We finished our pud and were clearing the dirty crocks to the kitchen when the ’phone rang. ‘I’ll get it, Auntie,’ I said, putting the pudding bowls on the counter above the dishwasher. I hurried to the ’phone and lifted the handset.

‘Gaby? This is B-Bryony. I’ve t-told Mummy and we’re g-going to see D-Dr MacNeish after tea.’

Charles — or rather, Charlene -- felt like crawling through a keyhole when Jake drove up to the church. Why did she ever agree to attend church? She knew that she would be ‘read’ and told not to come back.

Tears began to fill Charles’ eyes as he spoke. “My dad is a deacon and he kicked me out of the house and told me not to come back until I changed. I can’t change. I have tried and tried. I thought he loved me. I was raised in church and that has been important in my life. Why does God want me to be miserable — putting me in the wrong body and saying that it is wrong and requiring me to live a life that I cannot?”

Ever do something stupid? I mean, really stupid. No, stupider than that.

Lizzie Jane noticed that Charles had used some of her mascara — very lightly, but having seen Charles before, it was obvious. Charles realized that she knew what he had done, so he replied, “Sorry — I will go back in and wash it out.”

“Let's just say that I know.”

Ruby had him practice putting on and taking off makeup for most of the evening before finally disappearing about nine p.m.

Davey, or Dee Dee, wrapped the fluffy robe around his, or her, waist and tied the belt.

Soon it would all be over. People had told him God does not make mistakes. If God did not make mistakes, what was he? Perhaps after he dove into the deep abyss of the black waters, he would soon face other creatures of doom, even coming face to face with Satan himself.

"What are you doing here, Ruby?" Davey wanted to know.

"Sugah, you just tell me that you know 'xactly how to make yourself look scrumptious ever'day and I'm gone."

"What do I tell my folks?" asked Davey.

"Tell them as much or as little as you want," said Larry. "Whatever you say, they're going to find it hard to believe."

Davey explored the apartment. The kitchenette had a small refrigerator, a three burner range-top, a tiny electric oven, a microwave and a sink, all surrounded by blond cabinetry. "It's so cute," he said.

"Here's your purse," said Larry, "with your new ID and credit card."

"Where are we going?" Davey asked.