that grass. Even now when it was dying it still looked really good. Each path through the graveyard proper was made of cut stone. I knew they had machines to dig holes and stuff but I had no idea how they got them to dig without tearing up the grass.

The actual chapel was different than others I have seen. For one the doors were all glass with shiny brass handles. The other was the building outside was covered in finished wood. I don't know what type of wood it was but I was impressed. What wasn't covered with wood was finished stone. I was impressed. I think mom, dad, and even Sammie were too. Dad drove the car up to the entrance where we got out. Sam shifted to get out while dad got her chair. I was busy trying to get out of the car without killing myself in the stupid heels. I even lost one swinging my feet out that mom had to retrieve for me.

Eventually we all got out and straightened ourselves up. Mom even retrieved Sam's purse for her along with the one I didn't want for me as well. Thus with our purses over our shoulders we waited for dad to finish parking the car. I know mom frowned when she saw that dad picked the first spot he could find. Almost at the far end of the lot. She gave him the look as he walked up in his black winter business coat.

"What?" he asked.

"You couldn't have parked closer?"

"Why?"

"MEN!" and with a huff mom turned to go inside pushing Sam in front of her. I shrugged and followed leaving dad behind to mutter curses under his breath.

If I thought the outside was fancy the inside was incredible. From the outside it didn't look that high but here in a funeral home was cathedral ceilings with exposed wooden beams in arches. Every 30 feet or so hung glass chandeliers by heavy chains. The whole place echoed with haunting pipe organ music from unseen speakers. It was also cozy warm. Too warm for our overcoats and with reluctance I removed mine. The uh usher? or whatever her name is in here took our coats and purses, yes, and took them out of sight while we were greeted by Nathan and his grieving wife. She was also dressed in black but it was a very fitted black skirt suit in a fabric that was both shiny and dull at the same time. It made her waist look small. All in all she was very attractive for an older woman. The similarities between her and little Bethany were amazing. I could almost see Bethany being her double when she grew up. Make that if she had..

For some reason the thought of Bethany being dead hit me while I was starring at her mother and I started to cry. That got Sammie and Mom going as well. Before long Mrs. Peters was also crying and for some reason all of us were hugging at the same time. Dad and Nathan looked decided uncomfortable and moved away. Take me with you please don't leave me trapped in this wash of female hormones! No luck.

When we all finished crying, it took a few minutes, I was escorted by even more women into the ladies room to "fix ourselves". In the ladies room surrounded by women ,who all knew me only as Belle Thorne the young transgirl, I was told about how well I was doing and congratulations on joining the correct side and such. It made me decidedly uncomfortable as it was not really the case. I almost spoke up to correct them a few times but was interrupted each time so I never got the chance.

After everyone had fixed themselves, more or less, we were led to a front pew as honored guests for the actual funeral stuff. You know someone stands behind a podium while pictures of a healthy Bethany go by on a screen. Well not all healthy as there was, embarrassingly, a few of yours truly in that dratted school uniform. This is followed by prayers that nobody seems to really know and we all bow our heads down. This was a bad mistake as it also allowed women to whisper "Belle knees!" whenever mine started to drift apart.

Once that was done a viewing of the casket containing poor little Bethany in a very angelic little dress with a very lifelike wig on her tiny sleeping face was something we had to look at. This was made hard as each woman saw her they broke into tears. Hence by the time we got to it I was already shedding water so all it took was a choked sob from Sammie and I was off. I guess that was why they left it towards the end so that all the women, and some men so I wasn't alone, were led into a small reception room to cry. Every table or ledge had tissues in fancy boxes so nobody was without one. Even dad was sniffling as he led us to seats. Samantha was not doing so good and I ended up hugging her tightly while she emptied herself out on my shoulder.

Her whispered "thanks Bill" was followed by a louder "Oh my look what I did to your dress!" which got me another escort by Mrs. Peters to the ladies room to salvage my dresses edge on the shoulder from makeup.

"Belle I hope I'm not being to forward but I know that Beth.."sniffle" wanted you to have something. If it would not be too much of a problem I would very much like it if you could come visit sometime." She said this while using a small washcloth, don't ask me where she got it I have no idea, to wash down the corner with some soap and yet more water before patting it dry with paper towels. I was very uncomfortable and may have made a mistake but I accepted the invitation.

The rest of the funeral was mostly just a gathering of people munching on tiny sandwiches and itty bitty paper cups of some juice. I think the sandwiches were either tuna or chicken. There was also a tray of vegitables, which I grabbed a few sour pickles and carrots from. I happen to love sour pickles. I happily munched away, while keeping my knees together, while listening to inane chatter from women and a few girls ranging from Bethany's age to women just into college. Her cousins and surprisingly one Aunt. The rest of the woman were older and of various states of courtship. Her grandmother, Mrs. Peters call me Abby, was also there and I could also see a strong resemblance to little Bethany in her. Not like her mother but oh well hard to explain.

I did break away once to chat with dad and a few guys my age but the guys kept getting really shy around me or were hostile so that didn't last long. The one group of guys were even talking about the latest game coming up for release, Halo 4, which I had a vested interest in. Unfortunately they saw me as a girl and I was told to go back to my makeup and dolls instead. That hurt more than I care to admit.

The ride home I wanted to fall asleep but couldn't even though both mom and Sam were snoring. I just stared out of my side window as the scenery passed us by. I don't even remember thinking about anything just starring away. I just about killed myself once more getting out of the car on those heels before the door saved me. Once inside I kicked off the shoes into the closet, much to mom's dismay, and all but ran up to my room. I had to get out of the dress and all the stuff as soon as possible. I don't know exactly why I did but I just knew I really needed to. I even got the hair thing out without much trouble before I ran into the bathroom and took a long hot shower.

Mom silently unlocked the bathroom door on me and retrieved my crying self from said shower after it had gone cold. I just couldn't see to stop I don't know why. She lovingly caressed me as I sat in her lap with her similar black velvet dress, with full sleeves and a smaller neckline not to mention a straight skirt, getting soaked. She made soothing noises and it was from there I fell asleep.

I woke much later in my bed. It was dark outside and I could not hear anything from people in the house. A quick glance at my clock told me it was 3 am so that explained it. Still something had woken me from a sound sleep. I left my nice warm bed to find out what it was. Not the best idea I admit but something was almost calling me. Eventually I made my way downstairs and to the back door of the kitchen. I saw someone sitting outside in our deck. I couldn't tell who it was from the house as it was sorta half snowing and raining at the same time.

I don't remember how I got there dressed in one of moms long winter coats and my rubber boots but I did. I found Kim, of all people sitting there. It appeared she was waiting for me so I wrapped myself as best I could to go sit down beside her.

"Hey Kim wassup?" lame but it works.

"Not much Bill. So how do you like being a girl?"

"Hate it."

"But not all of it."

"Well.."

"Don't lie!"

"Alright it wasn't that bad, at least some of it. But I really want to just be myself now."

"Nothing stopped you from that before. You did all this on your own."

"Well I tried.."

"I know you tried but you really didn't try all that hard."

"Yea I guess. But what was the whole reason I mean really?"

"When a person makes a small decision. That choice can and will effect other people. Sometimes for the better. Sometimes not so much."

"I guess. Your not really Kim are you?"

"No,"

"Who are.." and my last words were spoken to empty air. There was no trace of any footprints other than my own. I gathered I would never find out all the answers but perhaps one day. I went back to bed confused and thinking.

You know for the first time in a little over 2 weeks I got a good nights sleep. I wish I could say that that was the last time Belle Thorne ever made an appearance in my life.

But that is another story.

The End.

"Subject UX1 day 90. Subject woke up suddenly this morning and made a straight line to the mess hall. Subject seems to be abnormally strong. Normal containment will not be possible. Subject walked through walls to get to mess and then proceeded to devour large helpings of what was supposed to be our meals for the next week. both pork and beef approximately 3 cows worth where devoured, 5 15 pound turkeys, and every pickle jar instock approximately 5 cases of 12 jars 1 liter jars each. subject then fell asleep. We have moved her to one of the training room apartments that her niece X4 shared."

"WHAT THE ****** ******* ********* ******** ****** **** IS GOING ON!" I screamed.

Well can you blame me? I was an overweight male 6feet tall and 350 pounds. Now I am a teenaged girl it would seem. A developing teenaged girl, these tits are itchy. I seem to have acquired some manicured nails with metallic paint on them. I seriously hope this is some sick joke.

I am in a white hospital room, and I mean white even the metal on the bed is painted white. White chairs white desk, well you get the idea. There is a window that is really one way glass but is so cheap anyone can tell its a one way glass. The door is very hard to spot but I find it. I pound on it ineffectually it would seem my former strength is now that of a girl. Shit. The door slides open.

"Ah subject UX1 you are awake finally."

"What the fuck is going on? Where is my niece? And someone get me a goddam cigarette."

"Who is your niece. And if you don't mind could you possibly identify yourself as it would seem your former identification got eaten with the rest of you."

"Nancy Pateski. My name is Fred Mavick of Mavericks auto salvage. What gives why am I a goddam girl?"

"Subject UX1 identifies as Subject X4's uncle the missing Fred Maveski. This concurs with the data we have so far collected. Subject no longer gives off any radiation of any kind. Her nails are no longer metallic but look metallically painted. Further testing will be needed to assure subject is non viable as the others from the experiment."

"Hello! I'm right here and my name is Fred Mavick!"

"Sorry Ms. Maveski or Mavick although the name change did not complete and you are still legally listed as Maveski in many databases."

"Fucking lawyer!" I paid that son of a bitch good money and fixed his car." Can I please get a cigerette?"

"Now Ms Maveski. It is probably the best time for you to quit smoking and is not healthy for your apparent age of 12."

"I am thirty fucking eight years old and I will do what ever the fuck I want to do!"I must admit though I have wanted to quit for years. Habits are really hard to break.

"As to your predicament. You entered into the experimentation chamber just as it was commencing. You got exposed to irradiated gas and the metals on your body at the time reached 2000 degrees F. This caused your lighter to explode which caught you and your less than clean clothes on fire at a fairly good rate. We are unsure but it would seem that due to your being in a room ful of females that you somehow exchanged a bit of dna with them. This overode your normal dna so you are now fully female while the other subject only had a taste of your male dna that washed out soon afterwards. They got fairly sick for awhile but are quite fine now with no sideffects that we can tell. Of all you test subjects only you and your niece have lasting effects. In your niece's case I suspect she will make a very good model. In your case however you look very much like a younger sister of your niece that anything. As such we are completing paperwork so that you are now Francine Elaine Pateski youngest sister of Nancy Anne Pateski. Mr. Maveski is offically dead and was buried five months ago. Your salvage yard was sold off after all the vehicles were crushed and sold for scrap. For what its worth with the insurance company and your funds from the yard. Your wife now has a healthy balance to her bank account in the amount of 5 million, which I understand she has been investing wisely and may be the next Donald Trump."

"Whaa...What?" I am shocked.

"I am sorry for overloading you with information. But if the tests concur with my personal belief that you have lost your rather impressive powers we will release you to your now aunt."

"But I don't wanna be a girl. Change me back. Do surgery! Something this is all your fault!"

"I am afraid that in this case you are mistaken. Had you bothered to wait instead of charging into the room you would have the right to ask for that. Since you did not wait and instead went straight in you forfeited any rights. We should not even be giving you a new background with history or identification and should just let you go. However the administration took pity on you."

"But but I I .." Ok I broke down in tears. This was all too much.

"I am just here to tell you this. Record off please." He apparently waited for some time and a signal.

"Look you piece of disgusting filth. You have a second chance to live a healthy normal lifestyle. Many do not get such a chance ever. If it was up to me alone I would have had you buried in a real coffin. That piece of shit car you sold me left my wife stranded in the worst part of town where she got raped. You had better learn to be a real human being after all this, god knows you certainly don't fucking deserve it."

He left me while I cried for the life I had lost. Eventually the lights dimmed down in the room leaving me to my misery. Francine yeck I wouldn't have named anyone Francine. I just looked at the floor with the lights dimmed and uttered my new name for the rest of the night.

The next morning I was rudely awoken and dragged to a whole whopper of tests. Enough blood was drawn and various tissue samples that at times I was dizzy from blood loss. I was measured and weighed. My sizes, I was told, are a 32 nearly A bra. 19 inch waist, and 30 hips which may even out as I matured. I weighed 121 pounds wet. They said it was a little high but that may be residue from the high metal content in my bone structure. They confirmed that I seemed to have no super powers of any kind. I was not strong or fast or invulnerable. I could not read minds, or move objects with my mind. They said it was highly unlikely that my bones would break but as I matured it would probably disappear.

In short I was a cute blond haired bluish green eyes girl just on the edge of developing a figure. Yeah I am so thrilled. I was also given an information packet on my new life. Francine was a normal girl who just graduated middle school into junior high. I was an average grade student in all but gym where I had failed due to medical complications.

I spent a week being told how a young girl acts and dresses. I was told at the end I was a hopeless tomboy. That was fine by me. My hair refused to cooperate and they finally gave up and said to keep it in a pony tail apparently that high metal content was also in my hair making it only cutable with a grinder for now. Perhaps in a years time when the metals worked out I could get it cut shorter.

My truck was still outside the building but someone had gotten tired of it and had it repainted and repaired. I was thrilled to see it again of course. I got in ready to drive it when the guard stopped me.

"Young lady you are too young to drive where are you parents?"

"Uhm my Aunt is not here yet."

"Come with me please."

I followed the guard back inside the building to wait for my Aunt. How humiliating. My wife did not show up but a friend of hers that I had never met did. While waiting I filled out more paperwork that in short said if I ever tried to expose what happened I would find myself a permanent occupant of a government jail.

"Why hello Francine." Yuck "You look just as pretty as your sister."Double yuck. She talked to the doctors and nurse for awhile. Apparently my cover is that my sister had volunteered me for experimental treatment that worked so that I would now be able to do regular physical activities. Some lung thing.

"Have you got all your stuff from your long stay Francine?" She smiles alot and I said I did when that asshole of a doctor came up saying I almost forgot my fluffy pink pony. Yes one of those My Little Ponys. I was mortally embarrassed and he knew it. He called it Emily, apparently my name for it. Ill get that ass one day. I just smiled and thanked him.

Mrs Douski was of course just thrilled with the charming doctor for taking such good care of me. I wanted to spew. The one nurse that had tried to help me be a girl for the last week told me she would make sure my truck was stored for me until my 16 birthday when she hoped I would be able to drive it again all in a low voiced whisper to my ear. At the end she told me to giggle and smile. Which I did. She gave me a hug which I had to return for visual sake.

The drive to my house with Mrs. Douski was not thrilling. I am not good at the girly girl stuff and just made it seem like I was anxious to see my long missed sister. How do you ask? Simple I looked out the window and stayed quiet. The rest she just assumed. Ok there may have been a few tears involved and I was holding that stupid pony. I cried for a life I missed.

She pulled up to what was my house but was different. The lawn never looked that good before and there was flowers everywhere. The previous blue half finished walls were now all white with brown trim and fake shutters. I almost didn't recognize it at all. From what I could see all my tools and assorted junk from the garage was gone. It seemed to only hold some rakes a lawn mower and a tiller now with plenty of room for the two cars not in it. My long term project car was also missing. It was like moving to a completely new house for the first time before anything was moved.

I had a bit of trouble getting the seatbelt undone and got out of the car after whats her face. I walked up the front walk with her trying to hold my hand. The third stone on the walkway was even fixed. So weird. She rang the doorbell to my house which I didn't have keys for. We waited and she rang again. Finally we heard a call from the back yard. So we went to the side gate which used to be locked and jammed at all times. Now it swung open freely. I walked into a back yard I have never seen before there was a inground pool there now and a garden that some blonde well endowed girl was just getting up from.

"Nancy?" It was a guess but she looked sorta like my flat and pudgy niece.

"Franny!!" She squealed while she ran up to me. She had grown a bit or it was because I was shrunk I couldn't tell. I was not expecting the hug and kisses though. My tiny breasts got squished and I was not thrilled.

"Omg! Its been so long since I last saw you sis!" Sis? What the hell? This is the first time she has ever seen me like this and I am her uncle. Er former uncle dam. This is gonna take some getting used too. I struggled and gave her a cursory hug back for appearances sake.

"We got so much catching up to do!" That would be an understatement. This was too weird. I could have made a scene i suppose but I just shut up and let her do all the talking, which was alot of thank you to Mrs. Doubtfire. Ok its not her name but her gussy attitude was getting on my nerves. And I was still holding that stupid pink pony.

After she left Nancy and I went into the house. I went straight to the fridge looking for a beer or some other spirits. Nothing but diet soda and other healthy drinks. Yuck. I even went to the new wine rack and looked at the bottles for something to drink.

"Fran what do you think your doing?"

"I need a stiff drink."

"Not at your age you don't" And she took the bottle out of my hand and put it back.

"Ok Nancy you know full well you never had a sister and I am not she, this is just for convenience." I was upset."When you Aunt gets home we can talk about this more but right now I seriously need to get drunk." Again she took the bottle from me.

"Well sister dear. As far as Aunt Jane is concerned you died. She had a tough time with that. She believes that you are my sister as the agency provided some really convincing pictures of you and me growing up as sisters. The only thing you will do is hurt her alot more that she really doesn't need right now." She was somewhat upset.

I had to think about what she said. I didn't want to give up my wife. I mean I really loved her and the idea of fooling my wife into thinking I was her niece was impossible. Looking over everything I could see that all traces of my former self were gone. Even our favorite picture on the mantel was gone. It was when I proposed to her in the middle of a restaurant and she had accepted.

Trying to believe that Fred was dead was not an easy thing to accomplish and I spent alot of time out back of the house sitting on a chair by the new pool. The pony which I had in my arms was my only comfort as I sat there and realized for the first time just how truly my former life was gone.

I know words cannot express how devastating such a realization is but it was. I seriously thought about drowning myself in that pool. Nancy just continued in the garden doing whatever it was she was doing. Day passed into afternoon and I hadn't moved. I just sat there and after awhile I started to cry. Then cry some more. Since I was holding that pony it was awhile before Nancy realized I was crying. Boys don't cry if we do it its silent. This whole girl thing was still new to me.

"Fran?"

"Leave me alone please." I don't know why I said that. I really really wanted a motherly hug to tell me it will be alright. I know I was to old for that but I still wanted it. Much to my surprise Nancy gave me a hug. Not the same but still a hug helped in a way and I started to gush tears. Nancy soon joined me in tears and she told me how sorry she was for being so stupid and getting me burned almost to death just to save her. We apologized about many things that had happened over the last year and a half. We also started talking about how I was to tell Aunt Jane where I had been over these last 8 years. The agency just said I was registered with a children's shelter and was fostered out. No names nothing. We figured a few details such as I thought Nancy was dead and she vise versa. It was only chance that the foster parents had to give my place to another more deserving child when it was found I had a sister registered via the experiment. It wasn't really all that believable but was certainly better than nothing. We made a game of talking about things that didn't happen to me over the years. And that was how Aunt Jane found us.

"Well I can certainly see the resemblance. Oh Francine I am so sorry. I can't imagine how tough it has been for you over the years without your sister." Said my wife.

She looked good. She looked very good actually. She was wearing a very professional skirt suit with a high neck blouse. The suit was dark blue and the blouse an off white polyester type semi sheer. It was very arousing to me unfortunately. Good thing that pony was there to hide that fact. She was in black pantyhose but was otherwise barefoot with her heels in hand. She came and gave us both a hug.

"Well Francine I guess I should introduce myself. I am your Auntie Jane I was married to your mother's brother until he died recently." I could see the pain cross her face it broke my heart." I have been made your legal guardian till you are 18 just like your sister."

I only nodded not trusting myself to speak not that I could anyways with this horrible lump in my throat.

"I understand you have been something of a tomboy up till now. Which I can see you are outgrowing. Don't worry honey, its just us girls in this house and if you have any questions about how we do certian things you can always ask me okay sweetie."

I just nodded again. Fat chance of me being a girly girl but I gathered that was what she needed to hear from me. I just couldn't tell her the truth. It would devastate her, as much as I loved her I also realized I had to let her go. She had grown far more than I would have guessed. Telling her the truth now would be terrible.

That evening was very difficult for me I almost opened my mouth a few times to tell her it was me. I couldn't though I knew that. So I played the shy scared little girl I appeared to be. I allowed myself to be led by Jane up to my new room across for the same room we had shared for almost 10 years. I looked at the room longingly but went into my new room that had a shared bath with my new sister. I was put into a bubblebath and scrubbed by my wife while she just hummed. She really was a perfect little mother and I felt guilty of the children I had denied her over the years. I wasn't ready for children. She obviously was. I cried once or twice in that tub with her getting wet each time as she gave me a hug. I got out all wrinkly and she patted me dry saying all the while that it was better for my skin if I patted instead of rubbed. Technically I was 12 and should have known all this. But I just couldn't deny her the chance to treat her daughter to all the simple girly things.

I was sitting in my new frilly pink bed with my pony beside me as she brushed my hair. That actually felt really good while she did it. After my hair was dry she moved aside the covers on the bed and helped me get into the too soft mattress. She even tucked me in tightly then placed my pony into my arms. She kissed me on the forehead said sweetdreams and turned off the light.

I'll be darned if I didn't have those sweet dreams.